SARA SKARP RESEARCH
Pandemic holidaying and transformative potential
During the pandemic, international travel, especially by air, became difficult. This project examined how people adapted by traveling over land, uncovering what they learned from these experiences and exploring how such shifts could lead to more sustainable travel practices in the future.
Key findings of the project
The pandemic forced shifts in holidaying
COVID-19 led to more local and surface-based travel (like road trips to domestic locations) as international flights dropped. Fewer holidays and a shift to car were the largest changes.
Holidays have different meaning to different people
People have different ideas of what makes a "real holiday". While some were content with domestic trips, others found it hard to replicate the exotic experiences they associated with long-haul flights.
What is the future of low-carbon holidaying?
Although some enjoyed the benefits of local travel, many are eager to return to flying post-pandemic. This highlights the importance of cultural shifts, along with improvements in infrastructure.
Outputs
Skarp, S., Hoolohan, C. (2024). Exploring pandemic holiday practices: Meaning, memory, experience. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights. Vol 5(2), 100135. Download from the publisher: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266695792400017X?via%3Dihub