Factors that influencing Thai office working age in Bangkok's preference toward free independent travel to Japan.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore psychological factors that influencing preferences of free independent travelers who prefer to travel independently and also neglect on group package tour which is old traditional method when travelling for Thai outbound tourists. The scope of research is determined to apply five psychological dimension(s) included: price consciousness, risk taking, sense of freedom, spontaneous explorers and open to new experiences to on their travel preferences. The semi-structure interview is conducted on this research to collect information from interviewing with eighteen respondents who has experienced on free independent travelling in Japan. The result from data collection presented that free independent travelers love to organize their own itinerary by themselves and happy for preparing their trip. They would like to escape from time pressure and routine action. In addition, they emphasized more on low price, discount and promotion during consider to purchase. Besides, free independent travellers were not meet with the definition of spontaneous explorer as they preferred to know something in details if it is an interesting for them. On the other hand, the aspect of risk taking showed that free independent travelers concerned more on safety, stability and would avoid risk during trip.