Hi Sonia great subject for your dissertation, just came across your message i'm a postgraduate in cultural tourism at the university in UK orginally form China,
To answer your questions
although because of visa regulations i do have to book accomodation in advance i like sense of freedom that backpacking allows me. Also planning for a trip myself is something i enjoy . I use a range of transport although i try to use trains it is easier and faster. i normally use hostels from this site its geat because you can easily check the location and ratings and others opinion section helps make decisons.
For me backpacking is both an economic factor, but budget travel is also something i enjoy, its difficult to meet with local people as i normally travel in Europe and interact with other backpackers.
Have you read the new academic backpacking book, called Backpacker Tourism its edited by my professor and it is definatley useful for you have a look for it on amazon. Good Luck with your dissertation.
Ps I go to Milan tomorrow
Xu lijing
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