B2 – Upper Intermediate
Backpacking is a cost-effective way for people to travel to many different places. With a limited budget, they tend to make the most of out of their trip by staying in inexpensive hotels and living like a local.
However, there are also backpackers who do not have enough money to fund their trip. Some of them turn to the kindness of local people by begging, selling, or performing on the street in exchange for money.
Let’s read the article and know more details about the begpacking phenomenon.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/asia-begpackers-intl-hnk/index.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the word “portmanteau” mean in this context? “The term is a portmanteau of “begging” and “backpacking” and is usually used to negatively describe people who are asking the public for money to fund their travels.” Give examples.
- Define the verb “pigeonhole“. “A Cantonese-speaking colleague waited nearby to see who interacted with Pratt, then pigeonholed them to ask questions – and, in some cases, return the money they’d given.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does the phrase “if the shoe were on the other foot” mean? “If the shoe were on the other foot, begpacking would be simply called vagrancy.” Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion on begpackers? Does it make a difference if they are simply begging, selling or providing entertainment in exchange for money?
- Do you agree that much of the hatred for begpackers are from foreigners too?
- What is passport privilege? How does it play a part in begpacking?
- Do you think Asian countries should set financial requirements to all tourists?