Total interest and engagement, experiential intensity and fullness, a heightened or awakened quality of life -- these sorts of things can happen on tour.

I was reading some of Chris McCandless's writings today, and he wrote about a period in which it was clear that he was experiencing his days and his travels with great relish and intensity, and felt much more fully alive.

And the question comes up, what makes for that?

What gives a tour these sorts of qualities?

What is involved?

What goes into it?