Middle-aged and relatively affluent travellers are increasingly choosing to book into budget accommodation rather than seek lodgings in 'fancy hotels' it has been reported.
While youth hostels have traditionally been associated with gap year travellers or backpackers, they are now the accommodation option of choice for 'flashpackers' who prefer to spend their money on good food and gadgets, CNN has revealed.
According to the broadcaster's report, this demographic is usually over the age of 35 and chooses to stay in cheap accommodation for lifestyle rather than economic reasons.
Furthermore, this trend is being boosted by people still keen to take out travel insurance and get away but who need to tighten their belts in other areas as a result of the current economic climate.
"If I'm travelling by myself, there's no reason to splurge," one 49-year-old hosteller told CNN.
"That $40 or $50 [I save on lodging] goes to food, beer and ski-lift tickets."
This comes soon after the US-based Only The Lightest Camping Equipment highlighted the benefits of doing away with the luxuries and travelling light.
Going, going, gone. Downunder for
cheap travel insurance.
