The Tux in the Backpack

The Couchsurfing project keeps growing, with more than 904,000+ members in 230+ countries.

As part of the mission the project intends to “internationally network people and places” and “facilitate cultural understanding”, which I would say is pretty much in line with Flashpackers interests.

Is Couchsurfing a good solution for Flashpackers though? I’d like to hear what Flashpackers out there think. Have you ever tried it? Did it feel like “Backpacking with a Flash”? Here’s some points to get the discussion started.

Yes, Couchsurfing is for Flashpackers. After all Flashpackers are independent travellers, and love to really get to know the culture and lifestyle of the place they’re visiting. What better way to do that than a person living there showing you around, having you to sleep in their place and participate to their lifestyle?

Unlucky Couchsurfing or... Very Lucky Couchsurfing? Or is it luck at all?

Definitely not. Couchsurfing can limit your freedom and independence as a Flashpacker. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 15% [?]

One of the things that strikes me most is that there are so many Flashpackers out there, but only few of them are aware of being one.

So often I meet travellers around the world and they tell me that yes, they do love travelling independently, and to travel for a long time they need to be on a budget, but still they don’t really want to sleep in a dorm with 20 other people.

They like to enjoy a good glass of wine, and try local delicacies. Having been on the road for a long time they met all kind of travellers, and now feel like running away when they see a big group from an organised tour, or when a cruise ship arrives on the island they’re staying.

And yes, they all have an mp3 player and a digital camera (but hey, who hasn’t nowadays?) and many do carry a laptop with them.

To me, they are Flashpackers. And when I mention the term to them they like it. They don’t feel they are Backpacking, but something close to it. They wouldn’t call themselves Backpackers but don’t have another term to describe the way they are travelling.

Let’s be clear here. We’re not trying to categorise or pigeon-hole travellers. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 15% [?]

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

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 11% [?]

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.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 14% [?]