Backpackers' Handbook : 2025

Tourists and Backpackers 5

Hardcore backpackers strongly distinguish themselves from tourists.

THE TOURIST

A tourist is someone who boards a special bus at the airport, ferrying them to the doors of a boxy "all-inclusive" hotel in the Dominican Republic, where they’ll roast on an inflatable mattress for ten days. They’ll inspect the hotel, the beach, the bars, and their fellow vacationers—but never venture into the nearest town because the locals look "dangerous."

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Tourists and Backpackers 4

The backpack itself has long since become a distinguishing mark—if not a status symbol—of young travelers. In some languages, they’re even named after it: "backpackers" in English,” Rucksacktouristen” in German or "nahrbtnikarji" in Slovenian.

A backpacker is someone with similar desires, needs, and problems as you, someone you can easily connect with—a comrade and ally in travel.

Together, you'll look for accommodation in a new city, explore its sights, search for food, and find fun.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Tourists and Backpackers 3

More narrowly, a true traveler is someone who goes alone, in a pair, or in a loose group; someone who wants to travel as far and for as long as possible while spending as little money as possible. This means hitchhiking, cycling, riding a motorbike or van, sleeping in a sleeping bag under the open sky, in a vehicle, or in the cheapest hotels, riding in the lowest class of local trains and buses, and carrying all their worldly possessions in a backpack.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Tourists and Backpackers 2

You won’t look much like the typical tourist or vacationer either. Travelers, wanderers, vagabonds, backpackers, hitchhikers—call them what you will—these lovers of alternative travel refuse to identify with tourists.

The word "traveller" refers to anyone who journeys, ur at least to those who do so out of sheer joy of it and curiosity.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Tourists and/or Travelers

Of course, this doesn’t mean you’ll travel like the glamorous heroes of Hollywood films.

No waiter in an impeccable white turban will bring you cocktails on the terrace of a luxurious tropical hotel, no dark- skinned slaves will bathe you in a pool of mare’s milk ...

... and no procession of porters will stumble under the weight of your palanquin and suitcases.

Text & Photos: Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpackers' Handbook 3

Money can always be found. Anyone who can afford a ten-year-old car has enough for two months of travel in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.

But many recoil at the idea of spending a thousand euros on a trip: "For that money, I could buy a new washing machine and a TV on top!"

In short: Anyone can travel—you just have to decide.

Text & Photos: Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpackers' Handbook 2

Both excuses are flimsy. If someone truly wants something, they’ll find the time. They’ll work hard to finish exams in the spring semester or take a gap year—what student hasn’t taken a break? Those with jobs will save up their vacation days and, if needed, tack on a month of unpaid leave.

Yet most console themselves: "I’ll go someday, you’ll see! If not sooner, then when I retire!"

— and never budge.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpackers' Travel Guide

1. TRAVEL

Everyone loves to travel. For many, traveling is the pinnacle of enjoyment and fun—if not one of the most sublime activities in general. Ask anyone what they would do if they were rich or suddenly came into a lot of money, and almost everyone will say they would travel. If possible, somewhere far away, to the most exotic places.

Yet few actually embark on such journeys. "Oh, how lucky you are to travel so much! What I wouldn’t give to see Egypt, Mexico, Thailand…" you’ll hear them daydream. And when you ask why they don’t just go, they’ll usually reply that they would, but they can’t. No money… no time…

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

The (well) hidden charms of Arusha 4

In the afternoon we could lounge on the terrace overlooking the river, with Mount Meru in the distance, watching the sun go down while the beautiful hornbills came flying in.

The other thing and the actual reason why we came here were the ‘cultural hikes’ that are being organised in some of the surrounding villages. The concept of these hikes is that travellers can visit these villages and experience some of the ‘real life’ in Tanzania and combine this with a hike to some nice place somewhere on the slopes of Mount Meru.

(to be continued)