backpacker

/ˈbækpækə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbækpækər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbak-ˌpa-kər/ (ame, mw)

backpacker — noun

  • backpackersingular
  • backpackersplural

1. a person who visits different countries or cities while spending as little money

1.名詞B1
釋義

a person who visits different countries or cities while spending as little money as possible, carrying their clothes and other items in a backpack and staying at cheap places such as hostels or guesthouses

例句

The hostel was full of young backpackers from Europe and Asia.

As a backpacker, Mei-Lin spent three months travelling through Southeast Asia on a tight budget.

travelling through Southeast Asia

同義詞
  • traveller

    broader term; a traveller may spend any amount of money

  • budget traveller

    same meaning, more explicit about spending

  • globetrotter

    more romantic or adventurous tone; less common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • luxury traveller

    someone who spends a lot on accommodation and transport

  • package tourist

    someone who buys a pre-arranged tour, the opposite of independent budget travel

用法筆記

Usually describes young or independent travellers on a limited budget. The focus is on the travel style — moving between cities or countries — rather than on wilderness hiking.

常見錯誤

❌I'm a backpacker staying at the Ritz-Carlton.
✅I'm a backpacker staying at the local hostel.
💡backpackers use cheap accommodation, not luxury hotels.
❌A backpacker goes hiking in the mountains every weekend.
✅A backpacker travels between cities on a budget.
💡this sense refers to budget travel, not day hiking.

2. a person who walks through natural areas such as mountains or forests for severa

2.名詞B1
釋義

a person who walks through natural areas such as mountains or forests for several days, carrying all the necessary food, clothes, and shelter in a backpack and sleeping outdoors

例句

The trail was popular with backpackers carrying tents and cooking equipment.

carrying tents and cooking equipment

Experienced backpackers know how to pack light for a week-long hike.

同義詞
  • hiker

    may also describe someone on a short day walk without camping gear

  • camper

    focuses on the overnight stay; a camper may drive to a campsite rather than hike

  • trekker

    suggests a longer, more strenuous walk, often in remote areas

反義詞
  • day-tripper

    someone who returns home the same day and does not carry camping gear

  • car camper

    someone who drives to a campsite rather than carrying everything on foot

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (BUDGET TRAVEL), this sense emphasises physical hiking and overnight camping in natural environments. Subject is typically followed by details about equipment (tent, stove, sleeping bag) or trail conditions.

常見錯誤

❌I saw a backpacker sightseeing at the museum.
✅I saw a backpacker hiking the mountain trail with a tent on their back.
💡this sense is about hiking and camping, not city sightseeing.