I sit in a hostel surrounded by confused, agitated backpackers. They all look down at their laptops, iPads and smartphones bewildered. Comments such as 'Whats the wifi password?' , 'why isn't it working?', 'this is a joke!' ring out around me while I sit there isolated, on my tech-free island surrounded by a sea of technology. For the modern backpacker soap and toilet paper may be optional but wifi is a must.

The same people who complain about everything being too touristy, complain twice as hard about the lack of bandwidth.

This has to be one of the biggest changes I have seen in the backpacking crowd since seven years ago. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of value in being able to check your email, planning your trip and contacting your loved ones on the go but this has come at the expense of having actual conversations with fellow travellers.

Backpackers do still mingle but the intensity of engagement is somewhat watered down. I often find myself thinking, who invited your smartphone to this conversation? It wasn't me! Maybe I'm boring you, but wait you were the one who was in the middle of telling me a story. I wait patiently to pick up the conversation post smartphone disturbance.

On the subject of technology, in recent years the backpacking scene has seen an influx of Chinese and Korean travellers many of whom are wielding a new weapon of annoyance....the selfie stick! There is nothing quite like a wonderful view being interrupted by a forest of shiny metal poles being waved around in sheer excitement as groups of tourists search for the perfect angle. I have a perfect angle in mind for the selfie stick and it's owner but it would be improper to share such thoughts on this blog.

Having spoken to many fellow travellers about this phenomenon I often hear the common explanation that technology provides travellers with the opportunity to engage in private time, where they can organise their lives or keep themselves occupied without having to speak to others. I would argue however that one of the most rewarding aspects of travelling stems from sharing experiences with your fellow travellers from around the world. Amongst many others, I have met a 50 year old who has cycled the west coast of India, Americans who have smuggled 20,000 bibles into China and Germans who have made their own way to Everest base camp. Each have a wealth of stories to share which we do not have access to in our everyday lives back home.

Newsflash! Asia is developing at a crazy rapid pace. Ok maybe this is not news to most (if anyone) but seeing it unfold before my eyes is quite something. Temples now sell souvenirs and seem even more geared towards tourists rather than local devotees. Backpacker roads such a Khao San are dominated by international brands like Starbucks and Maccies. While the local charm of these places has gone, the circus these places have become provides an alternative thrill. The bright lights, loud music and over the top performers are slowly turning what used to be a place dominated by spaced out hippy travellers and artists into a Vegas of the East. The location may be the same but the feeling is completely different. The familiarity of the same old landmarks from my first trip provide me with comfort as I wonder through a more intense and westernised S.E Asia.

The exception is Laos! This place has most definitely changed dramatically. It has however retained it's local charm, it's sleepy slow pace of life, wonderful nature at a stones throw away and enough non-English speakers to ensure that you are sucked into the local way of life.

Just like seven years ago, Laos has managed to capture my imagination and I find myself absorbed in its simplicity. I have found my sanctuary in this new flashy techy world. Wow Charans right....I really am an old man!