{"id":120183,"date":"2019-07-23T15:10:33","date_gmt":"2019-07-23T15:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=120183"},"modified":"2026-09-17T00:23:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T00:23:06","slug":"how-backpacking-has-changed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/how-backpacking-has-changed\/","title":{"rendered":"20 years of travelling – how backpacking has changed"},"content":{"rendered":"

All this talk about our 20th<\/sup> birthday has made us feel a bit nostalgic. We\u2019re thinking back to a simpler time, when the Backstreet Boys ruled the charts, we were all rocking chokers and dodgy denim, and our first wave of intrepid hostel travellers were booking their beds and setting off on the adventures that changed their lives \u2013 and ours!<\/p>\n

As we look back from the wise old age of twenty, it\u2019s clear that the backpacking game has transformed over the last two decades. Gone are the days of paper maps and internet cafes \u2013 from the places we\u2019re exploring, to the kit in our backpacks, meeting the world in 2019 is a whole different ball game. If you\u2019re wondering how backpacking has changed since we came on the scene, get ready for a major travel throwback!<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@leio<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, and one more thing. We\u2019re not the type to make a fuss or go on about our birthday or anything\u2026 but if you\u2019re stuck on what to get us, we\u2019d be happy just seeing your face at The World\u2019s Biggest Hostel Party.<\/a> You\u2019ll find us at 20 hostels worldwide throughout August, where you can expect fun themes, crazy challenges and free drinks \u2013 what are you waiting for?<\/p>\n

Where were we travelling in 1999? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Back when we were just starting out, the historic cities, picturesque green scenery and bargain nightlife of Europe were top of our backpacker\u2019s lists. This hasn\u2019t changed \u2013 Europe is still our most visited region \u2013 but cities like Dubrovnik and Budapest are no longer \u2018off the beaten track\u2019 and beer isn\u2019t cheaper than water in Prague anymore.<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7@anthonydelanoix<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The landscape of the Balkans, Europe\u2019s current coolest corner, looks totally different to what it did 20 years ago too. The former Yugoslavian nations of Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo still formed one country, as the latter didn\u2019t gain their independence until 2006 and 2008. Due to the Balkan War that devastated the region throughout the 90s, this area was rarely visited by our first wave of hostellers. Nowadays though, the Balkans are safe and thriving \u2013 they\u2019re a dream for backpackers who are eager to discover the fairytale-like countryside of Slovenia, beautiful beaches of Croatia, wild parties of Serbia and Bulgaria and vampire legends of Romania.<\/p>\n

Over in Asia, Myanmar opened its doors to the world in 2011, and backpackers slowly began to discover its immaculate temples and hot-air balloon filled skylines. Changes to Sri Lanka\u2019s tourism act in the mid 2000s saw the tiny teardrop-shaped island turn from an under-the-radar choice to one of the top backpacking destinations on earth. We can\u2019t believe we were missing out on those epic surfing beaches, flavoursome curries and incredible wildlife experiences for so long!<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7 @danielklein<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

And these weren\u2019t the only hotspots that were off-limits to most travellers in 1999. \u00a0You probably would\u2019ve been met with gasps of shock horror if you announced 20 years ago that you were headed to Iran on your gap year, and while it\u2019s still likely to make your Nan worry, it\u2019s one of the most exciting and inviting countries for backpackers to visit in 2019. Unless you don\u2019t like colourful mosques, bustling bazaars, traditional tearooms and welcoming locals that is! And while you might have struggled finding somewhere to stay back then, we now have over 80 hostels in Iran<\/a> to create your perfect Persian adventure!<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@morteza_fsh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Similarly, in 1999 Colombia had a reputation as a dangerous, no-go country – something it\u2019s worked hard to shed and make its way to the top of the travel bucket list. Nowadays the chilled vibes of Medellin, quirky colourful houses of Guatap\u00e9 and pristine beaches of the Caribbean coastline are taking over our Pinterest boards and Insta feeds. In fact, Colombia now has so many hostels that it\u2019s outnumbered only by backpacker originals Thailand and Vietnam – something we never would have predicted in 1999 \u2013 and the standard is outrageously good. Just look at Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs<\/a>. It\u2019s got a private beach, outdoor pool, tropical beach bar and luxurious eco habs, and it\u2019s hosting a Sk8ter themed shindig for The World\u2019s Biggest Hostel Party<\/a> on August 4th<\/sup>!<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7 Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs<\/em><\/p>\n

