Why And When People Travel By Beth Pitts
Psychological Factors Affecting Travel Choices Prestige Escape Education Social Interaction Family Bonding Self-Discovery
Respect and admiration resulting from high quality. Travel to choice destinations can provide a traveler with a level of fame, if only in the mind of the traveler. Hollywood—Rodeo Drive Prestige
The desire to leave the daily routine of one’s life Beaches—Hilton Head, SC Caribbean—St. Thomas Escape
Education Travel is viewed as broadening. Historical sites are popular
Social Interaction Travel provides opportunities to meet and interact with new and different people.
Family Bonding Grandparents’ homes Heritage/roots— Family reunions, weddings, funerals
Relaxation A time to play and unwind Attractions Festivals
Self-Discovery “Finding oneself” Beauty, nature and national parks— camping, hiking Holistic vacations— Yoga retreats
Basic Travel Motivators Physical or relaxation motivator Cultural motivator Interpersonal motivator Status and prestige motivator
Physical or Relaxation Motivator Physical rest Sporting as a spectator or participant Examples: running, lounging in the sun, vacationing alone
Cultural Motivator The desire for knowledge of other regions or countries Religion, one of the first motivators of travel Music Art Dances
Interpersonal Motivator Meet new people Make new friends Visit friends or relatives Escape from the daily routine
Status and Prestige Motivator Desire for recognition, attention, appreciation and a good reputation Major accomplishments, an award recipient, travel to currently popular destinations
Factors That Influence Destination Choices Total cost of trip Climate for comfort Purchase opportunities Word-of-Mouth Entertainment Recommendations Other Amenities
Seasonal Nature of Tourism Peak period (high season) Off-peak period (low season) Shoulder season
Peak Period (High Season ) Time when the destination is most desirable either for climatic reasons or because of some special event Prices are high. Demand is high. This is a popular travel time.
Off-Peak Period (Low Season) Period or season when traffic volume or occupancy is not heavy Traffic is usually low for an identifiable reason. Prices are reduced. Demand is low.
Shoulder Season The period between peak and off-peak seasons. Shoulder seasons are attractive to people who do not need to travel during peak holiday months.
Factors Affecting Timing of the Peak/Off-Peak Period Location and season of the destination and/or facility Type of facility or business