November 2, 2009
Sripatum University
61 Phaholyothin Rd.,
Jatujak, Bangkok
10900
Dear Prof. Dr. Wipawin,
As agreed, I am submitting the attached report entitled “Backpacking Travel.”
This report describes briefly on the history, types, culture, and criticism. Backpacking is not mainly considered as “vacation,” but more on educational purposes. Young students with limited budgets are mostly classified in this category of traveling, since they are the ones who yearn more of learning about different style of cultures, architectures, languages, landscapes, and ways of living, e.g.
I hope you find this report pleasant.
Sincerely yours,
Nitchuwan Tako, Class attendant
Paholyothin 57
Jatujak, Bangkok
10900
Report
On
Backpacking Travel
Submitted
To
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Namthip Wipawin, Lecturer
IBC101 Access to Library and Information Systems
Sripatum University (International College)
By
Nitchuwan Tako, Class Attendant
November 2, 2009
This report describes how the backpacking travel started and came to well-known activity; as there are large numbers of both local and international college/university students, who have traveled through this traditionally.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
History
Types of backpacking
- Flash-packing
- Gap-packing
- Mega-loping
Findings
Discussion
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
Abstract
Since the traveling revolution has been modified into various categories such as backpacking, business trip, green travel, recreation, and so on; individual person has different purposes on traveling. Nevertheless traveling reasons also base on budget, age, gender, life style, stress, special occasion, e.g.
In this report is to focus on backpacking travel, which I have personally been interested in. Backpacking is not concentrated alone on recreation but more on educational purpose. Learning about distinguish cultures, people, and places is endless; because there is always something new to learn about those things as time goes by.
However, backpackers are also considered risk-taking, adventurous, exploration loving, and spontaneous. For those who newly have come to know about ‘backpacking travel’ should also learn about safety and security before proceeding on any backpacking trip.
Introduction
Travel is the change in location of people on a trip through the means of transport from one location to another. Travel is most commonly for recreation (as part of tourism or to visit friends and family), for business or for commuting; but may be for numerous other reasons, such as migration, fleeing war, etc. Travel may occur by walking or human-powered mode, or through mechanical vehicles, either as private or public transport.
Travel may be local, regional, national or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an internal passport, while international travel typically requires a passport and visa.
The word originates from the Middle English word travailen ("to toil"), which comes from the Old French word travailler ("travail").[1] A person who travels is called a traveler (U.S.) or traveller (UK).
Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Terms such as independent travel and/or budget travel are often used interchangeably with backpacking. The factors that traditionally differentiate backpacking from other forms of tourism include but are not limited to the following: use of public transport as a means of travel, preference of youth hostels to traditional hotels, length of the trip vs. conventional vacations, use of a backpack, an interest in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights.
The definition of a backpacker has evolved as travelers from different cultures and regions participate and will continue to do so, preventing an air-tight definition. Recent research has found that, “...backpackers constituted a heterogeneous group with respect to the diversity of rationales and meanings attached to their travel experiences. ...They also displayed a common commitment to a non-institutionalised form of travel, which was central to their self-identification as backpackers.” Backpacking as a lifestyle and as a business has grown considerably in the 2000s as the commonplace of low-cost airlines, hostels or budget accommodation in many parts of the world, and digital communication and resources make planning, executing, and continuing a long-term backpacking trip easier than ever before.
The purposes of backpacking travel may fall into different reasons: taking a year gap between high school and college of young students, seeking for the truth of life by getting to know locals in other places or countries, being put in a field trip along with other classmates, doing group projects, and so on. So it is always best to learn it before you actually put your hands on it.
Everything has its own limitations, which is the same thing with backpacking. Trekking through the woods or villages without a map is considered a ‘stupidity.’ A local guidebook is also essential, just in case when you get lost. Drinking should also be limited, especially when you go up the mountains or climbs the rocks. You would not want to throw your precious life out towards excitement.
History
While there is no definitive answer as to the precise origin of backpacking, its roots can be traced, at least partially, to the Hippie trail of the 1960s and 70s, which in turn followed sections of the old Silk Road. In fact, some backpackers today seek to re-create that journey, albeit in a more comfortable manner, while capitalizing on the current popularity of the green movement. Looking further into history, Giovanni Francesco Gemelli Careri has been cited by some as one of the world's first backpackers.
While travel along the old Hippie Trail has been rendered complicated since the early 80s due to unrest in Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran that continues today, backpacking has expanded to most regions of the world. In recent years, the increase of budget airlines and low-cost flights has contributed to this expansion. At present, new "hippie trails" are being formed towards Northern Africa in places such as Morocco and Tunisia and other destinations being reached by low-cost airlines.
