Backpackers vs Glampackers

Get over the conflict of being a tourist or a traveller. Join the movement where travellers are being categorised as backpackers and glampackers. With the change in travel trends, there has also been a change in the travel jargons. Depending upon the manner a person travels, whether they travel light or pack up herds of clothing and personal belongings, they are classified as backpackers and glampackers. They both are of all ages, creeds and backgrounds, but how do we distinguish one from the other? Here’s a look at these two types of travellers and how they are different from one another.

Appearance

Backpackers

Backpackers are the most common travellers we tend to encounter. They are usually young individuals who prefer roaming on a budget. They can be found wearing anything from boxers to tight pants, bald or dreadlocks. Backpackers are independent travellers and believe in getting lost and learning from locals.

Glampackers

They are usually the stylish kind of backpackers, who would spend an extra penny but won’t sacrifice their clothes and shoes while travelling. They do not believe in the idea of travelling light, and have slightly more money than an average backpacker.

Objective

Backpackers

Backpackers travel to understand the life experiences of others. They deeply immerse themselves in local experiences; eating the local cuisine, conversing with the residents and learning about their culture. They are the real budget travellers, who want to see as much of the world as possible on a limited budget. They don’t believe in mass tourism, and prefer travelling alone on public transportation.

Glampackers

The objective behind glampackers’ travelling is either a career break or a recreational tour. They enjoy luxury travel and favour boutique hotels and comfortable stay over the usual budget hotels and hostels. Glampackers believe in keeping up with their Instagram profile, and thus prefer packing up elaborate outfits for every single day.

Souvenir

Backpackers

They collect unique pieces of physical culture over expensive jewellery. Materialistic things do grab their attention but they would rather capture it in their camera roll than buying it.

Glampackers

Their idea of collecting souvenir is buying an overpriced gift from a designer boutique. More often than not, they return with more luggage than what they had initially taken.

Prefered Venues

Backpackers

They are seen taking advantage of free gigs, hanging out at hostels and camps, and eating food at any place that’s cheap (probably street vendors).

Glampackers

Being a glamorous backpacker, they are seen getting pampered at a local salon, buying new clothes and shoes, and eating out at a restaurant with a good ambience and hygienic food.

Result

Backpackers

They gain a lifetime of memories and experiences.

Glampackers

They return with a nice tan and a slimmer wallet.

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