Phenomenology of Embodied Detouring

This paper adopts a phenomenological and interdisciplinary approach to explore the embodied dimensions of place and movement as they pertain to travel and tourism. By drawing on the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty, this study examines how the living body intermediates experiences of place and performed mobility across various touring modalities. In particular, it introduces the concept of embodied “detouring” as a distinct form of relationally placed mobility. The paper further explores the notion of “heterotouropia” and its connection to detouring in addition to addressing the ideas of “other-placing” and “other-moving” as ways to engage in indirect pathways. The paper concludes by presenting the implications, open questions and perspectives related to detouring and sustainable forms tourism and mobilities.