In a world where backpacking has become a rite of passage for many young travelers, the United States is conspicuously absent from the backpacker map. For global travelers, exploring the world with just a backpack is not only about the destinations but also about the freedom, community, and affordability that come with it. Yet, America, a country known for its diversity and vast landscapes, remains an outlier. Why does the U.S. lack the vibrant backpacker culture pervasive in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America? Let’s explore this missed opportunity. One reason for the absence of a backpacking culture in America…