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The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of destination risk perception by focusing on Israel. Based on numerous previous studies and expert opinions, a comprehensive "theory-based" questionnaire was designed. Data were collected from 760 tourists visiting Israel. The factor analysis revealed 6 factors: "human-induced risk," "financial," "service quality," "socio-psychological," "natural disaster and car accidents," and "food safety problems and weather." Additionally, the concept of overall destination risk perception was measured. The relationships between and among all risk factors is examined and conclusions are drawn in terms of measuring destination risk perceptions and future research.

While backpacking is often associated with a propensity for risk-taking, the literature lacks quantitative analyses of backpackers' perceived risk. The current study attempts to fill this gap by exploring risk perceptions of 579 Israeli students who were backpackers. The study findings indicate that perceived risk of the backpackers' experience is a multidimensional phenomenon, which includes factors of risk similar to those mentioned in both the consumer behavior literature and in studies on perceived risk in tourism. This finding supports the thesis that backpacking is becoming more institutionalized and less distinct from conventional mass tourism. In addition, the study reveals that perceptions of risk involved in the backpacking experience vary across the individual's characteristics, such as gender, past backpacking experience, and preference for fellow travelers. This is congruent with the contemporary notion of backpacking as a heterogeneous tourist experience.

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This study investigates the relationships between the personality trait of sensation seeking and backpackers' risk perceptions by relying on a survey of 579 Israeli students who experienced backpacking. Some of the findings suggest that sensation seeking and travel risk perceptions are negatively correlated. For example, backpackers who were characterized as high social stimulus seekers were less concerned with socially oriented threats, such as crowded and commercialized places. However, other findings indicate that the relationships between the two concepts are more complex and might not be negatively correlated. For instance, the findings also indicate that the respondents were concerned about risks they were most likely to confront, given their anticipated behavior and nature of experiences that might be determined by their personality trait of sensation seeking.