The causes, process and result of becoming a digital nomad family: a phenomenological case study
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the research is to reveal information with regard to being a digital nomad as a family. Within this brief, the aim is to provide information regarding the reasons for choosing the digital nomad lifestyle of families, the female and male thoughts regarding the experience, destination selection factors and the difficulties and conveniences of digital nomadism for family aspects.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were obtained through a semi-structured interview questionnaire with a British digital nomad family, individually from the wife and husband, using a qualitative research design in the scope of the phenomenological research.
Findings
It was determined that having a better lifestyle, being willing to spend more time with family and traveling with them were the reasons for becoming a digital nomad. The opinions of the woman and man are in parallel. While the main features of being a digital nomad are freedom and flexibility, having time to spend with family is also important. Factors for choosing a destination as a nomad were access to nature, quality of life, cost of living, quality of the food, climate, proximity to other families who are nomads and interest in nonschool education. As a family, they meet their needs and wants, such as going to a local shop or staying in a rented house, but prefer to use restaurants and other facilities if their stay is short. Although having children motivates digital nomadism, it has been determined that families prefer to stay in a fixed place as nomads since it is not appropriate for children over a certain age to travel frequently.
Originality/value
The study provides detailed information regarding a family experience with digital nomadism through a case study.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the family who served as the study sample for their participation and sincerity. We also thank Edward McQuaid for his contribution to language editing.
Citation
Günay, F., Toksöz, D. and Aslan, Z. (2024), "The causes, process and result of becoming a digital nomad family: a phenomenological case study", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-03-2024-0042
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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