No, you don’t take your clothes off and run around naked with a pack on your back. But, you do carry your cell phone, PDA, GPS, digital camera, and the power cords and batteries to recharge all your flashy items.

Many thirty and forty somethings are taking lots of time off from work; extended vacation time, sabbaticals, or long trips between jobs. And, because they are already addicted to their gadgetry (unlike the twenty something backpackers of yesterday), they bring it all along with them. As a result, flashpacking has become trendy.

With flashpackers leading the way, hostels and hotels are offering deals that appeal to this group. The Mango Bay Resort on Fiji, for instance, offers dorm style accommodations, in addition to its private thatch-roofed bungalows and upscale tents, for about $25 U.S. per night. The facilities include an internet room, swim up pool bar, and dance club.

Who’da thunk that for not much more than a night in a youth hostel, you could stay connected, be comfortable, and relax on one of the most beautiful islands in the world?

Happy Travels!