Experiential travel, also known as immersion travel, is a form of tourism in which people focus on experiencing a country, city or particular place by actively and meaningfully engaging with its history, people, culture, food and environment.^[1] It can often be transformative.^[2] Therewith the concept is based on very similar mechanisms as for example experiential education, experiential knowledge, experiential interior design, and experiential marketing.

About[edit]

Experiential travel can emphasize different areas of local life – culinary, culture, history, shopping, nature or social life^[3] – and can therewith be the basis for a holistic travel experience. The goal is to more deeply understand a travel destination's culture, people and history by connecting with it more than just by visiting it.^[4] Therefore, the traveler usually gets in touch with locals who give guidance how to experience a place.^[5] This can be a friend, an accommodation host or another person.

Experiential travel tends to focus on travel that is inspirational, personalized and/ or creates a path to self-discovery.^[6] Examples include driving a tank and shooting military weaponry at a test range, flying an airplane under instruction, and mining for gold or diamonds. Other mock experiences include reenactments of historical events, fighting a fire at a training facility, and running through a maze.

History[edit]

The term "experiential travel" is already mentioned in books and publications from 1985^[7] – however, it has become a more popular market trend in recent years.^[8] In 2017, 65% of United States travelers preferred 'experiencing something new' over 'feeling rested and recharged'.^[9]

See also[edit]

• Adventure travel
• Culinary tourism
• Cultural tourism
• Volunteer tourism

References[edit]