Information technology in everyday and vacation contexts

Abstract

This research employed a longitudinal panel to examine diffusion of information technology (IT) and its spillover from everyday contexts to vacations. Over the course of the research wireless access to Internet became more common and increasingly IT was brought or available on a trip and the decision of tourists to be off or on the Internet while vacationing became more pronounced. Panelists showed evidence of diffusion with IT advancements through learning, equipment ownership, and improving perceived skills, as well as spillover of IT use and behavior into vacation contexts as a continuation of trip planning and information search beyond home or pre-trip planning, where Internet access is available and most common at destinations and travel facilities.