Understanding the Sources of Happiness in an Extended Tourism Context: A Longitudinal Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

ABSTRACT While existing research on happiness in tourism has primarily focused on short‐term, traditional contexts (e.g., leisure and recreation), little is known about the sources of happiness in long‐term, extended tourism contexts. Grounded in a phenomenological approach, this study explores the sources of happiness throughout a study‐abroad exchange journey (i.e., educational tourism). Data were collected across three stages of the study‐abroad exchange journey using semi‐structured interviews, scale data, reflection diaries, and short videos. Using longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis, the findings reveal nine sources of happiness. These are integrated into an experiencescape framework comprising social, cultural, natural, sensorial, functional, and psychological components. The findings enrich subjective well‐being theory by providing an understanding of the sources of happiness and their evolving meanings throughout the study‐abroad exchange journey. The study offers actionable insights for tourism practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance happiness in educational tourism.