How Travel Earns Us Bragging Rights: A Qualitative Inquiry and Conceptualization of Travel Bragging Rights

Abstract

Travel bragging rights have become an important factor influencing travel decision making in the social media era, yet research on this topic remains scant in the tourism literature. The present study attempted to answer the question “What constitutes travel bragging rights?” from tourists’ perspectives using in-depth interviews and means–end analysis. A comprehensive conceptualization of travel bragging rights was provided. Specifically, we identified seven dimensions of travel bragging rights. These dimensions are located on a continuum between a focus on the self and a focus on the audience and serve several social psychological functions reflecting social media posters’ (those who post content on social media) personal values. The conceptualization of travel bragging rights highlights the perception gaps between travel posters and the audience. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

The Rich Kids of Instagram: Luxury Travel, Transport Modes, and Desire

“…These are typically famous as luxury holiday destinations, for instance: St Tropez, The Hamptons, and Monaco. Tourists tend to mention destination names on social media when the destinations are luxurious, exclusive, remote, and recognizable by the audience, which help signal their status and financial freedom (Liu and Li 2020). The following text shows examples of mentioning iconic and luxury destinations, and their imbrication with transport modes:“Waiting for our chopper.…”

“…This contrasts with the past when the primary way of communicating holiday experiences was often by sending a postcard (Bronner and de Hoog 2019). Tourists claim the "bragging rights" from sharing uncommon, luxury, highly exclusive and extremely expensive travel experiences on social media (Liu and Li 2020). Through sharing such experiences, tourists seek to express themselves, enhance their self-esteem, and construct desirable self-image and identity, as well as gain external validation (Liu and Li 2020).…”

“…Tourists claim the “bragging rights” from sharing uncommon, luxury, highly exclusive and extremely expensive travel experiences on social media (Liu and Li 2020). Through sharing such experiences, tourists seek to express themselves, enhance their self-esteem, and construct desirable self-image and identity, as well as gain external validation (Liu and Li 2020). Taylor (2020) points to the importance and power of user-generated social media content in influencing others’ evaluation and selection of travel destinations, citing a wider range of sources that have demonstrated this link (e.g., Casalo et al 2015; Cox et al 2009).…”

Between Instagrammable Attraction and Selfie Tourist: Characteristic and Behavior

“…Based on the products offered by Floating Market Lembang and analysis on social media, researchers found that most tourist attractions can be categorized as instagrammable attractions [17,21]. Some of the reasons that support this argument include the fulfillment of most of the instagrammable indicators, such as photogenic, artistic, and aesthetic appeal.…”

“…In fact, many of them doubt the suitability of the image in the photo with reality. But on the other hand, Instagrammable photos are also often more popular, interesting, unique, and considered to represent the personality of the owner of the social media account [21].…”