An Investigation into the Socially Constructed and Embodied Experiences of Senior Tourists with Disabilities and Their Travel Companions in Bali
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This paper highlights the socially constructed and embodied experiences of senior tourists with disabilities holidaying in Bali. Drawing upon qualitative inquiry, an inductive approach was applied, and critically examine senior tourists bodily experiences influenced by societal and environmental situations. The data was collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven senior tourists with disabilities and six identified travel companions. The senior tourists’ embodiment, as part of their identity, intertwined in the tourism activities result in two findings; freedom and connections. For senior tourists with disabilities, being in the holiday environment means to focus on the self and having some time alone is a crucial moment and considered as ‘me’ time. While other people actions in the destination causing barriers, which affected the freedom to navigate in the destination. Lastly, the presence of others established social engagement in the form of friendships and affections provides benefits for senior tourists and avoid exclusion from the social world.