A structural theory of the vacation

This paper presents a structural theory of the vacation incorporating five premises: (1) vacations have structure, (2) many vacationers seek structure to their vacation experiences, (3) three alternate macrostructures exist amongst vacations, (4) vacation microstructure consists of a composite of elements chosen by the vacationer, and (5) vacation macrostructure impacts on microstructure decision-making. The paper identifies three vacation macrostructures – stay-put vacations, arranged touring vacations, and freewheeling touring vacations. The timing of the vacationer's choice of microelements of the vacation, including their choices in travel routes and places of accommodation, is inherently different for each of the three macrostructures. An empirical study identifies these three macrostructures amongst the trips undertaken by a representative sample of Swiss households. The study also observes differences between the three macrostructures in destinations chosen, duration of vacations, levels of vacation expenditure, composition of travel parties, choices of transport mode, and motives for travel. By understanding how tourists structure their vacations, tourism operators may be better able to create value in tourists' vacation experiences.