User:MattSpringer/sandbox

Article evaluation
Backpacking (travel)

Reflection
The term "content gap" can be inferred as a lack or exclusion of certain material within a text that can be of high importance. Whether this inhibits the author of creating as deep of a connection as desired, or creates a sense of misunderstanding from the audience, content gaps are something that we, as editors, need to be very wary of. By explaining the topic as if speaking to an completely uninformed youth, you may be able to lessen the occurrence of these lapses in content. An easy way to do so is to re-read the article when revising as if you had no prior knowledge regarding the subject, and discovering the places in which you have difficulty understanding. These gaps can be caused by a lack of attention or an over-assumption of a person's commonsense, as well as simply not having enough information to base your text off of. A way to remedy this would be to present the article to someone you trust will be honest feedback and has no prior knowledge of the subject, and then revise/edit the areas they find to be more difficult. While it does no matter exactly who writes Wikipedia, it is important that this person establishes ethos and writes in a convincing/accurate manner. A huge part of this is writing in an unbiased point of view which means writing in a neutral standpoint. By equally representing both sides of an issue, you will establish a greater authority as a writer, especially on a platform such as Wikipedia.

Backpacking (travel)
I have chosen "Backpacking (travel) as my selected page to edit as I find this topic to be especially interesting and a major trend in today's society. While much of the information on this page remains accurate, I believe an inclusion of typical trip routes that backpacking tourists conduct would be beneficial to the audience. Though it is included that South East Asia has become a major hot-spot for many backpackers, there is little mention of the routes/techniques used by backpackers. This article also speaks of how backpacking constitutes working from the country that these travelers are currently located in, yet backpacking has become a very common method of traveling on vacation or holiday, not only as a sort of digital nomadic style. I believe there could be a section regarding the benefits of traveling in such a way and dive deeper into the ways that backpacking has developed as of late.

Bibliography for Revisions
“Backpacking Routes.” MyFunkyTravel, Jan. 2018, myfunkytravel.com/backpackingroutes.html.

Schwieters, Carly. “Best Backpacking Trips - Top 6 Routes| StudentUniverse Blog.” StudentUniverse Travel Blog, StudentUniverse Travel Blog, 1 Mar. 2018, www.studentuniverse.com/blog/adventure/backpacking-here-are-our-picks-for-the-top-6-routes.

By: Mango Tours INQUIRER.net U.S. Bureau / 12:51 AM May 03, 2016. “5 Benefits of Backpacking.” Inquirer Lifestyle 5 Benefits of Backpacking Comments, Mango Tours, 3 May 2016, lifestyle.inquirer.net/227899/5-benefits-of-backpacking/.

“Thailand Tourist Arrivals  1997-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast.” Thailand Tourist Arrivals | 1997-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast, tradingeconomics.com/thailand/tourist-arrivals.

Hatton, Will. “Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Thailand On The Cheap.” The Broke Backpacker, The Broke Backpacker, 25 Apr. 2018, www.thebrokebackpacker.com/backpacking-thailand/.

Europe:
Europe has become one of, if not the, top destination for backpacking travelers around the globe. This location has become particularly popular through the rich history, ease of travel, and abundant itineraries/helpful plans that can be found online. Many travelers plan through trip to Europe to primarily see the western side due to its very popular cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, etc. However, Western Europe is characterized by high costs and prices due to its high demand; thus, Eastern Europe has become increasingly popular as it is much more affordable for backpackers on a tighter budget.

Southeast Asia:
Perhaps the most rapidly growing destination for backpacking by popularity is Southeast Asia. This area is full of beautifully pristine beaches, incredible ruins, and extremely low prices. Its growing popularity isn't necessarily shown in its cost and this has caused a mass influx of backpacking tourists. Thailand has been at the forefront of Southeast Asia in terms of tourists, accumulating upwards of four million visitors a month and has become a major hub for first-time backpackers. Though Thailand is fairly inexpensive in comparison to major countries like the United States and most of Europe, its neighboring countries cost much less and many backpackers have ventured across their borders for just this reason.