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