How were we travelling in 1999? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s hard to imagine a time before there was an app for literally everything, a time when we had to think of solutions instead of letting our phones deal with everything *shudders*. Thankfully those dark days are far behind us, but our first generation of adventurers were truly venturing out alone!<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@airguitarbandit<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For starters, there was no Google Maps to navigate on the other side of the world, so they had to rely on a trusty paper map \u2013 awkwardly folding out one of these in the street is the fastest way to label yourself a tourist! And this wasn\u2019t the only extra they had to cram in their backpacks. Hefty guidebooks took up a big chunk of space, but back when there were no inspirational travel bloggers these were a backpacker\u2019s best mate. No smart phones meant that all travel hook-ups happened the old-fashioned way, and there were no handy translation apps to quickly clear up embarrassing communication errors. But the biggest stress was trying to contact home in a pre-Whatsapp world \u2013 instant messaging was a futuristic dream, so a 5 page email sent from a dodgy dial up connection in an internet caf\u00e9, or a pricey pay as you go phone call every few weeks were the only ways to update your family on your adventures.<\/p>\n

There was no chance of causing envy with your travel snaps either. The word \u2018selfie\u2019 wasn\u2019t even invented yet, and you only had one chance to get that killer shot. Film is expensive, and with no way of seeing your shot until you got home and had them developed, you just had to hope for the best \u2013 no flicking through hundreds of pictures of the Bali swing in your camera roll! But with no Insta or Facebook feeds to show off our travel galleries, this wasn\u2019t even on our radar. Not to mention that without social media it was virtually impossible to stay in touch with all your new travel friends. And influencers?! Pfft, the most influential thing back then was the third-hand stories from friends of friends who knew the coolest underground bars in Berlin.<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@chrislawton<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Without trusty travel cards, you practically had to be an accountant to work out all the different currencies you needed for a backpacking trip. Interrailing around a pre-Euro Europe in the days before Monzo was a mathematical nightmare! And combine that with the fact we weren\u2019t around yet to help you find incredible hostels, authentic experiences and amazing deals\u2026 travellers of the 90s, we take our backpacks off to you!<\/p>\n

Where were we staying in 1999?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Today, our ever-expanding global fam consists of 16,500 hostels in 179 countries (our Christmas card list is out of control), but back when we started out our list of properties was in double figures. And it was none other than Avalon House<\/a> in our hometown of Dublin who joined us first \u2013 thanks for the leap of faith guys! They\u2019re still with us today, providing affordable accommodation in the heart of the city, plus a free buffet breakfast, lively games lounge and on-site cinema room with a giant 65\u201d screen!<\/p>\n

In fact, several of our faves have been with us since the early days. The insane parties and rooftop BBQs at Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona<\/a> are still going strong after two decades, and The Yellow<\/a> hasn\u2019t ever stopped supplying an army of backpackers with the cheapest drinks in Rome (with a nightly capacity of 350+, that\u2019s a whole lot of shots!) Over in Amsterdam you\u2019ve still got a lot of love for Flying Pig Downtown<\/a>, and with its unbeatable city centre location, buzzing DJ nights and awesome freebies like walking tours, we can\u2019t say we\u2019re surprised. London is a city travellers will never tire of, and the same can be said for St Christopher\u2019s Village<\/a>\u2019s epic skyline views, cosy capsule beds and legendary burgers. And the warm, family vibes of Hostel Ruthensteiner<\/a> in Vienna have been welcoming travellers for twenty years too \u2013 because who wouldn\u2019t love to jam in their music room while sipping a beer from their very own microbrewery?<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7 Kabul Party Hostel, Barcelona<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s no secret that hostels have always been the love of our life, but we have to admit that 1999\u2019s hostel game had nothing on the dreamy dorms of today. While our 90s tribe were happy with a cheap roof over their heads, with so many out-of-this-world properties to choose from today our 2019 travellers prefer something a bit more Insta-proof. And when infinity pools, sunny roof terraces and colourful artwork are par for the course, this isn\u2019t hard to find! Nowadays we can live the Californian dream at a beachfront hippy haven\u00a0straight out of the 60’s at USA Hostels Ocean Beach<\/a>, act fancy AF at a traditional Moroccan riad<\/a> with a beautiful pool or gaze over the Montreal skyline from a rooftop hot tub at M Montreal <\/a>without breaking our budget. Seriously, has there ever been a better time to pick up that backpack?!<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

Rodamon Riad Marrakech<\/em> \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@dontmesswithreceptionist<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Are you an old school backpacker who misses the good old days? Or a first-timer who wouldn\u2019t go anywhere without your legion of trusty travel apps? Let us know about your adventures in the comments below!<\/p>\n

P.S, if you love hostels, fancy dress and surprises, then don\u2019t forget to join us at The World\u2019s Biggest Hostel Party<\/a>. Find out where we\u2019ll be below, or join in the fun on our Instagram page<\/a> throughout August. Here\u2019s to another 20 years of meeting the world!<\/p>\n

