adoption travel journal

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International Adoption Travel Journal

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International Adoption Travel Journal Hardcover – February 1, 2002

Handy envelope bound in for receipts/small keepsakes Sturdy travel-ready spine (Covered wire-O, so it lays flat while you're writing)

  • Print length 224 pages
  • Language English
  • Publisher Folio One Pub
  • Publication date February 1, 2002
  • Dimensions 6.5 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches
  • ISBN-10 0965575306
  • ISBN-13 978-0965575300
  • See all details

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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Folio One Pub; Revised edition (February 1, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0965575306
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0965575300
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.26 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches

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adoption travel journal

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Booking travel for adoption can be complicated.  But it doesn’t HAVE to be!

Babies rarely debut on schedule, and adoptive parents often receive little advance notice before they have to hop on a plane and traverse the world to pick up their newest (and cutest ) family member.

Depending on the country you’re adopting from, you could spend between $30,000 and $50,000 for the adoption process.  That includes things like government fees, adoption agency fees, travel costs, legal fees, etc.  So if there’s ANY way to cut the cost of this procedure, you’ll want to hear about it!

Fortunately, there are ways to cut practically the entire travel aspect of this figure.  I’m talking free flights, hotels, and more by earning miles and points from the best travel credit cards !  Simply unbelievable?  Nah, unbelievably simple.

adoption travel journal

What You Need to Know When Traveling to Adopt

National Adoption month is November!  And National Adoption Day is November 23, 2019 .

We’re sharing all the tips and tricks you need to book your travel for less.  In some cases practically FREE!  Whether you’re adopting domestically or internationally, you’ll learn:

  • When to book your flights and how to get them for free
  • How to book free hotels
  • How to get free travel insurance
  • How to get a good deal on car rentals
  • What to pack for your trip

Be Prepared for Last-Minute Changes to Your Itinerary

If you’re traveling for adoption, be prepared for an emotionally draining unpredictable last-minute fiasco or two.  There are plenty of things that can go wrong.

For example:

  • You may have received the call that your birth mother is in labor.  But once at the airport, you’re updated that it was simply Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “false labor”.  Many women experience these in the third trimester, and they can fool a soon-to-be mother, especially if this is her first pregnancy.
  • A few of my friends have had complications during the birthing process, causing the baby to need hospitalization for a while.  This could delay your return for a considerable amount of time, until your new baby is stable and ready to accompany you to their new home.
  • Your baby may have unexpected health conditions unrelated to the birth that may detain them, as well.

Scenarios like this may cause you to either delay your outbound flight or reschedule your trip back home!  Unfortunately, there are no credit card benefits or travel insurance plans you can purchase to guarantee your trip.

The best you might do is purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.  It’s not cheap, but it often covers 75% of your travel cost, which is much better than nothing.  Then, if one of those inevitable changes of schedule pops up, you can cancel your trip (usually must be canceled 48+ hours before you depart).

We’ll discuss a few other things you can do to ensure you don’t lose money on your trip!

Research Your Destination Ahead of Time

Painstakingly research your destination before you go.  For any number of reasons, you could find yourself rushing to the car in the middle of the night, and you don’t want to leave anything until the last minute.  Do you know the best airport to fly into?  Do you know the alternate airports in case there are complications?

Jump down a worst-case-scenario rabbit hole, and research how you’ll solve it.  Think about your limitations.  If you’re flying into Sarajevo, and your flight gets cancelled, are you willing to ask for an alternate flight to Zagreb, 5 hours away?

Find which airlines serve your destination area, and write down information for back-up requests in the event of complications.  You can save miles & points to use for those particular airlines in the event that your plans begin to cave.

Have All Documents and Passports Ready to Go

You should NOT need to second guess your preparedness when heading to the airport.  Safely store ALL the documents you need for yourself and anyone traveling with you as soon as you receive it.  And don’t forget the documents you’ll need to bring the child back with you.

You can read here about the process of obtaining an immigrant visa for your child .

It’s never too soon to purchase things like passports if you don’t already have them.  They expire every 10 years!

Booking Your Flight

When should you book your flight.

It’s a good idea to arrive as early as possible to thwart any unforeseen complications.

Being ready for adoption from a long distance could mean your travel plans change on a dime.  Especially if you intend to be there for the birth!

We all know how loosely pregnancy due dates are assigned.  You may well have booked a flight days or weeks before your birth mother is expecting, but there’s still no guarantee that you won’t miss the action.

So deciding the best time to book your flight is tricky.  Last-minute airfare can be financially crippling, so it’s tempting to book as far out as possible.  Or perhaps spring for a flexible fare that can be canceled.

But those flexible fares are unreasonable.  For example, looking at a flight from my home airport to Bulgaria, the cheapest flight costs ~$1,600 , while the flexible option costs ~$4,100!

adoption travel journal

Many airlines charge astronomical change fees if you need to modify your flight.  For example, American Airlines charges up to $750 to change an international flight, and $200 to change a domestic flight.  That’s hard to stomach, but it’s also usually a heck of a lot less than paying for a refundable fare.

You’ll have to do the math and see what makes the most sense for you.

Some adoptions websites suggest calling the airline to see if they’ll give you a discount for an adoption situation.  The worst they can say is “no”, after all!

Award Flights to the Rescue

Link:    Best Airline Credit Cards

Obviously, your best shot at saving Big Money is to book an award flight .  You can reach just about anywhere on the planet for pennies on the dollar if you plan ahead.

Instead of paying thousands of dollars for that American Airlines flight to Bulgaria, you can instead open a card like the  CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® , meet its  minimum spending  requirement, and fly there for almost FREE.

The CitiBusiness American Airlines Platinum Select currently has a 70,000 mile welcome bonus after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 4 months of account opening.  And it only costs 60,000 American Airlines miles for a round-trip flight to Europe!

Here are some of our other favorite cards for earning rewards towards flights:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
  • American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card  – No Annual Fee!
  • Chase British Airways Visa Signature Card
  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum and CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Another thing to note is that award tickets often cost less when you’re modifying or canceling them.  For example, American Airlines will let you change the dates of an award ticket for FREE as long as your origin and destination remain the same (though they do have a $75 charge if you modify your flight within 21 days of departure).  That is ASTOUNDINGLY better than the $750 change fee for a paid ticket.

You can check out our guide for  things to know about airline cancellation fees before you book your ticket .

Note:    If you’re flying domestically, holding an airline credit card can eliminate checked bag fees, which can cost $30 each direction!   For example, if you have the CitiBusiness American Airlines Platinum Select, you and up to 4 travel companions on the same domestic reservation will get the first checked bag free.

Look No Further Than Southwest for Domestic Adoption

If you’re adopting within the US, you need to book flights with Southwest.  They have unbelievably generous change and cancellation policies, which you’ll likely make good use of!

If you need to change a Southwest flight you reserved with either points or money, you can modify it for zero fees .  And if you need to cancel, the points or money you spent on the flight will be deposited into your Southwest account for future use even on the cheapest tickets (and with more expensive refundable tickets you’ll get your money back).

So you can book your flight super early without worrying you’ll lose money.  And your birth mother can have as many false alarms as she wants!  You can keep changing your itinerary, no problem.

Here’s more about Southwest’s refundable fares .  And you can rack up lots of Southwest points with any of these cards:

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Utilize Credit Card Rewards to Offset Costs

Link:    Best Travel Insurance Credit Cards

Another bonus to using credit cards for your travel is their generous travel insurance benefits.

Some of the   best travel credit cards  have built-in protection for trip delay and cancellation, and lost or delayed luggage.   It can help if you have a sudden illness or injury, or if another unforeseen circumstance pops up at the last minute.

These perks can  save you money  when you book your trip, too.  Because you won’t have to fret about paying extra for certain types of travel insurance.

Our favorite cards for travel insurance are:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve

Coverage varies depending on the card, so be sure to look at each card’s terms and conditions closely.  For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has trip and baggage delay coverage that starts after only  6  hours!  That’s incredible.

Is It Better to Drive?

This clearly depends on the location of your child.

if you’re adopting within the US, there are plenty of pros to driving.  Especially if you’re adopting an infant!

Driving is likely more cost effective.  You won’t pay exorbitantly for last-minute tickets, and you won’t have to modify your airfare.

Plus, if you drive you won’t worry about subjecting your young child to the unpleasantness of air travel (like cabin pressurization).  But it’s not always possible.  If your birth mother goes into labor and you’re 3,000 miles away, you probably should board a plane.

Most airlines allow you to fly with your newborn when they’re even 1 week old!  Though some airlines may require a doctor’s note .  Best to ask for one just in case!

Booking Your Accommodation

There are plenty of practical tips to keep in mind when you’re reserving lodging.  To save money, the more amenities of home you can find, the better.

For example, if you can book a hotel with a kitchen and on-site laundry facilities, your savings can add up quickly!

Choose a Reputable Hotel

This is NOT an aspect of your trip that you should be willing to gamble with in the name of savings.  You’re going to an unfamiliar place, and your faculties should be spent on all the other complicated details of adoption.  Your hotel should be a safe haven to regain your bearings.

I wouldn’t recommend booking a shady motel to cut the costs of your trip.  Your child will likely be spending time here before your happy family returns home.  Safety and comfort first!  There are other ways to save.

You can check sites like TripAdvisor to find a solid hotel in the area.

Should You Book a Refundable Room?

Crazy things can happen at any stage of your trip.  If you’re not checking into the hotel, there’s a chance your plans can fall through.  My friends and I once lost ~$1,500 on a non-refundable room in Dubai when our plans were disrupted hours before takeoff .

