Escape - The Real Motivation for Leisure Travel

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Literature Review I: Contextual Grounding

2.1 Leisure Tourism and Tourists

2.1.1 Leisure Tourism

2.1.2 Tourists and Travellers

2.2 Tourist motivation

2.2.1 Motivation

2.2.2 Needs-Based Motivation Theories

2.2.3 Values-Based Motivation Theories

2.2.4 ‘Benefits sought or realized’ Motivation Theories

2.2.5 Expectancy Theories

2.2.6 Overview of Important Tourist Motivation Theories

3.0 Research Method

3.1 Choice of Research Method

3.2 Grounded Theory & Its Application

3.2.1 Data Collection

3.2.2 Data Analysis

3.2.3 Coding and Memos

4.0 Data Collection, Coding & Discussion

4.1 Codebook

4.2 Interviews

4.2.1 General Information

4.2.2 Interview #1

4.2.3 Interview #2

4.2.4 Interview #3

4.2.5 Interview #4

4.2.6 Interview #5

4.2.7 Interview #6

4.3 Summary of Initial Coding

4.4 Axial & Selective Coding

5.0 Literature Review II: Related Theories

5.1 Escapism

5.2 Man for Himself

5.3 Functionalism vs. Phenomenology

5.4 Reference to Literature Review I: Conceptual Grounding

5.5 Simmels’ Autonomy

6.0 The Theoretical Model

7.0 Limitations & Further Research

7.1 Limitations

7.2 Further Research

8.0 Bibliography

Objectives and Research Themes

The primary objective of this work is to develop a theoretical model that relates the diversity of leisure travel elements to a minimal set of underlying motivations. The research addresses the overarching question of why humans feel driven to engage in leisure travel, moving beyond superficial reasons like destination choice to explore the psychological mechanisms at play.

• Investigation of human motivation in the context of tourism.
• Distinction between stated travel purposes and deeper psychological motivations.
• Application of grounded theory to analyze travel behavior and decision-making.
• Exploration of the "psychological escape" concept as an instinctive reflex to dissatisfaction.
• Assessment of the role of daily routine and stress in triggering the urge to travel.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter Summaries

1.0 Introduction: Sets the stage for the research by questioning the underlying drivers of human travel behavior and defining the research scope toward leisure travel.

2.0 Literature Review I: Contextual Grounding: Clarifies essential tourism definitions and provides a theoretical overview of existing motivation models.

3.0 Research Method: Details the qualitative, grounded theory approach used to gather and analyze primary data through in-depth interviews.

4.0 Data Collection, Coding & Discussion: Documents the interview process, the coding structure, and the resulting findings from participant data.

5.0 Literature Review II: Related Theories: Discusses supplementary sociological and psychological theories that align with the findings emerged from the primary research.

6.0 The Theoretical Model: Integrates findings into a holistic model that defines the "psychological escape" as the core motivation for leisure travel.

7.0 Limitations & Further Research: Reflects on the scope of the study and suggests avenues for future investigation into the developed theoretical model.

8.0 Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and data references used throughout the study.

Keywords

grounded theory, leisure travel, motivated behaviour, psychological escape, tourism motivation, travel behaviour, travel motivation, destination choice, qualitative research, stress, routine, holiday experience, autonomy, self-actualisation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

This work explores the real, underlying motivations for leisure travel. It seeks to understand why people feel the need to travel by looking beyond simple preferences for specific destinations.

What are the central themes of the study?

The central themes include the psychological need for escape, the distinction between travel purpose and travel motivation, and the impact of daily routine on travel decisions.

What is the primary research goal?

The objective is to develop a contemporary theoretical model that identifies a limited, fundamental set of motivations that explain the wide variety of leisure travel behaviors observed globally.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The author uses a qualitative research approach based on grounded theory, utilizing in-depth interviews with a sample group to identify patterns and generate a hypothesis rather than testing a pre-existing one.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body covers the literature review of existing motivation theories, the methodological framework, an analysis of six in-depth interviews, a review of related sociological theories, and the final presentation of the "Motivation Escape Circle" model.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include "grounded theory," "psychological escape," "leisure travel," "travel motivation," and "daily routine."

How does the author define "psychological escape"?

It is defined as an instinctive, subconscious reflex to a temporary state of dissatisfaction, which is often caused by the pressures, plights, and monotony of daily life.

Is the destination the primary motivator for travel?

No, the research concludes that while destination features are important, they are not the primary motive for travel. The need to escape the daily environment is the underlying driver; the choice of destination is a secondary facilitator.

Does the author believe relaxation is possible at home?

The participants in the study generally suggest that complete psychological disconnection from daily stressors is difficult to achieve in the familiar environment of home; therefore, physical distance is required to facilitate full relaxation.