1. You Can Take It With You
While backpacking is an opportunity to leave the office behind, flashpacking is a way to take it with you. You won't find only clothes and food in a flashpackers pack; it will be filled with every electronic gadget necessary, and some that aren't so necessary, to function during a regular day at the office. A flashpacker isn't necessarily into "roughing it" or "getting back to nature," but still enjoys the less-than-cushy method of travel to unique destinations not on your average travel itinerary.
2. Who Are These Flashy People?
Flashpackers aren't necessarily workaholics but just people who like to stay connected. The general flashpacking population consists of both men and women from 20 to 30 years old. In most cases, they have gainful employment and take a longer-than-usual vacation to backpack across Europe or wherever their fancy takes them. Some flashpackers are still college-age young adults looking for an adventure, much like a traditional backpacker but with all the gizmos and gadgets to keep them connected with the rest of the world.
3. Low-Tech Packing
The flashpacker needs only some of the traditional backpacking equipment. Hiking boots and a backpack are essential for the journey. Make sure the backpack is large enough to carry all of high-tech items that make a flashpacker a flashpacker and waterproof to keep it all safe from the elements. What is more noteworthy is what you don't need to take. Don't bother with maps, pens and paper, film and reading material. Their electronic counterparts replace all of these items and make the trip more efficient than ever before.
4. Putting the Flash in Flashpacking
The key to being a flashpacker is in the high-tech equipment you bring on your trip. The average flashpacker carries a cell phone, digital camera, MP3 player (probably an iPod) and a laptop. Of course, numerous other gadgets can be included on this list. To keep on track you may want a handheld GPS system. To stay connected you can bring a Wi-Fi location finder too. To keep everything running and information storing you'll need batteries, rechargers, memory cards and all the cables to link everything together.
5. Charging Up
Flashpackers need a place to recharge themselves and their gear. Rather than roughing it in the woods and sleeping on the ground, an experienced flashpacker seeks out the finest hostels on his path. Backpackers on a strict budget stay at low-cost hostels on their journeys, but flashpackers find Wi-Fi access, cell phone reception, numerous electrical outlets and satellite connections. Hostels worldwide are recognizing this trend and making the necessary upgrades while still keeping costs low to attract flashpackers.
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