Abstract This paper examines the main hypothesis of whether increases in disposable income, cause an increase in domestic travel, and the sub-hypothesis of whether domestic travel is a normal or luxury good. The paper explains that the main aim is to determine the true nature of the relationship between disposable income and domestic travel. The paper further explores the effect of disposable income on domestic travel. In conclusion, the paper shows that a complete model of domestic travel entails looking at all determinants of travel as a supposed explanatory variable before the relationship between personal disposable income and domestic travel can be analyzed and this is necessary so that the relationship coefficients are unbiased.
Outline:
Literature Survey
Theory and Hypothesis: What is the Effect of Disposable Income on Domestic Travel
From the Paper "Research that has centered on domestic travel, began as early as the 1960's, especially in wake of the fact that in many developed countries citizens were spending excessively on travel. Empirical studies by Gray found that disposable income was a major determinant of travel. Gray's analysis was an econometric model that included explanatory variables such as the foreign exchange rate, fare payments abroad, and travel spending by local residents. Gray's work also included another element that was absent in other papers, that is, Gray found that the prices of goods and services while traveling were an important determinant of travel. This particular model is important to the testing of the relevant hypotheses since, it gives a clear picture as to what the complete model of domestic travel should entail as explanatory variables. It is therefore less likely to get a biased determinant if all the necessary independent variables are included in the model; Gray's research paper dictates what these variables should be."
Abstract This paper examines the differences between two travel essays - "A Vocabulary for My Senses" by Timothy Bascom and "By the Big Sea Water" by William Least Heat-Moon. The writer explains that in the essay "By the Big Sea Water" Heat-Moon makes it alive, interesting and emotional because of the connections he sets up with the memories and feelings of a little boy. The writer further explains that the travel story told by Timothy Bascom in "A Vocabulary for My Senses" is very different. The writer notes how (in this essay) memories on their own would be interesting, as the physical details are rich and exotic, and vividly remembered, but the emotional side is also very rich, and makes the "travel story" that much more memorable and interesting. The writer then describes a personal travel experience and its lasting impression and effects on the writer.
From the Paper "In "By the Big Sea Water," William Least Heat-Moon writes a wonderful story that is part travel story, part nostalgia trip. He brilliantly evokes the nostalgia of a boy traveling with his father, seeing Lake Superior from this perspective. Obviously a lot of the importance of this trip for the boy was connected to the fact that he was with his father. This is clear from the fact that the father is physically present for us. For example, the little boy remembers his father in the wobbly cafe of long ago."
Abstract This paper constitutes an admission essay into a specialized program. The essay itself is an answer to an open-ended question. The question asks if one could travel abroad for education, where would the author choose to travel and what would the author hope to gain from the cultural experience. In this case, the author choses to hypothetically travel to China and answers the question accordingly.
From the Paper "If I had the opportunity to travel for my education or personal interest I would be most interested in visiting Eastern Asia, particularly China. I feel that I could learn a tremendous amount from the culture, people and historical sights in that area of the world. The Chinese have had an extremely rich and varied history, often struggling but maintaining a strong lineage of culture and pride. While they still sometimes struggle with politics and individual rights, they are currently emerging as an economic power in the world. The political balancing act that is constantly going on there is fascinating, and I would love to learn and see first hand what changes are taking place. Most of the information about China that most Americans see is from news sources taking a more global and Westernized view of things."
Abstract This paper presents a case study of the hospitality and tourism dynamics of online travel agencies in general, and the company Travelocity, a leading provider of consumer-direct travel services for leisure and business, in particular. The author has included in this paper a copy of Travelocity's Customer Bill of Rights.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Supply, Demand and Macroeconomic Factors
Online Travel Agencies
Travelocity
Current and Future Trends
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Today, the travel and tourism industries have shaken off most of the adverse effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 to reassume a leading role in the global economy. In this environment, identifying how companies competing in this industry have managed to achieve success where others have failed represents a valuable and timely endeavor. To this end, this case study provides a critical evaluation of the strategies implemented by the online travel agency, Travelocity, in striving for sustainable competitive advantage. An analysis of the supply and demand factors and macroeconomic factors that affect the business is followed by a comparable assessment of contemporary issues that affect the company's supply and others affecting the demand for their products and services. An examination of changes that are affecting the company including the rise of the "ethical" consumer and the implications of national/international policies upon the activities of online travel agencies in general and Travelocity in particular is followed by a summary of the research, important findings and salient recommendations in the conclusion."
