Chasing a Myth? Searching for ‘Self’ Through Lifestyle Travel

Abstract

This paper problematises the concept of searching for self in the context of lifestyle travellers -individuals for whom extended leisure travel is a preferred lifestyle that they return to repeatedly. Qualitative findings on the search for self from in-depth semi-structured interviews with lifestyle travellers in northern India and southern Thailand are considered in light of opposing academic perspectives on self. The study reveals a theoretical tension that exists between lifestyle travellers who may seek a unified sense of self, underpinned by the essentialist position that one"s "true self" exists, and contrasting widely held academic viewpoints that instead conceptualise embodied selves as relational and open to multiple performances.

Lifestyle travellers

“…This perspective illustrates the actor-level intersection between self-concept and lifestyle (Cohen, 2011), wherein patterns of consumption may 'give material form to a particular narrative of self-identity' (Giddens, 1991, p. 81).…”

Conceptual research in tourism

“…Searching for 'self' through lifestyle travel by Cohen (2010). This hints at conceptual research referring to the concepts of 'self' and 'lifestyle travel'.…”

Tourism as connectedness

“…This demonstrates a shift from localised, place-based communities, to ones that are centred more on the individual. While individuals may become members of special interest communities by undertaking activities such as shopping (Bauman 2000) or backpacking (Cohen 2010) they may also find themselves part of traditional place-based communities, albeit temporarily, at tourist spaces such as campsites (Dickinson et al submitted). The move from placed-based communities to communities as a search for meaning and identity is largely a result of a desire for belonging.…”

“…VFR tourism, along with volunteer tourism, independent travel where backpackers create communities (Cohen 2010) and virtual travel (including online forums) are examples of the many manifold types of travel that tourists may undertake in search of connectedness.…”