Some hotels charge a nominal upcharge for a refundable room, and others widen the gap detrimentally.  But if you reserve a hotel night with points , your room will almost always be refundable, unless you cancel at very short notice.  Check the cancellation policy of the hotel before you commit.

Consider Airbnb for Long Stays

Airbnb lets folks rent out their home to travelers, either a single room or the whole house.

Staying in someone’s home might feel a little strange , and even scary!  But many of us at Million Mile Secrets, including me, do it regularly.

If you’re planning an extended stay (or even if you’re not), Airbnb could be your best bet.  You’ll get a LOT more real estate for often much less than a hotel.  And if you’re staying for a longer period, the the hosts often discount your stay.  I’ve seen discounts as steep as 50%!

Have a Backup Plan in Case You Need to Extend Your Stay

Look around for other reputable hotels in the area to be ready in case you need to stay longer than you planned.  If you have enough hotel points, it could be worth reserving extra nights at another hotel just in case.  You’ll be able to cancel for free if you don’t need them!

Earn Hotel Points for Your Trip

Link:    Best Hotel Credit Cards

If you’re trying to stockpile hotel points for the big event, there are TONS of credit cards you can open to achieve your goal.  Here are some of our favorites:

  • Easiest to Use for Hotel Stays:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  (also works for Airbnb stays!)
  • Most Valuable Welcome Bonus for Hotel Stays:   Ink Business Preferred Card
  • Best Hotel Credit Card With No Annual Fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
  • Best Hotel Credit Card for Value and Comfort: World of Hyatt Credit Card
  • Best Hotel Credit Card for Casual Hotel Stays:   Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card
  • Best Hotel Credit Card for Big Spenders:   Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
  • Best Hotel Credit Card for Road Warriors:  IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

You can find Marriott, IHG, and Hilton hotels just about everywhere.  So if you’re headed to a small town or anywhere relatively off the beaten path, your best bet will likely be one of those hotel chains.

The information for the British Airways Visa has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer

Renting a Car at Your Destination

Link:    How to Save on Car Rentals

When you’re renting a car, you’ll want to make sure you’re paying attention to the extra fees and “services” you might be charged for.  These fees can easily exceed the price of the rental if you’re not careful!  Plus, the fees vary depending on the company and even the state or country in which you’re renting.

But if you do a little research, have the right insurance in place, and know the rules, you’ll be in a position where the rental car companies will have a tougher time taking advantage of you!

Don’t Overpay With Rental Car Insurance

Link:    Best Credit Cards for Car Rentals

The collision damage waivers that rental car companies offer can cost ~$20 per day!  That can be more than you’re paying for the actual rental.  But these are easily avoidable!

If you’re booking a car for 31 days or less, there are plenty of credit cards that will cover your rental so you don’t have to pay the rental agency’s insurance fee.  Our favorites are:

  • Chase United Explorer Card

Just remember, this primary rental car insurance only covers damage due to collision or theft to your vehicle,  NOT  the liability for damage to other vehicles , property, or for injuries.  For most folks this isn’t an issue, because your personal liability auto insurance is likely to cover your rental car.  But you should double check to make sure!

Use AutoSlash

AutoSlash  is an amazing service that will track the price of your rental car reservation and email you if the price drops!  AutoSlash only works for non-refundable rates, though.

Packing Tips

Here are some suggestions for what to pack for your big trip!  This does NOT include your important travel, adoption, and identification documents, because those are already packed!!

For Your Caregivers/Birth Mother

You’ll want to put at ease the folks who are releasing the child into your care.  Jen Goldman from  American Adoptions suggests you present them with things like:

  • A photo albums to fill during the hospital stay
  • A small gift or keepsake

You want them to know how capable and loving and 100% enamored you are with your child.  Show them your appreciation and love, and leave them with nothing to worry about!

For Your Child

This will vary depending on the stage in which you’re adopting.  But for newborns, consider bringing:

  • Hygiene – Diapers, sensitive skin baby wipes, baby shampoo, rash cream, lotion (the hospital may provide these)
  • Food – Bottle and nipples, and same formula used by the hospital if possible
  • Diaper bag – Burp cloths, blankets, pajamas, pacifier
  • Infant car seat (the hospital won’t let you take your baby without one)

Keep in mind the weather of both your destination and your origin, as you’ll need clothes for both.

Tim Elder from Infant Adoption Guide gives a reminder that most airlines allow you to bring a diaper bag with you on the airplane in addition to your carry-on luggage.  This tip alone may very well save you a checked bag fee each way!

Creating a Family offers some helpful points for traveling with children past infancy:

  • Have protein-rich food wherever you go, along with water and juice boxes in your backpack or diaper bag.  Pack lollipops to help clear ears during take offs and landings.  It’s hard, although not impossible, to cry while licking
  • Toys lose their WOW value once the children have played with them a while.  Save some toys for the plane.  Put the toys away when you’re in the airport so the child will have less opportunity to bore of them.  Bring more toys than you think you’ll need

This also will vary based on the length of your stay.

  • Basic clothing to mix
  • Hygiene – shampoo, body wash, deodorant, mouthwash, waterless hand-wash, toothbrush, etc.
  • Phone with charger and appropriate converter
  • Travel baby bed
  • Dress clothes for court (if your adoption requires a court appearance)
  • Camera with batteries and charger
  • Travel journal to document the experience

Tim Elder also recommends you pack less and make necessary purchases at your destination:

If your baby bag is full after you finish packing – ask yourself, “Do we really need to travel with all this stuff or can we pick up what we need when we get there?”

It’s not a money-saving tactic per se, but it will be much less of a hassle during your commute, particularly if you’re navigating airports.  You’ll have more hands to focus on your child.

A camera and journal are of utmost importance.  You’ll want to remember this trip forever!  So be diligent in writing down what happens while you’re there.

Take lots of photos and videos.  Write down any important information about your new baby that the caregivers relay to you.  Simple actions like this will also help to reassure the birth mother and anyone else present.

Note:    It’s a good idea to bring those travel, adoption, and identification documents to the hospital, as they’ll likely not allow you to visit your baby without them.

As a general parenting guide, Jen from American Adoptions  also suggests buying  What to Expect the First Year  by Arlene Eisenberg.  If you’re a first-time parent, you’ll get answers you might be too embarrassed to ask.  It’s a good resource to bring along.

Adopting Across State Lines?  Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re adopting from another state, you’ll need to wait until  Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) clears.  According to Adoptive Families , ICPC is:

[A] law that is invoked whenever a baby or child is adopted between two different states, and it ensures that the adoption is legal in each of the states involved.

It’s possible this process will take WEEKS.  Author Elizabeth Swire Falker points out that some states have slow ICPC offices.  She recommends checking with your adoption professional to find out how long you’ll need to reside out of state.

Besides the ICPC clearance, Elizabeth says:

Each state has its policy on what is an appropriate period of time to give a birth parent to consider or reconsider their decision to make an adoption plan.  Some states provide a very short window of time for a birth parent to both consent to the adoption and to revoke that consent.  Others feel that birth parents should be given a longer time, to ensure that they have made the right decision.

It’s possible to go back home during this waiting period, but Adoptive Families cautions that your adoption professional will need to “file a document stating that you are accepting a ‘legal risk’ placement, meaning that you understand that the birth parent could still choose to parent.”

Bottom Line

National Adoption Day is November 23!   If you’re traveling to adopt, miles and points earned from the  best travel credit cards can reduce (or almost eliminate) the travel expenses involved.

Having a stash of airline miles and hotel points on hand for last-minute travel when you’re adopting can take a lot of stress and expense away.  Being prepared in advance is key!

Have you traveled for adoption?  We’d love to hear your tips and advice in the comments!

Joseph Hostetler

Joseph Hostetler is a full-time writer for Million Mile Secrets, covering miles and points tips and tricks, as well as helpful travel-related news and deals. He has also authored and edited for The Points Guy.

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The top 10 secrets of successful adoption travel, adoption travel doesn't have to be totally stressful. af readers share their tips for helping the trip go smoothly..

  • Preparing for Parenthood
  • The Process

Adoption travel can take you anywhere

Virtually all adoptive parents travel to meet their new child, to a nearby city, to another state, or to a distant country.

The adoption trip is a defining moment in a family’s life, the event that brings parent and child together at last. This event usually takes place in unfamiliar surroundings, which makes it all the more memorable — and stressful.

Adoptive Families asked veteran adoptive parents, those who have made the journey and lived to tell the tale, for their best travel advice, suggestions that go beyond packing lists and sightseeing recommendations. They came up with a collection of ideas that are wise — and sometimes surprising.

10. Get in shape, and stay that way.

If you are traveling for your first child and you are not adopting a newborn, you may be surprised to learn how hard it is to carry a 15-20 pound baby. More than one new adoptive parent has wound up in the doctor’s office with muscle strain.

Kari Blackburn adopted her son in St. Petersburg, Russia, and she was glad she prepared. “Our son was almost 18 pounds when we adopted him at nine months. I had been lifting weights and that helped.” She adds, “What I didn’t anticipate was lower back pain. My dad suggested that I buy a back support belt such as warehouse employees wear. I hardly notice that I’m wearing it, and the back pain is gone. Now Christian is over 26 pounds and loves to be picked up, held, and carried around.”

9. Choose your traveling companion wisely.

If you are not traveling with a spouse, you should consider bringing a friend or relative to help. Be sure to choose someone whose temperament, health, and enthusiasm are suited for this important and demanding job.

Mary Nell Ryan traveled with her four-and-a-half-year-old daughter to adopt a second daughter; her sister-in-law, Rhonda Wallingford, came along to help. Ryan says, “Your travel partner should be able to fill lots of different roles: babysitter for the older child or for the new child, videographer, pack mule, psychologist (for the new parent), and personal secretary, to make sure the brain-dead mommy remembers all the papers and passports and extra diapers and stuff that are necessary each time you leave the hotel room.”

