Every traveller enjoys a different style of travelling. Some enjoy doing it solo, some need at least a clan of friends, some enjoy relaxing trips and some enjoy chasing adventure, some are adrenalin junkies and some are happy to spend weeks on end sitting by the beach. No one style of travel is better than the other- we love and appreciate ALL individual styles of travelling – however if backpacking has crossed your mind at any stage, we’ve created a short list of why we love and appreciate backpacking!
1. Ease of travel and transit
This is probably one of the things that sells backpacking to most people. Think about all the those times you’ve been late for a flight, bus or train and how difficult it was to run with your 4 wheel suitcase- crossing roads, going over small bumps on the ground, changing direction and having your luggage topple over like a semi-trailer losing control in wet weather on a highway. We’ve all been there and for most people, it’s a semi-traumatic experience more-so when someone wearing a backpack races straight past your whilst you’re struggling to pick up your fallen suitcase. Travelling with a backpack means running for trains, buses and planes are much easier and much more efficient as well.
Exploring cities and countries also becomes easier when your luggage is no more than just an extension of your body. Navigating busy streets isn’t as problematic, going up and down stairs isn’t so strenuous, avoiding puddles and bumps on the road isn’t a stressor, lifting the luggage up the huge step onto the public bus isn’t so tiresome and you probably will be popular with people in your hostel dorm, if hostels is your preference for accomodation.
2. It’s lighter
Every kilogram or pound counts particularly when it comes to paying for check-in luggage for the avid budget traveller. Travelling with a backpack removes the weight of a handle, wheels and general infrastructure that comes with suitcases. This means that you might just escape without purchasing check in luggage for shorter trips overseas- like we said, every dollar counts!
3. They’re durable
With MOST backpacks these days being made with a strong nylon/polyester semi-waterproof (or fully waterproof if you really need) material, they’re are incredibly durable for all kinds of travel. Since backpacks are not structured with extensions like handles, wheels and buttons, there’s less to degrade and therefore more time to get out of a single bag. Being malleable as well means that they’re not prone to cracks and dints that some shell covered suitcases might be prone to.
4. Perfect for spontaneous adventure
One of our favourite things that backpacking allows travellers to do is to go on spontaneous adventures without feeling limited by their assets. For the more adventurous and outdoors-based traveller, using a suitcase means that jumping into a little jungle hike, desert sleepover with local Bedouins or finding yourself having to cross a sandy beach to a secret beach villa isn’t out of the picture because backpacks are built for these situations! Lugging a suitcase over branches, roots and on undulating terrain is not ideal for anyone!
5. Freedom
Simple, backpacks give you the freedom to do and see everything that the world has to offer. It allows you to travel freely, spontaneously and without restriction. If adventure, spontaneity, and complete freedom is what you’re wanting on your next trip, we would recommend to give backpacking a go!