The Travel Psychologist

23/01/2026

Solo travel isn’t just about seeing the world — it’s about finally hearing yourself without the noise.

In this beautiful guest post, psychology graduate Sally Pei Han Chang reflects on what happens when we step away from expectation, culture, and the roles we’ve carried for years. From diverted flights to fog-covered mountains, she explores how solitude can soften old beliefs, strengthen self-trust, and create space for the version of ourselves we’ve long ignored.

A thoughtful, tender piece on identity, autonomy and the quiet power of being alone — especially for those who’ve grown up between cultures.

By Sally Pei Han Chang, BA Psychology Graduate Solo travel is often framed as an opportunity for liberation and self-discovery; however, less has been written about the psychological depth of this experience and how solitude can challenge long-held beliefs about identity, particularly for people who...

22/01/2026

Hi, I’m Dr Charlotte Russell — clinical psychologist, writer, and founder of The Travel Psychologist. My work explores the powerful ways travel shapes our minds, emotions, relationships, and sense of self.

For years, I’ve supported people through trauma, anxiety, identity shifts, and life transitions. Alongside that, I’ve explored and written about how travel can act as a catalyst for insight, growth, and healing — not because travel is a cure‑all, but because it offers a unique psychological space where we can see ourselves differently.

If you’re curious about the why behind your travel experiences — why certain places move you, why some trips feel restorative while others feel overwhelming, why being away from home can shift long‑held patterns — you’re in the right place.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll be sharing a new series of content that blends clinical psychology with real‑world travel experience, including some special guest contributions. Our aim is to help you understand yourself more deeply through the lens of travel — and to offer thoughtful, credible guidance for anyone seeking transformation, clarity, or simply a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

I’m glad you’re here.

Dr Charlotte x

05/12/2025

A few thoughts from me in this great article for BBC Travel

More travellers are swapping bucket lists for destinations they know by heart. Here's why going back – again and again – can feel so good.

21/11/2025

After 4 years of writing and 57 articles this year alone, The Travel Psychologist is pressing pause. I adore everything about this space, but it’s time for a seasonal break — more yoga, more travel, more breathing room. 🌿✈️

We’ll be back in February with fresh ideas, new stories, and the same commitment to thoughtful, intentional travel.

Taking breaks is part of the journey — thank you for all your support, and see you soon. 💫

21/11/2025

NEW: Cold Water Swimming, Soulful Journeys & Finding Community

We’re diving into the transformative power of cold water swimming — not just for body and mind, but for the connections it creates. This soulful piece is written by guest contributor Dr Maja, who explores how plunging into icy waters can spark resilience, belonging, and joy.

💡 Whether you’re curious about the psychology behind the trend or simply love stories of community and adventure, this one’s for you.

By Dr Maja Jankowska, Clinical and Counselling Psychologist at Expansion Psychology In our endless search for well-being, we often overlook the simplest solutions. As a Clinical Psychologist, I'm always looking for tools that genuinely help people feel better. One of the most powerful I've found req...

14/11/2025

Not everyone feels excited about travel — for some, it brings up fear, overwhelm, or uncertainty. If someone you care about is struggling, your words can make a real difference.

This guide by our regular contributor Elise Dyer, shares gentle, supportive ways to respond — without minimising, fixing, or rushing. Because sometimes, the most helpful thing we can say is: “I hear you. I’m here.”

By Elise Dyer, Clinical Associate Psychologist and Regular Contributor Travel anxiety affects many people worldwide, and if someone you care about is struggling with the fear of travelling alone, your words can make a profound difference. As psychologists, we understand that travel anxiety isn't jus...

11/11/2025

Florence in November — golden light, fallen leaves, and a slower pace to soak it all in. Three days wandering between the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Boboli Gardens (truly one of the most beautiful I’ve ever visited) felt restorative and inspiring. Comforting bowls of pasta, cosy osterias, and crisp autumn air made this city break unforgettable.

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. Florence in November is a city bathed in golden light, with fallen leaves scattered across piazzas and quiet corners of the Renaissance capital. Wh...

29/10/2025

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about seeing yourself differently. In this guide, I explore how travel can support personal growth, emotional healing, and deeper connection. Whether you're navigating change, seeking clarity, or simply craving something more meaningful, this one's for you.
Read the full post via the link in my stories and in the 'personal growth' section of The Travel Psychologist.

Dr Charlotte Russell, Clinical Psychologist & Founder Whether we’re navigating unfamiliar streets, sharing stories with strangers, or simply sitting still in a new landscape, travel has a way of shifting something inside us. It invites us to step out of routine, confront discomfort, and see oursel...

24/10/2025

The clocks are changing, the nights are drawing in… and for many of us, winter brings a dip in energy, mood, and motivation. ❄️

If you’re feeling the shift, you’re not alone. I’ve just published a new post with gentle, therapist-informed ways to cope with winter — from sensory rituals to mindset shifts that actually help.

Let’s make space for rest, reflection, and small joys.

As a clinical psychologist, I’ve worked with many clients who find winter emotionally challenging. The shorter days, colder weather, and slower pace can stir up feelings of low mood, fatigue, and isolation. For some, it’s a subtle shift; for others, it’s a heavy season that seems to stretch en...

19/10/2025

From fairytale towers to steamy spas, this city break was the perfect blend of history, healing, and hedonism. Whether you’re sipping espresso in Pest or soaking in Buda’s skyline, Budapest invites you to slow down and savour every moment.

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. If you’re looking for a city that blends grandeur with grit, elegance with edge, Budapest might just be the one. It’s a place where thermal bat...

17/10/2025

Travelling solo with your child isn’t always easy — but it can be deeply rewarding.

In this beautiful piece, our regular contributor Elise Dyer shares her experience of navigating airports, expectations, and emotions as a single parent abroad. From the practical to the personal, she reflects on what it means to create joyful, meaningful memories — even when the journey feels uncertain.

Whether you’re planning your first solo trip with your little one or simply dreaming of future adventures, this is a gentle, empowering read.

By Elise Dyer, Clinical Associate Psychologist & Regular Contributor As both a travelling psychologist and a single parent to my nine-year-old daughter, I understand the unique blend of excitement and anxiety that comes with planning your first solo trip with your child. The questions that kept me a...

10/10/2025

Three cities, seven days, and a journey through history, psychology, and quiet connection. Here’s your guide to Munich, Vienna & Budapest — a fast-paced itinerary with space to pause, reflect, and grow. From Freud’s apartment to rooftop cocktails on the Danube, this trip blends culture, emotion, and curiosity in every moment.

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. Three cities and countries, seven days, and a journey that moves through history, culture,....