| The purpose of this dissertation is threefold, all aimed at the prospective development of a more comprehensive behavioral model of information source and technology use by travelers based on uncertainty and risk theories. The first objective was to examine the relationship between levels of tolerance for travel uncertainty and uses of information sources in traditional and web-based formats; second, to develop a typology of information technology uses during trips based on different types and levels of perceived travel risks; and third, to investigate differences in information technology use between everyday contexts and trip specific purposes and the effectiveness of involvement with information technology on explaining information technology use away from home. A panel survey methodology was employed to collect data from Canadian travelers.; The findings suggest individuals believe it is important to reduce travel uncertainty, and, at some point before an actual vacation experience starts, a traveler attempts to become more certain about their travel decisions. Results did not show that tolerance for travel uncertainty significantly influenced various information search behaviors as theory would suggest. Relationships between traditional and web formats were tested and some results suggested that web-based information sources are complementing rather than replacing traditional information source uses.; Findings also suggest that perceived travel risks were not significantly related to information technology uses during trips, as was expected in the proposed theoretical model. The results of this study revealed that: (1) the high perceived risk group did not exist on actual trips examined in this study; (2) high levels of perceived satisfaction risk were found in a majority of travelers while en route suggesting that travelers cognitively question their travel decisions or the credibility and usefulness of information they used for travel planning; (3) uncertainty and risk were tested and found to not be equivalent concepts; and (4) travelers' use of advanced high-tech devices or services were low. Overall, the research found information technology was not actively used on trips.; The panel study findings suggest involvement with information technology was also not an effective tool to predict information technology use, particularly for a trip purpose. Despite the capability of information technology to enhance a traveler's experience, the results indicate individuals rely on information technology more extensively at home in pursuing a variety of goals. This use distinction suggests concerns about functional capacities of information technology in destinations or places away from home or work environments, which appears to inhibit individuals from bringing information technology on vacations.; While the research results did not meet the proposed models that suggested that personal traits (tolerance for travel uncertainty, perceived travel risk and involvement with information technology) would predict information and technology uses, insights into the diffusion of web-based information were gained. It is recommended that the tourism industry forge partnerships with the information technology industry to remove impediments in use and applications of technology and wired environments for travelers, which can foster the enhancement of traveler's mobility and flexibility. |
