Ah, backpacking. Remember the time you successfully travelled across three South East Asian countries by bus alone? Or what about the year you traveled across South America or the time you starred in your own version of The Great Railway Bazaar in an inter-rail adventure from Europe to the Middle East. The roughed and rugged ways of backpacking might have satisfied your dreams of having a hitch hiking adventure in foreign lands, but let's face it: frequent backpacking can also be real tough, not to mention utterly uncomfortable in most cases! When you're not on the road using local means of transportation, you're off looking for a place to stay. More often than not, backpacking brings you to dingy pub hotels, rundown cottages without air-conditioning or wi-fi, or dormitories packed with small beds and a common bathroom. If these traveling situations have taken their toll on you, why not try flashpacking?

Flashpacking is like backpacking, only on a more upscale level. Flashpackers still travel by foot, by animal, or by any public transportation available. They eat the same exotic cuisine and participate in the same activities. The difference lies in the method. Unlike the backpacker, the flashpacker always makes sure he's traveling in style and comfort, no matter where in the world he may be. Fortunately, it's very easy to indulge in basic luxuries while making your way across the continents, if you know the way of the flashpacker!

For example: a good night's sleep in a private room with wi-fi access and plasma TV is the backpacker's dream. It may seem out of reach when you're stuck in the mud at some foreign crossroads, but don't fret. It's not that hard to find your way to comfort these days. An abundant number of mini-hotels that offer such amenities at surprisingly low prices can be found within the locality or through the internet prior to setting off.

By now, you might be considering upgrading from backpacker to flashpacker. First things first: pack your things and leave behind that thick, heavy travel guide book. Load up on gadgets such as your iPod, laptop, video or digital camera, etc. These items will won't take up much space in your backpack or suitcase and can actually take the place of a map or guide book - just make sure you have downloaded the city guide into your phone and you're good to go for a day of traveling around the city. Forget bringing along soap and other such sundries. Instead, look online for a small hotel or chic vacation rental with cheap laundry services as one of their amenities.

Flashpackers are generally older than the usual university student backpacker who is just away for the summer. However, if you are a student who wants to enjoy backpacking but dreads the usual conditions of backpacking, then you might also want to try your hand at flashpacking instead. All you need to be a flashpacker, really, is a strong case of wanderlust and the knowledge of where to find comfort, style and, yes, a bit of luxury along the way.

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