best of both worlds

It’s fair to say that there’s some element of judgement, not to say snobbery, between those who go 'on holiday' and backpackers.

Trekking with a rucksack you tend to become rather dismissive of tourists – failing to see that staying in a hostel rather than a hotel does little to diminish your tourist status. Similarly, trying to relax on a well-earned two-week break, it’s too easy to cast derision on rowdy backpackers disturbing the peace on beaches with tales of countries they’ve ‘done’.

It probably all stems from jealousy. Carrying everything with you and forever-memorising train and bus timetables, there are moments when nothing seems so appealing as a wheeled suitcase and air-con hotel bus. Likewise, when time away is limited, watching carefree, flip-flopped travellers idly discussing where they might head to next feels like an absolute wind up.

Speaking as someone who’s experienced both, I know these prejudices exist. I also know that whichever way you choose to travel the lure of the open road, versus the comfy hotel bed never really leaves you.

My first experience of a 'proper' holiday was, initially, bliss. No need to sleep with passport, money and travel insurance documents strapped to my belly – I had a room with a safe in it. No need to pour over Lonely Planet guides to find the cheapest place to eat – the hotel ‘gave’ me food twice a day. Best of all, no need to yearn for freshly laundered clothes – I’d over packed a suitcase with enough to change outfits twice a day.

But. It didn’t take long before wondering if the dusty travellers in market place cafés were having a better time, that they knew things about local sites I’d never have a chance to explore. Sitting by the pool with a book actually become boring and the only 'challenge' each day was ensuring an even tan.

The next holiday seemed like the perfect opportunity to return to my backpacking roots. However, the wanderlust novelty faded as fast as the first cockroach I saw scuttling into the gloom of a communal shower room. Once you’ve experienced both ways of travelling, neither seems fully satisfying. So, this led me to re-invent my idea of holidays.

Last year I booked a cheap package trip. The first few days were happily spent lounging by the pool. Having been told by reps that local buses were 'too dangerous' I befriended the concierge who directed me to the nearest bus station. When doing nothing got boring, I simply packed a shoulder bag and escaped the marbled, air-con comforts of the hotel. My 24 hour stint roughing it in a nearby town, that I knew had enough itinerants, hostels and bars to justify a Rough Guide entry was perfect.

I’ve yet to come up with a name for this vacation method; suit-packing doesn’t quite fit, nor does travel-ist’ But, at least, I’ve finally discovered how to, quite literally, experience the best of both worlds.

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