26 x typical statements from backpackers in 2022

Don't ask me why, but I don't understand how people can enjoy backpacking. Perhaps it's due to my lack of experience and I would probably find it fantastic to explore the world on my own with a gigantic bag. Still, I fear that backpacking is not meant for me. I can't really handle just seeing where I end up. Instead, I prefer to plan everything in advance and I still like to take a suitcase with me on my travels. But why do I have the feeling that backpacking is not fun at all? Maybe because I think that backpackers are often fleeing from reality? Or because many people, in my opinion, are mostly pretending to go off-grid, but actually share more than ever with the outside world through online channels. Ah, everyone should just do what feels right.

1. ‘In Southeast Asia, I really found myself again.’

2. ‘I only hang out with locals.’

3.  ‘After this, I'm going to Chiang Mai.’

4. ‘What is the wifi password here?’

5. ‘I don't think I'll ever work again.’

6. ‘I'm going to take a cooking class tomorrow.’

7. ‘I'm learning the language so I can stay forever.’

8. ‘Every morning I have breakfast here with a smoothie bowl.’

9. ‘Tonight is the colorful evening in our hostel.’

10. ‘You don't need anything here to be happy.’

11. ‘The locals really have a completely different mentality here.’

12. ‘I'm going to look for a coworking space.’

13. ‘I'm going to get my first tattoo in Bali.’

14. ‘In the morning, I start my day with a long meditation session.‘

15. ‘I feel like I'm finally healing.’

16. ‘Just go for that avocado toast.’

17. ‘Tomorrow we're going to visit the oldest tribe in the village.’

18.  ‘I've really made friends for life here.’

19.  ‘Canggu is really not what it used to be because of all those tourists.’

20.  ‘When I'm home, I'm definitely going to keep ordering those smoothie bowls.’

21.  ‘I still have tips for you, the real undiscovered spots.’

22.  ‘In the Netherlands, you get so caught up in life, right? Here, people at least enjoy life.’

23.  ‘Did you bring a suitcase? Oh no, my whole life is really in this backpack.’

24.  ‘That digital nomad life is really meant for me.’

25.  ‘Are you staying in Seminyak? It's quite a nice place, but I personally prefer something less touristy.’

26. ‘When I come back, I'm really going to fill my life differently.’

PS. Daniel Arends at least understands what I mean.