The Travel Psychologist

29/08/2025

From ancient Athens to cliffside sunsets in Santorini — this 10-day Greece itinerary is your blueprint for soulful travel. Think island-hopping, mythic ruins, fava dips, and the kind of views that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked. Ready to fall in love with Greece all over again?

Dr Charlotte Russell, Clinical Psychologist & Founder This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you book through the links provided, this blog will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I’ve been travelling in Greece for over 20 years, and it’s a country I return to again...

27/08/2025

This week I've joined forces with fellow therapists to offer tips on inspiring creativity

Dr Charlotte Russell and guest contributors Like therapy, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to speaking creativity. In this article, I’ve joined forces with three wonderful fellow therapists to explore what sparks our own creative energy and how you can cultivate yours. From quiet moment...

20/08/2025

Ever been scammed while travelling? You’re not alone. In my latest article, I explore the psychology behind travel scams — why we fall for them, how scammers exploit our psychology, and what we can do to protect ourselves.

Dr Charlotte Russell, Clinical Psychologist & Founder Travel opens the door to wonder, discovery, and transformation, but it also exposes us to unfamiliar environments where our psychological defences may be lowered. Scams thrive when travellers touch down, not just because travellers are geographic...

15/08/2025

NEW: I’m pretty picky when it comes to books but these are some of my absolute favourites. I share an overview of each as well as key psychological themes. I’m also telling you when and where I think you should read them, so think of them as book prescriptions from me to you!

Dr Charlotte Russell, Clinical Psychologist & Founder There’s something quietly powerful about reading while you travel. It’s not just about passing time on a plane or lounging by the pool, it’s about creating space. Space to reflect, to imagine, to reconnect with parts of yourself that get bu...

08/08/2025

Lisbon isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a full-on flavour adventure. From flaky pastel de nata to salt-crusted fish served with flair, this city knows how to feed your soul. Whether you're wandering through Time Out Market or chasing grilled sardines in hidden corners, every bite tells a story.

This guide contains affiliate links. This means that if you book through the links provided this blog may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Lisbon is a city that knows how to feed you. From flaky pastel de nata straight from the oven to seafood so fresh it tastes like the Atlantic itself...

03/08/2025

You can catch me speaking about all things travel and well-being with the BBC here (10.18 to 10.26am) https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_solent?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

01/08/2025

Roman walls, riverside strolls, and storybook shopping, Chester is the ultimate escape from the everyday. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a centuries-old café or enjoying a meal in a fantastic independent restaurant, this city break is packed with charm, character, and a touch of luxury.

Chester is a Roman city with history and beauty everywhere you look. Even arriving the train station is like being transported through time and feels another World from my hometown of Manchester. It’s a compact city with unique things to do, and can make you feel like you’ve had a proper escape ...

25/07/2025

Healing doesn’t always happen at home. Sometimes, it takes a passport stamp and a change of scenery to start feeling whole again. This blog by Elise Dyer dives into how travel can help you process heartbreak, rediscover yourself, and find peace in unfamiliar places.

By Elise Dyer, Clinical Associate Psychologist & Clinical Lecturer Breaking up just before Christmas 2024 left me heartbroken, alone, and overwhelmed by a deep sense of loss, not just of a person, but of a shared future. Travelling solo became my unexpected pathway to healing and self-reconnection,....

23/07/2025

Cardiff is one of my favourite cities: it’s where I did my undergraduate degree and lived for 10 years. Here you’ll find my tips for a short break in the Welsh capital.

This guide contains affiliate links. This means that if you book through the links provided this blog may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Cardiff isn’t just a capital, it’s a city with soul. I know this first hand: I did my undergraduate degree here and lived in Cardiff for ten yea...

18/07/2025

From canal walks and castle hikes to steam trains, this Welsh town is full of charm, character, and quiet magic. It's also one of my favourite places in the World. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or sipping coffee by the river, Llangollen invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

This guide contains affiliate links. This means that if you book through the links provided this blog may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Llangollen is a small and beautiful town in North Wales, situated on the River Dee. The surrounding landscape is stunning and has been designated to...

16/07/2025

Greece is an absolute dream for food lovers, and you’ll find great cuisine all over the country. Here I share my experience of the best spots for food and wine, based on my 20+ years of exploring this beautiful country ❤️🇬🇷

This guide contains affiliate links. This means that if you book through the link provided this blog will receive a small commission, at no cost to you. I’ve been travelling to Greece for more than 20 years and I can count the number of disappointing meals on one hand. Greek islands are a dream fo...

11/07/2025

Today I've published my city break guide to Liverpool. It's a great option for a weekend away with so many unique things to do and great restaurants.

I've also included the story of when I overfed my little Brother when he was studying in the city, so for that alone it's worth a read.

This guide contains affiliate links. This means that if you book through the links provided this blog may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Liverpool is just ‘down the road’ from my home city of Manchester, but makes for an epic city break. The city has so much history including bein...