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Travel health advice for backpackers
Peter A Leggat1, Marc M T Shaw
1School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|December 4, 2003
Summary
International travel is shifting away from package tours towards independent backpacking. This trend is driven by a desire for cost-effective travel, remote destinations, and increased adventure.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Tourism Studies
- Cultural Anthropology
Background:
- Increasing international travel trends observed globally.
- Shift observed from programmed package tours to independent travel methods.
- Identification of backpackers as a distinct traveler demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the growing popularity of independent backpacking and hosteling.
- To identify the key motivations behind the rise of backpacking.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of travel trends.
- Literature review on independent travel behaviors.
- Categorization of traveler types (backpackers vs. hikers/expeditioners).
Main Results:
- Backpacking involves solo or small group travel on a budget, utilizing low-cost accommodation like hostels and campsites.
- Backpackers typically carry their belongings in personal backpacks.
- Three primary drivers for increased backpacking popularity identified: cost-effectiveness, seeking less-traveled regions, and desire for riskier travel experiences.
Conclusions:
- Independent backpacking, particularly hosteling, is gaining traction due to economic, social, and psychological factors.
- The trend suggests a growing preference for autonomous, budget-conscious, and adventurous international travel.
- Understanding these motivations is crucial for the tourism industry adapting to evolving traveler preferences.