Travel Through a Therapist's Eyes: The Psychology of Travel, Rest, and Meaningful Experiences
Travel is such an individual experience. A thousand people could go to the same place and 995 of them can’t wait to go back but 5 will say it was the worst experience of their life and not a place they would recommend. When people book a trip they are already in a particular mindset about it; maybe they are imagining themselves on a beach in the sun relaxing or they see themselves taking pictures of their kids with Mickey all smiles. Some people could be checking destinations off of a bucket list. As a therapist when I think about travel I see opportunity for a reset - in relationships and mindset.
1. A Change in Environment Changes Your Perspective
I say this any time I post about retreats or travel…a change in environment can be energizing and help you to focus.
2. Rest Is Productive
If you are planning a trip as a way to get rest - great! As a therapist I applaud this and think it is effective. For many of us (I am speaking to my perfectionist, overachievers, “supermoms,” and the like) resting can feel like a waste of time. Time when we could be getting something else done. However, I know first hand that resting is the most productive way to get yourself back in the game. Chronic stress affects our mood, concentration, relationships, and physical health. Intentional travel creates permission to slow down and recover.
3. Shared Experiences Strengthen Relationships
Taking a trip with a partner is a common recommendation made by therapists. When people feel disconnected from their spouse/partner traveling together can be a way to strengthen the bond. It might be about time away from kids, or just the idea of having new experiences together in a place that isn’t home. Making plans and seeing new places together without the stress of everyday life can bring us closer together and remind us why we chose our partner in the first place!
This is also true of spending time with children on vacation. Parenting and being a kid can be overwhelming. When everyone feels burnt out at home with activities, chores, and homework we can get caught in a cycle of not being able to enjoy one another’s company. It doesn’t mean we don’t love our kids, but we are all tired. Taking kids somewhere out of the ordinary can be a great way to reconnect and bring joy back into the lives of everyone in the family.
Conclusion
Recently, I had to travel for my daughter’s dance competition. I did not get to choose the location (and it is not a location I personally like) We planned for it to be a brief getaway for our family of 4 when my daughter wasn’t busy dancing. As we got closer to the trip we learned that my husband and son would have to stay behind for some last minute baseball games. I was disappointed. This meant I had to make the drive myself, we had spent money on an airbnb for the family that we didn’t really need, and I would have to manage all of the details of the 5 days away on my own. I did some positive self-talk to get myself a little more psyched up for the trip. I made the most of my time there walking on the boardwalk and sitting on the beach when my daughter was rehearsing. I was able to make the trip restorative for myself (I started reading Broken Country and Our Perfect Storm). When she wasn’t busy, she and I had quality time together hanging out on the beach and walking around the little town we were staying in. We made some memories, away from home, and enjoyed the trip. Perspective and mindset matter.
As both a therapist and travel planner, I believe that any trip can be made into something meaningful because you are removed from everyday expectations and tasks.
Call to Action
Interested in planning travel that supports both adventure and well-being? Whether you're looking for a solo getaway, a family vacation, or a trip inspired by your favorite books, thoughtful travel can become part of caring for your mental health.