This qualitative study explored the perspectives of long-term travellers regarding
their motivational factors (i.e. why long-term travel) and subjective wellbeing (i.e. how
long-term travel enhances happiness). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22
participants using a purposive sample. Interview transcripts were triangulated to external
sources such as participants’ websites and blogs. Data were coded and analyzed in the
NVivo qualitative software program using a mixture of intuitive and methodological
(constant comparison) processes. Findings revealed that old misconceptions (i.e. dated
definitions, best suited for single men, journey as an escape and as a way to achieve fame
and glory) still exist, as well as new insights about what long-term travel is, why people
travel long-term and how long-term travel enhances happiness
