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Like the tourism industry as a whole backpacking tourism continues growing at a phenomenal rate ([2] Allon, 2004; [16] Hyde and Lawson, 2003). While mass tourism prevails in the industry and caters to large, organized groups, with pre-planned itineraries and modern conveniences ([13] Goeldner and McIntosh, 1990), it can be problematic; [3] Butler (1989) outlines the negative changes resulting from mass tourism, including crowding, prostitution of local cultures, and pollution in various forms, vandalism and increased traffic. As a result, some tourists are pursuing travel experiences that are more rewarding, enriching and educational than mass tourism ([9] Eadington and Smith, 1992). According to [4] Cazes (1989, p. 135), a relatively small number of travelers are "seek[ing] out variants to mainstream tourism". Travelers seeking alternatives possess both ideals and practices contrary to those of mass tourism ([9] Eadington and Smith, 1992). Backpackers are one subgroup, or subculture, that has unbridled itself from mass tourism and strives to achieve a fuller tourism experience.
Backpackers possess a number of characteristic attributes; they make "minimal use of the traditional services of the international tourist industry" ([30] Vogt, 1976, p. 27); they lack specific travel goals and are motivated to travel for experiences that offer personal growth ([30] Vogt, 1976); and they are budget travelers finding "ego enhancement from 'getting the best value'. In addition, status often relates with hardship" ([24] Riley, 1988, p. 320). Backpacking is associated with rite-of-passage tourism, which is self-testing, long-term and characteristic of change ([14] Graburn, 1983). Non-touristy travel experiences are sought after by backpackers because "social recognition in these circles... are derived from the exoticness of one's destination and variety and difficulty of one's modes of getting there" ([24] Riley, 1988, pp. 320-321).
The backpacking community use guidebooks extensively ([24] Riley, 1988), as they function as important sources of knowledge, communicating valuable travel information regarding sites or gathering places appealing to backpackers, such as accommodations, attractions, and eating establishments ([2] Allon, 2004; [28] Sullivan et al. , 1996; [30] Vogt, 1976). Researchers suggest guidebooks are also a symbol in the backpacker culture ([32] Zittoun et al. , 2003). They have not, however, applied the criteria of symbols to tourism related objects, nor have they fully explored the implications of symbols in relation to...