8. Be prepared before you get “the call.”

John and Lucy Baldi traveled to Texas to adopt baby Melissa. “Make a list of all those things you will need to take, as you might do when going on vacation, but add to that list any special documents and baby items you will need,” says John Baldi.

“Have as many of them as possible already packed and ready to go at least a month before your due date.” He adds, “Even though you may feel superstitious, have your baby’s room ready, so that when you return home from a successful adoption you can spend your time adoring your new baby, rather than assembling the crib, arranging furniture, and running to the stores.”

7. If you’re staying a while, make yourself at home.

Some states and countries require parents to make several trips or stay for long periods of time to complete an adoption. Antonia Chappell and her husband have made several trips to Guatemala in the process of adopting their baby son, and she suggests looking for ways to reduce expenses.

“Many hotels offer discounts to adoptive families. Ask your agency if they have a special rate with any hotels,” she says. “There are often fully furnished apartments available to rent on a short-term basis for much less than the cost of a hotel room. We rented a three-bedroom apartment in a very nice, secure complex.”

You can also use your social contacts from home to make your stay more friendly. Timothy D. Swanson is an adoptive parent of daughters from Chile and Paraguay and president of Federal Travel, an agency specializing in adoption travel.

He suggests, “If you are a member of a service club, such as Rotary International, attend the local chapter’s meetings. The members will be willing to help you in any way they can. When we were in Santiago, Chile, I regularly went to the Rotary Club de Providencia’s weekly meeting. From the friendships we made, we were invited to the club’s Christmas party and to a member’s home for dinner. This kind of interchange widens your horizons and helps you to feel more at home.”

6. Research your destination ahead of time.

Timothy Swanson says, “Invariably your birth mother goes into labor at 2:00 a.m. and you need to be there now. To get the cheapest available airfare with the fewest problems, you need to do your homework. Your travel professional can help you find out what airlines fly into the destination airport and when they depart.”

“Determine how long it will take you to drive from your home to the airport and where you need to park when you get there. If you are using alternate means of transportation, ensure that it is available on short notice. Find out about rental car rates and the location of the hospital or adoption agency, so you can decide what hotel you want to stay in. Having all of this information in advance will help reduce your anxiety level when the call comes.”

5. Give your older child affection and appreciation.

If you take your older child with you, pack an ample supply of activities and treats. Even more important, reassure the big sibling that you still have time for her and that you appreciate her help with the new child. Mary Nell Ryan says, “Make time for ‘special times’ with just the older child — swimming or shopping or whatever.”

Ryan also suggests giving your child some choices. “Really involve the older child in the choices and process of the new baby. Have her pick out clothes for the baby to wear. Let her pick out some special souvenirs for herself and special gifts for the people back home. It will help her remember the amazing journey and give her additional ‘control’ over a pretty uncontrolled situation.”

4. Reassure the child left at home.

For a child who is accustomed to seeing you every day, a long absence can be upsetting. Young children may have difficulty understanding the passage of time. Shoshana Dornblaser and her husband left their four-year-old daughter with her grandmother when they traveled to adopt her little sister.

“My daughter and I made a paper chain with a link for each day Mommy and Daddy would be gone,” says Dornblaser. “Each link was labeled with a date. Every morning she would tear off the link for that day. This helped her get a feel for how much longer it would be before we returned.”

In addition to frequent phone calls, leaving behind a daily reminder of your love helps. When Sandy Rappeport left her older daughter behind for a 21-day trip to adopt her younger daughter, “We set up a ‘Mommy’s treasure box,’ and I put one little present in the box for each day (coloring books, crayons, a yo-yo, etc.). She loved opening something every day. She also marked each day on the calendar. In addition, I tape-recorded myself reading her favorite stories, which she sometimes listened to at night.”

3. Buy it when you see it, and get it home safely.

Though shopping may be the last thing on a tired new parent’s mind, whether you travel to New Mexico or a more exotic destination abroad, bringing home something to remember the trip by usually proves irresistible.

Ruth Williams Hennessy, who adopted her son in Vietnam, says, “These really are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.” If you see something you like — well-made jewelry, crafts that are especially representative of your child’s original home, unusual artwork — don’t count on finding it at a better price or a different location.

To bring your treasures home safely, take an empty duffel bag or buy an inexpensive suitcase at your destination and pack new purchases in it. Barb Ohland also suggests taking along a cardboard poster tube, available from office and art supply stores.

She says, “While you are there, you can purchase local art, and have a safe way to get it home. I bought some beautiful original paintings in Vietnam when we adopted my son. They are now treasured family items. I packed all my things in a soft-sided duffel bag, and my art tube fit inside nicely.”

2. Don’t rely on your memory.

After the stress of being in a strange place and caring for a new child, you may not remember the details of the journey, and still photos won’t capture the sounds, smells, and feelings you’ll experience. Take the time to keep a record of your trip.

Elisa Criden says, “While waiting for Lily, I kept a journal and brought it with me. I tried to write every day. When they took Lily’s footprint in red ink, they stamped her foot on the back cover of my journal. I love that little footprint!”

Ruth Williams Hennessy found a dual purpose for e-mail: “We e-mailed almost every day, and those e-mails became the bulk of our ‘journal’ of the trip. What I will do differently next time is print a copy of each of those e-mails and tape ticket stubs, receipts, etc., to each page as we go along.”

And Keyena McKenzie suggests, “Bring a hand-held tape recorder to record an audio journal: street sounds, taxi music, your observations of the scenes around you, and of course, the first coos, babbles, words, and so on.”

1. Take along your sense of wonder.

If you can face surprises and keep your composure, you’ll have a more enjoyable trip and be a better parent. Think of adoption travel as an adventure, much like the reality show Survivor. Ruth Williams Hennessy stresses the importance of a having “a sense of humor, ability to adjust to new situations, and interest in the culture around

And even if things go wrong — you miss your connecting flight, you wind up with an unpleasant gastrointestinal bug, your baby throws up on his last clean outfit when you still have four hours of flying to go — you can console yourself with one thought: this trip will make a great story someday.

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adoption travel journal

Augmented reality adoption intention among travel and tour operators in Malaysia: mediation effect of value alignment

Journal of Tourism Futures

ISSN : 2055-5911

Article publication date: 17 January 2022

This study evaluated the determinants of augmented reality (AR) adoption in Malaysia's travel and tour operator sectors through an integrated technology-organization-environmental (TOE) and diffusion of innovation (DOI) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The TOE and DOI were considered the primary theoretical models but are combined and extended by including few additional variables. Data were collected from 220 respondents of travel and tour operating businesses in Malaysia and analyzed by applying PLS structural equation model technique.

The empirical results established that perceived cost, relative advantages, complexity and compatibility, observability, competitor pressure, value alignment, customer pressure, and trialability are positively connected with the behavioral intention except for external support. The results reveal that value alignment partially mediates the association between relative advantages and behavioral intention, complexity and behavioral intention, compatibility and behavioral intention, perceived cost and behavioral intention except in between trialability and observability.

Originality/value

This research is unique as the value alignment construct is included in the model, and thus it fulfills the literature gap by adding the mediation construct. This study contributes to enhancing AR's understanding of the Malaysian travel and tour operator industry through the lenses of owners or managers. It offers an integrated model that combines the TOE and DOI models, rare in this sector, and can be replicated or extended with validated scales.

  • Augmented reality
  • Adoption intention
  • Retail store

Alam, S.S. , Masukujjaman, M. , Susmit, S. , Susmit, S. and Aziz, H.A. (2022), "Augmented reality adoption intention among travel and tour operators in Malaysia: mediation effect of value alignment", Journal of Tourism Futures , Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-03-2021-0072

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Syed Shah Alam, Mohammad Masukujjaman, Samiha Susmit, Sumaiya Susmit and Hassanuddeen Abd Aziz

Published in Journal of Tourism Futures . Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode .

1. Introduction

Augmented reality (AR) is a computer-generated object that improves the real-world environment, offering context-sensitive information about the user's close surroundings in the combination of image, 3D models and immersive features using the technological appliance, that is, eyeglasses, a desktop, tablet and a smartphone ( Yung and Khoo-Lattimore, 2017 ). It helps marketers market their products creatively ( Ng and Ramasamy, 2018 ). At the same time, AR technology allows users to use it in the virtual and real world. AR technology enriches understanding by including virtual mechanisms such as graphics, digital images or sensations as a novel interaction with the real world ( Ng and Ramasamy, 2018 ). Considering the tremendous potential of AR technology, businesses adopt AR technology to interact with their customer, especially in the tourism sector.

AR's key applications in the tourism sector are seen in the pre-booking, information collecting process, the development of the on-site experience and buying of tourism goods and services, seeking and investigating feedback ( Ukpabi and Karjaluoto, 2016 ). AR has been stated to help upsell hotel reservations, travel and tourist attractions to the booking process. It generates emotional connections relative to conventional media such as brochures and videos due to the immediate rapport established between the firm and visitors ( Olsson et al. , 2013 ). By modernizing the current offering, AR adds value, and, in exchange, this is intended to exhibit it as more appealing to new markets and maintain existing ones. He et al. (2018) confirmed that embracing AR in the tourism destination would boost buyers' attitudes, optimize their mood and enhance positive behavioral purpose. AR enables visitors to visit new areas, delivering valuable and fascinating knowledge to enrich their experience and capture and retain tourists' attention. However, for tourism suppliers to stay competitive and appealing to modern visitors and resolve spillovers, they must adopt AR in their business.

