What Is Travel Psychology?
The Perspective of Javier Labourt
Travel psychology is an emerging field, still little explored in academia, but with enormous transformative potential. In an interview with Thrillist, Buenos Aires–based clinical psychologist Javier Labourt defines this approach with a powerful metaphor: “Similar to the Marie Kondo method, but for travelers.” For him, it is a way of summarizing how well-designed trips can spark profound inner change. (Thrillist)
In a world where travel is often consumed as a quick product to “check destinations off a list,” travel psychology offers a conscious pause. This approach does not encourage traveling more, but rather traveling better: with intention, with emotional awareness, and with respect for others. From this perspective, even short everyday journeys can become opportunities for personal growth—if they are lived with openness and reflection.
Bringing Lessons From Travel Back Home
Travel psychology also invites us to think about how we integrate what we learn on the move into daily life. It is not only about what happens on a long flight or during a stay abroad, but how those experiences reshape the way we relate to others in our routines. By incorporating the curiosity, empathy, and flexibility we practice while traveling, we can cultivate a fuller life—even when we are not on vacation.
“Traveling Outside Your Comfort Zone Opens the Door to Change”
Labourt recalls that his first trip abroad, at age seven, was more than just an adventure: it was an emotional turning point, realizing what travel could awaken within himself. (Thrillist)
Since then, he has combined his two passions—travel and psychology—by designing personalized therapeutic itineraries. This work includes helping people overcome fears, social anxiety, or emotional struggles through deliberate travel experiences.
Stories of Transformation
One example featured in the article is the story of Amalia, a musician struggling with stage fright. Labourt accompanied her to Indonesia for ten days, with experiences specifically designed to help her reconnect with her confidence and inner voice. According to Amalia, the journey marked the beginning of a significant personal transformation. (Thrillist)
Which Psychological Factors Does Travel Activate?
Labourt explains that travel activates a set of essential emotional and cognitive processes:
- Self-knowledge: Facing novelty helps us discover strengths and personal limits.
- Self-esteem: Engaging with new experiences reinforces the sense of “I can.”
- Cognitive flexibility: Adapting to unknown challenges stimulates new ways of thinking.
- Empathy: Contact with other cultures expands our capacity to understand others. (Thrillist)
All of this makes travel psychology a powerful tool, especially in contrast to potentially disruptive or narcissistic behaviors often seen among misbehaving travelers.
Traveling With Intention: A Sustainable Change
Labourt is currently filming a documentary and writing a book that explore how travel can support mental health from both a scientific and qualitative perspective. His goal is to move travel psychology from an anecdotal concept to a consolidated professional field. (Thrillist)
What Does This Mean for You as a Traveler?
If you are someone who travels with curiosity, emotional openness, and intentionality, Labourt’s approach goes far beyond simply “not being a misbehaving traveler.” It is an invitation to become a transformative traveler. Journeys can be much more than nice anecdotes—they can be practices of growth, empathy, and emotional well-being.
This article summarizes some of the main ideas Javier Labourt shared in his interview with Thrillist about travel psychology. You can read the full article [here].
For more press features, interviews, and talks by Javier Labourt, explore the press section of his website [here].