The Psychology of Travel Planning

These are strange days indeed when the world has stopped traveling due to Covid-19. It’s like halftime at the Superbowl. The game pauses completely, the world is watching with a singular purpose, some people love the halftime entertainment and some are bored out of their gourds. Travel has stopped, the world watches at every turn of events with Covid-19, and those who are quarantined at home seem to love it or hate with equal passion. We are waiting for the game to resume. We are waiting for travel to resume. What can you do with your blend of travel desire and rediscovered free time, but no game to turn on and no way to travel?

What does Psychology say about Travel Planning?

Well, let’s look at that question from a psychological standpoint. Most of us picture “travel” as being the act of going somewhere, staying, and returning home. Sounds accurate enough, right? I’m sorry to tell you that if that’s how you define travel, you’ve automatically eliminated a huge piece of the travel experience! You’ve forgotten a key piece that is necessary for any travel to occur. You’ve neglected to appreciate the planning of travel.

The act of travel planning is what separates us from flocks of birds migrating south for the Winter. We are the only species with the mental ability to ponder the future (See a great book titled Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky). In some cases, this leads us to pretty bad stress and anxiety (“How am I going to pay the bills next month?”). However, it also means we get to plan ahead for pleasurable activities including travel. The reason we have emotions that go along with our future pondering is that we really picture ourselves being or doing whatever it is we have in mind.

For example, when planning a beach trip to Hawaii, you peruse the hotel sites for the best deals but in the process you picture yourself in those places or scenarios. Look at that picture of the tray of food at the hotel pool, I’d be so relaxed there! That snow powder looks so fresh, I’d be skimming down on my snowboard with that soft “whoosh” sound I love so much! My friend says that restaurant has the most authentic local foods, I can almost smell the food and see what it would be like to be there picking from that menu! I can almost feel the wind in my hair with the windows down cruising in the RV (speaking of planning, click here to reserve an RV for your next trip). If you like to travel, these thoughts lead to feelings that you can enjoy right now.

What if I don’t plan my own travel?

Some may say, “I don’t make plans to travel, I’m a free spirit and I just go!” My response to that would be to ask if you are wearing any clothes? If so, you’ve already done some planning whether you’re fully aware of it or not. Those who are wearing flip flops do not free spirit themselves to Antarctica no matter how spirited they may indeed be. Use that free spirited nature in your basic travel planning as well, like imagining the range of hiking opportunities you might have as you toss your shoes in your bag.

Those who are wearing flip flops do not free spirit themselves to Antarctica no matter how spirited they may indeed be.

-Psychology of Travel

Others may say, “I have assistants or services that make my travel plans.” Wonderful! They still need input from you regarding destination, dates, rentals, reservations, travel to and from the airport, length of stay, and other related services in order to book your travel. You still get to participate in planning your travel, it’s the details that are handled by others. Be intentional in enjoying the process of thinking through and sharing this information with your travel agent.

When can I start traveling again?

So today, while travel is doing its own version of a Superbowl halftime, make travel plans. Rather than a task to check off before you can travel, consider that travel planning is part of travel. Notice and enjoy when you’re making plans as you picture yourself in those dreamy places with salt sprayed air or having hot cocoa in the lofty cabin lodge. Let’s use travel psychology to help us start traveling now by appreciating travel planning for what it is…the start of your vacation.

Happy Travels,

Dr. L

P.S. – How do you plan your travels? Have any tips for others about how you make travel planning a fun experience in and of itself? Feel free to share any tips in the comments below.

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