Understanding the new backpackers: a literature review

Abstract

Backpackers are usually described as a group of young - budget travellers, however new paradigms of travel industry points out to an emerging demand. This paper aims to identify and to understand the new backpacker's demand, through a literature review based in travel history marks and recent academic background. Investigation was conducted through content analysis method, and the result leads to a new and multi-faceted demand of backpackers, that is not limited to budget or age.
Instead new backpackers: follow new concepts of youth (are 20-40 years old or more), consider travel
as part of their lifestyle, are technology-mediated and search for meaningful experiences.