How will economic conditions affect backpacking in Panama and Central America

Hi all,

As a world wide financial panic sends market down, I wonder how this will impact the alternative traveler, here I refer primarily to the 'backpacker' these travelers live dirt cheap, these roaming nomads follow a long tradition of free thinking bohemians that live day to day at times with no particular plan, nomads going north,south east and west, these Hostel dwellers live on 10-30 dollars a day, use public transportation and even work for lodging and food. I have posed this question on a variety of blogs and forums and the consensus from those in the industry including the Hostel Management Website is that Hostel will enjoy a boost given the current economic conditions. Those at the very bottom of the tourism rung, 'the backpacker' will continue to travel regardless of the condition of the markets. Why? Because they have a limited amount of disposable income that is committed to long trips on the trail, well worn by thousands on the same path. They live on a few dollars a day and keep moving, they travel because they must. At Bambu Hostel we have noticed a decrease in American travelers and more Euro, Aussie and Canadian travelers. What we have noticed is that they are more sensitive than ever to price points and in reaction to that bambu lowered dorm beds to $8 from $10. The competition has gotten fiercer for the backpacker dollar, but they do keep coming and i doubt they will stop.

As for airtech we have noticed too that price points determine sales, we have had to raise prices due to fuel and tax increases and notice a decline in sales related to that, our new web 2.9 site here is a reaction to that, we are using a new business model so we are not so dependent on ticket sales to survive. But the community of alternative travelers live on. Even more so now, especially for the Americans traveling out there this is a great time to be able to answer the question 'where are you from' without getting an angry look. Many backpackers from USA took to sewing canadian flags on their packs so they wouldn't get yelled at. What a horror the last 8 years of neo-con fascism has been. What a relief the new election has brought us.

I would like to hear responses and input here...

Mike Esterson
President Airtech and Bambu Hostel David Panama

Hello I am Gregg co-owner Bambu Hostel David Panama

Hi I am Gregg, Mike Esterson the owner of Airtech and I own Bambu Hostel a backpackers Hostel in David Panama. Last night there was a minor earthquake. I slept through it! Here is what was reported

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude and at a depth of 30 miles struck Panama overnight, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Wednesday.
The quake hit 35 miles west southwest of David, Panama, at 0611 GMT. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the USGS said.
The USGS originally verified the quake at a magnitude of 6.5 and depth of about 9.3 miles."
I can thank Abuelo Rum for the deep sleep, which of course I only drink for medicinal use...the name Abuelo means Grandfather in Spanish, it is amazing Rum dirt cheap and doesnt leave you to fuzzy in the morning, yet strong enough to keep you sleeping through a 6.2 quake! This area is Volcanic, nearby there are Hot Springs called The Caldera Hot Springs Caldera means soup Caldron! Dont stay in there too long..they are awesome though, it cured my bad back last winter..and only 30 minutes from the hostel.
We are in David Panama and Bambu Hostel is a great jump off point for journeys into the awesome beauty of Chiriqui Province I lived in NYC for 20 years and one day realized that if I didn't follow my dreams and leave I would be there forever. That is the way New Yorkers are they just stay and stay and wake up old one day..

Life here is good. Everyday I wake up and give thanks for being in this awesome country. Come to Bambu Hostel and spend a few days at the hostel, we have a sweet pool and a mayan style rancho, and there is always a nice crowd of international backpackers and others there. I will post again soon.

See ya in Panama,

Gregg