Why You Should be Reading About Travel

There’s not much debate that travel is good for your mental health. However, did you know that reading about travel can also be good for you from a psychological standpoint? In this article, we will explore the psychology behind why reading about travel can be good for you. You will also learn ten reasons why you should be reading about travel right now.

Brief caveat first…there may be rare instances in which reading about travel can lead to more undesirable feelings like isolation or triggering memories of sad or scary events from your previous travels. Be mindful of this possibility, and speak with loved ones or a mental health professional before deciding whether or not to proceed with your readings.

Why Read About Traveling?

In general, reading travel books offers a host of healthy mental perks. Development of practical knowledge, creativity, and cultural understanding are just a few of the mental benefits you may notice when you read. Much like how your own fond travel memories make you “feel good” and can build self-esteem, reading about the travel from others can touch on that part of you as well.

Further, you can reduce uncertainty and develop confidence about your travel plans when you feel equipped with information about practical aspects of your travel. By practical, I’m referring to things like maps, transportation routes, safe areas to stay (and for that matter, unsafe areas to stay), currency exchange information, the local language, history (including things like historical markers in the area), and other cultural information that might support a positive travel experience. When your mind is more confident in your travel plans (even the plan to be spontaneous!), there’s less room up there for stress.

Personally, my favorite parts of travel reading are the excitement and inspiration I get about my next trip. It’s enjoyable to read and see images of a new destination. I begin to really picture myself there enjoying the activities I’m reading about. It’s hard not to, right?

During times when you may not be able to go traveling (e.g., Covid-19 pandemic), the notion of reading and planning for trips will serve you well for future travels. Plus, reading through travel books and travel blogs can even bring some immediate benefits (Check out the post on psychology of travel planning). Pay attention to how you feel when you’re reading your next travel book or travel blog, you might have overlooked noticing that positive “vibe”!

Travel Guides Versus Travel Books

You should know that travel guides and travel books may offer two very different kinds of travel reading. Travel guides are typically focused on specific destinations, including highlights of tourist destinations, maps, and other practical information. Travel books tend to be more inspirational in nature or descriptive of the author’s travel adventures, rather than practical guides to visiting a particular place.

Additionally, travel blogs are another great resource to read about travel information (self-pat on the back here). Travel bloggers often have experience in traveling that you can learn from. Aside from things to do in various destinations, travel bloggers can provide tips on what not to do based on their own experiences. You don’t need to re-invent the wheel…learn from the experience of others.

For the purposes of this article, there’s not a “right” or “wrong” choice, just be aware of the differences so you can select what you’d like to read the most.

Travel books like Wanderlust: A Travelers’ Guide to the Globe and 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do are recommended reading.

Fodor’s Travel Guides and Rick Steves Travel Guides are two of the most popular series of travel guides for specific locations. They both cover a huge range of practical information for lots of different destination cities and countries. Take a look before you head out!

Plus, see the Psychology of Travel Resources Section for several great travel blogs from some of the best bloggers in the industry.

Ten Reasons For Reading About Travel

In no particular order, here are the top ten reasons why you should be reading about traveling.

1. Practical Knowledge – Where and what to visit, how to get there and find your way around
2. Inspiration – Ideas for travel or activities to further explore
3. Cultural Recognition – Understanding cultural customs to avoid cultural mistakes and deepen your ability to connect
4. Historical Context – Give yourself a backdrop to know the history to deepen your sightseeing
5. Confidence – Armed with knowledge, there is less uncertainty
6. Creativity – With new ideas you’ve read about, build on your travel ideas or create awesome new ones
7. Excitement – Read about all the wonderful aspects of place you plan to visit to build your anticipation
8. Wisdom – No need to re-invent the wheel. Learn from others who have gone before you so you don’t make the same mistakes they did!
9. Satisfaction – During times that you’re unable to travel, read and plan for your next vacation to help you scratch that itch to travel
10. Relaxation – For all the reasons listed above, reading about travel can serve as a relaxing and enjoyable part of your stress management

Want to recommend a good travel book or travel blog to your fellow travelers? Feel free to comment below and remember to sign up for the Psychology of Travel Newsletter for more travel insights.

Enjoy some good travel reading today, and happy travels tomorrow!

Happy Travels,

-Dr. L
Founder of Psychologyoftravel.com

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P.S. – For those who like lists in visual format, see below for a similar infographic on benefits of travel reading.