Traveling and Late Modern Identity Construction

Backpacking travel is becoming a more and more popular way of travelling among Hungarian people. Based on Anthony Giddens’ late modernity theory this article examines backpackers’ motivations and experiences. This article aims on the one hand to define life situations which impel people to travel around the world as a backpacker, and on the other to empirically confirm whether backpacking could help fix a weakened ontological security and self-identity. The analysis of two semi-structured life history interviews reveals that on the one part backpacker travel can have a deep, positive effect on an insecure life situation and identity, and on the other part backpacker travel can also be an enriching leisure activity necessary to the welfare of an individual who has a more stable ontological security and identity.