This post is a contribution from a dear blogger friend, and she is telling you all there is to know about flashpacking.
Yes I confess, I am a Flashpacker or a Glamper if you will. What is that you may ask?
Here is the definition of a ‘Flashpacker’ according to Nomadsworld.com:
“Flashpacking is a neologism used to refer to an affluent backpacker. Whereas backpacking is traditionally associated with budget travel and destinations that are relatively cheap, flashpacking has an association of more disposable income while traveling and has been defined simply as backpacking with a bigger budget.”
In my youth, I left South Africa’s sunny shores with little more than a backpack and starry eyed wonder in search of adventure. I vowed to travel Europe by the time I was 21, which I did on a shoestring budget by camping and sleeping in budget friendly hostels mostly.
Fast forward 20 years later, the insatiable wanderlust has not dissipated but my taste in accommodations and necessities have somewhat changed, thankfully so has my income.
As with most Generation X’ers, I am not alone when I say that I simply cannot imagine travelling without my iPhone, charger, power bank, iPhone camera lenses, selfie stick and tripod….
Sometimes my laptop if a longer trip as work needs to get done.
Heaven forbid should I be staying at a place with no wifi :( the ultimate make or break deciding factor for many millennials when choosing accommodation.
As an establishment these days, woe betide you if you do not have FREE FAST WIFI. No good having wifi in small capped quantities or where one has to purchase this….worse still if your wifi is dead slow!! Best not to have any at all in case of the latter.
The best city, by far, that I’ve travelled to that has exceeded my expectations has to be San Francisco. Not only for its rich cultural diversity but also because of its FREE public wifi on the streets.
Being a little older, with a little more moola allows me to indulge in a few more treats than my 18 year old self would have.
As a flashpacker I can afford to have a more discerning palate, allowing me to enjoy a dining experience in my destination’s locale. Rather than filling my face with a quick burger from the local takeout.
Gone are the days of frugal travel, making do with a hostel bed when I can comfortably afford a single room in a lovely bed and breakfast.
Are you perhaps a Flashpacker too?
Here are 10 ways to identify a Flashpacker:
1. Kitted out with the latest travel tech: GoPro, Macbook, iphone etc
2. First thing they ask at checkin: “Do you have free wifi?”
3. You won’t find them standing in queues for activities, as they’ve often booked them online in advance
4. Instead of quaffing cheap booze, they may be caught sipping on a fine wine (or bubbly in my case!)
5. Dining out rather than in, is their modus operandi at meal times
6. Opting for convenience and luxury over budget when choosing accommodations
7. Often caught snapping photos of their food with their iPhone for upload to Instagram
(Social Media is their goto guide for the latest tips and trends in everything)
8. They tip for good service and leave decent ones at that
9. Occasionally indulge in spa treatments, I have a few massages in Thailand on my bucket list for sure
10. Flashpackers rough it out in style
CAPTION: BUCK ISLAND, ST. CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS
I think it’s time for another adventure….off I go!
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About The Jax Blog
With over 15 years of International and Domestic experience in the Hospitality Industry, this thirtysomething year old global gypsy, travel junkie & foodie, has taken a decidedly different step in the digital direction as a Twitvangelist/Social Media Addict & iPhonographer in the making. This proudly South African chick has an eclectic appetite for the unusual, with her insatiable curiosity & sense of adventure. She loves: chocolate, vino, the beach and meeting new people! She happily shares her stories, photos, videos and reviews of all the places and faces she’s met along the way. #WishYouWereHere
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