Learning from travel experiences: a system for analysing reflective learning in journals

Travel experiences are argued to have the ability to improve psychological well-being, promote international understanding, act as a force for peace and friendship, encourage environmental conservation and facilitate learning (Higgins-Desboilles 2006; WTO 1999). The development of generic skills important to educators and businesses – such as problem solving, time management, leadership, effective communication and the management of financial resources – are also linked to the experience of travel (see Gmelch 1997; Pearce and Foster 2007). However, there have been few studies which focus on learning experiences in tourism, investigating reflection on travel.