This research proposes a general conceptual framework of individuals' emotional experiences during crises by reviewing the existing literature. The framework includes two different stages of information-processing induced emotions. The importance of sensemaking in both two stages is highlighted in the framework. This framework proposes that cognition-oriented and emotion-oriented individuals have different attitudes and behavioral intentions. The research then tests the framework in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak using interviews with travelers to ascertain the specific nature of individuals' emotional experiences in that specific context. The research demonstrates that the general framework can be applied to different contexts, and the framework specific to travelers’ emotional experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak may be used to underpin future research in the area of tourism crisis.