What is the difference between a backpacker and a flashpacker? The main difference is budget; while backpackers are on very tight budgets, flashpackers have a higher budget and greater financial means. Backpackers are okay with slumping it in dorm rooms and hostels, while flashpackers prefer private rooms and high-end hotels. What is the difference between a backpacker and a tourist? Backpackers travel with low budgets, choosing cheap accommodations; they pack light and have flexible, open-ended itineraries, allowing them to use public transportation to get around and keep costs down. A tourist with a larger budget stays in hotels, takes tours, packs a couple of suitcases, and travels via a motorcoach or private transportation. What type of people go backpacking? Backpacking is popular with University Students, Budget Travelers, Minimalists, Nature Lovers, and Cultural enthusiasts. Backpacking isn’t what it used to be. A phenomenon called glampacking puts a whole new spin on it.
Let’s look at the main differences between backpacking, glampacking, and flashpacking to decide which you might be.
Budget
Backpackers travel on very tight budgets, spending as little as possible.
Glampackers splurge on “glamorous camping” with high-end tents/gear and amenities.
Flashpackers have a higher budget and greater financial means compared to other styles.
Clothes
Backpackers travel light and will pack whatever fits into their backpack. They are more concerned with style than style, as the most important thing is that they can carry their essential items with them. How to Choose a Backpack
Glampackers care about fashion. They will figure out what to wear and then worry about whether it will fit in their backpack. They are far more likely to buy a bigger pack than leaving an “essential” piece of clothing at home if it won’t.
Flashpackers may bring more luggage, like a suitcase and laptop. They bring more gear like gadgets but still travel light. Backpack Versus Suitcase
Accommodations
Backpackers are all about the adventure of it all. They are okay staying at a hostel, couchsurfing, or even camping along the way. After all, it’s about the adventure and saving a buck or two if they can. Backpackers stay in hostels, dorms, cheap hotels, or pitch tents.
Glampackers don’t want to sacrifice their comfort to save money. They don’t mind splurging on posh accommodations as long as they can get a good night’s sleep. Boutique hotels are popular choices among them. Glampackers have luxury tents with real beds, furniture, and electricity. Luxury Camping Vacations a/k/a “Glamping”
Flashpackers stay in private hotel rooms, higher-end hotels, and high-end hostels.
Activities
Backpackers do free/cheap sightseeing, hiking, and immersive activities.
Glampackers indulge in spa services and pampering while camping in nature.
Flashpackers do a mix of cultural activities and some high-end experiences.
Souvenirs
Backpackers don’t pick up a lot of souvenirs. For one, they want to avoid spending the money or dealing with trying to fit them in their crammed pack. They prefer spending less time shopping for souvenirs and would instead enjoy other experiences, such as hiking.
Glampackers like to get souvenirs wherever they go. They don’t worry about whether or not it will fit into their pack, as they will buy another piece of luggage if necessary. They don’t want to leave a destination without having some momento to take home with them.
Food
Backpackers enjoy a good meal but want to avoid paying top dollar. They often offer to help out at a restaurant to get a free meal or to take a local up on their offer to have dinner with their family.
Glampackers like to experience as much of a destination as they can, even when it comes to the food. They are okay with spending a lot of money at a five-star restaurant as long as they are ensured they will enjoy a good meal.
Flashpackers prefer eating at nice restaurants.
Planing
Backpackers plan travel flexibly as they go.
Glampackers plan elaborate glamping setups in advance.
Flashpackers do more advanced planning than backpackers.
In summary, glampackers and flashpackers have more disposable income for comfort, activities, and amenities than budget-focused backpackers. But all three styles enjoy traveling independently on their own terms.
