Why are most people who "Back pack" younger people?

Question

Is it the freedom that comes with youth, by having no career?
I feel left out now.
I think maybe "adults" have set themselves up by the time they are 30 with a "Rat Trap"(house) and a marriage partner. That is nice, but for the free spirits out there who dont do that, we are looked upon as "rubbish" by others as we get older , still wanting to travel cheaply by staying in hostels and by our wish to travel more than anything.
IT is ashame that it is this way, i guess. I would rather live with my parents and stay unmarried before I give up my freedom to travel!

Answer 1

I don't necessarily agree.
If by 'Back-pack' you mean tie-dyes and pot in South East Asia then OK. Not knocking it, done it.
But as an Asian resident I still see a lot more middle / old age people travelling around. OK many settle for a year or 20 but still live like they would up sticks tom morrow.
The difference is they don't use back-backer hostels or street markets, nor stay in tourist areas.
Maybe because the are a little better informed and don't particularly like the younger generation.
They also travel in ones and twos, and avoid crowds and noise.
If you want to live this life, it's easy. Give up your fear of the world and leave only boxes at your parents. Many people travel, teaching English here and there, and never go home. Some settle down in the most wonderful places (normally reserved for those who can afford Tahiti). Agreed they don't live in luxury, but they are very happy.

I don't look down on them at all, would like to be one (if I was a little braver). But you gotta make your own way, not asking you to fit in. Just to stand alone.

Answer 2

As you say, it's because as you get older, you have mortgage payments, a family, a job you feel you can't give up etc. The thing is is the travel backpack industry has traditionally been geared towards the 18 - 25 year age group and the 60 - 75 year age group and that is where prices are cheap. It is the package holiday that is geared towards the 25 - 60 year age group with a family.

Answer 3

Most are gap students so they have the time to travel and want a break before embarking on either uni or a career. You need to grow up and give your parents their life back. Their responsibility for you ceased a long time ago. Fine you want to travel but that doesn't mean you should burden your parents. You don't have to get married or buy a house but you should be standing on your own two feet by now.

Answer 4

Because older generations have more demanding responsibilities and schedules which does not allow them just to pack up and go, however, they are the ones who can best afford trips.
Look at my profile, how do you think I did it. Once or twice per year I go on a scheduled vacation. I go independent and have more fun than you can shake a stick at.

Answer 5

i dont look down upon anyone who chooses not to settle down i would have love to traveled when i was younger but as you say responsabilities get in the way and it becomes almost impossible to just pack up and leave everything i just hope i have the courage to do so when my kids are grow up

Answer 6

You hit the nail on the head - they have more free time and no bills. But eventually you have to move out on your own. I doubt your parents want to host you forever.

Answer 7

I find time to take vacation time from where I live and go to Europe with my husband and go back packing and we're in our 40's. If you're healthy enough, go for it.

Answer 8

'Cos... They're fit. And can hike up long, long, long, long mountain trails. And they can canoe. And they can walk about. And they can even run, sometimes.