Location Shapes Travel Decisions as People Confront Mortality

Study finds people in tourism hubs react differently to thoughts of death than those in low-tourism areas

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:31am

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A new study from researchers at the University of Florida and Hanyang University in South Korea reveals how people's sense of their own mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their travel decisions, with location playing a key role. The study found that people in tourism hotspots like New York City or Las Vegas react differently to reminders of death than individuals in areas with fewer attractions, which impacts how they seek meaning, cope with stress and decide whether to travel.

Why it matters

This first-of-its-kind study introduces a 'geo-psychology' approach, looking at how location and environment affect behavior. It provides insights into how people's travel decisions are shaped by their awareness of mortality and the resources available to them in their local communities.

The details

The researchers surveyed 440 U.S. adults in June 2022 about their thoughts on mortality, cultural values, self-esteem, travel intentions and transcendence. They found that in tourism hotspots, reflecting on mortality can strengthen self-esteem and broaden perspective, often prompting coping strategies like thoughtful reflection that heighten a person's desire for transcendence and travel. In contrast, people who adopt negative coping strategies like withdrawing from society are less likely to seek transcendence and travel, a pattern more common among residents in low-tourism regions.

  • The first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. emerged in January 2020.
  • The study was published in the International Journal of Tourism Research on March 7, 2026.
  • The researchers conducted the survey in June 2022.
  • The study received the Best Paper Award at the 2025 Global Congress of Special Interest Tourism and Hospitality.

The players

Jinwon Kim, Ph.D.

An associate professor in the UF College of Health & Human Performance's Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, who spearheaded the study.

Wonji Chung

A UF doctoral student who collaborated on the study.

Jiwoo Jung

A UF doctoral student who collaborated on the study.

Ji Youn Jeong, Ph.D.

An associate professor in Hanyang University's Department of Tourism who collaborated on the study.

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What they’re saying

“Human behavior isn't only shaped by what we think but also by where we live. Our study introduced a geo-psychology approach, which looks at how location and environment affect behavior. This is the first time this concept has been applied in tourism research.”

— Jinwon Kim, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Mirage News)

“When we are aware of our own mortality, we naturally look for ways to restore psychological balance. Positive, healthy coping strategies can build resilience and point people in the direction of achieving transcendence, and as such, an increased likelihood of traveling.”

— Jinwon Kim, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Mirage News)

“In tourism hotspots — where basic safety and infrastructure needs are largely satisfied — tourism forms that focus on cultural meaning, well-being and slower, more reflective experiences, effectively helping individuals manage their thoughts about death. These tourism experiences move beyond escapism or distraction, and instead drive people to fulfill transcendence needs, such as meaning-making, self-actualization and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.”

— Jinwon Kim, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Mirage News)

“When people think about death, travel often becomes a way to find renewal and meaning. In areas with low tourism concentration, basic tourism resources — such as cultural attractions, wellness or slow tourism experiences and accessible travel services — are often scarce. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty that can intensify existing anxiety.”

— Jinwon Kim, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers suggest that travel marketers should highlight destinations as opportunities for personal growth, wellness and discovery. For communities with fewer tourism options, they recommend promoting destinations or attractions like parks, nature walks and museums more clearly, to encourage reflection and connection.

The takeaway

This study provides a new 'geo-psychology' perspective on how location and environment shape travel decisions, especially in relation to how people cope with thoughts of mortality. It highlights the importance of access to tourism resources and experiences that foster meaning-making and transcendence, which can vary greatly depending on where people live.