Our STA Explorer Malph, (Mankini on a Mission) isn’t all about hi-vis lycra swimwear designed for the more out-going gentlemen. As a member of our fold we asked him his thoughts on how things have changed in the world of backpacking, and since he’s a well travelled and willing sort his response on back-packing in 2009 is exactly what we were hoping for.

“It maybe surprising to some that in the three years since I last decided to grab my backpack and head to pastures new that the way people travel has changed significantly. There are the obvious changes in technology that keeps everyone up to date with your latest adventures, but there are subtler changes too in terms of the kind of people you meet, where they are from and which countries they are going to.”

His post goes into detail under the sub-headings of ‘what’s changed’, ‘still true in travelling today’ and ‘the backpacking of tomorrow – the next 30 years’. Each is insightful and well written, plus, as I’m sure some of his fellow STA Explorers will concur, evident in the day-to-day of travel.

There is also a brilliant quote from Jon Krakauer’s book Into the Wild – I can’t speak of the book (must read more), but I have seen the film adaptation and it is a splendid piece of work telling a superb story – which Malph feels captures the mind-set of the back-packer. It is well worth a philosophical moment of your time.

I recommend heading to the post instantly if you haven’t already. And all that remains is to find a suitable picture to accompany this post and thank Malph for his thoughts – thank you Malph!