The Travel Psychologist

16/02/2026

What an elephant sanctuary taught me about trust and why we don’t all judge safety the same way

Dr Charlotte Russell, Clinical Psychologist and Founder On a recent trip to Thailand, I took a guided group tour around an elephant sanctuary. The guide knew everything about the elephants; their names, ages, histories, personalities and importantly whether they were likely to make sudden and potent...

13/02/2026

NEW: Two weeks in Sumatra with Dr Nicola: where dense jungle, quiet villages, and raw, untouched landscapes remind you what it feels like to be fully alive.

This is one of the most remote corners of the world—but for adventurous travellers, the effort melts away the moment you arrive.

Slow travel, deep nature, and the kind of memories that stay with you long after you’re home.

Dr Nicola Cann, Sleep Psychologist & Regular Contributor Sumatra is not an easy destination, and that is precisely its appeal. Indonesia’s largest island is vast, chaotic, and at times exhausting, but it offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: experiences that feel genuinely unfiltere...

06/02/2026

In today’s article, guest contributor Chad Scott, PhD, a licensed psychotherapist based in the US, shares an extraordinary and deeply personal reflection on how visiting places marked by tragedy became part of his own journey through terminal illness, a life‑saving liver transplant, and the long emotional recovery that followed.

Drawing on both his clinical expertise and the raw honesty of lived experience, Chad explores why some of us feel drawn to “dark” places and how, when approached with care and intention, these sites can offer space for grounding, perspective, and meaning‑making during life’s most difficult chapters.

This isn’t a piece about voyeurism or sensationalism. It’s about resilience and the quiet ways travel can help us process what feels overwhelming.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain places call to us during times of crisis, or how confronting darkness can sometimes illuminate a path forward, this is a powerful and compassionate read.

By Chad Scott, PhD, Licensed Psychotherapist and Author of Beyond the Darkness: Transformative Journeys Through Dark Tourism Less than two months after receiving a lifesaving liver transplant, I found myself asking an unusual question: Why am I drawn to places associated with death and suffering? Vi...

30/01/2026

Three weeks. Three countries. A journey that felt like equal parts adventure, reflection, and pure wonder ✨

From Chiang Mai’s temples and ethical elephant encounters, to the quiet magic of Siem Reap beyond Angkor Wat, to Vietnam’s lantern-lit streets, limestone peaks, and beautiful chaos — this trip had everything. Slow mornings, meaningful conversations, unexpected moments of calm, and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you’re home.

If you’re dreaming of Southeast Asia, I’ve put together my full 3‑week itinerary — including what I’d do differently, the places that surprised me, and the moments that felt like “trip of a lifetime” material.

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. Having three weeks to travel is a rarity for most of us, but if you can, it’s worth takin...

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...