Abstract

This body of research developed over a number of individual but linked studies, predominantly carried out in the Bournemouth environs in the South Coast of England as well as on the islands of the Isle of Wight and Guernsey. The focus of these studies has been to examine the process, meaning and sought outcomes of the consumption process of individuals while on holiday. The relationship of noneveryday setting and increased desire for interpersonal and intrapersonal significance within holiday consumption experiences are shown to be pivotal in generating a perceived developmental event for the consumer away from the routine of everyday living. An explanation for this is considered within risk-based consumer models as well as within humanist developmental and post-modern identity/experience choice orientations.