Are We Backpackers?

When Danielle and I were preparing for our trip we were debating whether we should bring traditional luggage with us or big backpacks. We opted for the latter, thinking backbacks would be easier to tote around. Since we are carrying around backpacks, using Lonely Planet to pick many of our restaurants and some of our hotels and booking tours through budget travel agencies, on occussion we've asked ourselves if, despite our fancy MBAs and soon-to-be corporate lacky jobs, we too are backpackers? Well, after a short debate, the answer is a firm "no." Here's why:

• We've used Marriot and Starwood points to stay at a couple of fairly nice hotels. (And have felt a little out of place sitting with our backpacks in the lobby.)
• We have yet to take a train anywhere. Thus far, our primary mode of inter-city transportation has been airplanes, and, on one occusion, a bus.
• We often opt to spend an additional $10 - $15 dollars per night upgrade from "guesthouse" accommodations to 2/3-star hotels.
• On occasion we've chartered private cars, so we could do sight-seeing on our own schedule
• When arriving in a new city, we always either take a taxi to our hotel or arrange for the hotel to meet us at the airport (often priced similar to a cab). We've never taken a bus or train to or from the airport.
• The only form of public transportation we've used was the subway in Singapore.
• A couple of times we've had the bellmen from the hotel come fetch our bags when we were checking out.
• We have not eaten from any street food stalls.
• In Chiang Mai, a city perhaps most famous for its treks to view pre-literate hilltribes, we opted not to do any trekking.

Are we spoiled? Perphaps. Is it worth it? Most definitely.