6 research outputs found
Recommended from our members
We’re One, But We’re Not The Same… The Impact Of Individual’s Travel Desires On Satisfaction
Although vacations have many positive outcomes, it should not be assumed that every vacation improves life satisfaction nor that all participants are satisfied equally with the vacation. This research seeks to explore several travel characteristics along with differing travel party types, and how each contributes to vacation satisfaction and satisfaction with life. Specifically, this study explores the vacation characteristics of travel frequency, trip length and the percent of time an individual spends doing what they desire to do on a vacation, to explore the effect each variable had on vacation and life satisfaction. The study shows that frequency of vacation, nor days spent on vacation impacted vacation or life satisfaction significantly. Instead, the results reveal the amount of time an individual pursued their own desired activities during vacation was most detrimental to vacation and life satisfaction
Examining the Potential Relationship Benefits of Leisure Travel Taken With and Without One's Significant Other and Children
As adults continue to work longer and take less vacation days, relationship dynamics
are changing to accommodate individuals' responsibilities to career, family life and self. The
amount of time couples spend together and the way time spent together is utilized is in turn
changing. These issues have resulted in a recent surge in research related to relationship
satisfaction and the variables that can enhance relationships, including leisure activities.
Tourism practitioners have started to examine the increasing trend of couples
traveling without their significant other as means to increase vacation and relationship
satisfaction. Industry coined "girlfriend's getaways" and "mancations” are noted by some as
a means to potentially increase satisfaction with an individual's leisure choices as well as
potentially leading to increases in the couple's relationships satisfaction. While academic
research has yet to examine the effects of travel without one's significant other, it is possible
that traveling without your significant other could make one value their relationship and time
spent together that much more. It is also possible that the non-traveling partner forms
resentment and/or mistrust in the relationship for not being included. Thus, this study sought
to understand if travel with different companions contributed to perceived relationship
commitment and satisfaction levels.
As a new contribution the field, the current research compared satisfaction levels
between three groups. It was found that traveling with a significant other had a positive and
significant affect on relationship satisfaction, while traveling with people other than one’s
significant other had a negative, although not significant. Travel with one’s significant other
and kids was found to have a positive, yet not significant effect.
A conceptual modeling proposed vacation satisfaction would have a positive correlation with satisfaction with life, when mediated by relationship satisfaction. The results suggested that those who had higher levels of vacation satisfaction also had higher levels of relationship satisfaction (β=.467). It was also found that as perceived relationship satisfaction levels increased, so too did satisfaction with life levels (β=.702).
A second model utilized the Investment Model of relationships to determine relationship commitment. The current finding were consistent with existing research and showed satisfaction was the strongest indicator of relationship commitment (r^(2)=.642) followed by quality of alternatives which contributed a negative and direct correlation (r^(2)=-.278). Contrary to existing literature, investment size was not found a significant predictor of relationship commitment (p=.104).
Theoretical implications of the study include a better understanding of the effects travel without one’s significant other has on a relationship, and that satisfaction with vacations taken with one’s significant other assists the investment model in explaining couples’ relationship commitment. From a practical standpoint, results revealed that tourism suppliers who foster relationship satisfaction for couples traveling together can assist the couples in becoming more committed
Recommended from our members
The Benefits of Travel: : Family and Relationships Review of Literature
The purpose of this review was to examine existent research on the benefits of travel applicable to working adults, couples, families and extended family members. While travel is often perceived as an outlet for relaxation, education and a chance to escape the mundane, recent research suggests travel has several deeper benefits for families, relationships, and the individual. Findings from the extensive review of literature revealed that tourism provides positive benefits for adults, children and couples. Time allotted for family bonding is decreasing, likely attributed to increased career demands and changing family structures. Several studies cited this, and showed travel as a means to improve communications within a relationship, reduce the possibility of divorce, strengthen lifelong family bonds and increase a sense of well-being in adults and children. Gaps in the existent research were noted, and potential suggestions for future research are addressed
Recommended from our members
Hunting Cabins and Health Spas: Examining the Potential Benefits of Leisure Travel With, and Independent of, Significant Other
Me, My Girls, and the Ideal Hotel: Segmenting Motivations of the Girlfriend Getaway Market Using Fuzzy C-Medoids for Fuzzy Data.
Segmenting the motivation of travelers using the push and pull framework remains ubiquitous in tourism. This study segments the girlfriend getaway (GGA) market on motivation (push) and accommodation (pull) attributes and identifies relationships between these factors. Using a relatively novel clustering algorithm, the Fuzzy C-Medoids clustering for fuzzy data (FCM-FD), on a sample of 749 women travelers, three segments (Socializers, Enjoyers, and Rejoicers) are uncovered. The results of a multinomial fractional model show relationships between the clusters of motivation and accommodation attributes as well as sociodemographic characteristics. The research highlights the importance of using a gendered perspective in applying well established motivation models such as the push and pull framework. The findings have implications for both destination and accommodation management