Article for university

What I find strange is the concept of backpacking -- I would never carry so much stuff with me on a trip. I can go three weeks or more with a floppy bag of carry-on luggage. And I don't mind buying what is missing, if necessary. Backpacking = permanent discomfort.

1) finding my clothes screwed up and creased, soon learnt don't take things that crease easily!
2) the freedom to go wherever I like and do whatever I want, always seeing new places and new people
3) the kind who just get drunk all the time and sleep all day....you are in new places, experience the new things, don't spend all day in bed with a hangover.
4) from last trip I would say German - came in loud in middle of night....though I have also met some really cool germans, so don't really find any nationality more annoying than another!
5) Its the best thing in the world, new people, new places, new experiences, no ties, a way of escaping, I miss it!

I cheat. I had an Eagle Creek Switchback 22. It held its shape at 22 inches to go carry-on. Great wheels are on the newer model.

You only put it on your back for long stairs and rocky places. And there are lots of long stairs. Some of big stones. And some subways are heaven bound. On foot.

I lost it in a funny way. Got back to Madrid in Garbage Bags.
From criuses, camera safari in Kenya for two weeks (25 years ago) to bag lady, Man.

Ahh for the perfect shopping cart.

I came back to Spain from Texas, with a broken used roll-a-long.
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I tell newbys, they don't have to make an expensive mistake on a backpack for $300.
Go to a garage sale.

Many of those have never been used. Their dream fizzled after their travel partner had to back out.
Just don't get one with only a flap at top end. You have to take everything out, to get to that damn...

You'll talk with other road freaks about their gear, on Your first trip.
Then you'll have an idea of what suits Your needs. We all learn from each other.
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By the way; Have I mentioned my line of dreadlock wigs? They compliment our selection of 5 strand comb-overs, for those of us who can't be honest with themselves.

Don't just dream. Buy a plain ticket to some cheap starting point.

It may change the focus of your college education.
School of any kind is just the fundamentals.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Buy a plain ticket to some cheap starting point.<hr></blockquote> as opposed to a sophisticated one?

Yeah, steveg!

And I don't like the industry,experamenting with make-up on rabbits.

Makes 'em look cheap!

1) What annoys you most about backpacking?

Dragging the backpack/suitcase around. I soon got better at travelling light.

2) What do you enjoy most about backpacking?

Freedom, the potential for every day to be different and memorable, meeting new people.

3) Which kind of traveller annoys you most?

The competitive ones, who think they're braver/more authentic/better informed/ than everyone else.

4) Which nationality of traveller annoys you most?

I'm glad I've never developed an opinion on this.

5) Anything else you'd like to add (about backpacking)

It's fun but tiring. I now think it might be better to explore from one base than to "move house" every day or two.

I really find the questions quite simplistic for university level journalism, and suspiciously "trolly". Especially the one about annoying nationalities.

1) The lack of sleep in hostels
2) The freedom, and you meet new people
3) The kids, travelling in groups. Just thinking about themselves, and have no interest of knowing the locals.
4) Italians
5) Wish I had this interest 15 years ago when eastern europe opened

And this is supposed to pass for an attempt at serious journalism? This reads like a questionnaire put together by a 14-year old. Or are you hoping for a job with The Sun?