\u2b07\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f<\/p>\n

August 1st<\/sup> \u2013 1999 \u2013 Party like it\u2019s 1999 \u2013 Christopher\u2019s Berlin Mitte<\/a>\u00a0– Berlin, Germany\u00a0\ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/p>\n

August 2nd<\/sup> \u2013 2000 \u2013 Millennium Party \u2013 USA Hostels Ocean Beach<\/a>\u00a0– San Diego, USA\u00a0\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n

August 3rd<\/sup> \u2013 2001 \u2013 Double Denim Party \u2013 Selina Cancun Downtown<\/a>\u00a0– Cancun, Mexico\u00a0\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfd<\/p>\n

August 4th<\/sup> \u2013 2002 \u2013 Sk8ter Party \u2013 Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs<\/a>\u00a0– Tayrona National Park, Colombia\u00a0\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf4<\/p>\n

August 5th<\/sup> \u2013 2003 \u2013 Under the Sea Party \u2013 Lub D Phuket<\/a>\u00a0– Phuket, Thailand\u00a0\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\udded<\/p>\n

August 6th<\/sup> – 2004 \u2013 Funky Gym Party \u2013 Unite Barcelona<\/a>\u00a0– Barcelona, Spain\u00a0\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n

August 7th<\/sup> \u2013 2005 \u2013 Jungle Party \u2013 M Montreal Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Montreal, Canada\u00a0\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6<\/p>\n

August 8th<\/sup> \u20132006 – Farewell Pluto Party \u2013 White Rabbit Hostel Siem Reap<\/a>\u00a0– Siem Reap, Cambodia\u00a0\ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\udded<\/p>\n

August 9th<\/sup> \u2013 2007 \u2013 Pirate Party \u2013 Wake Up! Sydney<\/a>\u00a0– Sydney, Australia\u00a0\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa<\/p>\n

August 10th<\/sup> \u2013 2008 \u2013 Lost Temple Party \u2013 JO&JOE Paris – Gentilly<\/a>\u00a0– Paris, France\u00a0\ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7<\/p>\n

August 11th<\/sup> \u2013 2009 \u2013 Vampire Party \u2013 Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv<\/a>\u00a0– Tel Aviv, Israel\u00a0\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf1<\/p>\n

August 12th<\/sup> \u2013 2010 \u2013 Greek Myths Party \u2013 Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Ubud, Indonesia\u00a0\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\udde9<\/p>\n

August 13th<\/sup> \u2013 2011 \u2013 Witches and Wizards Party \u2013 Wild Rover Hostel Cusco<\/a>\u00a0– Cusco, Peru\u00a0\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddea<\/p>\n

August 14th<\/sup> \u2013 2012 \u2013 Superhero Party \u2013 Rodamon Riad Marrakech Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Marrakech, Morocco\u00a0\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\udde6<\/p>\n

August 15th<\/sup> \u2013 2013 \u2013 Festival Party – JUNGLE by thehostelcrowd<\/a>\u00a0– Goa, India\u00a0\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3<\/p>\n

August 16th<\/sup> \u2013 2014 \u2013 Emoji Party – Wombat\u2019s City Hostel Venice Mestre<\/a>\u00a0– Venice, Italy\u00a0\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<\/p>\n

August 17th<\/sup> \u2013 2015 – #MeetTheWorld Party \u2013 Emblem Hostel Nishiarai<\/a>– Tokyo, Japan\u00a0\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5<\/p>\n

August 18th<\/sup> \u2013 2017 \u2013 Unicorn Party \u2013 O De Casa Hostel Bar<\/a>\u00a0– S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil –\u00a0\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddf7<\/p>\n

August 19th<\/sup> \u2013 2018 \u2013 Superstar Party \u2013 The Independente Hostel & Suites<\/a>\u00a0– Lisbon, Portugal\u00a0\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf9<\/p>\n

August 20th<\/sup> \u2013 2019 \u2013 Birthday Party \u2013 Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage<\/a>\u00a0– London, UK\u00a0\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":136417,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"hw_related":"[{\"id\":121345,\"score\":0.693400000000000016342482922482304275035858154296875,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":105375,\"score\":0.6492999999999999882760448599583469331264495849609375,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":21338,\"score\":0.67840000000000000301980662698042578995227813720703125,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":119234,\"score\":0.66800000000000003819167204710538499057292938232421875,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":121440,\"score\":0.6592999999999999971578290569595992565155029296875,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":7033,\"score\":0.63980000000000003534950110406498424708843231201171875,\"hook\":\"\"}]","footnotes":""},"categories":[9473],"tags":[264373,264335],"class_list":["post-120183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-backpacking","tag-travel-guides","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"\nHow backpacking has changed: a throwback to 1999 - Hostelworld<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering how backpacking has changed? Get ready for a major travel throwback! 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