Flashpacking is one of the buzzwords of modern travel, but what is flashpacking and what does it mean to be a flashpacker? This article explains what flashpacking is, how it differs from backpacking, why it has become popular and some of the most popular flashpacking destinations.
What is flashpacking?
The term flashpacking – a blend of ‘flash’ (as in having money to spend) and ‘backpacking’ – emerged in the mid-2000s to describe backpackers who travel with a bigger budget and more technology. It has since been popularised by companies such as Flashpack, a UK-based group tour operator for solo travellers, which describes flashpacking like this:
It denotes a lifestyle for travellers in their 30s and 40s, who actively seek out authentic encounters and have the budget to experience the best every destination has to offer.
Flashpackers travel in style and believe in roughing it in luxury. They actively seek out unique experiences and define luxury as something more than thread count or shower size. The easiest way to spot a Flashpacker is to look for the backpacker with the new laptop and the dirty hiking boots.
Flashpacking is a total immersion travel experience. It’s what happens to adventurous backpackers who no longer find the idea of sharing a hostel bunk bed appealing. It’s choosing the bottle of wine instead of having to share a flat keg with strangers, because you can afford it.
Essentially, it’s backpacking but not on a budget.
The difference between flashpacking and backpacking
There are many differences between flashpacking and backpacking, despite the similar names. These are outlined below.
Budget
The major difference between flashpacking and backpacking is, as mentioned above, the budget. Many people who go backpacking are travelling on some sort of budget. They may be digital nomads, working along the way to afford a roof over their head while on their travels. Or they might have scrimped and saved for years, budgeting carefully during their trip by choosing the cheapest hostels, cooking for themselves rather than eating out and opting for free experiences in these destinations. Flashpackers tend to be able to afford the luxuries that come alongside travel, and may even travel first class.
Accommodation
Flashpackers will opt for hotels or apartments, rather than those budget hostels mentioned in the previous point. Tour operators such as Flashpack offer fully organised trips using carefully selected three- and four-star hotels. This is not usually affordable for traditional long-term backpackers, who will stay on the farm they’re working at (for example) or in a dormitory shared with 11 other people at a hostel on the outskirts of town. That isn’t to say one is better than the other, of course. These are two completely different types of travel, really, so the accommodation is bound to be worlds apart.
Length of trip
Flashpacking trips tend to be much shorter than traditional backpacking. A lot of the time, backpackers are away for months or even years at a time. They move between cities, countries and even continents over this time. Backpacking is a popular gap year activity. This means people do tend to have longer to spend away from home, and fewer responsibilities. Flashpacking, however, denotes a shorter trip. Organised flashpacking trips often last between around one and two weeks, making them more of a holiday than a traditional backpacking trip.
Age range
Flashpackers are typically in their thirties and forties. This is because flashpackers tend to be more financially secure, but still want to enjoy adventure-type holidays rather than something like a beach holiday. This is not set in stone, however – there are flashpackers in their early twenties who come from a very privileged background and want to experience ‘backpacking’ without the strict budget – simply because they have the money to spend. and people in their 60s and beyond who aren’t interested in rest and relaxation, who prefer more active and adventurous trips.
Why has flashpacking become popular?
Flashpacking is becoming popular because it is a more immersive type of travel. People are less keen to be tourists (although, by definition, they still are) and more keen to be travellers. Flashpacking gives people the opportunity to experience a destination more deeply than a week at an all-inclusive resort, meeting locals, getting off the beaten path and trying something new. Organised flashpacking trips often include experiences that would be hard to arrange independently. The growth of remote working and digital connectivity has also made it easier for people to travel for longer while staying connected.
It may be seen as less ‘authentic’ than backpacking, but for people who are short on time, flashpacking is a way to do something different with their time off. It is also possible to flashpack independently – travelling between areas by train, internal flight or taxi, staying in comfortable hotels or apartments, and seeking out unusual things to do, using resources such as Atlas Obscura.
The benefits of flashpacking
There are many benefits of flashpacking. Flashpackers get to experience more than they would on a short city break or a traditional beach holiday, exploring more of a country, meeting local people and seeing what makes a place special. Many also want to capture their experiences – see this guide to the best cameras for backpacking.
Another benefit is that flashpacking offers more comfort than backpacking. Instead of shared dormitories in budget hostels, flashpackers stay in comfortable private accommodation, and they can enjoy luxuries such as good restaurants and more comfortable transport.
Popular flashpacking destinations
Flashpacking can take place almost anywhere – often along popular backpacker routes, but with a higher budget. Some flashpacker favourites are outlined below.
Bali
Probably the most famous place in Indonesia, Bali is a firm favourite of backpackers and flashpackers alike. UNESCO-listed rice terraces, bright blue ocean, white silky sand and food that will make your tastebuds dance make Bali hugely popular. Flashpacking itineraries often include visiting temples, yoga, dining with local families and side trips to the Gili Islands.
South Africa
Another favourite among flashpackers, South Africa has so much to see and do. There is also no shortage of luxury accommodation and fine dining, meaning a trip that encompasses a few different parts of the country is an ideal flashpacking holiday! From Cape Town to Stellenbosch, from bunny chow to Cape Malay curry, from abseiling to swimming with penguins… there is plenty to attract flashpackers to South Africa?
Croatia
For flashpacking in Europe, Croatia is a great option. It has lovely weather, a rich history, stunning scenery and so much more! Cycle through the Dalmatian countryside, go kayaking, sunbathe, admire the Roman ruins. Again, Croatia is somewhere you’ll definitely find comfortable accommodation and brilliant places to eat (try some cevapi, their delicious grilled sausages) making it ideal for flashpacking.
Costa Rica
One of the most biodiverse countries out there, Costa Rica is simply breathtaking. It is famous for its rainforests, wildlife and commitment to conservation. Relax in hot springs, build up a sweat as you hike through cloud forests, and experience the thrill of climbing a volcano! There are some beautiful 3 and 4 star hotels here, and flashpackers can travel comfortably between regions from Talamanca to Palo Verde.
Turkey
Turkey is a country of many hidden wonders, from the sights of Istanbul to the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, beautiful beaches and sunrise balloon flights over Cappadocia. Visa requirements vary by nationality: UK citizens, for example, can visit Turkey visa-free for short stays, while travellers from some other countries can apply for an e-Visa through the official Turkish government website.
Flashpacking: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about flashpacking.
What is flashpacking?
Flashpacking is a style of travel that combines the adventurous, independent spirit of backpacking with a bigger budget, more comfortable accommodation and modern technology.
What is the difference between flashpacking and backpacking?
Backpackers usually travel on a tight budget, stay in hostels and travel for long periods, while flashpackers have more money to spend, stay in hotels or apartments and often take shorter trips.
Who are flashpackers?
Flashpackers are typically in their thirties and forties, financially secure and looking for adventurous and authentic experiences without giving up comfort.
Where do flashpackers go?
Popular flashpacking destinations include Bali, South Africa, Croatia, Costa Rica, Turkey, Vietnam, Japan and Peru.
Why is flashpacking popular?
Flashpacking is popular because it offers immersive, experience-led travel with the comfort and convenience that many older or busier travellers want.
Flashpacking: Further reading
If you found this article on flashpacking useful, these articles may also be of interest:
- What is ‘begpacking’ and why is it so bad?
- What is overlanding and how does it work?
- Slow tourism explained: What, why and where
- The mass tourism industry EXPLAINED
- 21 fascinating types of tourists around the world
