Having followed some of the classic overland routes around the world and stayed at the odd backpacker gaff on the way, I've come to think of "backpackers" as the rather annoying subset of "travellers" who get pissed everywhere and demonstrate a serious lack of cultural sensitivity.

Don't get me wrong, I'm always up for a few pints myself and have been known to exceed decent consumption but at least I am ashamed and appologetic if I make an idiot of myself.

I think it is fair to say that "travellers" is a good catchall expression that lumps together "backpackers" and "overlanders" and that of course includes people in huge luxurious motorhomes through to people with penny farthings - yes we met one in Eastern Turkey.

As for how to define an "adventure motorcyclist", there's a mystery. Rush hour traffic in Britain can be more dangerous than any other motorcycle experience. Camping in the desert is a more peaceful and safe option compared with staying in any major city. Anyone who puffs themselves up by proclaiming to be an "adventure motorcyclist" and belittles anyone else is plainly a buffoon. We've all been out there and seen that different parts of the world have different behaviours and we find that interesting and elevating. We need to look inwards sometimes and see the differences within our own cultures and celebrate them for giving the world such wonderful diversity.

Then again, you can take the drunken louts in the dormitory and shoot em!

Inconsistent, moi?