Family Life Cycle and Cohort Effects:

This paper discusses various aspects of travel patterns with respect to the family life cycle (FLC). A modernized FLC is proposed which reduces the number of non-classifiable cases. Based on longitudinal data, the paper explores not only the dependence of destination choice, seasonality, choice of accommodation, and transportation on the FLC, but also differences between three cohorts. It is concluded that that the FLC affects travel pattern considerably, however, other influences such as the cohort effect should be given more consideration. It is argued that longitudinal approaches can be valuable additions to the commonly used cross0sectioanl inquires in market research and positioning.