Travel Risk Perception Scale

What it measures

Measures perceived risk across seven dimensions specific to travel contexts. Travel risk perception is heightened by unfamiliarity, cultural distance, political instability, and health concerns. Risk perception is the primary barrier to travel — reducing it through information, safety signals, and reassurance is a central challenge for destination marketers.

Response format

Likert (1–5, strongly disagree to strongly agree)

Scale items

Health Risk — concern about illness and medical issues while travelling (Likert 1–7, strongly disagree to strongly agree)

• I am concerned about getting sick while travelling to [destination].
• I worry about the health risks associated with travelling to [destination].
• The risk of contracting illness is a concern when visiting [destination].
• I am worried about the quality of medical care available at [destination].

Political Risk — concern about political instability and unrest

• I am concerned about political instability in [destination].
• I worry about civil unrest or protests while travelling to [destination].
• The political situation in [destination] makes me uncertain about travelling there.
• I am concerned about government corruption affecting my travel to [destination].

Safety Risk — concern about crime and personal safety

• I am concerned about crime when travelling to [destination].
• I worry about my personal safety when visiting [destination].
• Terrorism concerns affect my willingness to travel to [destination].
• I am worried about theft or robbery when visiting [destination].

Natural Disaster Risk — concern about environmental hazards

• Natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods) concern me when considering [destination].
• I am worried about extreme weather events at [destination].
• Environmental hazards affect my decision to travel to [destination].
• The risk of natural disasters makes me cautious about visiting [destination].

Financial Risk — concern about costs and financial losses

• I am concerned about the costs and financial risks of travelling to [destination].
• I worry that the value for money at [destination] will be poor.
• I am concerned that unforeseen expenses will arise during my trip to [destination].
• The financial risks associated with travelling to [destination] concern me.

Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Seven subscale scores. Physical and Financial risks are most commonly cited; social risk is particularly relevant for prestige destinations. COVID-19 research dramatically expanded health risk perception literature in tourism.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Roehl, W.S., & Fesenmaier, D.R. (1992). Risk perceptions and pleasure travel: An exploratory analysis. Journal of Travel Research, 30(4), 17–26.

Keywords