One word for backpacking: adventure. Backpacking essentially means a form of travelling which is low cost, independent with no fixed itinerary and 'sight-seeing' is definitely not something that is top on the priority list. And right now things couldn't look better for backpackers. A trend that seems to be growing tremendously among the young just as well as the old, backpacking with its flexibility has many takers with the kind of freedom that it allows. What is even more, companies have taken to providing backpacking trips around the globe. Bet you think that that would completely take away from the whole essence of the idea, Yogesh shah who owns India’s first back packing company, The Backpacker Co says, “We are not escorts by any means. And we definitely do not provide guided trips. What we do provide backpackers is a better planning of their trips – whether it be the best times to visit a place, or providing the best of events that happens. Some people would go backpacking to Germany in October thinking that the October beer festival happens then! That’s where we come in and provide consultation to backpackers with individualised trips.”
The company has a team of experienced backpackers that guides you and answer all your queries and see to it that stepping into the world of backpacking goes off without a hitch. “Passion for Travel is the sole cause for setting up this adventurous venture for their friends and like-minded people to enjoy, whether traveling solo or in groups. If you’re only looking at budget travel, rest assured there are lovely hotels as good as a 3 star hotel in India that comes for just 20 Euros!” adds Yogesh. All the trips are based on what is called the ‘Go-Go model’ where the bus networks are ‘Hop On Hop Off’. You can get off anywhere on the drop off points and get on whenever you want to move on. You can even change the plan whilst on your trip with no additional costs. The food and accommodation are not restricted to a pre-decided itinerary.
With budget independent travel on the rise, companies like Lee Cooper have actually launched the first official Lee Cooper Backpacking Expedition whereby you can backpack and discover the sights and sounds of Europe. “We have always had a long-standing association with sports and adventure. This is the first-of-its kind activity that will finally culminate into the formation of the Lee Cooper Backpackers Club – A Clan of Lee Cooper loyalists and backpacking enthusiasts,” says Ameet Paschal, CEO Lee Cooper (India) Pvt. Ltd. This is in tandem with the celebration of their Centenary year. The trip will be spread across 2 weeks, starting with Nice and ending in London. The itinerary includes London and Paris, running with bulls in Pamplona, the Bread and Butter festival in Barcelona, the San Sebastian beaches, and Cannes. “This experience will take the backpackers and their clan, who form an integral part of the Lee Cooper audience, closer to the roots of the brand. We are focused at creating key “Passion Groups” around 3 basic tenets: Music, Sports & Fashion. These “Passion Groups” will be instrumental in creating the clan,” Ameet adds.
The thrill one experiences while travelling is unparalleled. And with backpacking you can actually experience the ‘real’ thing – see the local sights, taste the local cuisine, make use of the local transport, in short experience the place as the locals do. Vaishali, an IT Programme Manager for Bharti who is an avid backpacker and has recently backpacked in Europe through the company says,“ Backpacking gives you the kind of experience that kind of satiates your need for freedom. I don’t mind living in a tent as long as I get to experience the wonderful trips that I’ve been. I’m on my own; my timetable is flexible according to my whims. Earlier when I backpacked it was a tad worrisome but with the backpacker’s co, it’s a good way to travel. They co-ordinate your travel, they’re trained, packed with information and yet you are essentially still on your own. It’s not like they baby-sit you.”
Currently most systemised backpacking trips are outbound owing to the lack of infrastructure to provide security in the country. The places you can visit include Europe during May to October and Australia and New Zealand post October. If backpacking is not for you, then try the experience trip. From a cooking trail in Tuscany, cycling in the south of France to following a single malt trail. You could even just rent out a small villa, which is nothing opulent, and experience living with locals.
Young or old, as long as you’re in search of adventure, experience and a community of like minded travellers who want to see beyond the usual and experience the 'real' thing, grab that backpack and get on.
The company has a team of experienced backpackers that guides you and answer all your queries and see to it that stepping into the world of backpacking goes off without a hitch. “Passion for Travel is the sole cause for setting up this adventurous venture for their friends and like-minded people to enjoy, whether traveling solo or in groups. If you’re only looking at budget travel, rest assured there are lovely hotels as good as a 3 star hotel in India that comes for just 20 Euros!” adds Yogesh. All the trips are based on what is called the ‘Go-Go model’ where the bus networks are ‘Hop On Hop Off’. You can get off anywhere on the drop off points and get on whenever you want to move on. You can even change the plan whilst on your trip with no additional costs. The food and accommodation are not restricted to a pre-decided itinerary.
With budget independent travel on the rise, companies like Lee Cooper have actually launched the first official Lee Cooper Backpacking Expedition whereby you can backpack and discover the sights and sounds of Europe. “We have always had a long-standing association with sports and adventure. This is the first-of-its kind activity that will finally culminate into the formation of the Lee Cooper Backpackers Club – A Clan of Lee Cooper loyalists and backpacking enthusiasts,” says Ameet Paschal, CEO Lee Cooper (India) Pvt. Ltd. This is in tandem with the celebration of their Centenary year. The trip will be spread across 2 weeks, starting with Nice and ending in London. The itinerary includes London and Paris, running with bulls in Pamplona, the Bread and Butter festival in Barcelona, the San Sebastian beaches, and Cannes. “This experience will take the backpackers and their clan, who form an integral part of the Lee Cooper audience, closer to the roots of the brand. We are focused at creating key “Passion Groups” around 3 basic tenets: Music, Sports & Fashion. These “Passion Groups” will be instrumental in creating the clan,” Ameet adds.
The thrill one experiences while travelling is unparalleled. And with backpacking you can actually experience the ‘real’ thing – see the local sights, taste the local cuisine, make use of the local transport, in short experience the place as the locals do. Vaishali, an IT Programme Manager for Bharti who is an avid backpacker and has recently backpacked in Europe through the company says,“ Backpacking gives you the kind of experience that kind of satiates your need for freedom. I don’t mind living in a tent as long as I get to experience the wonderful trips that I’ve been. I’m on my own; my timetable is flexible according to my whims. Earlier when I backpacked it was a tad worrisome but with the backpacker’s co, it’s a good way to travel. They co-ordinate your travel, they’re trained, packed with information and yet you are essentially still on your own. It’s not like they baby-sit you.”
Currently most systemised backpacking trips are outbound owing to the lack of infrastructure to provide security in the country. The places you can visit include Europe during May to October and Australia and New Zealand post October. If backpacking is not for you, then try the experience trip. From a cooking trail in Tuscany, cycling in the south of France to following a single malt trail. You could even just rent out a small villa, which is nothing opulent, and experience living with locals.
Young or old, as long as you’re in search of adventure, experience and a community of like minded travellers who want to see beyond the usual and experience the 'real' thing, grab that backpack and get on.
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