Social aspects of long-distance travel - a study of two survey designs

Major parts of transportation research focus on everyday travel, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. However, to find strategies to reduce transport-related emissions on a global scale, studies on long-distance travel require greater consideration. This paper presents and compares two independent mixed-methods research approaches exploring social aspects of long-distance travel. While one study is qualitative dominant and focuses on relational aspects of travel decisions, the other is quantitative dominant and originates from the individuals’ needs. Both studies highlight motivational factors as important stimuli for long-distance travel patterns and that part of long-distance travel is due to social commitment.