While many studies have been conducted on travel psychology, most people still do not understand the concept. Various definitions of travel psychology exist but, it simply refers to the study and application of the human mind and behavior to traveling. It mainly emphasizes the ability of a person to sunder their comfort and sense of control to embrace the uncertainties of travel like culture shock. 

Travel is undoubtedly one of the main activities that attract millions of people from all walks of life across the world. People travel for various reasons including education, business, and pleasure among others. Although being home makes us feel safer and comfortable, it also keeps us blind to so many things that go on outside our comfort zones. Travel psychology helps us to learn and appreciate traveling as a way to widen our thinking and engage in unique experiences that shape our lives. 

The Job of a Travel Psychologist 

The primary objective of a travel psychologist is to educate people on the concept of traveling and how they can make the most of their travel experiences. A travel psychologist studies and analyzes the experiences of different travelers to find out what works and the elements that hinder travelers from coping with certain overseas travel expeditions. 

To qualify as a travel psychologist, you need professional training in social psychology with knowledge of various aspects of traveling, culture, tourism and intercultural communication. A good travel psychologist should also be a travel enthusiast with diverse experiences across many destinations and cultures. 

As a travel psychologist, you can publish resources to educate people on the various uncertainties of traveling and how to cope with them. You can also act as a consultant, helping travelers and travel organizations to make informed decisions. 

As it suggests, travel psychology mainly emphasizes the study of the unknowns of traveling and using the knowledge to improve the quality of travel experiences.

From magnificent beach resorts, historical landmarks to pristine landscapes, there are lots of destinations around the world that we should all visit at least once in a lifetime. However, most of those popular destinations are constantly packed with tourists seeking similar adventures. As such, underrated vacation destinations provide an ideal alternative for those hoping to experience unique adventures away from the crowds. The following are some of the top 5 underrated travel destinations in the world. 

Budapest, Hungary 

While Budapest is rarely talked about among the world’s best travel destinations, it has unique attractions that will surely delight every traveler. The city, which is nicknamed the ‘’Little Paris of Middle Europe,’’ boasts great art, culture, and myriad historical attractions including World Heritage sites such as the Buda Castle Quarter, the Banks of Danube, and Andrassy Avenue. 

Taiwan 

Taiwan is a key gateway into East Asia with endless streams of natural attractions and a bursting food scene. The food culture is driven by 300-night markets that bring the streets to life as the sun goes down. Its nine national parks and hot springs offer travelers the desired connection with nature. It has good transport infrastructure comprising high-speed trains. Taiwan is also an art center buzzing with museums, cultural performances, and exhibitions. 

Cairns, Australia 

Most travelers who have been to Cairns, Australia say it is one of the few travel destinations in the world where it is always summer. It has rainforests, waterfalls, sandy beaches, and sunny weather that provide the right backdrop for a summer vacation. Visitors can indulge in various activities including boat tours, snorkeling, hiking, and scuba diving. It also boasts unique sights like the Great Barrier Reef. 

Cape Verde 

Located off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is a tropical paradise bursting with warm sandy beaches, clear sparkling waters with whales, electric entertainment scene, and multi-cultural attractions. It is also home to colonial towns, historical landmarks, and various cultures including Portuguese, African, European, and Spanish. The multi-cultural composition of the island allows visitors to get the best of both worlds. 

Charlotte, North Carolina 

Charlotte, North Carolina is another underrated travel destination with lots of hidden treasures for travelers. Some of its top highlights include the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Carowinds amusement park, and U.S National Whitewater Center. It also has the tallest and fastest Giga Coaster in the world, known as the Fury 325. Visitors can also indulge in various fun activities such as mountain climbing and outdoor yoga. 

Whether you are hoping to relax at the beach, sample unique cuisines, tour historic landmarks, experience the nightlife or connect with nature, the above travel destinations can deliver truly memorable adventures.

When planning a solo trip, the decision on where to visit can sometimes be very overwhelming, especially if you are a beginner solo traveler. Even savvy travelers still find it hard choosing suitable travel destinations from time to time. To help you beat such challenges, the following are the top 5 solo travel destinations. 

Costa Rica 

Costa Rica is one of the places that you should consider visiting when traveling solo. Apart from just the pristine sandy beaches, it boasts great weather, lush landscapes, historical attractions, vibrant culture, wildlife and so much more to make your trip fun and memorable. In Costa Rica, you can also enjoy various activities including swimming, biking, hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, and others. The best places in Costa Rica for solo travels include La Fortuna, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, and Puerto Viejo. 

Thailand 

The self-proclaimed land of smiles is no doubt a must-visit for solo travelers.  The destination is not only affordable but, also friendly, full of attractions and easier to navigate. Here, there are also lots of things to experience including unique cultures, historical landmarks, wildlife, beaches, and food. In terms of activities, Thailand also has plenty including scuba diving, riding elephants, and hiking among others. As a solo traveler, begin your adventure in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. 

Stockholm, Sweden 

If you are yearning for the Scandinavian weather, Stockholm is a great city to visit. But, it is not just the weather that gives this destination the credit. Stockholm is home to many islands, pristine parks, ancient landmarks and unique beauty that you will truly cherish. Its multicultural metropolis landscape and bursting nightlife are other reasons to visit. Besides, the cuisines will also blow your mind off. 

