I’m Not A Backpacker,Never A Fan Of Backpacking And Here’s Why.

Posted on by Hani by

Backpacking—just the word itself sounds adventurous, right? It’s often romanticized as the ultimate way to travel, with images of free-spirited explorers hopping from one country to another with nothing but a backpack and an open mind.

But… what is backpacking?

For those who might not be familiar, backpacking is all about packing light, traveling on a budget, and embracing spontaneity. Their plans? Pretty flexible—ready to shift gears based on spontaneous detours or recommendations from fellow travellers or locals they meet along the way.

For many, it’s a dream come true. For me? Not so much. 😅

Now, here’s the thing—I’m not here to criticize backpacking. In fact, I even gave it a shot back in 2016 when I started traveling solo and continued for a bit in 2017. But I quickly realized it just never clicked with me. 

And you know what? That’s totally fine—because travel isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Today, I want to share why backpacking isn’t my thing and why I prefer to travel differently.

 

Reason #1: I Don’t Like Traveling on a Tight Budget 💰

Let’s be real here—saving up for travel takes effort, and when I finally go on a trip, I want to enjoy it without constantly stressing about how much money is left.

I believe in smart spending, but I also believe in making the most of my trips. If that means splurging on an unforgettable activity, a nice dinner, or a comfortable place to stay, then so be it. I don’t want to look back on my travels and regret missing out on amazing experiences just because I was too focused on a tight budget. 

Reason #2: I Hate Carrying a Heavy Backpack 🎒

When backpacking, you have to put all your essentials in your backpack, which ends up weighing down your shoulders, and to me, it is really uncomfortable.

I also struggle with packing light. I like to keep my travel style simple, but I am also the kind of person who always wants to look good. So, I tend to bring dresses, makeup, and other beauty products. Trying to fit everything into a backpack, especially as a woman, is just too much trouble. Instead, I prefer bringing a smaller backpack and having some additional luggage with me. It’s easier to manage that way.

Reason #3: I Prefer Hassle-Free Travel ✈️

I like to be organized when I travel. That means planning ahead, booking airport transfers, and sometimes hiring a local guide to make my trip smoother. This way, I don’t have to stress about figuring out where to go on my own. Plus, the idea of wandering around—hitchhiking, figuring out transportation on my own, or waiting in crowded areas for buses? Not my thing

I totally respect people who enjoy spontaneous travel, but I personally prefer a balance—being open to new experiences while still having a structured plan in place. I love exploring, but I also love convenience.

Reason #4: I Like Dressing Well 👗

I love looking put-together when I travel. When you backpack, you usually have to limit your clothing options to what fits in a small bag, and that’s just not for me. I prefer to bring enough outfits for different occasions—whether it’s a casual day of sightseeing, a fancy dinner, or a spontaneous night out.

I also don’t like dealing with wrinkled clothes from stuffing everything into a backpack. I’d rather have my things neatly packed in a suitcase so I can feel confident and comfortable wherever I go. 

Reason #5: I’m Not a Fan of Public Transport 🚌

Even back home in Malaysia, I’m not really into using public transportation, especially buses. I either drive, take a Grab (similar to Uber), or occasionally use trains. That means when it comes to getting around during my travels, hopping on a bus is a total no-no in my book. 

Sure, public transportation is cheaper, but I value comfort and convenience more. If spending a little extra means a smoother and more enjoyable journey, I’m all for it.

Reason #6: I Love Staying in Nice Hotels 🏨

In my early travel days, I stayed in hostels to save money. It was fun back then—I met interesting people and made great memories. As I’ve grown older, my preferences have changed.

I love my privacy and personal space, and I prefer staying in comfortable 4-5 star hotels. I don’t feel the need to constantly socialize and mingle with others during my trips. If I happen to meet someone interesting along the way, great! If not, I’m perfectly content enjoying my journey on my own.

I also enjoy treating myself to a luxury stay for the last couple of nights of my trip as a way to unwind before heading home.

Reason #7: I’m All About Good Food 🍽️

A lot of backpackers I’ve met choose to save money on food—sometimes by eating instant noodles or super cheap meals every day. Okay, nothing’s wrong with that. Whatever works for them, but for me, food is a huge part of my travel experience.

I love exploring local restaurants and trying authentic dishes. I don’t believe in bringing food from home just to save money. I also avoid street food in certain places because I have a sensitive stomach. Prioritizing my health while traveling is important, and I’d rather spend a little extra to enjoy quality meals without worrying about food poisoning.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my top 7 reasons why backpacking isn’t my thing. Some people assume I’m a backpacker, but honestly, I don’t really fancy it. I like to do things my own way when I explore the world, which, based on what I’ve mentioned above, obviously is not the same as backpacking.

After all, travelling is a personal journey, and we all have our own preferences and ways of doing things. Let’s break free from generalizations and stop assuming that everyone travels the same way. It can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with the term and the many different ways people go on their adventures.

There’s no right or wrong way to travel. It’s all about finding what makes you happy and brings you joy. Whether you enjoy the comforts of a fancy hotel or the excitement of camping under the stars, the beauty of travel lies in the freedom to choose what suits you best.

 

X, Hani. ❤