Travel Capital: A Qualitative Study on Traveler Earnings

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

The purpose of this study is to determine the earnings that people get at the end of their journey. The phenomenology approach, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. Snowball sampling technique, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used to determine the participants of the study. In order to obtain the views of the participants, in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 18 travelers using a semi-structured interview form. In the analysis, three different themes were obtained; the meaning of travel, the reasons for the trip and the results of the trip. As a result of the study, while the reasons for the travel are personal preferences and requirements; it has been seen that people attribute meanings to travel such as discovery, learning and development, lifestyle, courage, purification and interaction. The results of travel show itself in the form of learning and development, change in life philosophy, gaining social reputation, psychological gains, material gains, positive externalities, changes in habits and other gains. In the study, based on Bourdieu's classification, the concept of 'Travel Capital' as a new capital classification related to earnings obtained as a result of travels is discussed. In conclusion; travel capital can be defined as the whole of the material and spiritual experiences that people who set out for a purpose and complete their journey by consciously ascribing meaning, together with the places they travel, the people they meet, and the experiences they have had.