Technological changes and improvements have also contributed to changes in backpacking. Traditionally backpackers did not travel with expensive electronic equipment such as laptop computers, digital cameras and PDAs due to concerns about theft, damage, and additional luggage weight. However, the desire to stay connected coupled with trends in lightweight electronics have given rise to the flashpacking trend, which has been in a state of continuous evolution in recent years. Simultaneous with a change in "what" they're carrying, backpacking is also becoming less and less reliant on the physical backpack in its initial form although the backpack can still be considered the primary luggage of backpackers.
Types of backpacking
Flashpacking
Flashpacking is a neologism used to refer to an affluent backpacker. Whereas backpacking is traditionally associated with budget travel and destinations that are relatively cheap, flashpacking has an association of more disposable income while traveling and has been defined simply as backpacking with a bigger budget.
A simple definition of the term Flashpacker can be thought of as backpacking with flash, or style. One school of thought defines the flashpacker as a rapidly growing segment of travelers who adhere to a modest accommodation and meal budget, while spending freely, even excessively, for activities at their chosen destination. Another school of thought defines flashpacking as an incongruous mix of 'slumming it' and luxury; of adventurous travel with those on a budget by day and sedate dining and comfortable accommodation by night. Flashpackers have been further defined as tech-savvy adventurers who often prefer to travel with a cell phone, digital camera, iPod and a laptop, although none of these is required in order to be a flashpacker. As with other forms of travel, the term flashpacker is mainly one of self-identification. The origin of the term itself is obscure.
The term also reflects a growing demographic of travelers who are forsaking traditional organized travel, venturing to destinations once the reserve of more adventurous backpackers, and the increasing number of individuals who leave well paid jobs or take 'career breaks', using the time to travel independently, but with greater comfort and many of the gadgets they are accustomed to at home. As a result, hostels are evolving and offering more up-market accommodation to those still traveling on a budget in order to obtain their business. The hostels have realized a need to evolve in order to meet the changing demands of travelers.
Gap-packing
"Gap-packing" is a neologism used typically to refer to younger people, usually of European descent, who backpack to several countries in a short period of time whilst on their gap year between school and university, or between university and their first job.
Megaloping
Megaloping is a neologism to refer to backpacking using only public transit.
Findings
Of importance in backpacking is a sense of authenticity. Backpacking is perceived as being more than a vacation, but a means of education. Backpackers want to experience the "real" destination rather than the packaged version often associated with mass tourism, which has led to the assertion that backpackers are anti-tourist. There is also the feeling of "sneaking backstage" and witnessing real life with more involvement with local people.
Discussion
Backpacking, like other forms of travel, remains controversial. Some of these criticisms date back to travelers' actions along the Hippie Trail. Criticism comes from many sides, including the host countries and other travelers who disagree with the actions of backpackers although the perception of backpackers seems to have improved as backpacking has become more mainstream. Erik Cohen notes that even though one of the primary aims of backpacking is to seek the authentic, the majority of backpackers spend most of their time interacting with other backpackers and interactions with locals are of "secondary importance".
Conclusions
However, backpackers have to prepare themselves by doing research on the destination they are going to visit such as geography, language, traditional and culture, life-style, food, transportation, e.g. But most important thing is that how much “money” you have got in your pocket. No matter how extreme you are as being a backpacker, but self-security is the greatest concern.
Recommendations
‘It's official: backpacking is the bomb!’ As a backpacker you'll see some of the most beautiful places in the world, meet incredible people and try amazing new things. But if you've never ventured away from the comforts of home before, it can be a bit daunting. So here are 10 top tips for backpackers.
Get insured
As the old saying goes, "If you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to travel!" This is the best advice you'll get. No matter how carefully you plan, things can and will go wrong and comprehensive travel insurance is the best safety net you can have.
Travel light
For reliability and ease, a backpack is still a budget traveler’s best friend. But don't pack what you don't need. There is nothing worse than lugging around a cumbersome pack while trying to find a place to stay. Whatever you think you're missing, you'll certainly be able to buy it on the road.
Beat up your pack
This might sound a little crazy, but if your backpack looks as though it has been around the block a few times, would-be thieves are more likely to avoid it. They're bound to go for the brand spanking new pack next to yours which they'll think contains lots of expensive high-tech gizmos.
