AdvertisementReviews & adviceTravel tips Opinion I declare the backpacker an extinct species Brian Johnston Travel writer July 31, 2026 — 5:00amJuly 31, 2026 — 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Share A A AI declare the backpacker an extinct species. iStock The age of the true backpacker is far gone. Some (especially Asian backpackers) travel for shorter times and might visit only a single country. Big business, budget flights and ubiquitous internet information killed off the true backpacker.