Travel While Working Remotely: A Topological Data Analysis of Well-Being in Remote Work Trip Experiences

The proliferation of novel work arrangements, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to the emergence of remote work trip experiences in which work is conducted within the context of leisure travel. Remote work trips challenge the dichotomous view of traditional work and leisure domains. Grounded in positive psychology, this exploratory research investigates remote work travel experiences as a new phenomenon under the leisure travel umbrella. Using a data analytics approach based on a topological analysis of 32,881 Instagram posts, the findings revealed 23 distinct elements of remote work trip experiences that potentially influence well-being. The results indicate that traveling may benefit well-being despite not taking any breaks from work. By investigating the emerging trend of remote work trips and by expanding the understanding of how integrated work-travel experiences can influence well-being, this study contributes to the body of literature on both travel and positive psychology alike.