Backpacking is a very exciting and enjoyable way to travel and explore different countries and continents and can often be a time of relaxation and spiritual enlightenment. However, there are aspects that can make it quite a challenging experience, particularly when you meet certain characters along the way at your hostels!
The Freeloader
A key aspect of backpacking travel is to do it on a budget. So when a fellow budget traveller thinks it's alright to keep asking if they can borrow a bit of cash or use your shampoo every morning, its time to exit, stage right.
The Know-it-all
The 'experience' of backpacking and gap-year traveling often arises only once, and travelers want to learn all they can about the various cultures and destinations they visit. The know-it-all will almost certainly take the fun out of it by informing you of the history and significance of every attraction before you actually have a chance to find out for yourself.
The Homesick One
It can be a daunting experience to be in a country far away from home, on a budget and surrounded by people speaking an unfamiliar language. All travelers feel homesick at some point, but there are those who spend an entire trip looking forward to going home. If a hug and some kind words aren't enough to cheer up the homesick one, it could be time to move on as they will more than likely just bring you down with them.
The Scared One
Traveling around the world involves trying a lot of new things you wouldn't normally encounter in your home town. When others on gap year travel are afraid to partake in harmless new experiences, like eating local food and trying delicacies, don't follow suit, you may regret it in the future.
The Messy One
Sharing rooms in hostels will generally be a very fun experience, but it can also have its downsides. Arguments can often break out about mess and untidiness as certain travelers refuse to keep their side or area of the room clean. The messy one also tends to be the last to leave and can hold everyone else up by waiting until the last minute to pack and will almost definitely end up losing something.
The Party Animal
Bar-hopping and checking out nightlife in different cities is great fun and most definitely one of the perks of backpacking around the globe, but travelers still need their sleep. It can be a strain to go out with the party animal, who will stay out until the early hours and can survive on minimal resting time. The party animal won't care if a late night means you miss a train or a bus, they'll just be happy to have a drinking buddy for another night.
The Snooty One
The snooty one is one variety you never want to meet simply because he or she has the habit of looking down at everyone and anything possible, whether it is their accommodation, the local food, attractions in the city or the weather. And you are most likely to bare the brunt of their complaints.
The Snoopy One
Sharing rooms in hostels has the advantage of making accommodation cheaper for the budget traveller, but it also leaves them at the mercy of the snoopy backpacker who will not miss a chance to peek into your traveling bag. Be cautious and use lockers if they are available to you.
The Hypochondriac
This person is one you should try and stay well away from, unless you want to be constantly informed that they have some kind of tropical skin infection when all they really have is sunburn.
The Stalker
Finally, there is the stalker, an individual who you should steer clear of at all costs. This guy or girl will not let you be alone for a second and will follow you around, accompanying you to all the attractions you wish to visit and making sure he or she is part of your group on a night out too. It's time to move on when they start asking for your email address or planning a visit to your hometown. Though be wary of the difference between legitimately over-friendly people and stalkers.
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers.
Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tourworldwide, he checked out a variety of independent hostels, and youth hostels.
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