Social interactions among Asian backpackers: Scale development and validation

Authors/Creators

Hugh C. Wilkins

Abstract

Social interactions are a key aspect of the travel experience for Asian backpackers. Underpinned by the paradigm of symbolic interactionism and drawing on the theories of liminality and social identity, this study investigates the social interactions of Asian backpackers and provides a validated measurement scale. The interactions of travel companions comprise six dimensions including motivation, similarity, connection, similarity avoidance, distinction and recommendation along the travel timeline from pre-travel to on-road and post-travel period. The findings also identify the change, from learner to mentor, in the traveller’s role as the trip progresses.

RAS ID

22906

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

2018

Location of the Work

United Kingdom

School

School of Business and Law

Copyright

subscription content

Publisher

Routledge

Comments

Bui, H. T., & Wilkins, H. C. (2018). Social interactions among Asian backpackers: scale development and validation. Current Issues in Tourism, 21(10), 1097-1114. Available here.

Recommended Citation

Wilkins, H. C. (2018). Social interactions among Asian backpackers: Scale development and validation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2016.1205553