Author(s):
Edward Pultar* - University of California, Santa Barbara
Martin Raubal - University of California, Santa Barbara
Abstract:
This work researches travelers that use a combination of data, social, and transportation networks to create environments of cost-free lodging and cultural exchange (e.g., CouchSurfing and Hospitality Club). The focus is on how the geographical spread of people in a modern Internet-based social network influences the travel choices of each individual in the network. This new form of travel leads to transformative research on modern travel methodologies. Trips of this variety can be for one or more purpose including business, leisure, personal, or others. A conceptual framework is presented for this highly dynamic method of travel utilizing multiple network levels. The description of this spatial behavior is also discussed with respect to a case study of participants. This provides insight on how people perform contemporary travels and the influences of trust, gender, age, language, and other factors. It also provides an outlook on how travel is changing into the future and effects on topics such as Traveler Recommender Systems (TRS).
