The first question on many travelers’ lips may well be: What is flashpacking? Who are these mysterious flashpackers?
Flashpacking is really just a (new-ish) term used to describe a fairly old way of traveling.
Many flashpackers are actually just the growing number of ‘techno-travelers’ out there. They’ve got iPods and digital cameras. They’re traveling with their laptops. They want to blog and broadcast live video streams of their travel experiences, so they need free WiFi at their hostel.
While technology is a key element of flashpacking, though, it’s not the whole picture, by any means. A flashpacker is essentially just the usual backpacker or independent traveler, looking for something a bit more upmarket from their digs.
They want all the flexibility of the independent traveler – the unfixed itinerary which allows you to think on your feet and go wherever the fancy takes you – yet they also want (just a little!) of the look and feel of a boutique hotel.
But they don’t want your standard budget hotel: rather, they’re after the advantages of a good, old-fashioned cheap hostel, with just a bit more, well, luxury.
And even the most hardcore backpackers among us can do with a bit of luxury from time to time…
Via: HostelBookers
Flashpacker Travel - SocialiteTravel.com
Six of the World’s Finest Flashpacking Hostels:
1. The Boutique Hostel:
Daddy Long Legs, Cape Town, South Africa
Every room in this self-styled ‘Independent Travelers’ Hotel’ has been designed by a different local artist. Perfect for traveling couples looking for something a bit different, the Daddy Long Legs is inspiring, challenging and exciting in equal measures.
Daddy Long Legs, Cape Town, South Africa
Every room in this self-styled ‘Independent Travelers’ Hotel’ has been designed by a different local artist. Perfect for traveling couples looking for something a bit different, the Daddy Long Legs is inspiring, challenging and exciting in equal measures.
2. The Hi-Tech Hostel:
Baxpax Downtown Hostel Hotel, Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Baxpax and state of the art just seem to go together so effortlessly. Its bright colored bedrooms, hip, ultramodern feel and a consideration for all of the needs of the modern backpacker mark Baxpax out as a techno-traveler’s dream.
Among the gadgets, gizmos and funky facilities there’s internet (of course), big-screen movies and sports screenings, and a lavish roof terrace with a dipping pool and a sauna. Baxpax isn’t so much a hostel as a sort of lavish, futuristic backpacking dream.
Baxpax Downtown Hostel Hotel, Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Baxpax and state of the art just seem to go together so effortlessly. Its bright colored bedrooms, hip, ultramodern feel and a consideration for all of the needs of the modern backpacker mark Baxpax out as a techno-traveler’s dream.
Among the gadgets, gizmos and funky facilities there’s internet (of course), big-screen movies and sports screenings, and a lavish roof terrace with a dipping pool and a sauna. Baxpax isn’t so much a hostel as a sort of lavish, futuristic backpacking dream.
3. The Romantic Getaway Hostel:
Animal Farm, Afalst, Netherlands
Don’t let the Orwellian name put you off: Animal Farm is warm, comfortable and perfect for a romantic retreat. It’s got all the facilities you could possibly need (internet, big screen cinema), along with its cozy rooms and camp fire!
There’s a pleasingly homemade feel to its design and atmosphere so you’ll feel perfectly at home tucking up in front of the fire with a good book. And the best thing? With beds starting at 12 Euros a night, this is real champagne accommodation on a beer budget!
Animal Farm, Afalst, Netherlands
Don’t let the Orwellian name put you off: Animal Farm is warm, comfortable and perfect for a romantic retreat. It’s got all the facilities you could possibly need (internet, big screen cinema), along with its cozy rooms and camp fire!
There’s a pleasingly homemade feel to its design and atmosphere so you’ll feel perfectly at home tucking up in front of the fire with a good book. And the best thing? With beds starting at 12 Euros a night, this is real champagne accommodation on a beer budget!
4. The Eco Hostel:
Cel – (Centre Ecologic Ilemena) Hostel, Girona, Spain
Away from the unceasing activity of Barcelona, rural Catalunya is absolutely stunning. Also just a stone’s throw from Gerona, ecotravelers and the environmentally-minded will definitely be interested in the perma-cultural experiments going on at this hostelling Eden.
The hiking in the surrounding area is absolutely fantastic, and after a hard day in the great outdoors, lush bedrooms and delicious, home cooked organic meals await.
Cel – (Centre Ecologic Ilemena) Hostel, Girona, Spain
Away from the unceasing activity of Barcelona, rural Catalunya is absolutely stunning. Also just a stone’s throw from Gerona, ecotravelers and the environmentally-minded will definitely be interested in the perma-cultural experiments going on at this hostelling Eden.
The hiking in the surrounding area is absolutely fantastic, and after a hard day in the great outdoors, lush bedrooms and delicious, home cooked organic meals await.
5. The Cruise Ship Hostel:
Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
Fancy spending a night on a cruise ship but without any of the seasickness and terrible entertainment? Then the Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel is just the place. Naturally, being in Stockholm, there’s hardly a cheesy, cabaret-style club in sight, just cutting edge design and über-cool nightlife.
A fantastic boat hostel, the Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel is a genuine one-off. Its luxurious top deck bar boasts views across Lake Mälaren while, below deck, cozy cabins with free WiFi make it almost as self-contained as being at sea!
Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
Fancy spending a night on a cruise ship but without any of the seasickness and terrible entertainment? Then the Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel is just the place. Naturally, being in Stockholm, there’s hardly a cheesy, cabaret-style club in sight, just cutting edge design and über-cool nightlife.
A fantastic boat hostel, the Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel is a genuine one-off. Its luxurious top deck bar boasts views across Lake Mälaren while, below deck, cozy cabins with free WiFi make it almost as self-contained as being at sea!
6. The Luxury Spa Hostel:
Tsuruya Ryokan, Kinosaki Spa Resort, Japan
Japan may not be the cheapest travel destination in the world, but what it does so well is peace, calm, more than just a little luxury… And wonderfully relaxing hot springs!
With its Japanese-style rooms, fusing traditional architecture with an achingly chic, modernist feel, the Tsuruya Ryokan guesthouse is one of the very flashest of flashpacking hostels. Then there are the hot springs and the nearby temples to explore… Hostelling really doesn’t get much better than this.
Tsuruya Ryokan, Kinosaki Spa Resort, Japan
Japan may not be the cheapest travel destination in the world, but what it does so well is peace, calm, more than just a little luxury… And wonderfully relaxing hot springs!
With its Japanese-style rooms, fusing traditional architecture with an achingly chic, modernist feel, the Tsuruya Ryokan guesthouse is one of the very flashest of flashpacking hostels. Then there are the hot springs and the nearby temples to explore… Hostelling really doesn’t get much better than this.
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1 comment:
i think i need to go here.... um yea
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