What is a Flashpacker?

Flashpacker means different things to different people.  For me, flashpacker means a backpacker who goes a little “flash” – not always staying in the cheapest place, or taking the cheapest form of transportation.  While I like to travel on a budget, and have done really well on a budget, as I get older I’m willing to pay a little more for some creature comforts.

When I created my site name, I thought more people understood what a flashpacker was.  When I started publicizing the site, everyone asked me “What is a flashpacker?”  🙁

 

The funniest definitions for flashpacker come courtesy of Urban Dictionary… I gotta say I disagree with all three of these definitions…

a geeky backpacker – youngsters which always carry around a backpack stuffed with ‘indispensable’ gadgetry: laptop, pda, gps etc. also referring to a backpacker with better budget – independent travelers with money to spend.

Your flashpacker friend couldn’t possibly enjoy a coffee away from Google. Ok, let’s go to Starbucks, they have WiFi there.

A flashpacker is a backpacker who travels in and out of towns, cities or countries in short periods of time. Typically a flashpacker spends 2 to 3 days in each location as they try to squeeze as many places into one trip, rather than stay in one place for a longer period of time gaining a deeper appreciation for it. Therefore you are in and out in a flash.
Duuude… I just got back from an amazing 5 weeks in South East Asia. I went to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand and it was all amazing! My two days in Bali were the best brah! – …sounds like you’re a flashpacker you pansy.
A young wealthy traveller who goes to developing countries dressed in the latest hiking/travel gear, backpacks,alloy water bottles and equipment.
They act like world travellers but are not and they dont spread their wealth around on their journey.
THEY PLAY POOR.
The peasant farmers local restaurant was full of flashpackers until they found out there was no wifi or air conditioning

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