TRAVEL ITCH AS A NEW PHENOMENON: TRAVEL MOTIVES AND ATTRIBUTES OF ITCHERS

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to better understand the phenomenon of travel itch by revealing the travel motives and travel attributes of “travel itchers” within the framework of motivational theories. Design/methodology/approach – This is an exploratory study. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from individuals who have first-hand experience of travel itch (N: 30). Data were analysed using content analysis within the framework of motivational theories. Findings – This exploratory study finds that travel itch means a desire to travel and findings revealed that the motives of travel itchers are novelty, escape, host-site involvement, self-actualization, stimulation in line with the Travel Career Pattern (TCP) except travel itself. Travel itself is both one of the main motives and coping methods that distinguish those from other travellers. For coping methods, itchers do travel-related activities apart from travel itself. Nonetheless, travel itch is a recurrent cycle even after having a holiday. Consequently, an attempt was made to redefine the concept of ‘travel itch’ in light of all these findings. Originality of the research – Travel itch is an interesting concept newly introduced into tourism literature. And in order to obtain data this study puts the travel itchers themselves who use this concept. Since this is one of the first studies to examine the concept of travel itch, this study can be a guide for future research and place the concept in the context of travel motivation.