Although the benefit of applying AR in travel and tourism is not deniable, research shows that Malaysians are slow in adopting new technology ( Ng and Ramasamy, 2018 ). According to Lazim and Rahman (2015) , retail, tourism, gaming and other sectors slowly adopt AR technology. Malaysian branches of some international companies are applying AR technology for marketing purposes. In both products and services-based, Malaysian companies apply AR technology to market their products and services ( Ng and Ramasamy, 2018 ). Therefore, the usage of AR technology in the tourism sector is much smaller. Malaysian industries have to accept AR technology, which is part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; otherwise, the Malaysian economy will be slower to their economic development. According to Zulkifli et al. (2016) , only 44% of Malaysians are familiar with Malaysia's AR technology. Therefore, an effort is needed to enrich our understanding of the AR adoption process that has to be discovered.

Previous research has investigated the importance of AR for tourism from several viewpoints, for instance, cross-cultural ( Jung et al. , 2018 ), stakeholder ( tom Dieck and Jung, 2017 ), unique experience creation ( Tussyadiah et al. , 2018 ), organizational ( Cranmer et al. , 2016 ), tourist ( tom Dieck et al. , 2016 ) and business model ( Cranmer et al. , 2018 ). Such studies indicate that the implementation of AR in tourism will produce enhanced interactions and boost visitors' perceptions and behavioral intentions ( He et al. , 2018 ). AR's implementation is also deemed essential for market profitability, creativity and enhancement of existing goods and services ( Hassan and Rahimi, 2016 ). Nonetheless, studies investigating the importance of AR with a particular emphasis on the tourism suppliers' viewpoint are rare. In particular, why Malaysian tourism suppliers have struggled in the diffusion of AR technologies rapidly remains untouched.

Numerous studies applied diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory at the firm-level technology adoption context, which shows that innovation diffusion is mainly based on the system's technological factors and users' insights ( Al-Zoubi, 2013 ). Other external factors such as competitive pressure, customer pressure and external support may affect adoption decisions for AR technology in an organizational context ( Al-Zoubi, 2013 ). Likewise, using the technology-organization-environmental (TOE) model may be plausible in this research context. Researchers argued that combinations of these models provide comprehensiveness in adoption research ( Piaralal et al. , 2015 ). Past studies combined the theories to examine the adoption of an enterprise system ( Ramdani et al. , 2009 ), cloud computing ( Alshamaila et al. , 2013 ) and broadband mobile ( Chiu et al. , 2017 ). According to Thong (1999) , information technology and its characteristics are changing very fast; therefore, it is not appropriate to use a single theoretical model. Researchers argued that to understand complicated technology better, it would be essential to combine more than one theoretical model ( Oliveira and Martins, 2011 ). Therefore, we combined both DOI and TOE theory and developed an integrated model ( Figure 1 ).

The current research contributes by applying two factors theory in examining the technological and environmental factors to a better and more in-depth understanding of AR's adoption intention in the travel and tour-operating sector, especially in Malaysian perspectives. So far, the combined model of DOI and TOE to study AR's adoption from the tourism perspective is rare. Chandra and Kumar (2018) integrated both the models but only used a single construct (relative advantages) in e-commerce industry perspectives. The present study used all the constructs of DOI in the tourism context. Besides, the study contributes to offering value alignment in the model as a mediator, which will help reduce knowledge gaps in the literature. Thus, this will enrich the body of knowledge with the empirical results for future replications.

2. Literature review

2.1 empirical study on ar in tourism and entertainment industry.

The application of AR has been used in many tourism and hospitality industries. Do et al. (2020) researched mobile AR apps in tourism and found enjoyment and satisfaction as significant factors for their adoption. Kourouthanassis et al. (2015) studied AR in tourists in Greece, where they found pleasure, arousal, dominance, personal innovativeness and price value are a predictors of adoption. There have been studies on entertainment study researched on AR technology in the entertainment industry. Li et al. (2020) explored perceived benefits; satisfaction and perceived risk affect buying intention. Likewise, Shin (2019) found that immersion, social presence, confirmation, utility, hedonism and satisfaction are significant factors in knowing the behavioral intention of using AR ( Appendix ).

2.2 Theoretical background

Researchers categorized adoption into corporate, group/team and individual levels ( Liu et al. , 2008 ). The theories like theory of planned behavior (TPB), theory of reasoned action (TRA), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), although they are used for individual-level research, are less accepted in an organizational context ( Oliveira and Martins, 2011 ; Liu et al. , 2008 ). In contrast, DOI and TOE are widely used to examine technology adoption in an organizational context ( Gangwar et al. , 2014 ; Al-Zoubi, 2013 ).

2.2.1 TOE and DOI model

TOE stands on the three main facets (e.g. technological, organizational and environmental) affecting a firm's innovative technology adoption – matching our research objectives, three reasons for taking TOE for this study. Firstly, it is an advanced model integrated with the environmental construct, whereas the DOI framework is constructed from the technology and organizational perspective to explain innovation adoption ( Gangwar et al. , 2014 ). T-O-E framework is more holistic and size and industry friendly offers sound theoretical foundation and empirically validated in previous study ( Hwang et al. , 2015 ). The TOE model has been applied in the tourism literature in various settings, including reservation system hotel adoption ( Wang et al. , 2016 ), e-commerce use ( Chang et al. , 2015 ), the introduction of mobile technology into travel agencies ( Lin, 2016 ) and the adoption in hospitality organizations of electrical customer service management (eCRM) systems ( Racherla and Hu, 2008 ).

In contrast, Rogers (1962) summarized many studies in the area of the industry, medicine and anthropology and developed a model called diffusion of innovation (DOI) ( Chiu et al. , 2017 ). Rogers (1995) indicates that five main determinants of an innovation's perceived attributes explain 49–87% of the adoption rate variance. These five characteristics (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) are critical to innovation diffusion, success or failure ( Rogers, 1995 ; Yang and Lee, 2019 ). Due to its robustness, the DOI model has been widely used in various areas of information technology adoption research, such as mobile enterprise applications ( van den Berg and van derr Lingen, 2019 ), mobile banking ( Al-Jabri and Sohail, 2012 ) and broadband mobile ( Chiu et al. , 2017 ). Apart from its robustness, it portrays only a direct relationship within the theoretical model ( Plsek and Greenhalgh, 2001 ), limiting its reliance solely to predict complex behavior. According to Dibra (2015) , Rogers’ theory on DOI is the most suitable theoretical model for understanding factors that influenced the incorporation of sustainability in tourism businesses.

2.2.2 Conceptual model and constructs development

2.2.2.1 technological factors.

The technological factors include cost, complexity (ease of use), compatibility; trialability, observability and relative advantage are as follows.

2.2.2.2 Perceived cost

Perceived cost has a significant negative effect on AR technology adoption intention.

2.2.2.3 Relative advantage

Relative advantage has a significant effect on the adoption intention of AR technology among online retailers.

2.2.2.3.1 Complexity

Complexity (ease of use) has a significant effect on AR technology adoption intention among online retail store.

2.2.2.3.2 Compatibility

Compatibility has a significant positive influence on the adoption intention of AR technology.

2.2.2.3.3 Trialability

The trialability has a significant influence on online retailer's intention to adopt AR technology.

2.2.2.3.4 Observability

Observability has a significant positive effect on the adoption intention of AR technology.

2.2.2.4 Environmental factors

Among the various environmental factors, competitive pressure, customer pressure and external support were chosen.

2.2.2.4.1 External pressure

Pressure from competitors significantly affects AR adoption intention.

Pressure from customers significantly affects AR adoption intention.

2.2.2.4.2 External support

External support has a significant positive effect on AR adoption intention.

2.2.2.5 Value alignment

Value alignment has a significant effect on the adoption intention of AR technology among online retailers.

Value alignment mediates the relationship between relative advantage and AR technology adoption intention.

Value alignment mediates the relationship between complexity (ease of use) and AR technology adoption intention.

Value alignment mediates the relationship between compatibility and AR technology adoption intention.

Value alignment mediates the relationship between trialability and AR technology adoption intention.

Value alignment mediates the relationship between observability and AR technology adoption intention.

Value alignment mediates the relationship between cost and AR technology adoption intention.

3. Research design and sample

Data were collected from travel and tour operators based on the convenience sampling technique in Malaysia with help from our colleagues and students. The respondents for this study were the owners or top-level managers of the travel and tours operating SME businesses. These people involved in decision-making as it operates with fewer staff. We prepared a list of companies operating travel and tour operators in Malaysia through the Internet and sent them an email with a Google form link to fill up. From 360 emails sent, utilizing our personal influences where possible, we received 220 responses. Since the survey was conducted during COVID-19 pandemic (in January 2021), we could not conduct the paper-based survey. The online-based survey was used to confirm the respondents' anonymity and increase their responses ( Richman et al. , 1999 ). To reduce the chances of missing responses, an online questionnaire was developed in a way that respondents have to answer all questions.

3.1 Measurement

PEOU was measured from Alam et al. ’s (2018) and Huang and Liao's (2015) study. The customer pressure scale was measured from the Wanyoike et al. ’s (2012) study in this research. Competitor pressure was measured according to the study of Wanyoike et al. (2012) . Attitude and behavioral intention scales were developed based on the studies of Alam et al. (2018) and Alam and Sayuti (2011) . The cost was measured based on the study of Alam et al. (2011) . External support was measured from the Paydar et al. ’s (2014) study. All items in this research were modified to suit this research. This study's variables were measured using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree. All the constructs of this study were operationalized as reflective constructs.

