Holiday recovery experiences, tourism satisfaction and life satisfaction – Is there a relationship?

•Holiday experiences help people relieve job stress.•Holiday experiences have positive effects on tourism satisfaction and overall life satisfaction.•The effects of holiday experiences are present regardless of the level of work strain people experience daily.

This research examines the relationships between holiday recovery experiences and life satisfaction through mediating variables of tourism satisfaction. Derived from a sample of 777 American respondents, it was found that individuals who were able to control what they want to do, feel relaxed and detached from work, and have new and challenging experiences during a holiday vacation were more likely to be satisfied with their holiday experiences and their life in general. The paper concludes with recommendations for the success of tourism businesses as well as the enhancement of tourists' senses of well-being.