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Backpackers are increasingly contradicting their reputation for scrimping and saving and splashing out on unique experiences, it has been claimed.

Recent research from an insurance company found that the average backpacker now spends more than £3,000 on their trip.

Some 8.3% of the people surveyed said they spend more than £10,000 on their travels and the valuables taken on backpacking trips typically add up to more than £1,000.

Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, said people are increasingly recognising the value of saving up money to spend on experiences while they are away.

'On the whole people are much more interested in the actual experiences while they're away and are prepared to pay for them,' Mr Hall said. 'If you go all the way to New Zealand you are going to want to do that bungee jump or skydive and you're not going to want to come home and say: "I didn't do that".'

He added: 'In some cases backpackers' tastes are moving a little bit upmarket and people are prepared to splurge a little bit while they're away.'

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