Survey Initial Analysis

Travel Preferences Initial Survey Analysis

My research topic: Travel Preferences

Target: Japanese and International Students

Current Number of Responses: 42

Number of Questions: 8

Summary:

Students answered 8 questions about their travel preferences. The questions were mainly quantitative and one optional open-ended question for students to share their opinions.

Results:

    

   #1

 

#2

Graphs #1 and #2 compare how often international and Japanese students travelled in the past 12 months. Graph #1 shows that international students travelled more frequently. 40.9% of international students travelled 6 or more times, and 22.7% travelled 4–5 times. This means that 63.6% of international students travelled at least 4 times in the past year. In comparison, Graph #2 shows that Japanese students travelled less frequently. 40.0% of Japanese students travelled once, and 35.0% travelled 2–3 times. Only 25.0% of Japanese students travelled 4 or more times. This result is not very surprising because international students may be more motivated to travel while studying abroad.

#3

#4

Graphs #3 and #4 compare the main reasons why students travel. Graph #3 shows that 50.0% of international students chose cultural experiences as their main reason for travelling. The next most common reason was nature or outdoor activities at 18.2%. Graph #4 shows that Japanese students also chose cultural experiences most often, but at a lower rate of 40.0%. Unlike international students, Japanese students also strongly selected relaxation, with 30.0% choosing it as their main reason for travelling. This suggests that international students may see travel more as cultural exploration, while Japanese students may see travel as both cultural experience and rest.

#5

#6

Graphs #5 and #6 compare whether students prefer domestic travel, international travel, both equally, or have no strong preference. Graph #5 shows that 50.0% of international students preferred international travel, while 31.8% preferred domestic and international travel equally. Only 4.5% preferred domestic travel. Graph #6 shows that Japanese students were more evenly divided. 30.0% preferred domestic travel, 30.0% preferred international travel, and 25.0% had no strong preference. This suggests that international students were more strongly internationally oriented, while Japanese students were more flexible and divided between domestic and international travel.

#7

#8

Graphs #7 and #8 compare how much language barriers affect travel choices. Graph #7 shows that international students were less affected by language barriers. 45.5% said language barriers affected them only a little, and 27.3% said they did not affect them at all. This means that 72.8% of international students reported little or no effect from language barriers. In comparison, Graph #8 shows that Japanese students were more affected. 35.0% said language barriers affected them somewhat, and another 35.0% said language barriers affected them a lot. This means that 70.0% of Japanese students said language barriers had a noticeable effect on their travel choices. This may suggest that Japanese students are more cautious about travelling to places where communication could be difficult.

#9 

#10

Graphs #9 and #10 compare who students prefer to travel with. Graph #9 shows that international students most commonly preferred travelling with one friend or partner, chosen by 36.4% of respondents. Travelling alone and travelling in a small group were both selected by 27.3%. Graph #10 shows that Japanese students were more group- and family-oriented. 35.0% preferred travelling in a small group, and 30.0% preferred travelling with family. Only 10.0% of Japanese students preferred travelling alone. This suggests that international students may be more comfortable with independent travel, while Japanese students may view travel more as a shared social or family experience.

#11

#12

Graphs #11 and #12 show the most important factors students consider when choosing a destination. Graph #11 shows that cost was the most important factor for international students, selected by 72.7% of respondents. Culture or history was selected by 31.8%, and nature was selected by 27.3%. In contrast, Graph #12 shows that food was the most important factor for Japanese students, selected by 60.0% of respondents. Cost and culture/history were both selected by 30.0% of Japanese students. This is one of the most interesting results because the difference is very large. International students were much more cost-focused, while Japanese students were much more food-focused.

#13

#14

Graphs #13 and #14 compare which sources students consider important when finding travel ideas. Graph #13 shows that international students relied most on friends and family, with 71.4% rating them as important or very important. Google or Maps was also important at 52.4%, followed by travel websites or booking apps at 42.9%. Graph #14 shows that Japanese students relied most on Google or Maps, with 81.2% rating it as important or very important. Travel websites or booking apps were also important at 62.5%, followed by friends and family at 55.6%. One interesting difference was the use of AI tools. 38.1% of international students rated AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude as important or very important, compared with only 12.5% of Japanese students. This suggests that international students may be more open to using AI for travel planning, while Japanese students rely more on established tools such as Google, Maps, and booking websites.

Optional Question: If there are other factors affecting your travel choices, please write them down.

The optional responses show that both Japanese and international students consider practical and personal factors when choosing travel destinations. Both groups mentioned issues such as cost, time, language, comfort, and the overall quality of the travel experience. However, international students focused more on practical concerns such as language barriers, weather, and environmental impact, while Japanese students gave more answers related to local culture, travelling with friends or family, interacting with local people, ryokan, souvenirs, and beautiful streets. This suggests that both groups think beyond simple destination choice, but international students were slightly more practical in their comments, while Japanese students focused more on cultural and social experiences.

Conclusion

Overall, the survey shows several differences between international and Japanese students. International students travelled more frequently, preferred international travel, and were strongly influenced by cost. They were also less affected by language barriers and more open to travelling alone or with one friend or partner. Japanese students placed stronger importance on food, were more affected by language barriers, and preferred travelling with small groups or family. However, both groups showed interest in cultural experiences, which suggests that culture is an important part of travel for both Japanese and international students.