The main purpose of this study was to conceptualize backpacker motivation
within the framework of the Travel Career Pattern (TCP) theory of travel motivation. An
online survey was administered to backpackers targeted in backpacker-specific online
communities in order to obtain a diverse sample. First, underlying dimensions of
backpacker motivation were identified. Second, backpackers were clustered into two
groups based on travel experience and age: ‘high travel experience’ and ‘low travel
experience’. Finally, the relationship between backpackers’ travel experience and
motivations was examined. Six underlying dimensions of motivation were extracted.
Four of the motivations, personal/social growth, experiential, budget travel, and
independence were found to be fluid in relation to backpackers travel experience.
Notably, two motivations, cultural knowledge and relaxation were found to be constant
in relation to the two travel experience groups, which suggest that they are core
motivations for all backpackers.
Keywords: backpacker motivation, travel career pattern, travel experience,
segmentation