Most of the definitions that you'll find online (apparently no books yet on the subject) appear to define Flashpacking in two main ways. The most common one is Backpacking with tech gadgets, like a laptop, i-pod digital camera and mobile phone. Based on this definition Flashpacking “is just Backpacking, with an awful lot of tech gear going along for the ride” as one of the most famous Flashpackers put it, and is practiced by ‘techno-travelers’ or Geeky Flashpackers.

The second common definition is Backpacking on a bigger budget, a sort of business class Backpacking, practiced by The Minted Flashpacker.

Some go even further by combining the two, having as a result the definition: Backpacking with Bucks and Toys, practiced of course by the The Minted Geek.

So is it all required to Flashpack around the world? Tech gear and money?

When it comes to the tech gear, most travelers nowadays have a digital camera, as it has almost replaced in most countries the manual one; same for some kind of mp3 player, that has replaced the old cd players. And when it comes to laptops - according to the same Hostelworld.com survey that many websites defining Flashpacking quote - 21% of hostel frequenters (we don't want to assume they're all Backpackers) travel with a laptop. Let's not even discuss mobile phones as today even small kids have one. This of course makes the difference between Flashpacking and Backpacking a bit blurred.

When it comes to the bucks, could we consider someone a Flashpacker just because prefers a single room in a hostel (or even hotel) to sharing a dorm with 20 other people? Maybe they're old Backpackers, or a young couple of Backpackers, and don't want to be in a dorm full of drunk 19 years old travelers. And yes, they can afford a single room. Could we call them Flashpackers then? How about someone who makes a living working online, traveling around while working and of course staying in a nice room with plenty of tech gear?

Wikipedia in its definition of Flashpacking (still under the main voice, Backpacking, at the moment) offers a more literal sense: Backpacking with flash, or style.

We like to think that Flashpacking is exactly that. Backpacking, which should mean traveling for a long time (not just a couple of weeks) to see different places, observe and participate where possible in different cultures, and meet different people, but in style. So the question appears to be what is Bacpacking in style?

Well, you don't necessarily need a digital camera if you prefer to take artistic pictures with a manual one; you don't necessarily need an mp3 player if you think headphones will prevent you from connecting with the people around you. You might need a laptop though: to keep in touch with your friends and family; to find great locations where you don't meet hundreds of people with a Lonely Planet book in their hands; and most importantly to find great deals online on single rooms in hostels/hotels, because no, you're not necessarily loaded.