A Narrative exploration of life transitions experienced by seasoned travelers during travel immersion

This study aimed to deeply understand the influence of travel experiences on individuals’ identity and life. To achieve this, a purposive sampling method was employed to select three experienced travelers who had taken an average of three or more trips annually from 2015 to 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Clandinin & Connelly’s (2000) narrative inquiry method, participants were invited to narrate their experiences, reflecting on the changes in their lives and psyche due to travel. The findings revealed that through travel, participants examined themselves, others, and the balance between work and life, thereby enhancing their social understanding. They developed an open-minded and proactive attitude towards life. Travel also acted as a significant resource for strengthening agency and expanding life experiences. Moreover, through these processes, participants underwent transitions in their work and attitudes, indicating that travel extends beyond mere relaxation to profoundly impact personal development and social interaction. Furthermore, the accumulated changes in identity and psyche resulting from travel suggest a potential for shifts in values and life trajectories. This study provides academic insights into understanding the impact of travel on individuals’ social interaction and development. It offers new perspectives in fields related to human psychology, including tourism studies. Additionally, it lays a foundation for developing meaningful approaches to planning and executing travel, thereby aiding in the development of travel-related policies and educational programs.