Maarten Bresser

Sourcing Backpackers: How to Fill Their Mental Backpacks Maarten Bresser

This thesis examines the need for information and subsequent use of sources of information by travelers, with a specific focus on backpackers. A theoretical model is presented to link being a backpacker, need for information, and a) where information sources are found (internally vs. externally), b) how many information sources are used, and c) which types of information sources are used (direct vs. mediated). The model and hypotheses were tested through an online survey among travelers. Results showed that being a backpacker is minimally related to the type of information sources used, and not to where sources are found or how many sources are used. Instead, the use of travel information sources was related to demographic variables such as age, level of income, level of education, length of trip, and the regions visited. Individual characteristics thus seem of more importance in explaining information used during travel than traveler group characteristics. Implications for current theorizing and research on traveling and use of information sources are discussed.