Beyond Experience: Uncovering the Travel Experience of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Vulnerable groups, such as those with life-threatening diseases and cancer patients, have been overlooked in current tourism activities despite their capability and need to participate. Therefore, this study analyzes the tourist-generated content published by cancer patients or their caregivers in the popular online community, Xiaohongshu, in order to gain a better understanding of their travel experiences. The unique perspective on tourism experienced by cancer patients leads to three distinct benefits. It includes overcoming challenges to attain self-identity, normalizing the tourism experience to ensure a fair travel experience, and gaining a better understanding of life’s meaning and self-esteem. A more comprehensive understanding of the hidden tourists’ experience is provided through this study. This expands the existing literature by highlighting people’s right to enjoy tourism and promoting wellness in the tourism experience.