Flashpacking

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Flashpacking is the neologism used to refer to affluent backpacking and backpacker, in such that a flashpacker shares many of the characteristics of a backpacker in that they travel independently with flexibility for generally longer periods than is common place amongst tourists and to more exotic and far-flung destinations. However, whereas low cost travel is associated with backpacking, flashpacking has an association of more disposable income while traveling. ^[1]

Note the term flashpacking typically applies to backpacking of the independent travel variety as opposed to backpacking (wilderness), however many similarity can be drawn and it would seem that as with many modern day neologism the term will not remain mutually exclusive.

Some may define flashpacking as an incongruous mix of slumming it and luxury; of adventurous travel with those on a budget by day and sedate dining and sleeping with the better off by night. ^[2]

The origin of the term is obscure and often connected with Fiji, which is both a favorite of upmarket travelers and backpackers alike. It reflects the growing number of sophisticated electronic gadgets available to consumers and seen abroad in locations where such a device would seem out of place, such as rural or developing world locations. Typical examples and defining objects being laptops, music/video MP3/4 player, latest digital cameras and mobile phones or GPS devices. ^[3]

The term also reflects a growing demographic of travelers who are forsaking traditional organized travel, venturing to destination once the reserve of more adventurous backpackers and increasing numbers of individuals who leave well paid jobs or take 'career breaks', using the time to travel independently, but with greater comfort and many of the gadgets they are accustom to at home.

The term is not officially defined nor part of a common lexicon. Equally the term much like the term yuppie is difficult quantify and label individuals with, with any clear benchmarking. Likewise, although the term certainly is appropriate in a changing society and travel market, in practice the so labeled fashpackers won't be easy to spot or be commonly be seem when traveling globally.

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