Finding Herself

Revision with unchanged content. This study examines the activities of Canadian women who backpacked in Europe and to what extent these activities facilitated identity development. The sample group was comprised of 19 Canadian women. E-mail interviews were conducted with participants to gain information about their travel activities and the meanings of these activities. Identity growth was evaluated on the basis of participants' reports and the extent to which participants reported experimentation. I hypothesized that during travel women would partake in risky behaviours (defined as increased alcohol and drug use, participation in adventure sports and atypical sexual activities) and thereby explore their identities. Interviews revealed that while women did explore their identities during travel, it was not primarily through risky behaviours. Identity development principally resulted from respondents having to navigate the trip for themselves, conferring a sense of independence. This book is directed towards tourism, geography and Women's Studies researchers.