Toward a gender understanding of the influence of the couple on family vacation decisions

In this investigation, a literature review is conducted on partner influence in family vacation decision-making (FVDM) through the analysis of 72 empirical anglophone studies over the last six decades. Studies have approached this subject in very disparate ways, using one of four perspectives: (1) male and female roles, (2) influences on couples, (3) dyadic consensus on the extent of influence of each member, and (4) conflict in preferences and influence tactics within couples. Despite the lack of research on various aspects of the FVDM of couples, the conclusion shared most in the literature is that decisions regarding vacations in general, as well as upon particular destinations, are joint decisions. Lines of research that should be pursued in the future are also discussed.