Exploring Transformative Travel Experiences of Southeast Asian Female Solo Travelers

Abstract

The focus of the tourism industry has shifted to travel experiences that transform self-values, perspectives, and behaviors to positively contribute to an individual’s well-being and society. This study aims to explore the transformative travel experiences of Southeast Asian female solo travelers. It focuses on understanding how transformation happens from the perspectives of female solo travelers. This study adopted a qualitative semi-structured interview method to explore the perspectives of 15 Southeast Asian female solo travelers. Three themes were identified: the need for solitude, differences as a transforming catalyst, and self-realization and self-improvement. The findings of this study not only contribute to the growing research on travel transformation and Southeast Asian female solo travelers but also highlight critical factors of transformative solo travel experiences to assist practitioners in designing tourism experiences.