This book explores the current state of the international backpacker phenomenon, drawing together different disciplinary perspectives on its meaning, impact and significance. Links are drawn between conceptual issues and case studies, setting backpacking in its wider social, cultural and economic context.

Professor Kevin Hannam is Professor of Tourism Development and Head of Tourism at the University of Sunderland, UK. He is the co-editor with Mimi Sheller and John Urry of the journal Mobilities. He has published widely on cultural geography and conceptual aspects of tourism development, with a particular empirical focus on India and Scandinavia. Dr

Irena Ateljevic is based within the Socio-Spatial Analysis Group at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. She is the co-editor of recent books on critical tourism including: Ateljevic, I. Morgan, N. and Pritchard, A. (2007) The Critical Turn in Tourism Studies: Exploring Innovative Methodologies (Elsevier Advanced Series); and Pritchard, A. Morgan, N. Ateljevic, I. and Harris, C. (2007) Tourism, Gender and Embodiment (CAB International). Her most recent research interest lies in analysing the political implications and powers surrounding the production of academic knowledge.