Understanding temporal rhythms and travel behaviour at destinations: potential ways to achieve more sustainable travel

Abstract

This paper analyses the roles played by time in destination-based travel behaviour. It contrasts clock time's linear view of time with fragmented time, instantaneous time, fluid time and flow, time out and the multiple temporalities of tourism experiences. It explores temporal issues in a destination travel context, using qualitative techniques. Data were captured using diary photography, diary-interview method with tourists at a rural destination; their spatial and temporal patterns were captured using a purpose built smartphone app. The analysis revealed three temporal themes influencing travel behaviour: time fluidity; daily and place-related rhythms; and control of time. Three key messages emerge for future sustainable tourist destination-based travel systems. Given the strong desire for temporal fluidity, transport systems should evolve beyond clock-time regimes. Second, temporal forces favour personal modes of transport (car, walk, cycle), especially in rural areas where public transport cannot offer flexibility. Third, the car is personalised and perceived to optimise travel fluidity and speed, but is currently unsustainable. Imaginative initiatives, using new mobile media technology can offer new positive and proactive car travel, utilising spare public and private vehicle capacity. Research is needed to implement mechanisms for individualised space–time scheduling and collective vehicle use strategies.

理解目的地的时间节奏和旅行行为：实现更可持续性旅行的潜在方法

该文章分析了时间在目的地里的旅行行为所担的角色。文章对比了时钟时间的线性时间观和零碎时间，瞬时间，流体的时间和流量，超时和多个时间性的旅游经验。它使用了定量化技能探讨了一个目的地旅行环境里的时间问题。数据是通过在一个乡村目的地里和旅游者进行日记摄影和日记采访法来收集的；他们的时间和空间的格局样式通过一个特制的智能手机软件来获得的。分析揭示了影响旅行行为的三大时间主题：时间的流动性; 每天和地方相关的节奏和时间控制。研究产生了对将来可持续性旅游目的地的旅行系统有用的三个主要的信息。在对时间流动性的强烈需求下，交通系统应该从时钟时间的制度上演化开。第二，时间的推力偏好交通的个人模式（汽车，走路，自行车），特别是在公共交通不是很方便的乡村地区。第三，小汽车是个性化的选择，并且是被认为能优化旅行流动性和速度，但是现在来说是不可持续的。富有想象力的目标，使用新的手机媒体技术能提供新的正面的和积极的汽车旅行，使用空余的公共和私有车辆承载能力。个性化的时空调度和集体的车辆使用策略的实施机制还需要更多的研究。

Keywords:

• space–time
• mobile media
• behavioural studies
• place rhythms
• car travel

关键词:

• 空余时间
• 手机媒体
• 行为学
• 地方节奏
• 汽车旅行

Acknowledgements

This work was partially funded by RCUK as part of the Sixth Sense Transport (6ST) Project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Janet E. Dickinson

Janet Dickinson is a senior lecturer at Bournemouth University, UK. Her research interests focus on sustainable travel practice and include studies on slow travel, social representations, mobile social networking and time.

Viachaslau Filimonau

Viachaslau Filimonau is a research fellow at Bournemouth University, UK. His research interests include sustainable mobility, information communication technology in tourism and tourism impact assessment.

Tom Cherrett

Tom Cherrett is a senior lecturer in the Transportation Research Group at the University of Southampton, UK. His research interests focus around new technologies and operating practices to improve the efficiency of both forward and reverse supply chains in the retail sector.

Nigel Davies

Nigel Davies is a professor of ubiquitous computing in the Computing Department at Lancaster University, UK. His research interests include mobile computing and transport.

Sarah Norgate

Sarah Norgate is a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Salford, UK. Her research interests include user engagement with digital technology across the lifespan, particularly around temporalities.

Chris Speed

Chris Speed is a reader in digital spaces at the University of Edinburgh, UK. His research interests include the Internet of things and time.

Chris Winstanley

Chris Winstanley is a research assistant in the Computing Department at Lancaster University, UK.