Examining the calling theory and well-being in the context of travel: An example of travel films

There are opinions that the existence of an occupation to which an individual attaches importance and the opportunities in social life gained through this occupation increase the quality of life and make it possible to achieve a state of well-being. To this end, the present study addresses the theory of calling, which has parallels with well-being. When calling is understood as effort, it is emphasized that it is an integral part of the individual's life and occupies an important area for accessing a state of well-being. Although there are studies in the literature that refer to a specific activity area related to calling, no connection with travel was found. At this point, the aim of the present study is to examine the elements of calling and well-being through films with travel content, to uncover the elements of calling and well-being, and to subject them to semiological analysis. The study was designed according to a qualitative research pattern. In accordance with the analysis of the films, the themes were defined following the literature as "difficult times, emotional calls and messages, the search for meaning, ensuring individual development and strengthening social relationships". In this context, it was possible to identify and semiologically analyze the phenomena related to the theory of calling and the elements of well-being in the selected travel films. The contribution of the present study is to present a different view of the theory of calling through travel from the perspective of tourism. As a result of the study, it was found that there is evidence that travel is a sensory calling, and it was found that it occupies an important area for the well-being of individuals.