Backpackende Nederlandse jongeren: Een kwalitatieve studie naar de motivaties en ervaringen van Nederlandse jonge backpackers en de betekenis van backpacken als onderdeel van het volwassenwordingsproces van Nederlandse jongeren

Abstract

Backpacking, a form of cheap travelling across the globe with a backpack, has become a popular trend among Dutch young people. The main objective of this qualitative empirical study was to examine motivations of Dutch backpackers and how they look back to their travels in the context of their psychological development. In this study, 14 young people between the ages of 18 and 30 who made a backpack trip of at least 3 months, were interviewed. Making an independent backpack trip seems to be the ‘perfect’ experience to escape for a while from having responsibilities and to go on an adventure to the other side of the world. Main motivations for these young people are: 'experiencing independence', 'relaxing' and 'discovering other cultures'. From the results it can be concluded that backpacking can be seen as a ritual, a rite-of-passage, for these young people in their search to get prepared for their adult roles. However, it also seems to be a ritual that happens unintendedly and unconsciously. The latent function of such trips is to proof readiness for the adult life. Although young people aim to travel independently, parents still play an important role during their trips.