If you think backpacking is just filling a backpack with clothes and leaving for a destination without any plan, then friend, let us tell you that you are wrong but not completely, because you always need clothes but also a road map of where your journey can take you. Confused?

Let us tell you: 

What is backpacking tourism, and who is it for?

• Backpacking is commonly known and considered an economical way to travel the world, which is very true if done the right way.

• The key to planning a good, low-cost backpacking trip is not one thing but many little things that help provide raw experiences on a budget.

• You can make your camps and food and travel by public transport, but it doesn't have to be rough. You have an opportunity to see the world without burning a hole in your pocket.

• Backpacking tourism is for anyone who wants to travel the world, especially those who are comfortable living unconventionally and are adventurous. Generally, Gen Z and millennials are the target audiences for this tourism.

• You can't expect a backpacking trip to go smoothly, and you should always be prepared for different situations.

   

Dos and don'ts while planning a backpacking trip for beginners!

Do's 

• Make a schedule for your trip and plan it properly.

• Download offline maps.

• Call and book accommodations in advance to avoid high costs, or carry your camping gear 

• Remember to pack light.

• Take small-sized toiletries

• If travelling internationally, buy a local SIM card. 

• Never forget to carry insect repellent and basic first aid supplies.

• Keep your photography gear light 

• Carry shoes with good grip and sandals.

• Check the weather conditions in advance.

• Use public transportation and don't be in a rush to travel.

• Eat locally and buy souvenirs from local markets.

   

Don'ts

• Forget to test your backpacking gear beforehand. 

• Wander off to secluded places in the dark.

• Carry too many clothes.

• Trust anyone or give out too much information about yourself. 

• Take anything that isn't necessary. 

• Poke wild animals or litter 

• Forget getting torches with extra batteries. 

• In hostels, don't leave your belongings on the bed; instead, keep them in a safe. 

• Never put down your passport as a deposit for lodging. It's completely illegal and dangerous.

   

Why are backpacking trips a golden opportunity for tour operators to expand?

• Even though backpacking is seen as a type of travel suited only for people who wish to travel on a budget or solo to cut down costs, in this new era it is much more than that.

• Modern-day tour operators have cleverly used the growing trend of backpacking to entice their audience and monetize through these types of trips.

• Now it has turned into a separate offering that targets Gen Z and Millenials, motivating them and giving them the extra push that they require to plan a trip.

• Since the name "backpacking" has become a brand in itself, many people are attracted to any trip just because it has the word "backpacking" in it.

• The term has gained popularity and has been so hyped up that now everyone is intrigued and waiting to have a backpacking experience.

• Tour operators can take advantage of this golden opportunity to expand their businesses and take backpacking tours to famous backpacking destinations.

   

Some of the famous backpacking destinations are:

1. Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
2. Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
3. Iceland
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
5. Budapest, Hungary

To manage, make, and send so many quotations in a day tour operators should think about investing in travel technology to help them better plan their business operations if they want to stay on top of changing market demands.

A comprehensive travel management system is essential if you want to grow your destination management business. Daily operations are also very doable, and the operational time is decreased with CRM and travel software.

ETOS is a provider of travel technology that serves variously sized travel agencies. To learn more about their product line, you can contact their experts.