Comments on: Top 5 Myths about Backpackers http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-5-myths-about-backpackers Backpacking Independent International Traveler Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:06:17 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Randall http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-2497 Randall Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:36:31 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-2497 I'm proof of that #1, #2, and #3 are indeed myths. I'm 45 and have been staying in hostels for over 20 years (although I stay in plenty of 5-star hotels and resorts, too...there's a time for everything). <br><br>#1. I've never felt like I was in any kind of danger in a hostel.<br>#2. I'm gay, so I've never been looking for chicks. Dudes, on the other hand...well, I've had my day there (as have many other backpackers in my oft-overlooked demographic).<br>#3. I'm well over "gap year" age and still love staying in hostels. While sometimes backpackers see me as a grandpa, more often I'm just another traveller to go have dinner with...albeit one who's seen a hell of a lot more of the planet than my average hostel-mates. I'm proof of that #1, #2, and #3 are indeed myths. I'm 45 and have been staying in hostels for over 20 years (although I stay in plenty of 5-star hotels and resorts, too…there's a time for everything).

#1. I've never felt like I was in any kind of danger in a hostel.
#2. I'm gay, so I've never been looking for chicks. Dudes, on the other hand…well, I've had my day there (as have many other backpackers in my oft-overlooked demographic).
#3. I'm well over “gap year” age and still love staying in hostels. While sometimes backpackers see me as a grandpa, more often I'm just another traveller to go have dinner with…albeit one who's seen a hell of a lot more of the planet than my average hostel-mates.

]]> By: Ralph http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-2344 Ralph Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:23:56 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-2344 This post will surely help change the minds of people who think less of backpackers. This post will surely help change the minds of people who think less of backpackers.

]]> By: John http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-1447 John Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:01:48 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-1447 Terrible assertion on number 4. Women backpackers DO need to be more careful than their male counterparts. It's not about suppression of the female spirit, it's the ugly fact that women are, on average, physically less imposing than men, and therefore more likely to be a target. That's wonderful that you feel good to be a woman, but the criminal element does not care. Common sense is definitely an asset overseas, but in this situation you’re always in an unfamiliar environment. You can easily wander into a bad neighborhood by accident. No, women aren't getting raped left and right, but your odds are worse as a lone female in being subject to some sort of criminal activity (muggings, etc.). Everyone should backpack, but there's no sense in testing fate to make a statement. Pair up. Terrible assertion on number 4. Women backpackers DO need to be more careful than their male counterparts. It's not about suppression of the female spirit, it's the ugly fact that women are, on average, physically less imposing than men, and therefore more likely to be a target. That's wonderful that you feel good to be a woman, but the criminal element does not care. Common sense is definitely an asset overseas, but in this situation you’re always in an unfamiliar environment. You can easily wander into a bad neighborhood by accident. No, women aren't getting raped left and right, but your odds are worse as a lone female in being subject to some sort of criminal activity (muggings, etc.). Everyone should backpack, but there's no sense in testing fate to make a statement. Pair up.

]]> By: John http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-1446 John Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:58:28 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-1446 Terrible assertion on number 4. Women backpackers DO need to be more careful than their male counterparts. It's not about suppression of the female spirit, it's the ugly fact that women are, on average, physically less imposing than men, and therefore more likely to be a target. That's wonderful that you feel good to be a woman, but the criminal element does not care. Common sense is definitely an asset overseas, but in this situation you’re always in an unfamiliar environment. You can easily wander into a bad neighborhood by accident. No, women aren't getting raped left and right, but your odds are worse as a lone female in being subject to some sort of criminal activity (muggings, etc.). Everyone should backpack, but there's no sense in testing fate to make a statement. Pair up. Terrible assertion on number 4. Women backpackers DO need to be more careful than their male counterparts. It's not about suppression of the female spirit, it's the ugly fact that women are, on average, physically less imposing than men, and therefore more likely to be a target. That's wonderful that you feel good to be a woman, but the criminal element does not care. Common sense is definitely an asset overseas, but in this situation you’re always in an unfamiliar environment. You can easily wander into a bad neighborhood by accident. No, women aren't getting raped left and right, but your odds are worse as a lone female in being subject to some sort of criminal activity (muggings, etc.). Everyone should backpack, but there's no sense in testing fate to make a statement. Pair up.

]]> By: Morgan Coudray http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-1321 Morgan Coudray Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:31:15 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-1321 The 5th point is crucial. That is a reucurring reason I heard (from north americans) for not taking time off to travel.<br>A travellers maturity level and interpersonal skills are much higher than the average Joe's. Anyone can make it work for themselves if the aspects mentioned above are used during the interview. Nonetheless, it's crucial to reassure your future employer about your willingness to stay with them for a while -- your stability is what can make them tick a little. The 5th point is crucial. That is a reucurring reason I heard (from north americans) for not taking time off to travel.
A travellers maturity level and interpersonal skills are much higher than the average Joe's. Anyone can make it work for themselves if the aspects mentioned above are used during the interview. Nonetheless, it's crucial to reassure your future employer about your willingness to stay with them for a while — your stability is what can make them tick a little.

