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Journeys of well-being: Women's travel narratives of transformation and self-discovery in Italy

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  • Laing, Jennifer H.
  • Frost, Warwick

Abstract

Travel narratives can shape tourist imaginings about places, and are a useful tool for understanding tourist experiences. One long-standing media trope is the transformative potential of travel to Italy, especially for women. In this qualitative phenomenological study, contemporary non-fiction books written by women about their travel experiences in Italy were analysed, using well-being as a theoretical framework. Six well-being dimensions were found to be present in these narratives, with the first five reflecting the dimensions of the DRAMMA model of triggers promoting well-being in leisure, alongside an additional dimension drawn from the PERMA model of well-being. Both hedonic and eudaimonic forms of well-being were mentioned. Identity, in terms of self-discovery and reinventing oneself, underpinned a number of these dimensions. The study extends work on travel imaginings beyond the fictional literary or film context and has practical implications for the promotion of destinations and marketing tourism as an avenue towards well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Laing, Jennifer H. & Frost, Warwick, 2017. "Journeys of well-being: Women's travel narratives of transformation and self-discovery in Italy," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 110-119.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:touman:v:62:y:2017:i:c:p:110-119
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2017.04.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hao, Fei & Xiao, Honggen, 2021. "Residential tourism and eudaimonic well-being: A ‘value-adding’ analysis," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    2. Li, Jing & Pearce, Philip L. & Oktadiana, Hera, 2020. "Can digital-free tourism build character strengths?," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    3. Isabelle Frochot & Dominique Kreziak & Elliot Statia, 2019. "Home away from home: A longitudinal study of the holiday appropriation process," Post-Print halshs-01957554, HAL.
    4. Soulard, Joelle & McGehee, Nancy Gard & Stern, Marc J. & Lamoureux, Kristin M., 2021. "Transformative tourism: Tourists' drawings, symbols, and narratives of change," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).

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