The interrelationships between self-determined motivations, memorable experiences and overall satisfaction

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the relationships between older travelers’ self-determined motivations, memorable travel experiences and overall satisfaction with educational holidays. This study also examined the mediating effects of memorable travel experiences on the relationships between motivations and overall satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach An integrative model using a pre-post travel approach was used as the framework for this study. A total of 361 valid pre- and post-travel surveys were gathered from Australians 50 years or older who participated in educational tour packages. Findings Results found “personal development” and “learning” dimensions of intrinsic self-determined motivations were the main decision making factors for older adults to engage in educational tourism. “Learning” was the main driver to influence memorable experiences and overall satisfaction. Findings also revealed “local culture” and “excitement” dimensions of memorable experiences were found to influence their overall satisfaction with the trip. These two dimensions were found to be significant factors that partially mediated the relationship between intrinsic motivation (“learning”) and overall satisfaction. Originality/value This study contributed to developing a theoretical framework that assessed antecedents and outcomes of older adults’ motivations and travel-related behaviors.