Why is the world sick of Begpackers?
Begpacking is a travel trend that is currently running the race of being one of the worst travel trends. May be of all time. But let’s understand what begpacking is.
Begpacking is basically Tourists fund their trips by asking for change or selling goods upon arrival at their destination, and this is becoming more common. But is it okay to ask other people to fund your vacation?
This thought that you can travel the world for free, that you can rely solely on the kindness of strangers to fund your adventures and ensure your survival, It should be a shame according to a lot of people. However, some travelers wear it as a badge of honor. These are the “beggars,” the group of travelers who arrive at their destination with next to nothing, who plan to reach out not only to other travelers but also to locals to help them find their way around the world Find. Sounds hard to believe, isn’t it? This has been happening for a while now!
Many of these travelers start their GoFundMe and Kickstarter campaigns to fund their trips. They are even caught showering in homeless shelters and have used free food benefits meant for the homeless. This is the world of Begpacking. It seems to be more common in Southeast Asia, in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, although it can also be seen in South America. Western tourists come to these places penniless and simply take their chances by placing their faith the kindness of strangers.
Some prefer busking, playing musical instruments, or selling art, which people don’t usually have much of a problem with. At least they’re doing something. Others, on the other hand, just and wait on the streets. But what do the Begpackers think about the trend? According to these people, You don’t actually need a lot of money to travel. In fact, you hardly need anything. If you can achieve a goal, all it takes is a little creativity and you’re on your way. Help will come.
What is of course ignored are the people who help. From time to time these people can be locals who can take care of a lot without feeling guilty about giving to foreign beggars. More often it will be other travelers, the ones who took the time and effort to save up for a trip they paid for themselves. But the beggars boast of these achievements. They even advertise them. They spread the word to others and offer to teach them how to do the same.
Travel is truly one of the best things a person can do. It broadens horizons, fosters empathy with people of all races and cultures, and creates memories that last a lifetime. However, travel is a luxury and a privilege that only a fraction of the world’s population can afford. So, when Westerners “beg” on the streets of developing countries with all the privileges we have, it can leave a bitter taste amongst the locals.
Tourism is an important source of income in many countries. It must be done in a way that maximizes the benefits for local people and businesses. It’s just not okay to take advantage of strangers’ kindness to further our own selfish destinations.
The main problem with this is that no one from a Western country should be struggling to survive in the developing world. If you can afford the flights, you can stay home and save a little more to ensure you don’t have to rely on anyone else to fund your time in the sun.
Their sense of entitlement is impressive. Yes, there are travelers out there who are truly down on their luck and truly deserve a helping hand. the vast majority of beggars, those who make their journeys with the express intention of counting on the generosity of others to entertain themselves. It’s not a badge of honor.
