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An investigation into the impact of vacation travel on the tourist

Abstract:

This paper explored the impact of vacation travel on the 'self' using a questionnaire survey and interviews. Vacation travel emerged as a form of learning about the self, a journey of self-discovery rather than self-recovery. Travel impacts are predominantly self-centered, producing changes that provide opportunities for personal growth. Experiences leading to these changes are mainly influenced by interactions with the 'other'. Importantly, no significant association was found between personality type and being impacted, and no difference was found between a pleasurable and a miserable experience and being impacted. Both findings offer a contribution to knowledge and a platform for further research. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.