Fun time, finite time: Temporal and emotional dimensions of grandtravel experiences

Malene Gram*, Stephanie O'Donohoe, Heike Schänzel, Caroline Marchant, Anne Kastarinen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Grandtravel, a growing but under-researched aspect of family tourism, appears to be a rich site for exploring temporal and emotional dimensions of tourism. This interpretive study draws on interviews with grandparents and grandchildren in Denmark and New Zealand to explore the meanings, emotions and experiences associated with grandtravel. In both contexts, we suggest that this particular form of family holiday contributed to individual and intergenerational wellbeing. Specifically, we characterise grandtravel as offering fun time, finite time and also legacy time. Each time was associated with particular affective flows including joy; loss and acceptance; and hope and confidence. These affective flows fostered playmate, poignant and continuing bonds between grandparents and grandchildren, contributing to their wellbeing in multiple ways.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102769
JournalAnnals of Tourism Research
Volume79
ISSN0160-7383
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2019

Keywords

  • Affective flows
  • Family emotions
  • Family holidays
  • Family time
  • Grandtravel
  • Intergenerational family bonds

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