On undirected trips, satisfaction, and well-being: Evidence from Flanders (Belgium)

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On undirected trips, satisfaction, and well-being: Evidence from Flanders (Belgium)

Hook, Hannah / De Vos, Jonas / Van Acker, Veronique / Witlox, Frank

Highlights • Undirected travel trips are longer and more satisfying than directed travel trips. • Undirected travel satisfaction has a positive relationship to subjective well-being. • Higher levels of physical activity are important to undirected travel satisfaction. • Satisfaction with undirected travel implies a positive utility of travel.

Abstract Despite having the potential to improve subjective well-being, satisfaction with undirected travel, or travel for its own sake (e.g. taking a walk, bike ride, or joy ride), has not yet been empirically investigated. Using mean-comparison and generalized linear regression models, this study analyzes 1579 undirected trips made by 852 respondents to a survey in Flanders, Belgium during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (18 March – 4 May 2020). Undirected travel was found to be longer in duration and more satisfying than results from directed trips in previous literature, with an indication that higher levels of physical activity are important to satisfaction. Undirected travel satisfaction was found to have a clear positive relationship to well-being. As these trips are often active and were found to imply a positive utility of travel, understanding them can be important to policy goals regarding health, sustainability, and improving individual well-being.