An overview of travelers visiting friends and relatives seen in the Boston Area Travel Medicine Network and their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward travel

Abstract

Travelers visiting friends and relatives as a purpose of travel are known as VFR travelers. First defined by the travel and tourism industry, the term was used to compile expenditure data on this type of traveler and their impact in tourism markets. The increased international travel of this population drew attention of travel medicine researchers. Researchers found these travelers to be subject to greater risk of infectious disease stemming from travel destinations with increased risk of exposure to local pathogens, extended trip durations, and barriers to pre-travel advice. As a result, they are of public health interest as well. The travel medicine discipline researches this population to understand their specific risks and ways to improve their travel health education. Part of the VFR traveler definition as it is presently stated includes country of birth; the purpose of visiting friends and relatives is not sufficient. Varying definitions amongst medical researchers to describe this population has slowed the progress of drawing conclusions about their risks and recommending methods to improve their health education. [TRUNCATED]