Leisure travel outcomes and life satisfaction: An integrative look

The goal of this study is to investigate the integral relationships among leisure travel outcomes, life satisfaction domains, and overall life satisfaction. Based on qualitative and quantitative analyses of young Chinese leisure travel outcomes, this study grounded its conceptual framework in the theory of social production function as providing heuristics. Young Chinese overall life satisfaction was found to be enhanced through three universal goals – physical satisfaction improved by leisure-travel-based comfort, novelty and escape stimulations, social satisfaction boosted by improved social recognition and affection through travel, and satisfaction in career development which proved to be the people's unique universal goal resulting from travel. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed, providing suggestions to researchers, policymakers and tourism product developers.