ISRAELI BACKPACKERS: The Role of Destination Choice

This quantitative study compares between backpackers who traveled to Central and South America with those who traveled to Southeast Asia in terms of attitudes and activities. A sample of Israeli ex-backpackers (N = 579) were interviewed by means of a structured questionnaire. The profiles of the two segments differ in terms of travel perceived risks, risk reduction strategies and other backpacker specific features. The findings indicate that the choice of a particular destination is associated with travel motivations, risk perceptions, trip planning, travel arrangements and risk reduction strategies. The results are discussed in light of recent studies indicating the increasing heterogeneity among backpackers, adding dimensions that were not previously explored.