]]> By: Morgan Coudray http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-979 Morgan Coudray Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:31:15 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-979 The 5th point is crucial. That is a reucurring reason I heard (from north americans) for not taking time off to travel.<br>A travellers maturity level and interpersonal skills are much higher than the average Joe's. Anyone can make it work for themselves if the aspects mentioned above are used during the interview. Nonetheless, it's crucial to reassure your future employer about your willingness to stay with them for a while -- your stability is what can make them tick a little. The 5th point is crucial. That is a reucurring reason I heard (from north americans) for not taking time off to travel.
A travellers maturity level and interpersonal skills are much higher than the average Joe's. Anyone can make it work for themselves if the aspects mentioned above are used during the interview. Nonetheless, it's crucial to reassure your future employer about your willingness to stay with them for a while — your stability is what can make them tick a little.

]]> By: Jimmyboy555 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-876 Jimmyboy555 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:45:41 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-876 lol nobody says that girls shouldn't travel alone because they are "lesser" than men. the reason it's wiser for girls to travel with a buddy is because as hard as it may be to believe, girls WILL get preyed on more by predators, be they sexual predators, thieves or merchants trying to scam you. This has nothing to do with "equalness" it's a simple fact. Yes girl's have the ability to handle themselves, but it doesn't change the fact they might have a tougher time than guys if you're looking at the dangers of backpacking around.. This is especially true if you're partying often on your backpacking journeys. And all feminist views aside, purely scientific, guys tend to be a lot more aggressive, and stronger than girls. No one's saying that pairs is crucial because girls are weak and timid. it's merely because they will have more attention. which can be both negative and or positive. lol nobody says that girls shouldn't travel alone because they are “lesser” than men. the reason it's wiser for girls to travel with a buddy is because as hard as it may be to believe, girls WILL get preyed on more by predators, be they sexual predators, thieves or merchants trying to scam you. This has nothing to do with “equalness” it's a simple fact. Yes girl's have the ability to handle themselves, but it doesn't change the fact they might have a tougher time than guys if you're looking at the dangers of backpacking around.. This is especially true if you're partying often on your backpacking journeys. And all feminist views aside, purely scientific, guys tend to be a lot more aggressive, and stronger than girls. No one's saying that pairs is crucial because girls are weak and timid. it's merely because they will have more attention. which can be both negative and or positive.

]]> By: Vincent http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-150 Vincent Tue, 19 May 2009 12:30:48 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-150 "I highly doubt male backpackers are saving thousands of dollars to go across the globe to score some chicks." Well thats not my only reason, but...... Whats wrong with gettin' lucky while backpacking? Of course I'm not going to flop my cock out on the Hostel's kitchen counter, but in a 3 month trip around Western Europe, things will happen and hopefully I'll get with lots and lots and lots of chicks. “I highly doubt male backpackers are saving thousands of dollars to go across the globe to score some chicks.” Well thats not my only reason, but…… Whats wrong with gettin’ lucky while backpacking? Of course I’m not going to flop my cock out on the Hostel’s kitchen counter, but in a 3 month trip around Western Europe, things will happen and hopefully I’ll get with lots and lots and lots of chicks.

]]> By: admin http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-119 admin Tue, 12 May 2009 23:26:28 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-119 Thank you for the comment! There are so many different types of backpackers and what they do is special; its not wasting their life away. Its an experience on a different level Skylab, the main guy here, our basic founder of AOB just left today for his first adventure! Its going to be so enriching and although we are on other sides of the world, this website connects everything! There will be a lot of great stories from abroad so stay tuned =) Thanks for checking us out! Thank you for the comment! There are so many different types of backpackers and what they do is special; its not wasting their life away. Its an experience on a different level Skylab, the main guy here, our basic founder of AOB just left today for his first adventure! Its going to be so enriching and although we are on other sides of the world, this website connects everything! There will be a lot of great stories from abroad so stay tuned =) Thanks for checking us out!

]]> By: Dave and Deb http://www.artofbackpacking.com/top-5-myths-about-backpackers/comment-page-1/#comment-116 Dave and Deb Tue, 12 May 2009 17:29:12 +0000 http://www.artofbackpacking.com/?p=788#comment-116 Thanks for posting this one. We are tired of everyone at home thinking that we are wasting our life away because we travel. I am constantly defending myself. No we don't stay in dumps, no we don't waste all of our money, yes we do have a plan for our future....We always have people say to us, "I wish I could give up everything like you have" or "If only I had a spouse to travel with". We always tell them that we haven't given up anything and that we see people traveling alone all of the time! Deb and Dave Thanks for posting this one. We are tired of everyone at home
thinking that we are wasting our life away because we travel. I am constantly defending myself. No we don’t stay in dumps, no we don’t waste all of our money, yes we do have a plan for our future….We always have people say to us, “I wish I could give up everything like you have” or “If only I had a spouse to travel with”. We always tell them that we haven’t given up anything and that we see people traveling alone all of the time!
Deb and Dave

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