The Tux in the Backpack

The same Hostelworld survey that throw so much light on the “new backpackers” that travel in more comfort – helping to create awareness on the Flashpacking phenomenon – also reveals how these new travelers often arrive at the hostel carrying “their modern day gadgets safely stowed in their wheelie suitcase”. You can see the related article here.

Is that the end of the backpack then? And as a consequence we cannot really define backpackers as such anymore? We like to think that the backpack is till quite handy. A lot of course depends on your destinations. A wheelie suitcase won’t be too useful on the destroyed footpaths of Bali, or in any sandy path for all that matters. Mountains and jungle destinations would be more problematic without a backpack.

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Popularity: 22% [?]

One again we bring you the “best of the web” when it comes to Flashpacking. This time regarding tips to Flashpack in extreme conditions.

How about scented travel candles to create a bit of an atmosphere even in places where atmosphere (or decent smell) is the last thing you would find?

Or how about small French style coffee presses and your favorite roast to get the coffee you want even in the most remote place?

Check out the full post! Because once again Flashpack is not about the money or the gadgets, but about the style!

Popularity: 14% [?]

Are you a Flashpacker?

Although we wouldn’t take the test literally it’s very entertaining and will give you a good idea; plus it was posted in 2006!! Way before the whole Flashpacking phenomenon exploded. So here it is, and check out the original post here as well.

1 – The bus doesn’t turn up and you’re trapped in an unfamiliar town. Do you …

a) check your Lonely Planet guidebook to see if any local hostels will accept friendship bracelets as payment
b) rant at your travel operator, then draw up a list of people to sue
c) walk your Mastercard straight to the front desk of the nearest Hilton

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Popularity: 11% [?]

We often mentioned how you don’t necessarily need a big budget to go Flashpacking around the world, if you know how and where to find sweet alternatives to mass tourism destinations.

In this first post about Flashpacking Destinations we want to reveal a nice alternative to the famous and exotic dream destination Bali. Located just beside Bali, Lombok is often defined as an “unspoiled Bali”, or a “Bali 20 years ago”.

You can find there the same fantastic beaches, great culture (even more actually as in Bali the main religion is Hindu, while in Lombok you can visit Hindu temples but Muslim mosques as well) and nice Indonesian food (Lombok means actually chilly pepper in the local language, Sasak). Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 19% [?]

In the maze of Flashpacking definitions found online is refreshing to read something that doesn’t define the Flashpacker simply as someone backpacking on a bigger budget or with tech gadgets. While exploring the relationship between Thailand and Flashpacking the Thailand Musing post throws more light on the figure of the Flashpacker.

New elements appear, like for example the “fair trade” one: “Another inheritance from the backpacker ethos is a sense of responsibility, especially ‘fair trade’. Flashpackers tend to favor community operators and independent hotels over corporate chains.”

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Popularity: 14% [?]