This study attempts to develop a comprehensive understanding of the older adult educational tourism experiences through exploring the relationship between self-determined motivations, preferred tour attributes, memorable experiences, emotions, overall satisfaction, behavioral intentions and life satisfaction. By applying a concurrent mixed method design, the data will be collected from both pre-post travel surveys and semi structured interviews completed by Australians (50 years old or older) who participate in both domestic and international educational tour packages. It is anticipated the results of this study will demonstrate that educational tourism experiences provide a path to personal growth and the discovery of new meaning in life for older travelers with such journeys offering not only an opportunity to escape from everyday life but also a ‘transitional’ or temporary platform for reflection which ultimately a mean to achieve purpose, meaning and joy in life.