Towards the recovery mechanisms of leisure travel experiences: does the length of vacation matter?

This research examines the recovery mechanisms of leisure travel experiences with a focus on the moderating role of vacation duration. Results from a sample of 509 US respondents shows that autonomy is a requisite in the link between tourism experiences and life satisfaction, while its effect on life satisfaction is mediated by passive and active tourism experiences. Another key finding is that shorter leisure trips tend to facilitate the passive route to life satisfaction, while longer trips can better facilitate the active route. These findings provide important insights regarding the connection between tourism and well-being.