Top Difference Between Backpackers and Travelers

Have you ever traveled abroad and wondered…

Why the heck so many people are walking around with big backpacks that look way too heavy for a human to carry? I mean, why on earth wouldn’t they just use luggage with wheels? Doesn’t quite make sense, and, as if one isn’t enough, they often add a smaller backpack to the front. Crazy, am I right? Well, slightly. At least, that was our thought when we began vacationing internationally in 2016. 

Though backpacking is an old concept, especially known in Europe for recent graduates who are taking time to explore before settling into “the real world”, it was something completely foreign to us, both of whom come from Latin American background and have lived in the United States most of our lives. 

Prior to quitting our job to travel the world in 2022, we considered ourselves travelers and didn’t quite understand the major difference between a traveler and a backpacker, aside from the fact that they unnecessarily carried a backpack instead of wheeling around luggage.

The Louvre Pyramid in Paris 2016. Thais and Kelvyn standing in front posing on their first international trip to Europe.

2016 – Our first trip internationally to Europe as “travelers”.

Ditching the Wheels and Strapping On the Extra Weight

However, as we began researching the best way to budget travel around the world more efficiently, we quickly learned that we too would be ditching the wheels and strapping the weight on our backs. 

We knew other changes would be required to make this adventure work, however, the backpacks quickly came with an unexpected identity shift. A new way of living, exploring, appreciating, and negotiating in different parts of the world. Soon enough we learned that the transition meant a lot more than just how we carried our belongings and explained how so many around the world travel for so long with so little.

Since we left in 2022, we have embraced the moments where we wanted to toss our bags off our shoulders and drag it to our destination along with all the challenges that came with this journey.

Okay, you may be wondering what is this identity shift you guys are talking about? How does changing how you carry your belongings suddenly change your experience? Can’t I just travel with my luggage and experience the same? 

Backpackers: Thais and Kelvyn carrying their backpacks in the airport. Leaving for their firs trip as backpackers in 2022.

2022 – Our first day as backpackers heading back to Europe.

Over the last two plus years of our backpacking experience, we have met hundreds of backpackers and travelers who are on vacation, all of whom display some of the same beliefs and characteristic shifts we’ll discuss below.  

Keep in mind that these are generalizations, and yes, both can be true. You can carry a suitcase and have infinite time to travel and live like a “backpacker”. However, we speak about the deep differences that differentiate the two. Neither of which is better or worse than the other, simply different. 

Top Differences Between Backpackers and Travelers:

backpackers vs travelers. A table explaining the biggest differences between backpackers and travelers.

These are some of the main differences we have noticed between backpackers and travelers. Not only are they things we personally relate to and have adapted as we transitioned from one style of traveling to another, but they are also what we have gathered from the experience of others we have met throughout our journey. 

Peru to Chile border crossing Thais and Kelvyn on the overnight bus that takes them from one country to the other.

An overnight bus experience crossing from Peru to Chile.

No One Size Fits All Approach in Travel

There is no one size fits all approach, and the reality is that many people travel with a blend of both in a way that best fits into their lifestyle. The truth is backpacking is a lifestyle; some choose it temporarily whereas others make it a lifetime adventure. No matter what the case is, if you see a backpacker, root them on! And if you have a bit of time, buy them a cup of coffee and chat about their unique life adventures. 

We have loved our adventure as backpackers and learned so much about life along the way. Though backpacking will always be a part of us, we look forward to occasionally wheeling our things around instead of carrying them.

Are you looking for additional travel tips? Click here to see 10 Easy Steps to Plan Your Next Vacation!

Greece, ferry rides between islands.

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So, would you be up for the challenge? What are your thoughts on these changes and this lifestyle? What would you be willing to change and what aspect would be non-negotiable? Be sure to let us know on Instagram @THETRAVELERINUS!

Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you. Photos on this page belong strictly to The Traveler In Us and are not allowed to be saved or used for any reason unless granted permission so by the owners. 

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