3.2 Common method bias

According to Podsakoff et al. (2003) , common method variance can be tested using a few techniques such as Harman's one-factor test, the respondents' confidentiality, clarity of items or questions and wording questions in reverse. This study used Harman's (1976) common method bias employing exploratory factor analysis. Assessing samples adequacy for factor analysis KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) was used, and the results show that all the values were above 0.5 in the diagonal of the matrix and the KMO coefficient value was 0.848. Moreover, an unrotated factor analysis technique was used to find that all factors loaded separately, and no single factor accounted for more than 50%. These results indicate that there were 11 factors loaded with eigenvalues more than one, and the first factor explained about 38.7%, and thus we can conclude that there is no issue of common method bias in this research. Lowry and Gaskin (2014) and Podsakoff et al. (2003) argued that there is a common method bias if a single factor explains more than 50% variance.

3.3 Analysis of the data

The proposed model of this study was tested using a Smart-PLS package of 3. Variance-based PLS-SEM (partial least square structural equation modeling) technique was used in the present study to test the hypotheses. According to Ringle et al. (2010) , to determine the causal relationship in the most often Smart-PLS path modeling technique, direct and indirect relationships are used. PLS-SEM researchers can get a significant association rather than examining the goodness of fit of the model. Nowadays, PLS-SEM has gained massive attention from various research fields, including marketing, strategic management, operations management and human resource management ( Ringle and Sarstedt, 2016 ). A two-step approach was used to test the model: (1) inner model or measurement model and (2) outer model or structural model ( Ringle et al. , 2005 ). In measuring the model, we checked the construct's validity and reliability, and the structural model determined the path coefficient and their significance.

4. Measurement model analysis

In this study, the measurement model is shown in Figure 2 . Before testing the structural model, the measurement model was tested. Table 1 shows the outer loading, composite reliability values, Cronbach's alpha and average variance extracted (AVE).

4.1 Convergent validity

Supporting Ringle et al. (2012) , this study’s result indicates that all factor loading values more than 0.70 (ranging from 0.760 to 0.953) exceed the suggested threshold value of 0.7 ( Hair et al. , 2016 ) and indicating convergence validity. Our research further tested convergent validity by assessing AVE, between 0.597 and 0.898, which exceeds the threshold value of 0.50 ( Hair et al. , 2010 ). Therefore, we can conclude that there was convergent validity of the scale.

4.2 Reliability

Reliability was tested by assessing Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values. The Cronbach’s alpha value ranged from 0.811 to 0.917 (see Table 1 ), and the value of composite reliability ranged from 0.879 to 0.941, which is greater than the threshold value of 0.7 ( Hair et al. , 2016 ). Hence, it demonstrates a satisfactory level of reliability.

4.3 Discriminant validity

Heterotrait-monotrait ratio (HTMT) and Fornell-Larcker criterion were used to assess discriminant validity. According to the Fornell-Larcker approach ( Fornell and Larcker, 1981 ), the square root of each construct's AVE value should be more than its highest correlation with any other construct of a model ( Hair et al. , 2016 ). As shown in Table 2 , each construct's square root of AVE is more remarkable in the model than the correlation value. As the Fornell-Larcker criterion cannot reliably detect the lack of discriminant validity in common research situations ( Henseler et al. , 2015 ), the HTMT is also tested here. The HTMT value (see Table 3 ) of all the constructs was less than the conservative threshold value of 0.85, ensuring the discriminant validity ( Henseler et al. , 2015 ; Hair et al. , 2016 ). Thus, discriminatory validity is not an issue for this study.

4.4 Testing multicollinearity and coefficient of determination ( R 2 )

As suggested by Kleinbaum et al. (1988) , one effective technique, including the evaluation of variance inflation factor (VIF), was used to decide the presence of multicollinearity among independent variables in this research. The regression analysis outcome shows that the VIF ranges from 1.250 to 2.479, indicated in between 1 and 5 ( Zuur et al. , 2010 ) (see Table 3 and Figure 2 ). This concludes that multicollinearity is not the issue in this research.

Santosa et al. (2005) proposed a need to measure the model's explanatory powers by ascertaining the endogenous variable's coefficient of determination ( R 2 ). Since the R 2 value of this study's endogenous constructs is more significant than 0.26, it indicates that the model has a strong explanatory power ( Chin, 1998 ).

5. Structural model analysis

The hypotheses of this research and the structural model have been evaluated using path coefficient and effect size ( f 2 ) based on the recommendation of Hair et al. (2016) . In this research, we used 5,000 bootstrap subsamples from 233 cases to analyze the findings' significance. A 5% level of significance is considered in testing the structural model and projected hypotheses. The confidence interval report was further analyzed along with the t -values (1.96) and p -values (0.05) to examine the significance of the proposed hypothetical relationship.

As depicted in Table 4 , nine hypotheses were supported at 5% significant level out of ten direct relationships projected. The outcomes showed that the perceived cost ( β  = −0.147, t  = 4.050, p  = 0.00), relative advantages ( β  = 0.120, t  = 2.206, p  = 0.027), complexity ( β  = 0.161, t  = 3.229, p  = 0.001), compatibility ( β  = 0.104, t  = 2.489, p  = 0.013) and trialability ( β  = 0.105, t  = 2.931, p  = 0.003) were connected positively with behavioral intention, supporting the hypotheses H1 , H2 , H3 , H4 and H5 . As suggested, observability ( β  = 0.236, t  = 4.141, p  = 0.00), competitor pressure ( β  = 0.173, t  = 4.625, p  = 0.000) and customer pressure ( β  = 0.237, t  = 3.640, p  = 0.000) are positively linked with the behavioral intention indicating H6 , H7 and H8 are significant. H9 is rejected which anticipated the positive relationship of external support ( β  = 0.044, t  = 1.291, p  = 0.197) with behavioral intention. However, the value alignment ( β  = 0.106, t  = 2.656, p  = 0.008) is found to have positively related to the behavioral intention, supporting H10 .

The f 2 is an additional tool of R 2 for analyzing the effect size test, which measures the effect of an independent variable on the dependent variable. Although R 2 is sensitive to the number of variables that is not an issue in this study, it used numerous variables to improve the robustness of the analysis. The f 2 values greater than 0 and 0.02, 0.15 and 0.35 denote a small, average or extensive exogenous effect on an endogenous variable accordingly ( Cohen, 1988 ). This study concludes that the entire endogenous constructs have a small effect on behavioral intention (see Table 4 ).

5.1 Testing the mediating effect of value alignment

The bootstrapping method was used to analyze the mediation effect of value alignment on the relationship between relative advantages, complexity, compatibility, trialability, observability and perceived cost on behavioral intention based on suggestions of Hair et al. (2013) and Hayes and Preacher (2010) . It is unnecessary to assume the products’ sampling distributions or the indirect effect in the bootstrapping method ( Hair et al. , 2013 ; Hayes and Preacher, 2010 ). The mediating effect was tested with Smart-PLS 3.0 with 233 cases and 5,000 subsamples.

From the study results ( Table 5 ), it is clear that value alignment mediates the association between relative advantages and behavioral intention ( β  = 0.034, t -value = 2.399, at p  < 0.05), complexity and behavioral intention ( β  = 0.056, t -value = 2.477, at p  < 0.05), compatibility and behavioral intention ( β  = 0.024, t -value = 2.018, at p  < 0.05), as well as perceived cost and behavioral intention ( β  = 0.032, t -value = 1.987, at p  < 0.05) supporting H11 , H12 , H13 and H16 . The mediation effect is partial as direct ( β XY ) and indirect relationships (( β XM ) and ( β MY )) was found significantly with the inclusion of mediator in all cases. However, trialability ( β  = 0.003, t -value = 0.448, at p  = 0.654 > 0.05) and observability ( β  = 0.056, t -value = 2.477, at p  = 0.399 > 0.05) do not mediate the association between value alignment and behavioral intention. Therefore, we reject H14 and H15 .

6. Discussion

The study used a holistic research model, affecting entrepreneurs' value alignment and adoption intention, developed based on Rogers’ DOI theory and TOE model and later tested the model empirically with H16 with six suggested mediating relationships. The study's findings suggest that the two-factor theory in examining the technological and environmental factors predicts better understanding of AR adoption intention in Malaysia's tourism business. All the factors (except fourth) are confirmed and offered the necessary support exhibited in Figure 2 . The DOI and TOE constructs were found statistically significant and appeared with a strong resemblance in the comprehensive model. The study also offers informative details outlined below based on the research framework.

First, a significant association was found in this research between customer pressure and behavioral intention. Competitor pressure is another critical predictor affecting AR adoption intention among retailers in Malaysia, consistent with the previous studies ( Wanyoike et al. , 2012 ; El-Gohary, 2012 ) conducted on SMEs in tourism. Thus, the higher the possibility of adopting AR by competitors, the higher the SMEs' propensity to accept it as far as their existence is concerned. The other environmental factor, external support, is surprisingly found insignificant regarding the relationship to behavioral intention to use AR. That is because travel agencies in Malaysia are not receiving products from one supplier, and not all suppliers accept technology into their business. The other possible reason may be that Malaysia's government has not yet established an institution supporting this technology implementation in businesses. This study’s result is inconsistent with that of previous studies done by Wanyoike et al. (2012) , El-Gohary (2012) and Matikiti et al. (2018) .

Second , this study's results confirmed that perceived cost has a significant negative effect on behavioral intention. This result aligns with the previous research on virtual reality technology ( Jang and Park, 2019 ; Yang and Lee, 2019 ). System development for providing AR facilities needed some infrastructure and systems, which incur extra costs for the retailers. Similarly, observability is the extent to which the innovation is visible and has a maximum effect on behavioral intention among the other variables' minor effects. Our findings suggest that complexity has a negative effect on the behavioral intention concerning the innovation factors. The results align with the earlier observations on innovation literature ( Kleijnen et al. , 2009 ).

