Travel and Wellbeing: Future Prospects

Abstract

In this chapter, ideas and directions for future research are presented. Various interventions, as a means of counteracting mispredictions by the individual traveler and breaking travel habits, are discussed and illustrated. We elaborate upon what is known about individuals' predictions and their accompanying thoughts about possible consequences regarding wellbeing when performing a travel mode change. It is argued that one overall goal of every transport policy should be providing sustainable travel, accompanied by sustained or increased wellbeing. The authors conclude that, while there is a vast amount of research on judgment and decision making, there is still a need for knowledge of how to aid people's judgments as regards switching to sustainable alternatives. Specifically, researchers are urged to unveil how to prevent a loss of, or support a gain in, wellbeing when switching to sustainable travel.