Breaking news: there is a new word in the traveler's vocabulary: flashpacker.  I have always had a difficult time with finding the correct word/s to describe my travel style and philosophy and I am so excited to have found something this succinct.  People have always asked me, "So, what kind of traveler are you?  Are you a luxury traveler?  Are you a backpacker?"  Well, I never knew how to answer those questions, since I was a little bit of both and then some.  And now I know exactly how to answer them; I am a flashpacker!

The definition of a flashpacker is basically a flashier version of the definition of a backpacker.  According to Budget Travel magazine, "A flashpacker opts for low-cost carriers and trains, but has ditched the group sleeping arrangements in favor of perks such as a private room, flat-screen TV, and original art." 

For most of my travel history, I have long since preferred to travel to developing countries over developed countries (though in my opinion a country has never finished developing).  While my friends would jump at the chance to travel to France, my idea of a the dream trip was Cuba.  However, I was never drawn to staying at hostels, which is common amongst those who desire visiting the developing countries.  Sleep is precious to me and the idea of having to share my domain with a bunch of strangers has always turned me off.  Plus, when I am on vacation, I want to feel a sense of pampering.  I know that hostels tend on being one of the best ways to meet fellow travelers, thus not wanting to miss the opportunity to meet them, I joined several traveling groups such as: Travbuddy and Couchsurfing and have since met some of the best friends of my life.  I find it insensitive that luxury travelers try to make me feel apologetic for wanting to visit countries such as Haiti or Afghanistan, where as backpackers try to make me feel apologetic for wanting to stay in a boutique hotel.  I like the idea of a flashpacker, because it includes the best qualities of both traveling camps.  I have always been one to take the middle path in life anyway.

Since I now know that there are others out there that travel similarly to me, I feel like I have the strength to not let others bully me into traveling a certain way.  I will no longer feel guilty for using my hard-earned airline miles to upgrade to 1st class or for passing on a trip to ski in the Swiss Alps in lieu of riding around in a jeep in the Bolivian desert.  Maybe I should create a site that offers a place where all of the flashpackers of the world could unite?