The Travel Guidebook: Catalyst for Self-Directed Travel

Abstract

An increasing number of travelers are using various sources in order to enhance their travel experience. One overlooked resource is the travel guidebook. To this end, the purpose of this study was to understand the role of the guidebook in the travel experience. Research questions focused on how the traveler is using the guidebook. The study utilized “on the spot” interviews of tourists as well as a questionnaire. Sixty-one tourists or groups of tourists with a total of 137 people were interviewed. As a follow-up, a questionnaire about travel and guidebooks was completed by 98 tourists. Findings from this research indicate the following ideas. Tourist guidebooks are a catalyst for travel by allowing freedom of movement and increased knowledge of their visit. Tourist guidebooks add an educational component to travel. Most independent travelers are using some type of guidebook. More and more independent travelers are using the Internet for travel questions, and many of them are carrying this information in hand-held electronic devices. The guidebook has become a liberating aspect of travel by allowing the traveler to become more self-directed. This new information is often self-modeled while looking and following the concepts within the guidebook.