Third, the current findings have shown that relative advantages are a significant determinant of the intent to embrace AR, consistent with earlier research ( Amaro and Duarte, 2015 ; Lu et al. , 2011 ). On the contrary, complexity is the hindrances, which impede the adoption decision complied with the previous research on information systems ( Phipps et al. , 2013 ). Fourth, this research found a significant positive relationship between AR's compatibility and behavioral intention compatible with the prior research ( Lee et al. , 2011 ; Pham and Ho, 2015 ). This indicates that the higher the AR product to users, the higher will be the behavioral intention. Similarly, Innovation trialability allows users to feel comfortable and gain confidence over it. The present study follows the past study of Wang (2014) and implies that allowing trialability of augment realities, technology will allow Malaysians to enhance their willingness.

Fifth, the current research has found that value alignment is a significant determinant of the decision to follow AR. The outcome shows that retail stores' adoption intent is motivated by an alignment of value with increased truth, as created by a perception of AR properties. The analysis results reflect previous research, suggesting that perceived value for new ICT adoption is a significant predictor ( Chen et al. , 2018 ). It demonstrates the critical role of the value alignment in AR acceptance for the ultimate experience. Finally, according to the result, value alignment mediates partially between technological factors (relative advantages and behavioral intention, complexity and behavioral intention, compatibility) and behavioral intent except for trialability and observability in the Malaysian tours and travel sectors. These results support Yang and Lee's (2019) empirical findings in the Chinese crowdfunding context.

7. Theoretical implications

This research's theoretical contribution to academia is threefold: a new context, a new model and new findings. It contributes to the tourism and hospitality management literature by exploring relevant factors that affect AR technology adoption in SMEs.

Concerning the new context, research in the augmented reality (AR) from the travel and tourism perspective is limited for a comprehensive understanding. First, prior research on AR adoption has looked at it from the standpoint of consumers, ignoring organizational outlook. The current study emphasizes the importance of studying technology adoption from an organizational standpoint. Future research could look into the organizational context of new technology acceptance and adoption. The research adds to information system insights by understanding how this novel technology is accepted and adopted within organizations. Second, this study caters to the perspective of Malaysia, which could be the foundation stone for similar developing country's research to follow the factor to enhance the diffusion of this technology rapidly. Third, this model was tested in the travel agency's acceptance of AR, which can be applied to other new IT adoption contexts, such as the adoption intention of artificial intelligence. Researchers can extend or replicate in the future as this research has its measurement scales validated by PLS statistical analysis.

As for a new model, the present study offered a comprehensive model combining the TOE and DOI models, rare in this sector. This study relies on the TOE framework to emphasize the technology and organizational perspective simultaneously. It also integrates the DOI model constructs like relative advantages, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability as technology-specific factors that may affect AR adoption. In addition, perceived cost is also borrowed from the literature as technological characteristics. External support is proposed to include the functional perspective and organizational capabilities. Inspired by Wanyoike et al. (2012) , this study proposes customer and competitor pressures that influence the adoption of AR technology in tourism sectors.

Regarding the new findings, this study brought value alignment construct (VA) in the model, and thus it fulfills the literature gap by empirically establishing it as a mediation construct. The study also compares these findings to the previous AR technology adoption factors and shows how these findings differ and are differently interpreted from past research. Like previous study this study confirmed that external support was insignificant. It is indicates the newness of this study. Likewise, VA did not mediate between trialability and observability, thus future studies can test further in similar situations.

8. Practical implications

The outcomes of the analysis provide essential management lessons that can support administrators and policymakers in various ways. First, the practitioners could realize the role of value alignment in mediating behavioral intention with other factors. Buying AR technology is not just watching advertisements and then going to collect it. The entrepreneurs will buy or use when they feel those products enhance the firm's value by adoption. However, AR suppliers' managers can inform the specific experience articulated in the latest technology, describing the level of consumer value proposition given. That will enable us to interact explicitly and match the technology to their specific needs.

Second, external support did not function as expected in the proposed model. Since this could be due to the unavailability of supporting institutions for implementing the latest technology in businesses, the Malaysian government and its responsible body should care for this missing aspect to materialize the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution. We also suggest a future study to understand why this feature, which is usually necessary to introduce innovation, is unsuitable for AR adoption. However, the supplies should also set up various customer service centers nearby for a stain-free AR experience.

Third, this study's results indicate that operating costs and complexity are key factors that influence entrepreneurs' value alignment in line with AR acceptance. Concerning overhead expenses, administrators are also advised to introduce incentives to minimize escalated service charges or offer service bundles to get aspiring entrepreneurs. Managers should suggest, for example, delivering various packages of after-sales services and free installation charges.

Fourth, the paper stresses the promise of AR and the role of senior management in putting it into practice. If the organization's top management is committed and concentrated on using technology and has clarity on value formation and new implementation methods, adoption will be more receptive, and outcomes will be achieved.

Fifth, competitive pressure and customer pressure are two external pressures that have been found to have a notable impact on behavioral intent. Managers and owners ought to have a procedure in place (opinion pool, feedback solicitation, reaction testing) to understand client expectations regarding products and their delivery. It will assist them in customer acquisition as well as keeping existing ones informed. They should also constantly reassess their competitive advantages and make immediate improvements.

Besides, the present paper also contributes to the future of tourism. This paper will guide managers and policymakers in the tourism sector to see the factors required to bring AR technology in this sector, shaping the future of tourism. Likewise, since AR will turn around the future of the travel and tourism industry with improved technologies, the demand for up-to-date AR technology will be high in the future. This paper indicates that the customer pressure and competitive pressure toward up-to-date technology are pertinent to the future survival in the tourism industry, and this will provide essence to be well informed about the changing technology and their adoption.

9. Conclusion, limitation and recommendation for future research

The outcomes showed that the perceived cost, relative advantages, complexity and compatibility, observability, competitor pressure, value alignment, customer pressure and trialability are positively connected with the behavioral intention, while external support is not related to behavioral intention. In addition, value alignment partially mediates the association between relative advantages and behavioral intention, complexity and behavioral intention, compatibility, behavioral intention, as well as perceived cost and behavioral intention except for trialability and observability.

While the current research gives pragmatic as well as theoretical contributions, there are drawbacks. The study has limitations. It does not include the social norm construct because this is not an individual behavior. However, peer influence and celebrity endorsement have an enormous effect on the usage decision for any technology. Through using celebrities and peers in product demos and commercials, advertisers can demonstrate the innovation, interactivity and vividness of AR applications as a core value proposition. Therefore, we suggest including social norms in future studies. In addition, like all cross-sectional analyses, this study offers a precise glimpse during the survey. Given the rapid technical progress, this study's results need to be revisited as technology progresses. More specifically, studies may be performed in an experimental design laboratory environment in which researchers observe AR technologies first-hand. An experimental test design will give researchers more insight into the particular AR attributes affecting brand interaction.

adoption travel journal

Research model

adoption travel journal

Measurement model

Factor loadings and reliability statistics

Fornell-Larcker correlation matrix

Structural model and hypothesis testing result

Empirical literature in the augmented reality in tourism and entertainment industry

Appendix Questionnaire

Relative advantage ( lou et al. , 2017 ).

Using augmented reliability (AR) is beneficial to our company

Using AR allows me to handle the customer more efficiently

Using AR allows me to handle the customer easily

Using AR is more useful for handling customer

Compatibility ( Lou et al. , 2017 )

AR is compatible with my business

Using AR fits well with the way I handle my customer

Using AR to conduct business fits into my business dealing

Complexity ( Alam et al. , 2018 ; Huang and Liao, 2015 )

I think the AR application is easy

I think it is very simple to learn how to use augmented reality application

I think it does not require much effort to use an augmented reality application

Observability ( Lou et al. , 2017 )

I have difficulty telling others about the results of using AR

I could communicate to others the consequences of using AR

The results of using AR is apparent to me

Trialability ( Lou et al. , 2017 )

Before deciding on whether or not to adopt AR, I would be able to use it on a trial basis

Before deciding on whether or not to adopt AR, I would be able to try it out properly

I would be permitted to use AR on a trial basis long enough to see what it can do

Value alignment ( Karahanna et al. , 2006 )

Using augmented reality fits the way I view the world

Using augmented reality fits my values about how to conduct online business

Using augmented reality in keeping with my business values

Cost ( Alam et al. , 2011 )

The initial setup cost is high

Incur extra cost for hiring IT staff

Assessing cost and benefits is difficult

Pressure from competitors ( Wanyoike et al. , 2012 )

Our competitors have adopted AR technology

Our competitors are doing well in using AR technology

Customers prefer online retailers who use AR technology

Pressure from customers ( Wainyoike et al. , 2012 )

Our customers expect us to use AR technology

Our customers demand that we use AR technology

The use of AR technology is something that would make the customer happy

External support ( Paydar et al. , 2014 )

The existing policy related to AR applications is quite suitable to support the adoption

The government assists and supports the retail organizations to adopt AR application

Further reading

Davis , F.D. ( 1986 ), “ Technology acceptance model for empirically testing new end-user information systems theory and results ”, Unpublished doctoral dissertation , MIT .

Rauschnabel , P.A. , He , J. and Ro , Y.K. ( 2018 ), “ Antecedents to the adoption of augmented reality smart glasses: a closer look at privacy risks ”, Journal of Business Research , Vol.  92 , pp.  374 - 384 .

Watson , J. , Ghosh , A.P. and Trusov , M. ( 2018 ), “ Swayed by the numbers: the consequences of displaying product review attributes ”, Journal of Marketing , Vol.  82 No.  6 , pp.  109 - 131 .

