You often hear about the difference between tourists and backpackers, but even within the backpacker crowd, we love to categorize ourselves into different types of “better” travelers. Check into any hostel, and you’ll see a mix of personalities, from those in unique travel gear to others clearly there to party.
So, who are these backpackers? After years of observation, I’ve identified several distinct types that roam the hostel scene:
The Spiritual Traveler
Typically young and Western, these backpackers are on a quest for self-discovery. They’re often diving into local religions and practices, reading about Buddhism or yoga, and sharing their experiences of ayahuasca in South America or yoga retreats in Bali. They’ve ditched most material possessions but still cling to their laptops to blog about their journey toward inner peace. You’ll usually find them in South America, India, or Southeast Asia.
The Hippie
These free spirits often wear fisherman pants and dreadlocks, embracing a laid-back vibe that might come with a distinct odor of not showering for a couple of days. They’re passionate about social justice, traveling locally, and enjoying authentic cuisine. Yet, they might be seen watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster on their MacBook while complaining about cultural imperialism. Typically, they avoid touristy spots, insisting they’re too commercial, and can mostly be found in India or other developing countries.
The Gap-Yearer
Often college-aged and hailing from the UK, New Zealand, or Australia, this type of backpacker is traveling for about a year, either before or after university. They stick to popular routes, exploring Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. These travelers enjoy the main attractions, sleep in dorms, and are all about having a good time while gathering stories for when they return home.
The Partier
With their sunglasses, shorts, and flip-flops, partiers are all about nightlife. Most of their day is spent recovering from the night before, and you’ll probably find them still in bed when you check in at 2 PM. Yet, they’re the first to hit the bar each night, bouncing from one party hotspot to another. You’ll spot them mainly in party destinations like Amsterdam, Thailand, and Barcelona.
The Couple
This duo is all about sightseeing and activities, avoiding the typical backpacker scene in favor of more intimate experiences. They tend to connect with other couples or older travelers and can be found all over the world.
The “Better Traveler”
This traveler loves to critique others, claiming they’re just tourists who miss out on local culture. They’ll regale you with tales of using local transport and their brief stay in a village, all while discussing the negative effects of globalization. This type is often found in hostels, expressing their self-righteousness.
The “Remember When” Backpacker
This seasoned traveler reminisces about the “good old days” when certain destinations were less crowded or more genuine. They’ll share stories of quiet beaches and undiscovered spots, but if you ask why they’re still traveling if they think everything’s ruined, they’ll quickly change the subject. You can find them in the very places they claim have lost their charm.
Life on the backpacker trail is definitely diverse and colorful! Each type brings a unique flavor to the hostel experience, making it an interesting place to be.
