Who is backpacking for? – Quiz

1.  Read the text and answer the questions. 

1. What is a traveler’s backpack typically filled with?

Life essentials, like clothing, plus anything extra needed for adventure.

2. What is the stereotypical view of a backpacker?

Someone in their 20s, keen to tick off items on their bucket list.

3.True or False? Mike and Lorraine always pre-booked accommodation.

False. They didn’t pre-book but stayed in whatever they could find on the day, which varied from B&Bs to camping in fields full of sheep.

4. Why did Othmane Zolati film his travel experiences?

He aimed to show the world the diversity and beauty of Africa, all on a shoestring budget.

5. Where was Othmane Zolati’s final destination? 

South Africa.

2.  Choose the appropriate words or phrases to complete the following sentences.

1. We set off at 6am to catch the 8am train.

2. I tend to avoid the low-cost brands when I go food shopping.

3. Abdul prefers to stay in private accommodation because he sleeps lightly.   

4. When my boss retired , we threw her a huge leaving party.

5. You need to bring clothes, food and toiletries – all the essentials .  

Who is backpacking for?

Do you know anyone who has gone backpacking? It’s a type of travel that is low-cost and independent, often meaning no fixed plans regarding accommodation or destination. The word ‘backpacking’ comes from ‘backpack‘, a type of bag that you carry on your back. Travellers typically fill a backpack with life essentials, like clothing, plus anything extra needed for adventure. The stereotypical view of a backpacker is someone in their 20s, keen to tick off items on their bucket list. But, forget this. You’re about to find out that anyone can backpack.

Last year, my best friend’s parents retired at aged 65 and set off on a 630-mile trail along the southwest coast of England. Each carrying a 15kg backpack, Mike and Lorraine hiked along cliffs, explored golden sandy beaches and even cycled. For accommodation, they didn’t pre-book but stayed in whatever they could find on the day, which varied from B&Bs to camping in fields full of sheep. They did stop for the occasional well-deserved cup of tea – they were in England after all.

Backpackers are also known for travelling with little money, but few begin with as little as Othmane Zolati from Morocco. In 2015, he embarked on an almost four-year journey, but he started out with just $80 (£64). He zigzagged across 24 countries on the African continent and filmed his experience, aiming to show the world the diversity and beauty of Africa, all on a shoestring budget. He told BBC What’s New that he often had to work odd jobs and rely on the kindness of strangers to be able to afford to keep travelling. But it was worth it. South Africa was Othmane’s final destination and, on reaching it, he said “It was one of the best moments in my life. It made me know that if you fight for something, you really stick to that goal… then you will reach it”.

So, don’t give up. If you want to travel, you can, no matter your age or budget!