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Backpack or Suitcase? How to Travel Better in 2023
I ditched the suitcase for a backpack a long time ago, but why should you?
Scrolling on instragram in 2023 reels are littered with views of crystal blue seas, beautiful girls in a bikinis, the most decadent airbnbs with a private four course meal spread out on the table.
Travel has a stereotype of luxury: wine tasting in french vineyards, dining on the almafi coast, a villa in Bali. To me, that’s advertising. Rich tourism companies paying influencers to show off their lifestyle in the height of a consumerist culture. That’s not travel.
To me, travel is an educational course on life. In fact, I think it should be mandatory for universities to require travel to graduate! You learn about different cultures, religions, landscapes, and ideologies. The most learning, however, will take place within. You’ll have to face your own inner bias, challenge your adaptability, and step out of your comfort zone. You can learn more about yourself in a month of solo travel than you can in 4 years of university.
With inflation driving costs all over the world, and travel companies raising prices even more to make up for lockdowns, I think it’s a better time than ever to ditch the suitcase, buy a backpack, and rethink your definition of travel. If not for yourself, then justify it as a part of your education.
Why backpacking? Well, I’ll tell you…
Backpacking is the best way to travel as it offers a unique combination of freedom, adventure, and affordability. When you’re backpacking, you have the flexibility to travel at your own pace and choose your own adventure. You can immerse yourself into the local communities and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you. Backpacking is also a more cost-effective form of travel, as you carry all your essentials with you, eliminating baggage fees and allowing you to stay in more budget-friendly accommodation. It also gives you an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and adventure. With backpacking you can step out of your comfort zone and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Why you will travel better with a backpack than a suitcase
1. Cost Effective:
Backpacking is a more budget-friendly way to travel because you carry all your essentials with you, eliminating baggage fees or worry about lost luggage. Also you can stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as dormitories, camping grounds, or hostels, which can help you stay more cost-effective on your trip. You can stretch your travel budget further and experience more of the world around you.
2. Get off the beaten path:
Freedom. That’s what comes to mind.
Backpacking gives you the opportunity to explore destinations that are far from the typical tourist hotspot. Have you ever had a local tip you off about a cool destination but you just don’t have the time when you have to get back to the hotel and everything planned months in advance. Well when everything you own is on your back, you won’t have a problem turning a day trip into a week.
These moments when you say yes to a spontaneous offer, can change the course of your adventure.
By stepping off the beaten path, you can discover hidden gems and experience a more authentic side of the culture.
3. Flexibility:
Backpacking gives you freedom to be spontaneous and make last-minute changes to your travel plans. With a backpack you can easily move from one place to another, without worrying about your heavy luggage and personal belongings. This allows you to explore new locations with ease and flexibility.
With a backpack, you can be in control of your journey.
If you stumble upon a breathtaking view or a fun festival, you can change your plans and stay a little longer.
4. Embrace the unexpected:
The best skill you can learn from backpacking is embracing the unexpected. Taking life day by day alters your headspace. We’re so used to having our lives planned out months in advance, at least day-by-day. Breakfast, work, eat, tv, sleep, repeat. This is what our brains are used to.
Taking life one day at a time, leaves room for adventure to enter. When your only focus is finding cool experiences, cool experiences happen without trying to hard. One day your sleeping in a tent, the next couch surfing with some cool locals, the night maybe you friends who take you back to an awesome hostel. You never know what can happen. Every day is an adventure.
Embrace the uncertainty and let the journey unfold.
5. Immersive Experience:
Backpacking enables you to experience a destination in a more immersive way, as you are not limited by the amount of luggage you can carry. You can easily interact with the local community, try new foods, and engage in outdoor activities without the hassle of lugging a heavy suitcase around.
With boots on the ground instead of heels in a hotel room, you’ll be experiencing the world like a local. You can learn about the history, traditions, and daily life of the communities you visit, and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Backpacking also provides opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery, allowing you to step outside of your comfort zone and grow as a person.
6. Improved Fitness:
Yes! Get those steps in! You can also count this as a “gym” expense, if you’re looking for another reason to spend the money.
A backpack is heavy. Even if your backpack weighs 5 pounds-I wish-after a long day of walking it will feel like 50! Carrying a backpack can be a great workout, and can help you stay in shape while eating tons of street food.
Especially if you plan on traveling to destinations with challenging terrains, carrying a backpack will help you build endurance and strength.
7. Meet Interesting People:
Backpacking attracts a diverse group of travelers from all over the world. Some of my favorite people I’ve met in my life have been from backpacking trips. Everyone has a story to tell, and in my experience, backpackers have the best stories.
Backpacking is a community. We’re not locked away in our private hotel rooms, but laying around in hammocks sharing travel tales.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, make lifelong friends, and hear stories from all walks of life.
8. Get in touch with Nature:
One thing I hate is watching tourists ride to the top of a mountain, hop off the bus, snap a picture, and jump right back on. I know we’re all guilty of it, but I’d much rather hike up the mountain myself. All the real nature is experienced on the journey.
Nature is more than just a view, it’s an ecosystem of wonderful moving parts that move harmoniously like an orchestra! The worlds symphony!
By backpacking you remove yourself from the mindset of getting from point A-B as quickly as possible so you can cross a multitude of sites to see off your list. Now you can just breathe, and enjoy the world around you. You can take the time to hike, camp, explore new environments.
Backpacking is the perfect way to explore new destinations, hike to remote locations, and experience new activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, or camping. With backpacking, you can break free from the routine of daily life.
Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or hiking through mountains, backpacking allows you to get in touch with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
9. Live like a local:
Backpacking gives you the opportunity to branch out from the hotel room and into more local experiences like homestay, couch-surfing, or hostels. I’ve had a few times locals have even offered to host me just from seeing me walking around with my backpack!
When you choose a home stay over a hotel, you get a chance to feel the local culture. Experience first hand the generosity and customs of a country. The best part? You will most likely be fed the best quality home made food that no restaurant can compare. Not to mention, you’ve probably just made friends for life.
Backpacking gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and make lasting memories.
10. Eco Friendly:
Backpacking is an eco-friendly way to travel, as you generate less waste and have a smaller carbon footprint. This is because you only bring what you need, and can easily recycle or compost as you go.
Backpacking is a sustainable form of travel. By bringing only what you need, you can minimize your impact on the environment and support local communities by choosing eco-friendly accommodations and eating locally-sourced foods.