Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The family holiday is changing and extending beyond the traditional
one-week or two-week holiday. There is an increasing desire for parents
to expose their children to the cultures and lifestyles of the destinations
visited. It is argued that travel is one of the best forms of education for
children and the family bond may be cemented through experiential travel,
expanding the family's perspective on life, lifestyle and other aspects of
culture worldwide. Experiential travel refers to the physical, emotional and
psychological benefits of taking a holiday. It is important to consider how
the family tourism experience contributes to the overall psychological well-
being of the tourist and what implications this might have for operators.
Research by VisitScotland (2006) indicated that one-third of consumers
with an interest in adventure tourism and sports on holidays and short
breaks had children under the age of 15, confirming 'the attractiveness of
adventure sports for the family audience'.
Families with children are increasingly finding that participation in 'soft'
adventure tourism can yield significant benefits in terms of family bonding
through the shared experience of exciting activities combined with some
mild exercise. The most common motivators for outdoor recreation are fun,
relaxation, health and exercise, stress reduction, to experience nature, the
thrill of learning and family togetherness. The most common barriers to
outdoor recreation are lack of time, interest and money, and lack of instruc-
tional programmes in recreational areas (Recreation Roundtable, 1995, cited
in Neirotti, 2003: 17). The current trend in the UK towards camping and
'glamping' (a form of luxury camping with facilities under canvas equal to
those found in hotel accommodation) indicates recognition of the benefits
of outdoor recreation combined with a more cost-effective way for the
family to holiday together.
What is clear from an analysis of the historical development of the
family holiday market is that while the family holiday is changing and
extending beyond the traditional one-week or two-week holiday, its main
purpose remains much as it was in the late 18th and throughout the 19th
century, with the elements of escapism, fun and entertainment at its core.
The opportunity for family togetherness is an important factor in today's
family tourism market, with parents seemingly working harder to afford a
basic quality of life and at the same time compensating for time lost during
the working week.
Soc ial Tour ism
Social tourism enables people living on low incomes to access leisure and
holiday activities. The resulting happiness and perceived healthiness, as a
benefit accrued from participation in a holiday or leisure activity, contri-
bute to a happier, healthier and more caring society (Hazel, 2005; Hughes,
1991; Minnaert
et al
., 2009). Travel and the pursuit of leisure activities as
