Travel Stress, Leisure Exploration, and Trip Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Travel Adjustment

Abstract

Integrating Torbiorn’s theory of adjustment and Lazarus’ theory of stress, this study examines the antecedents, consequences, and mitigating factors of international business travel adjustment. Results from two studies, a unique pre (Time 1) and post (Time 2) travel survey conducted before COVID at two airports in North and South America, and data collected post-COVID using an online panel of business travelers illustrate how and why adjustment mediates the travel stress/leisure exploration–trip satisfaction relationship. Our findings guide managers and practitioners to mitigate the negative impact of travel stress by allowing time for leisure exploration while on international business trips. Tourism businesses should continue to explore and design experiences that satisfy the general adjustment needs of the international business travel market.