experimental travel

This is probably the silliest thing I’ve read on Lonely Planet. And guess what? I might actually give it a try.

Hypothesis

Enjoy all the benefits and experiences of a backpacking holiday without leaving home.

Apparatus

A backpackers hostel, a guidebook and/or map, a backpacking outfit (eg socks and sandals, thermal jacket, beaded necklaces from Bali, a camera).

Method

Ask a friend to drop you at the airport. From there, catch the cheapest form of transport back into town, then make your way to a backpacking hostel of your choice and check in. Spend your time eating backpacker meals (pizza, falafel, takeaway curry) and doing backpacker activities with other backpackers - sightseeing, beer drinking, surfing the Net in Internet cafés, having meaningful discussions and even romantic liaisons with fun and attractive people you've just met. Watch your budget, and be sure to take photographs of yourself with your new friends. When you've had enough, make your way back to the airport and ask someone to collect you to take you back home.

Read about the results of Backpacking at Home here. Other experimental travels are here.