Am I a flashpacker?

Who knew there were different forms of backpackers? Armed with an oversized pack, wearing the same unwashed pair of jeans for weeks on end with a Rambo-style ambition to find the cheapest hostel or bargain the lowest price – is that not a backpacker? Not necessarily it would seem.

I had heard of the ‘flashpacking’ phenomenon before but thought the mere taking of my laptop traveling couldn’t possibly mean I was one of them. An ‘affluent’ backpacker. However, over the past few days, I think I’ve overstepped the mark. Crossed the line. Become a…flashpacker.

The girls and I decided we’d head to the Iguazu Falls and of course, a backpacker doesn’t fly (only flashpackers would consider this sort of thing, right?) So we decided to ‘rough it’ on an 18 hour bus ride. Roughing it turned into traveling on the ‘oh it’s just a bit more expensive’ first-class bus in ‘super-cama’ seats (basically seats that extend to 180 degrees – think first-class flying). We even had our own televisions, entrée, main and dessert, wine and…champagne before bed!! I think I could get used to this.

Concerned that I’d lost all backpacking dignity, my legal training led me to check the facts so I headed to the ultra-reliable source that is wikipedia, to see if I had any similarities with these so-called flashpackers. Well I was quite shocked to see just the variety of backpackers that apparently are out there. Not only do you have your regular backpacker, and of course flashpackers, but you also have ‘gap-packers’ and ‘megalopers’! I’m sure there’s more.

While our first-class bus did hit a protest (or ‘road works’ as informed by the bus driver) on the way, which created a 6 hour delay (how very backpacker), we did book the first class option back to BA. And, since then, we’ve also travelled to Uruguay first-class on a ferry (champagne on arrival)! But I put that one down to the economy class tickets being sold out.


I wonder, is it Jules’ high-life yacht sailing influence? Have I let the champagne get to my head? Is it because South America is so damn cheap? Whatever the reason I do plan to quash my recent flashpacking tendencies and return to the realm of the humble backpacker…soon.

What you didn't know about Bolivian buses

Fact: You don't need to book a seat to travel long distances by bus in Bolivia. In fact, many locals bring the whole family and sit in the aisle partaking in various activities which include card playing, chicken eating or sleeping while standing up and/or lying down.

Fact: Animals of all types are allowed to travel long distance on Bolivian buses, with or without a cage (and possibly with or without owner). There are usually no toilet stops on Bolivian buses.

Fact (according to my guide book): 95% of Bolivian roads are unpaved. Consequently, the majority of a long distance bus trip will more than likely occur off-road. Off-road driving can be hazardous when it's been raining. We experienced this first hand on our night bus trip from Uyuni to Tupiza. The trip supposedly takes six hours, however, at 1.30am we were unlucky enough to get bogged in an unpaved section of road resulting in our six hour trip lasting 14 hours. The up side was witnessing the local remedy for bogged buses: jacking the wheels and placing shrubs under them. Not surprisingly this method had its flaws and we waited until 6.30am for a tow truck.