How will worldwide economic meltdown affect backpacker/flashpacker travel

Hi

I just finished an internship at a hostel in david, bambu hostel an international backpackers resort http://www.bambuhostel.com and the buzz there was about the fact that americans were no where to be seen in Panama, lots of euros some asians aussies and israelis but no yanks..so i am wondering how people see the new economic reality playing out with budget travelers?

Hi Panama420247, welcome to the forum

I thought the depression was world-wide...

For sure it is, but I also think certain activities are a rite of passage like backpacking for 6 months or so, it is more important perhaps for the non-yanks?

sorry i wanted to add a caption to foto, that is the pool at bambu hostel in david panama..

No, I think Americans as well as all youths (mostly) over the world are the same in that respect and like to and backpack as well.

The economy isn't influencing their decisions in that respect less or more than youths all over the world.