Yang , S. , Carlson , J.R. and Chen , S. ( 2020 ), “ How augmented reality affects advertising effectiveness: the mediating effects of curiosity and attention toward the ad ”, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services , Vol.  54 , 102020 .

Yim , M.Y.C. , Chu , S.C. and Sauer , P.L. ( 2017 ), “ Is augmented reality technology an effective tool for e-commerce? An interactivity and vividness perspective ”, Journal of Interactive Marketing , Vol.  39 , pp.  89 - 103 .

Yim , M.Y.C. and Park , S.Y. ( 2019 ), “ ‘I am not satisfied with my body, so I like augmented reality (AR)’: consumer responses to AR-based product presentations ”, Journal of Business Research , Vol.  100 , pp.  581 - 589 .

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Humane Society Begins Long-Stay Dog Adoption Special

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Spudd is one of the dogs who have been at the Chautauqua County Humane Society for more than 100 days. The Humane Society is starting an immediate adoption special on the long-stay dogs with a percentage of the dogs’ adoption fee discounted based on the number of days the dog has been in the shelter.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is offering an immediate adoption special that takes a percentage off the normal fee based on length of stay.

“We have so many wonderful dogs waiting to meet their adoptive family,” said Brian Papalia, Chautauqua County Humane Society director of fundraising and communications. “In one extreme we have Spudd, a medium size dog with a heart of gold, who has been relying on CCHS lifesaving services for over 153 days, which would waive his fee. On the other we have Brownie, a shy 8-month-old, who has been with us just over two weeks, so adopters would save $20 on her adoption. We have plenty of dogs to choose from with a wide range of personalities.

We encourage everyone to stop by CCHS to meet our dogs. It’s so exciting to see a dog go home with a loving family and really have the chance to blossom into their true personality.”

Papalia said the special is good for first-time adopters.

“We have a wonderful adoptions staff at CCHS. They work hard to make sure that the adopters and the animals are comfortable with each other when they leave the building, and offer follow up advice if the adopter has any questions after the adoption,” he said.

All animals adopted from CCHS have been spayed or neutered, are up to date on vaccinations, and have been microchipped. The Chautauqua County Humane Society is located at 2825 Strunk Road in Jamestown and is open from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501c3 not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905.

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Putin rounds up illegal migrants to send to the frontline in Ukraine

Posted: March 27, 2024 | Last updated: March 27, 2024

Vladimir Putin is rounding up illegal migrants in Russia to fuel his bloody invasion of Ukraine, just days after four Tajik nationals were charged over the Crocus terror attack in Moscow, with migrant groups left fearing bloody retaliation. Paddy wagons sporting the National Guard insignia arrived at a vast online shopping warehouse in Elektrostal, Moscow today, where thousands of migrant workers were reportedly forced to show their documents. Checks were carried out by armed and masked Russian guards and military enlistment officers, before at least 40 people were hauled away from the Wildberries warehouse.

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What will traffic and travel look like in Lower Hudson Valley for the partial eclipse?

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Police and emergency services across the state are ready to increase safety measures as hundreds of people prepare to travel throughout the state to catch a glimpse of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8.

The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in 2017, cities and states in the path of totality experienced major traffic gridlock. The path of totality for this eclipse doesn't lie here in the Lower Hudson Valley, but the risk of major traffic problems and other emergencies are still high as many major roadways pass through the area.

Major highways like I-95 and I-87 are heavily traveled interstate routes that could be used for travel to upstate and western New York. Other routes to watch out for include the Palisades Interstate Parkway that runs through Rockland County and the Saw Mill River Parkway that runs through Westchester County.

More: A solar eclipse is coming to New York. Here's what you need to know

Eclipse guidance in New York State

This year, Gov. Kathy Hochul says extra first responders will be mobilized across the state as travelers make their way up to Western New York.

"We saw from the last experience many years ago that there were a lot of traffic jams and people running out of gas. We're not going to let that happen in New York because we're New Yorkers and we'll be prepared," Hochul said.

Kathryn Garcia, Director of State Operations, said at a press conference that an inter-agency taskforce was created to solve all sort of problems from traffic to cell service.

"If you are planning on traveling to one of these locations, we cannot stress enough: leave lots of time. We anticipate that there will be hundreds of thousands of visitors," Garcia said. "Not only are we expecting all of these visitors, but the timing of the eclipse in the late afternoon overlaps with our everyday rush hour. This is a recipe for severe congestion."

A spokesperson for the New York State Thruway Authority said the organization plans to mobilize more staff as it anticipates higher traffic volumes on the Thruway in the days before and after the eclipse.

"We will have increased staffing and patrols for our maintenance and traffic crews for the weekend leading into the eclipse and continuing through the event to April 9. Thruway Authority representatives will be present in regional operational centers monitoring the event," he said. "We've been working closely with our partners at New York State Troop T to ensure a safe event for all."

The Thruway Authority said construction and temporary lane closures throughout the thruway system will be suspended to allow traffic to flow. Tow garages and HELP trucks will be mobilized to clear any disabled vehicles.

What will it be like in the Hudson Valley that day?

Eclipse chaser and science educator Charles Fulco said that while the Lower Hudson Valley probably won't experience the gridlock expected near Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, drivers tend to stop on the road and pull over on shoulders to catch a glimpse of the celestial event.

"That's exactly what happened in every city I've ever been to for an eclipse," Fulco said. "But down in Westchester, I don't think there's any major cause for concern. A darkening is going to happen slowly and gradually. It's not even going to be dark, it's going to be dim."

The Thruway Authority said vehicles are not allowed to park on the shoulder of the highway unless it's an emergency.

Westchester and Rockland County police departments said they will also be partnering with New York State Police to monitor the major highways in the area for road emergencies.

However, for local aspiring astronomers that are eager to see the main event in the path of totality, Fulco suggests staying off the roads entirely and taking public transportation instead.

Also: How to get a pair of solar eclipse glasses from Warby Parker's Westchester eyewear store

What will public transportation look like ahead of the eclipse?

"You definitely want to leave a few days before the eclipse to beat the traffic, but if you want to take a day trip, using Amtrak is your best bet," Fulco said.

Amtrak offers train rides through its Empire Service and Maple Leaf lines out of Penn Station and the Croton-Harmon and Stamford Metro North stations. Service is available to Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all cities on the path of totality.

Fulco said for those looking for a day trip, the 7:15 a.m. train out of Penn Station in Manhattan or the 8:03 train out of Croton-Harmon station to Syracuse are travelers only options.

"These trains will get you into Syracuse a few hours before totality so you have time to find a good spot," he said. "Although, you can really see an eclipse from anywhere as long as the sun isn't blocked, so you can even try to catch it from the train station. If you miss either of these trains, you'll be on the train while the eclipse is happening and you'll totally miss it," Fulco said.

Tips for driving to an eclipse spot

The Governor's Office and the Thruway Authority are offering some tips to commuters for the safest ride possible:

  • Come early, stay late
  • Be patient and expect traffic congestion and delays
  • Be prepared for delays by traveling with water, food, medications, full tank of gas, etc. 
  • Do not pull over on the side of roads or highways
  • Visit NY 511 for real time traffic alerts.

The Thruway Authority said parking at service areas, text stops and Park and Ride lots along the Thruway are available for short term parking only. Applegreen convenience stores at service areas will also be fully stocked to accommodate the expected high volume of visitors.

Former FirstEnergy execs allowed to travel while awaiting criminal trial

adoption travel journal

Facing criminal charges for a sweeping bribery scandal , two former FirstEnergy executives were given permission to travel.

On Monday, Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Susan Baker Ross granted former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones's to visit his property in Naples, Florida. And ex-Senior Vice President of External Affairs Michael Dowling was approved to take an Easter trip to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Cleveland.com first reported .

Both are accused of participating in a scheme to bribe former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo to work on behalf of FirstEnergy. Randazzo is also accused of skimming money from his large industrial energy user clients. All three men have pleaded not guilty.

Jones asked Ross for the ability to travel around Ohio and Florida while awaiting trial, according to court records. In the request, Jones listed his 6,000-square-foot luxury condominium with views of the Gulf of Mexico, a second three-bedroom home in Naples and his five-bedroom Akron house.

In exchange, Jones and his wife would automatically forfeit their interest in their Ohio and Florida properties if he failed to appear at trial or any hearing "absent extraordinary circumstances." Jones would also use the location-sharing function on his cellphone to keep his pre-trial services officer apprised of his location, according to the court filing .

"Mr. Jones and his counsel assure the Court that his presence in Florida will not in any way delay or impede preparation for the trial of this matter," Jones' attorney Carole S. Rendon wrote. Because of these stipulations, the Ohio Attorney General's Office did not oppose Jones' request, according to the court filing .

But the Ohio Attorney General's Office did oppose Dowling's request to visit his second home in South Carolina over Easter.

"Dowling faces serious charges that, if convicted, could send him to an Ohio penitentiary for the rest of his life. Nevertheless, he demands the privilege to take a vacation outside of the State of Ohio and far beyond the Court’s jurisdiction," Principal Assistant Attorney General Matthew Meyer wrote . They also pointed out that FirstEnergy was paying Dowling's legal bills − a privilege many criminal defendants don't enjoy.

Judge Ross initially denied Dowling's vacation. But Dowling, through his attorney, made a second plea for a nine-day trip instead of the rejected 13-day one. Dowling pledged to share a detailed itinerary with pre-trial services, and Ross approved the trip.

Meanwhile, court filings indicate Randazzo wants to be excused from wearing a GPS monitor.

