This volume provides a focused review of the economic development impacts of backpacker tourism in developing regions furthering knowledge on how backpacker tourism can play a crucial role in development strategies in these areas. It firstly reviews backpacker origins with a detailed examination of their `hippy¿ predecessors on the overland trail, before discussing the emergence of modern backpackers including social and cultural aspects, and how new technologies are changing experience. It then analyzes the powerful economic development impacts of backpackers on local host communities in cities and rural areas with a special focus on coastal destinations.