Since the invention of computers, and even more so since the invention of the internet, the way people do things has changed completely. If you need information about any topic at all, it's only a few clicks of the mouse away. Things have become even easier with laptop computers and more compact tablets. You can now do your travel research online and backpack in a new way.
It used to be that backpackers were the easiest people to spot in a budget restaurant in some exotic location. They would be the scruffy-looking, slightly smelly individuals playing solitaire with a deck of cards, writing postcards to their mom or making notes in a tattered travel diary. Now they're the scruffy-looking, slightly smelly people surfing the internet, Skyping their mom or updating their Facebook status.
The guidebook is taking on a new role too. The backpacker of today hardly ever consults the book for information about attractions or even hostels. It's much easier to consult the internet.
The way that backpackers' behavior has changed has meant that hostels had to change too. In the past they had to make sure they were clean and had comfortable mattresses. Now they need to make sure they are clean and have fast and reliable internet, free Wi-Fi and electricity outlets in all the communal areas so that their guests can plug in and log on.
The great thing about traveling with your computer and being able to go online almost anywhere is that it makes research about your destination so much easier. You can find and book a hostel, a flight and a bus ticket with only a few clicks. You can check the weather and look at pictures and satellite images of the place. You may even do background research on the destination's history or learn some phrases in the local language.
The type of person who goes backpacking has also changed. In the past, most backpackers had recently graduated or were retired from their jobs. Now you don't have to quit your job to travel but can take it with you instead, so more working professionals go backpacking. They even support themselves during their trip by working online.
The internet has some disadvantages for the traveler too. A major factor is that you can't take everything you read on a travel website at face value. Some business owners pay people to write fake reviews that will benefit their establishment. Others write glowing reviews under an assumed name or give a competitor a very negative review.
The best way to make sure that you won't be disappointed with an establishment is to use a variety of resources. By all means, do the bulk of your travel research online but also consult guidebooks. Even better, talk to fellow travelers about the places they've been to and use their recommendations.
It used to be that backpackers were the easiest people to spot in a budget restaurant in some exotic location. They would be the scruffy-looking, slightly smelly individuals playing solitaire with a deck of cards, writing postcards to their mom or making notes in a tattered travel diary. Now they're the scruffy-looking, slightly smelly people surfing the internet, Skyping their mom or updating their Facebook status.
The guidebook is taking on a new role too. The backpacker of today hardly ever consults the book for information about attractions or even hostels. It's much easier to consult the internet.
The way that backpackers' behavior has changed has meant that hostels had to change too. In the past they had to make sure they were clean and had comfortable mattresses. Now they need to make sure they are clean and have fast and reliable internet, free Wi-Fi and electricity outlets in all the communal areas so that their guests can plug in and log on.
The great thing about traveling with your computer and being able to go online almost anywhere is that it makes research about your destination so much easier. You can find and book a hostel, a flight and a bus ticket with only a few clicks. You can check the weather and look at pictures and satellite images of the place. You may even do background research on the destination's history or learn some phrases in the local language.
The type of person who goes backpacking has also changed. In the past, most backpackers had recently graduated or were retired from their jobs. Now you don't have to quit your job to travel but can take it with you instead, so more working professionals go backpacking. They even support themselves during their trip by working online.
The internet has some disadvantages for the traveler too. A major factor is that you can't take everything you read on a travel website at face value. Some business owners pay people to write fake reviews that will benefit their establishment. Others write glowing reviews under an assumed name or give a competitor a very negative review.
The best way to make sure that you won't be disappointed with an establishment is to use a variety of resources. By all means, do the bulk of your travel research online but also consult guidebooks. Even better, talk to fellow travelers about the places they've been to and use their recommendations.
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