There was once a time where people were simply ‘unreachable’. Soul searching trips left us lost in a world of minimal contact to home, plainly enjoying the scenery and culture contrast. Whether it be scouring the outskirts of the Sahara Desert or skimming the slopes of the Rockie’s, we could disappear and return with only the memory of an unforgettable trip to show for it.
Now, with the rise of technology, not taking a camera on a holiday is completely unheard of. A mobile phone is considered a limb and access to the internet is, most of the time, of paramount importance. This texting, snapping, uploading, clicking, tweeting phenomenon has brought upon the demise of classic backpackers, and rise of the twenty first century flashpackers.
So, what exactly is a flashpacker? A flashpacker is usually a person in their mid 20’s to 30’s, travels like a backpacker but obtains all 21st Century mod-cons such as an iPod, camera and/or laptop. They have a longing to explore the world, yet don’t want to give up their creature comforts.
So where are some flashpacking destinations? Websites like flashpackerguide.info provide information and updates of the best places a flashpacker can visit, being slightly upgraded to that of a backpacker but obtaining the core need of adventure. Almost any destination in now day’s obtains flash packer friendly facilities without sacrificing fascinating cultural experiences.
The key is to avoid high tourist populated areas. A small town in Italy can give you more culture in one day that some major tourist attractions could in a week. The country regions of Tuscany have appropriate gadget-friendly hotels and spectacular scenery, yet lack the hustle and bustle of Rome- a perfect destination for flashpackers.
Off season time slots are also a factor worth considering. A less popular time to go means less tourists and more time to soak up your dream destinations surroundings. Parts of Poland and Indonesia offer excellent off-peak packages to those who want to see a particular region yet don’t want to deal with heavy crowds and ridiculous prices; that’s you flashpackers!
It’s important to remember that flashpacking is still a form of backpacking. Although it may involve a few extra gadgets, the essence of soul searching travelling continues to rank paramount. After all, flashpackers are travellers, not tourists.
