Backpacking vs Flashpacking

Backpacking used to just be a relatively easy to satisfy travel niche nowadays that’s not the case. With an increase in spending power of younger travellers that enjoy the backpacking experience there’s been the emergence of a new segment: Flashpackers. This post differentiates between backpacking and flashpacking. Which one suits you?

What’s a Flashpacker?

In recent years the backpacking market has seen the emergence of a unique segment: Flashpacking. Basically it’s a posher version of Backpacking. Flashpackers typically have more money to spend on their trips and expect a more luxurious experience from the ordinary backpacking trip. Backpacking has a stereotype that it’s for broke youngsters, which isn’t necessarily true. Flashpacking finds itself in a tier slightly above traditional backpacking. For both, the experience of visiting a foreign country and immersing in all it has to offer takes priority over lush hotels, fancy meals and splurging (although maybe occasionally for flashpackers). Here we take a look at some of the differences and similarities between Backpacking and Flashpacking:

Whether a backpacker or flashpacker the priority of travelling is to fully immerse in the destination not just sit on a bus or stay in your room

So, What’s the difference between Backpacking and Flashpacking?

Looking at 2 travellers and trying to distinguish a backpacker from a flashpacker isn’t exactly straightforward. The difference is subtle and reveals itself in the expenditure and expectations of the two. To put it simply, flashpackers have more cash to blow. They’re generally university graduated, young professionals looking for a good time while seeing their hard earned cash go a little further. Age wise they’re usually something between 20-35. Does that mean a backpacker isn’t any of the above? Nope, a backpacker could still be a millionaire MBA holder that just can’t get enough of the backpacking experience! However, backpackers are generally considered to be on a lower budget.

While writing this blog, we had the realisation that while Flashpackers have more money at their disposal, Backpackers have more time at their disposal to spend travelling. Both are valuable but neither (usually) has them both. Agree or Disagree?

Backpacking vs Flashpacking Accommodation

Where do they stay? Something else that’s pretty tricky to distinguish. There never used to be such a thing as a Flashpacker, so most accommodation providers billed themselves as backpackers or hostels. The problem is that they all offered the same: Dorm rooms and basic amenities. Accommodation providers have taken notice of the spending power of Flashpackers and have realised they need to provide unique offerings in order to attract their money. Dull dormitory rooms won’t cut it and so Boutique Hostels were born. You’ll find higher quality rooms and more variety in the facilities they offer in the hopes of attracting both backpacker and flashpacker alike. Hip coffee shops, bars, pool tables, beer pong, pub crawls, pool parties, dj’s and more are regularly found at these modern venues to cater for the discerning Flashpackers needs.