Randazzo's attorney did not disclose the medical reason behind the request . But the Ohio Attorney General's Office wrote that "a mental health professional has opined that the GPS monitor that Randazzo is required to wear as a condition of his bond has negative health consequences for Randazzo."

The flurry of filings is typical in all criminal cases, but the prominence of the defendants has led to less typical requests. This is one of two criminal cases filed against Randazzo, who was also charged in federal court. The former FirstEnergy executives have not been charged federally.

Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio .

RNC may again adopt a party platform this year after not having one in 2020, Lara Trump says

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The Republican Party may return this year to adopting a position platform after not taking that step at its convention four years ago, breaking more than 100 years of tradition.

Lara Trump, new co-chair of the Republican National Committee and daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, told the Journal Sentinel she expected a return of the party platform in 2024, when the Republican National Convention is held in Milwaukee.

"If you want to call it a commonsense platform, perhaps that would be a good way to go," she said.

She noted that organizers are still in the planning process, but when asked directly if the party platform would return in 2024, she said, "Yeah, I think so."

In 2020, delegates at the Republican National Convention did not adopt a new party platform, with a Republican National Committee resolution citing the "significantly scaled back" size and scope of the convention in the coronavirus pandemic.

"The RNC has unanimously voted to forego (sic) the Convention Committee on Platform, in appreciation of the fact that it did not want a small contingent of delegates formulating a new platform without the breadth of perspectives within the ever-growing Republican movement," the resolution reads.

Had the committee been able to convene, it "would have undoubtedly unanimously agreed to reassert the Party’s strong support for President Donald Trump and his Administration," states the one-page resolution that precedes the 66-page 2016 platform.

Party platforms have internal and external purposes, said Barry Burden, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director of the university's Elections Research Center.

Internally, the platform serves to get all party faithful around the country on the same page, he said. The document is worked out in the lead-up to the convention and adopted by delegates at the event itself.

Externally, it serves as a marketing document but also a blueprint for what the candidate would do, if elected president, Burden said.

Not having a new platform in 2020 cemented that the Republican Party was the party of Donald Trump, a trend that continued this year with his easy road to the party's nomination despite having lost the presidential election four years ago, he said.

"It is an important part of the process," he said. "It's something that has happened at both major party conventions every four years since about the 1860s. So, when the Republicans didn't draft a new platform in 2020, it was a pretty sharp break with party behavior in the past."

He anticipated a 2024 Republican Party platform would likely reflect Trump's views on issues like immigration and taxes in addition to his grievances about the administration of President Joe Biden.

Alison Dirr can be reached at [email protected].

Baltimore bridge tragedy shows America's highway workers face death on the job at any time

Michael DiMaggio's nephew told him the news this week of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. And the pain of losing his sister last year came flooding back.

"We wished nobody else would have to feel what we do," said DiMaggio, 38, of Annapolis, Maryland. "It's heartbreaking."

For many family members of the nation's highway workers, it's grief that repeatedly plays out against a deadly landscape that sees laborers killed or severely injured amid dangerous job sites, negligent drivers, and unpredictable catastrophes such as the bridge collapse. Just three months into 2024, road construction workers have been killed on the job in Oklahoma, Alaska, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

Sybil DiMaggio was one of six construction workers killed on a construction site on the Baltimore Beltway when two cars going well over 100 mph collided, causing one to plow through the work zone, a year ago on Friday.

On Tuesday evening, the U.S. Coast Guard called off the search for six construction workers who went missing after a cargo ship struck the Baltimore bridge and triggered its collapse into the Patapsco River. Considering the water's temperature of between 46 and 48 degrees and poor underwater visibility, officials said they did not believe they would find any of the workers alive.

The workers presumed dead are among thousands of construction workers killed while working on highway construction sites in recent years. More than 2,200 highway workers lost their lives on a highway work zone between 2003 and 2020, an average of 123 every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"I'm mourning my sister, but I'm mourning a loss of my community. I'm mourning a loss of other construction workers that were just once again trying to improve our roadways," DiMaggio said. "The situation is completely different ... but at the same time there's so many similarities."

Watch: Francis Scott Key bridge collapse dispatch: 'The whole bridge just fell down'

'It ended up taking her life'

With over a decade of construction work experience under her belt, Sybil DiMaggio was no stranger to the industry when she first began work on the site off of Interstate 695. But the lack of some safety protocols made her uncomfortable, she told her loved ones, including her brother. Her concerns were serious enough that her husband even told her the family was ready to figure something out if she needed to quit, Michael DiMaggio said.

"She felt like all the safety precautions weren't in proper order, but she had to go to work. She had to make a living," he said. "It ended up taking her life."

DiMaggio said his sister drove her personal car to the work site – the company didn't provide special vehicles for her to travel between parts of the site. "Sometimes, she felt like she didn't have enough power in her own personal car to merge onto the major highway that the construction site was on into oncoming traffic," he said.

Then, at around 12:30 p.m. on March 22 last year, an Acura TLX collided with a Volkswagen Jetta in the middle of a work zone off of a patch of Interstate 695 in Woodlawn County, Maryland, according to a report from an ongoing National Transportation Safety Board investigation. The crash sent the Acura spinning out of control through an opening in a concrete barrier between the work zone and the highway, where it struck and killed six workers ages 31 to 52, including DiMaggio.

Two of the victims, Mahlon Simmons II and Mahlon Simmons III, were father and son.

Lisa Adrienne Lea, the driver of the Acura, was "traveling at 121 mph in a posted 55 mph zone," according to indictment papers. She is awaiting trial on multiple counts of criminally negligent manslaughter, failing to control a vehicle's speed and avoid collision, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Melachi Brown, who drove the Jetta, pleaded guilty in January to six counts of negligent manslaughter with an automobile, according to court records. Brown's indictment says he was "traveling at 122 mph in a posted 55 mph zone."

The NTSB said in an email the investigation into the crash is ongoing and no conclusions or probable cause has been determined.

Road worker deaths across the nation

Families of road construction crews, local unions and state transportation officials have sounded the alarm on work zone safety across the nation for years, but grim highway worker deaths continue to make headlines.

Earlier this week, a driver reportedly asleep at the wheel crashed into a construction crew that was working on a bridge embankment, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said . One worker died instantly, and two others were seriously injured.

"This is yet another reminder to stay alert and watch for vehicles and/or workers on the side of the road," the patrol said.

Last month, a road worker and state trooper were killed in crashes on the same highway less than three hours apart in Georgia. Trooper Chase Redner was hit on Interstate 75 as he was investigating the death of a construction worker on the same road earlier that day, the Miami Herald reported.

In Missouri, two families continue to push state officials for work zone protections more than two years after their loved ones were killed on the job, local news station KSDK reported. Kaitlyn Anderson, who was five months pregnant, and James Brooks were killed when a driver crashed into them as they were striping a road in November 2021, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The following year, a Missouri bridge under construction collapsed on four contractors, trapping them in a mixture of wet concrete and rubble, local news station KCTV reported. One man, 22-year-old Connor R. Ernst, died in the collapse, authorities said, while the rest of the crew escaped with injuries. 

In Washington state, road officials expressed frustration over repeated accidents after six construction workers attempting to fix potholes on Interstate 5 were hospitalized in a crash earlier this year. A suspected drunken driver slammed i nto a parked Transportation Department pickup truck at about 60 mph, pushing it into the rear of another department truck, the Columbian reported. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance supervisor Brad Clark told the Columbian he sees work zone crashes every month.

A local union in Massachusetts questioned whether two construction workers were properly trained to use an aerial lift they were operating after a deadly fall in 2019, the Engineering News-Record reported. The workers were in a lift preparing a highway bridge for demolition when they fell roughly 50 feet onto a floating barge. One worker died instantly, and the other suffered serious injuries.

Regulators and researchers search for safety solutions

In the wake of the crash, the Maryland Department of Occupational Safety and Health partially cited the state's Highway Administration for failing to post clear traffic signs near the crash.

The tragedy also triggered some legislative efforts to address highway worker safety. The office of Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller convened a Work Zone Safety Work Group that recommended an increase in Maryland's citation for work zone speed violations, currently the lowest in the nation at $40.

"I feel like it would be extremely helpful," Michael DiMaggio said of an increase in speeding fines. "I don't necessarily think that's a big enough fine to tell you the truth, but we need to start in the right direction."

Another recommendation to increase highway worker safety zeroes in on internal traffic control plans, which separate workers on foot from larger equipment and vehicles inside a work zone, said Ryan Papariello, safety and health specialist for the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America.

"Those are set up before the job begins," said Papariello. "They basically communicate with everyone on site – vendors, whoever is entering in from the traveling public into the work zone."

Other devices used in work zones can serve a similar purpose, like mobile barriers or trailer-mounted attenuators, he said.

Although internal traffic control plans improve worker safety, there are no federal regulations that mandate their use, Papariello said. "Internal Traffic Control Plans – that's the answer – they need to be codified and regulated for contractors to use every day."

Still, part of the responsibility lies with the public to slow down and obey speed limits in work zones. "But, we do need the traveling public to slow down, to pay attention, and to abide by those rules," he said.

After the tragedy, Michael DiMaggio took in his sister's son, now 26, after he graduated college. "He no longer had a home to live in," he said.

"You can't rush trying to find housing when you're trying to get through college and graduate on time, never mind then trying to find a house and grieve and a job all at the same time," he said. "It was brutal."

DiMaggio said the family is still grieving, and the news of the bridge's collapse brought back the pain they've felt since the loss of his sister.

"Six other construction workers and their families are now dealing with the same thing that we're dealing with," he said. "There's no words to express it. It opens up the wounds even more than you thought they could."

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at [email protected]. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

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