A longitudinal study of COVID-19 impacts on Canadian older adults' travel experiences and perspectives

This study explores the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in travel-related perspectives and experiences among Canadian older adults. Utilising data from a longitudinal qualitative study conducted between 2020 and 2023, this study garnered depth and nuance by exploring participants' experiences over time. The findings revealed three themes: diverse and changing reactions to travel disruption, camaraderie in sharing travel aspirations and experiences, and changing travel preferences. Aligned with the tourism-leisure behavioural continuum, this study illustrates the persistent interactions between everyday leisure and travel perceptions and experiences. The insights into retirees' transition pathways during the pandemic shed light on challenges, emphasising the importance of understanding travel from a life course perspective. This study provides insights for industries, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders, informing strategies to meet evolving travel needs while acknowledging diversity in pandemic responses.