Don't over-plan
The basic rule for backpacking is to be as flexible as possible. You're bound to meet new friends on the road, so don't plan your route too far in advance. That said, booking a hostel bed for the first few nights in a new city is a good idea. As for the rest, be spontaneous and have fun!
Wear comfy shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must! But they're bulky and awkward to carry, so limit what you take — perhaps just a good pair of lace-up boots or trainers for hiking and a casual pair of sandals. And don't forget your flip-flops — they're a must-have for public showers.
Don't carry too much cash
Never carry huge amounts of cash. Beside the possibility that you could be robbed, you may simply lose it. So if possible only carry a couple of days' worth of money, kept in small denominations. Take a variety of money options such as credit card, some cash and perhaps some travelers’ checks. And whatever you do, don't keep all your money in the one place.
Sleep on it
Money belts are great for concealing your cash and passport. But if you're worried about someone swiping it while you sleep (or even if you're not), keep it in your sleeping bag or tuck it in your pillow case. It's unlikely any thief would be brave enough to look for it there!
Keep a travel journal
Unfortunately, memories fade with time. So keeping a travel journal is a wonderful way of recording your activities, storing photos and mementos and collecting information to share with others when you get home.
Take a guide
While a guidebook certainly shouldn't be considered the "Bible", they do give extensive rundowns on accommodation, transport and sightseeing and also offer heaps of information to help make backpacking easy. If nothing else, reading your guide will help pass the time while you wait for the next bus.
Get connected
With Internet cafes sprouting up like mushrooms in almost every city and backwater town around the world; it has never been easier to stay in touch. Not only is it vital to have a few regular contacts at home who can keep tabs on you, but they're great places to meet fellow travelers.
References
‘Travel.’ (2008) Merrium-Webster. Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/travel
‘Backpacking (travel).’ (2004-08). Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backpacking_(travel)
Wildman, K. (2007). MSN NZ travel writer: Ten Ttips for Back Packers. Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://travel.msn.co.nz/destinations/generaltravel/335758/ten-tips-for-backpackers
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Relation between Internet and the library
Relation between the Internet and the Library
How are internet and library related?
This report explains how the modern internet link with the old-fashioned library in terms of deriving information in both areas, especially in the fast-grown world of high technology.
As mentioned above, in terms of academics both internet and library basically mean information sources. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two things first.
Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standardized Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private and public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope that are linked by copper wires, fiber-optic cables, wireless connections, and other technologies. The Internet carries a vast array of information resources and services, most notably the inter-linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support electronic mail. In addition it supports popular services such as online chat, file transfer and file sharing, gaming, commerce, social networking, publishing, video on demand, and teleconferencing and telecommunications.
While a library is a collection of sources, resources, and services, and the structure in which it is housed; it is organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution, or a private individual. In the more traditional sense, a library is a collection of books. The term "library" has itself acquired a secondary meaning: "a collection of useful material for common use," and in this sense is used in fields such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, electronics and biology. However, with the sets and collection of media and of media other than books for storing information, many libraries are now also repositories and access points for maps, prints, or other documents and various storage media such as microform (microfilm/microfiche), audio tapes, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, and DVDs.
Try to imagine yourself having seven case studies out of seven classes that you have attended, plus additional university assignments in a week. In my opinion, it might be difficult to spend probably five hours a day in the library looking for your desirable books; especially when you have already spent at least six or seven hours per day seating yourself in class. Then internet can be another choice that takes less time than physically going through the shelves in the library. Of course, online information cannot always be adequate when derived from unreliable sources. What if, we use both of the two sources and combine them together in order to make the most valuable out of these two tools.
Since internet was found back in the 1960s when the
The
The first use of the term digital library in print may have been in a 1988 report to the Corporation for National Research InitiativesKahn, R. E., & Cerf, V. G. (1988). The Digital Library Project Volume I: The World of Knowbots, (DRAFT): An Open Architecture For a Digital Library System and a Plan For Its Development.
It contains all the eBooks or online books, which will be found anywhere there’s internet access; it is a better and faster way of going through every single category of books. Now most of the universities, government offices, public and private organizations have had set up their own e-library in order to give the academics convenience when researches done. Both web-based and traditional library resources are useful when conducting research. Each has their own particular strengths and weaknesses. By knowing what these are, you can enhance the quality of your research.
“The free web is like McDonald’s. It’s fast, cheap, and easy, but is unhealthy for your academic career. The free web is fine for everyday things, but you should use library sources for things that matter.” (Quoted from http://infolitlibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/11/internet-vs-library.html)
Other references:
http://www.kcoyle.net/texas/sld002.htm
http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/ELibrary/
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