Title: Transformational travel for well-being and meaning-making

Authors: Rohan Bhalla; Nimit Chowdhary; Sumedha Agarwal

Addresses: Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India ' Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India ' School of Business Studies, Sharda University, Noida, 201310, India

Abstract: The study explores people's travel experiences to understand the potential of travelling as a complementary and alternative therapy for transformation and well-being. The study is qualitative and applies transcendental phenomenology as a mode of inquiry. A total of twelve people were interviewed through purposive snowball sampling. Methods of transcendental phenomenology as developed by Moustakas were used for data analysis. Respondents described their lived experiences around three major themes: physical activities, healing from nature, and stress buster. It was found that transformational travel produces significant positive effects and enhances people's well-being. It can be used as a complementary and alternative medicine for mental health and well-being issues as it helps in meaning-making.

Keywords: transformational tourism; escapism; mental health; meaning-making; well-being; healing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.129836

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2023 Vol.13 No.2, pp.154 - 161

Received: 07 Dec 2021
Received in revised form: 16 Apr 2022
Accepted: 05 May 2022
Published online: 31 Mar 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article