Abstract This paper describes the e-business industry of travel Web sites. The author points out new marketing techniques of the airlines Delta, Southwest and Jet Blue, including discounted fares and instant rewards. The paper points out the flexibility of online Web travel sites and the convenience of one-stop shopping venues.
From the Paper "One of the e-commerce venues that has generated great interest and high levels of sales is the travel Web site, among which are Web sites maintained by airlines, such as Delta, Southwest and Jet Blue. These sites have developed new marketing techniques to capture audience interest and inspire consumers to purchase travel packages and or airline tickets online. A major marketing tool used by companies, such as Southwest Airlines, is the use of heavily discounted fares that are available ..."
Abstract The paper analyzes "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", written by Ann Brashares about four girls who have been close friends since they were small children. The paper describes how, for the first time in their lives, Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget are about to be separated from one another, managing to preserve their friendship because of a very special pair of jeans. The paper examines how, because each of these girls has different interests and personalities, their friendship depends upon accepting one another for who they are. The paper analyzes how acceptance is one of the most important themes in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", and Ann Brashares develops this theme through plot and characterization.
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the book, 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. The paper focuses primarily on the power of the words that make up this famous literary work. The paper takes a look at the common point between Gulliver's conversation with the various people he encounters during his travels, Swift's irony, and the book itself being considered a fairy tale for children and a bitter satire of the government of England and of humankind as a whole at the same time.
From the Paper "The power of words in Gulliver's Travels cannot be totally elucidated if one does not pay attention to the strength of Swift's own message, through the scrutiny of satire, irony, sarcasm and humour, all of them hiding the true meaning of words and indulging in plays on words of all kinds. We will see that the power of the writer's words is to have multiple meanings -that is to say, Swift's words convey different messages, and their real significance is often hidden beneath the plainness of the style. Our analysis will try to highlight that satire and irony, even if they have limits in their turn, can be seen as the ultimate power of words in Gulliver's Travels."
Abstract This paper explains that Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" is a satire. The author points out that the madness of the characters is really a tool to satirize that which is being made fun of, in this case, the civility of men. The paper states that the distance between the reader and Gulliver in the narrative gives the feeling that the work is a travel log, which no reader could possibly believe. The author concludes that the message of this book is for readers to see madness not as madness but as valuable knowledge, which can change the shape of their own behavior and beliefs.
From the Paper "The job is done in "Gulliver's Travels", by reversing the roles of men and horses, showing the horse to be kind and gentle, even to a creature that they recognize as a refined Yahoo, the name they have given to the human beasts. The horses even took it upon themselves to feed Gulliver's growth, as they recognized in him a refinement that was lacking the other yahoos, and heartily went about trying to teach him their language."
Abstract This paper depicts "Gulliver's Travels" with reference to the second voyage to the land of the Brobdingnag and states that it was not a utopia.
Abstract Using the flawed narrative lens of Dr. Lemuel Gulliver, this paper discusses how Swift creates a satire based on the difference between how things appear versus. physical reality. An examination of "Gulliver's Travels Part 1" shows how Gulliver and the Lilliputians make erroneous observations from flawed, self-important points of view, which are based on external appearances or their inability to see things as they really are.
From the Paper "Physiognomy is the interpretation of outward appearance, especially the features of the face, to discover a person's predominant temper and character. Since ancient times, physiognomy has been used to judge people based on their appearance. It was a common human assumption that if a woman was beautiful then her character was good and virtuous. Conversely, an ugly woman was judged as wicked. The judging of various aspects of human nature on a person's appearance is a foible that has little to do with logic or reason. This concept is exemplified in Gulliver's Travels."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts William Shakespeare's "The Rape of Lucrece" with Thomas Nashe's "The Unfortunate Traveller", pointing out that, although Nashe's work was published after Shakespeare's, both contain a very brutal rape scene. The paper then attempts to identify what is both similar and different about each rape scene by comparing and contrasting the works in terms of motivation, plot, character and outcome.