Iceland 

Iceland is a beautiful destination ideal for solo travelers that love outdoors. Something that many people do not know about Iceland is that it is one of the safest countries in the world. It is also not easy to get lost in Iceland because many travelers use Ring Roads or Golden Circle. The country has a unique sense of intimacy and safety attributed to its small population. Here, you can enjoy some of the most thrilling outdoor activities. 

New York, USA 

New York is a vibrant city with endless attractions and activities for every solo traveler. Due to the expansive nature of the city, there is no chance that you will get bored on the trip. New York boasts unique cultures, world-class attractions, electric nightlife, incredible cuisines, and endless activities to make your trip unforgettable. 

Other great solo travel destinations that should also form part of your to-do list include Canada, Malaysia, Hawaii, and California. 

Generally, there are many places to get inspiration for travelling including travel journals and other similar resources. However, talking to a traveler can be more eye-opening, enabling you to get practical advice and suggestions from people who have been on the road. In case you happen to meet a traveler, the following are some of the things to ask. 

What Do You Like Most About Traveling?

People travel for various reasons including business, vacations, learning new things among others. However, asking an open-ended question like the one above will enable you to dig deeper into the mind of the traveler and, maybe get something unique about traveling. That could give you a new reason or inspiration to travel more. 

Do You Pick Travel Destinations from a List or Go with Your Gut?

Most people like to choose travel destinations from a list of choices offered in travel journals or magazines. However, a savvy traveler will tell you that there is so much more to explore outside the given lists. Therefore, it is important to check travel destinations off a list but, you should also have an open mind and dare to discover more on your own. 

Is it Possible to Experience Amazing Adventures when Traveling Locally?

Some usually think that memorable trips are only experienced in foreign destinations. An ardent traveler will tell you that you can have amazing adventures anywhere including your hometown. Traveling locally has endless attractions and activities that will surely make your trips remarkable. 

Do You Always Plan Your Trips in Advance or Make-Up Plans on the Road?

This may sound quite complex to some travelers. The truth is; a great trip requires a mix of both pre-planning and adjustments. It is recommended that you always plan every detail of the trip beforehand but, leave some room for small changes that may occur along the road. 

There is so much that you can learn from talking to a traveler. Asking the above questions can help you to understand some of the rewards of traveling as well as potential challenges to look out for when planning a trip. 

How to Ensure Your Safety When Travelling Alone for the First Time

Solo trips are usually very exciting, offering you an exclusive opportunity to explore unique interests in your own way. You will learn a lot when traveling alone including how to become independent. In fact, a solo adventure is an incredible way to get to know who you are better. However, traveling alone also comes with certain fears that you must know how to deal with in order to enjoy the adventure. The following are tips on how to ensure your safety on your first solo trip.

Get to Know Your Destination

If it is your first time visiting a place, finding the right routes and streets can be hard. Since you are alone, you might feel scared to talk to people. To ensure that you have a great time, do a little research about the destination beforehand. When doing the research, find out the best areas to visit as well as the best times to tour as well as the places to avoid.

Be Cautious with Strangers

Not every stranger has a bad intent but, do not get too absorbed into the culture that you lower down your guard. It is true that many of them will hit on you, but you should always act confident and settled to avoid raising unnecessary attention. In case the situation gets out of hand, it is advisable to walk away. Blend in with the locals but, always watch your back.

Travel Light

Packing way too much stuff will not only cost you a lot in airfares but, also make transportation and movement once you get to the destination hectic. Use a minimalist approach when packing and, only carry what is essential and cannot be obtained on the road.

Stay in Touch with Family and Friends

When traveling alone, it is important to keep your friends and family back at home updated about the progress. While one of the reasons many people travel solo is to have some personal time, keeping in touch with your family and friends is a crucial safety precaution. In case anything happens to you, they will easily know and provide the necessary assistance.

Every trip has its vulnerabilities but, the above tips will help you ensure greater safety when traveling solo for the first time.

Touring the world is an amazing experience that everyone dreams of. With so much to see, taste, feel and do, a world tour is an experience like no other that you will remember for the rest of your life. However, the success of the trip mainly depends on how well you plan for it. Below, we offer tips to help you put together a memorable world tour.

Develop a Plan for at Least One Month

The world is so big an area that you cannot tour in a matter of days or a few weeks. So, the first thing is to figure out how long you are expecting to be away. This will enable you determine the places to visit and how much time will be spent at each destination. To make the excursion worthwhile, you should create a plan for at least four weeks. However, the trip can even take more than one month.

Determine the Overall Costs of Touring the World

While the cost of travel usually depends on where you want to go and how you wish to travel, a world tour is not a cheap adventure. Flights and accommodations are usually the most expensive but, there are other related costs too. In order to keep travel costs on the low, consider buying around the world ticket, avoid expensive destinations, engage a travel agent and never forget about the visa.

Pack Smart

Packing for a world tour can be challenging even to savvy travelers. The general rule is to pack lightly and there are certain things that you need to remember to achieve this. For an easy trip around the world, remember to dress like locals, carry light layers, think about the weather, use packing cubes, and leave the unnecessary stuff behind.

At first, planning a world tour might seem like an uphill task to many people. But, with the above pointers in mind, you will find it to be quite fun and eye-opening.