(Dis)Connectivity in the Travel Context: Setting an Agenda for Research

Abstract

Digital technologies have had a great impact on people’s everyday lives and transformed work, leisure and travel contexts. The ubiquitous use of technologies has allowed people to connect everyday life and travel, causing blurring boundaries between once separated domains. A wide body of research has investigated how travel, leisure activities and tourist experiences are enhanced through digital technologies, while the notion of ‘disconnection’ is only starting to receive attention. This paper fills a gap in that it offers a discussion around connectivity and disconnectivity in the travel context and sets an agenda for further research. Methodologically, this study draws upon secondary research and a thematic analysis of a symposium to develop a comprehensive agenda of six areas for research. This paper contributes to (dis)connectivity, tourist experience and work-life balance discourses in the digital age.