From the Paper "In The Rape of Lucrece the motivation of Tarquin is more subtle. There is no evidence that he has done such a thing before, although he is guilty of an inflated case of pride. However, it is clear that he is an honorable soldier and friend, at least initially. His motivation comes from lust born of hearing about Lucrece's beauty. One could therefore say that this is not a case of habit or of greed, but of lust alone."
Abstract This paper evaluates three main travel e-commerce sites, focusing on user friendliness, navigation and organization. The three sites discussed are Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia.
From the Paper "Today with the popularity and dependability, which most individuals have on the Internet it is not surprising that they are also choosing to make their travel plans using this medium as well. There are several sites available to perform such searches by price, destination, and travel goals as well as by entertainment options. However, in this analysis three different sites were chosen for analysis and those were Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity. I.A Site Overview: Of the three sites evaluated there were a few initial differences but the main similarity was noticed through the section inquiring from the user, what their desired destination city was as well as from what city they would be departing. On all sites this section was almost identical. Each site also asked for the dates of travel and whether a hotel or rental car should be booked with the flight ticket purchase."
Abstract This paper examines how for many years, ships were the only means of travel between many parts of the world and therefore, were a major means of transportation. Today, air travel has become the preferred means of travel, especially when there is a need to travel long distances and one is short of time. It looks at how point-to-point steamship travel may connect one to one's destination, but this mode of transport is by no means as popular as is sailing purely for pleasure, on a cruise. Cruise travel is usually a round trip and is considered as a total unit, while point-to-point steamship travel is undertaken between two or more ports.
Outline
Introduction
Then and Now
Air Travel or Ship Cruise?
Booking and Overbooking
Delayed and Cancelled Flights
Check-In
Baggage
Cost
Frequent Flyer Programs
Customer Satisfaction
The Cabin
Seating for Dinner
Food
Entertainment, Fun and Games
Massage and Beauty Parlors
Shore Excursions
Safety
Health
Travel Insurance
From the Paper "Today, the scene has changed, and cruise lines are bringing their ships nearer home. Cruises of short duration are now to be had for the asking, are more affordable than ever before, and cater largely to the younger crowd. Some lines cater to the singles groups, some to honeymooners, and some to families with reduced rates. Nearly 40% of all first-time passengers are under 34, and 62% are under 55. Plenty of ships now sail out from ports like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, as well as from New Orleans, Tampa, Galveston and San Diego. The addition of many new departure points from the U.S. mean that your ports of call are almost unlimited, and that one can drive up to a cruise, altogether eliminating the hassles of air travel such as airport queues, foreign airports and immigration lines. This is especially relevant, given the implementation of new and often frustrating airport security checks."
Abstract This paper discusses U.K. tourism in general, and travel agents in particular. It specifically focuses on the differences between traditional travel agents, on the one hand, and e-tourism, on the other hand. The paper also presents future trends in the field, together with recommendations designed for improving travel agents' activity.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The Importance of the Research
Research Problem Definition
Research Scope
Establishing the Objectives and Hypotheses of the Research
Pre-estimating the Value of the Information Gathered from the Research
Selecting Information Sources
Selecting the Information Collection Method
Research Methods for Each Objective
UK Travel Industry Analysis
U.K. Tourism General Situation
Travel Statistics
U.K. Travel Industry Structure
Travel Agency Organization
E-Tourism
Intermediation and Re-intermediation in the Travel Industry
Literature Review
The Intermediation, Disintermediation and Re-intermediation Theory
Identifying the differences between high street
Advantages and Disadvantages of Both Types of Companies
Establishing the profitability of both types of companies
Determining the future of the two businesses
Determining the power of e-business
Traditional Travel Agents SWOT Analysis
Online Travel Agents SWOT Analysis
Primary Research
Questionnaire Discussion
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "There are several organizations, both private and governmental, that periodically conducts studies on the travel industry. Private research organizations conduct thorough studies that offer thorough information on this market. Governmental sources can also be accessed for data on the subject, but less thorough. The government did not pay sufficient attention to travel market research, which leads to the lack of significant official data. However, the government is committed to changing this situation, as research project proposals have been discussed."
