Less Is More

It is an amazing sense of freedom to take a spontaneous journey with nothing in hand. No itinerary, no water bottle, not even a toothbrush. It is also deeply unsettling. We long for routine, a morning coffee, and ultimately a dry bed at night, preferably in a room by ourselves. Similarly, the scourge of every beginner backpacker is the limitation of the bag. Volume becomes the measure of a successful (and enjoyable) trip.

What gives?

One reason may be as simple as the way we define “home.”

The drift among members of the American society to social isolationism has been well documented. Gone are the days of communal fun: nightly bridge games, dancing parties, darts at the pub, and bowling leagues, and in are the times of individual existence: watching TV, surfing the net, and other hermit-like activities protected from the inconvenience of social interaction. 

The idea of “the home” has shifted in American society. What was once a social concept based on relationships and family is now defined by square footage, entertainment systems, and 2.5 baths. The intangible constant interaction with others has been replaced with a physical structure, swapping our security in the simple ability to strike up a conversation to the strength of our four walls and comfort of our couch.  

This translates to budget travel. Backpacking has evolved into the ability to bring your home with you, to any remote and exotic corner of the globe. Wherever you go, you are ready for everything, including a one-man tent, a single-serve espresso machine for the camp-fire, and a deck of cards to kill the time.

Hostels are shifting too. No longer strictly dorm style living and shared kitchens, many are opting to smaller rooms with a private bath. Social interaction is replaced with flashpacking and internet cafes.

The cure to this disease is a commitment to a new kind of travel. No longer a bring-it-with-you activity, it should become a come-as-you-are adventure. Backpacking is a modern opportunity to rediscover what makes us all human, to connect with others and learn something new. It begins with what you put in your pack, and how you perceive the presence of strangers in the hostel lounge. Be spontaneous, pack light, and opt for the dorm room. It is the cheapest alternative, after all.