What is the Spirit of Backpacking?

A few months ago, I went backpacking through SouthEast Asia, starting in Bangkok and working my way around to Vietnam, India, and Singapore. I had packed a 38 liter backpacking with only the necessities, and set off on a 2 month adventure. I needed something new, an escape, a moment to experience something I’ve never experienced before, and backpacking was the perfect outlet for me. Every year, there are thousands of backpackers traveling the world, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures. This was a question I posed to many of the travelers I’ve met along the way, in hostels, on excursions, or at restaurants. Here’s what they believe is the spirit of backpacking: