Prior to leaving to travel the world, many members of my family thought I was out of my mind for making the decision to leave a job I loved and take off. They eventually came around but as time passed here on the blog, I noticed many of you sending me stories about similar situations. So today I’m excited to introduce you to my live chat guest who can help answer some of your questions about the psychology of travel.
Dr. Jamey Levy is a psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital in New York City,ย where he works as the unit chief on a general adult inpatient unit.ย He also has a private practice in NYC and is in training to become a psychoanalyst.
The chat is open today, March 28th from 6:30pm-7:30pm US EST (12:30am-1:30am GMT; 3:30pm-4:30pm Sydney). Scroll down or click here to pop into chat conversation below!
Whether you’re looking for advice on avoiding loneliness on your travels, how to approach people as an introvert in a hostel, or simply want to check your traveling sanity, Dr. Levy will be here to take your questions for one hour in the comments section below.
Hi everyone, Dr. Levy will be joining in a few minutes, but feel free to jump in with your questions right now.
Hi from Italy. I am all ears!
Ask away Giulia!
Thanks for having me, Anil! Looking forward to this interesting discussion…
I appreciate you taking the time to join us!
My question would be…do you think people who are traveling long-term are automatically running away from something (maybe a fear of settling down, etc.) or can it just be possible that their ideal lifestyle does involve constant travel?
I know many people who tell me that I’m simply running away from something and while I do spend time thinking about that, I really don’t think I am. Perhaps I’m wrong?
Oh boy Earl, that is a big question. I would say that it really comes down to the particular person, and that more likely than not its a combination of both. Some people are just temperamentally more prone to novelty seeking than others. But thats the ‘genetic’ part- seeking out reward more and perhaps getting more reward from fun experiences than others. That genetic part can lead to all sorts of lifestyle choices, and perhaps based on one’s upbringing, they choose to get that reward from travel, and perhaps at the same time that lets them get away from something that was troubling them in their past. Does that make sense? I could probably spend this entire chat answering that question
That does make sense and I appreciate the answer! And I have a feeling with psychiatry, most of the travel-related questions that will be asked here could warrant a lengthy response. Maybe a book idea for you ๐
Dr Levy, what does psychiatry/psychology say about people who can’t stand the routine like us, and just travel all the time, work here and there, change location every couple of months without any certainty about the future and happy with it?
Hi Giulia,
Its hard to say, there’s no definitive answer. Its similar to Earl’s above, and it comes down to the particular person. Some people might argue that the person is running away from themselves, some can say they are searching for themselves. I would say that if you’re happy with what you’re doing, go for it.
Thanks for answering. Yes, I understand it comes down to each individual.
The thing is I had some ‘mental’ issues like panic attacks and anxiety in my life, and I wonder if it all comes from the same reason why I am not having a “normal” life, or it’s just the way I am.
I don’t know if what I am trying to say is clear!
Ok, I’m going to be 68 next month. Throughout my life I’ve traveled a lot and Photography has been a hobby. Now that I’ve retired I really to expand my travels more than the usual 3 weeks here and there. Just got back from Morocco, and I’ve always travel with a wonderful woman who spoke 5 languages. She will not be joining on the journey because I want to go for 2 months or more. I’ve checked hostel, places to stay are my main concern, budget wise. Food and transportation I got down. So, my question as a Photographer I’ve been able to connect with fellow citizens throughout the world. Getting to know them and their countries. It’s the best way and I do like wise if they visit California or NYC. At 68, going solo kinda shares me. Thanks
Hi there, as a young adult around the age of 26 who has a decent career going…like Anil, how much of a financial nest egg do you find the average “new nomads” need to feel comfortable quitting their jobs to travelling?
For me, I just cannot break this very important (if not the most important) barrier in travelling for years on end.
Thanks
Hi Sean,
I’ll let Anil take that one, I really dont know the answer, sorry!
Sean, it depends on where you’re going, how long, and the lifestyle you want to carve out for yourself.
Thanks, I know that its a question that varies widely. Everyone has different needs and wants.
I think that there is a financial psychological threshold that everyone has. It is something that has yet to be addressed directly and it’s probably incredibly hard to measure.
But I think that the idea of having enough to feel “secure” enough to just quit your job and travel for say a year, is a make or break for deciding on traveling for long periods of time.
From what I’ve seen from many travelers, 10-20,000 seems to be the sweet spot annually of budget travel full-time.
I’m 39, the mother of two teens, have a steady job for 19 years and I’m ready to walk away from the job and take my teen daughter traveling for a year. My family all thinks I’m crazy as it is, but I love to travel, have my own successful travel blog, and now that my daughter has had a taste of the world, she’s asked me to take her to see more of it while we can. My son is graduating soon and is off to a Military Academy. My parents and extended family think I’m nuts, but I’ve done some amazing things so far and feel like the time is right to do it now. She learns more from travel than sitting in a classroom. What to do, what to do!
Definitely NOT crazy Shannon! There are lots of us travelling/nomadic families out there!!!
Yes, there are many nomadic families out there. I just need to be certain I’m doing things the right way for me and one that doesn’t ruin her chance at getting into a decent university, if that’s the route she decides to go. If I were alone, I wouldn’t even be questioning the decision. I love my extended family dearly. I also have this intense desire to live with gusto and soak up everything I can. My daughter is alot like me in that way. Thanks Bethaney!
Only your heart knows the answer to what to do in this situation…sounds like you already have the answer ๐
Thanks for that ๐
I know you’re not a relationship specialist, but how can I approach my wife to be more open and willing about traveling more and not being so afraid to make the jump? Thanks in advance.
Hmmm, off the top of my head i would say find out what it is she’s afraid of, and try to reconcile that. Second i’d say try to compromise on something, so that you also do things she wants to do that you’re not too thrilled about. Hope that helps!
I am curious, the world we live in today allows for more novelty from truly extraordinary things like traveling the world. How can one go about transitioning from a lifestyle where one is bombarded with new things and wonder to a more conventional lifestyle, say at the end of a 1 year round-the-world trip?
Hmm, thats an interesting question. This might be sidestepping it, but to be honest we are bombarded with new things right in our own home thanks to computers and tv, so its kinda like how can we separate ourselves from the deluge of todays world independent of whatever we might be doing. I dont know! Meditation is a great way to escape the non-stop information cycyle
Do you think that the endemic uncertainty of travel is a healthy mental workout that is missing from a life grounded in certainty?
I’ve just read “Uncertainty” by Jonathan Fields, who makes a strong neuroscientific case for uncertainty being hand in hand with creativity and a sense of fulfillment, and he’s largely talking about the mindset of entrepreneurs…but many travelers, and almost all travel bloggers, are trying to work in this kind of psychological environment as well (including myself). So I’m curious – how do you see people who go out of their way to embrace uncertainty, even though it’s something associated with many unpleasant experiences?
Thats a great question. You can look at this at so many levels. Just look at sports- why are we so thrilled to watch it? Because we dont know what the outcome will be and it thrills us to have the outcome play out in front of us.
In psychoanalysis, the one rule is that you have to say whatever comes to mind, in an unfiltered fashion. In some ways you dont know whats coming next, its stream of consciousness. Your may say something that leads to excitement or something that leads to utter sadness. But either way you gain insight into who you are. In that unfettered, unfiltered stream of consciousness the ‘true’ you eventually comes out (this is VERY superficial description). This can be analogized to creativity, art, etc.
Thanks, James. ๐ Hadn’t thought of it in those terms. When you can’t premeditate your actions, you act in a truer way?
I’m also interested in uncertainty in storytelling terms (I’m a budding narrative consultant) and there’s definitely a deep emotional reaction to surprise, to plot twists, that deeply hooks people and keeps them reading – keeps them addicted to the uncertainty. And sports is storytelling as well, so that tallies. The excitement of the chance of being surprised out of the world we’ve psychologically built for ourselves – and in being surprised, gaining an insight into what we really need? It could be the lifestyle makeover gurus are onto something here. ๐
Ahem, edit: *Jamey.
You’d think as a professional copywriter I could at least get your name right. ๐ Apologies.
I travel for a living yet I’m afraid to fly. Any suggestions on how to combat that fear?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with some exposure therapy (start small, build up to getting on a plane…)
I can get on the plane and I fly a couple times a month. I am just incredibly anxious from take-off until landing.
Ah, I see. THere are anxiety-reducing exercises like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, etc. There’s also the world of pharmaceuticals, I dont think I’ve been on an airplane recently where nearly every person popped something before takeoff. Sometimes I will prescribe low dose sedatives or sleep meds for people just to take the edge off during flying
It’s a broad question but I’m curious, when would you say a traveling lifestyle becomes harmful psychologically? Does traveling create any additional mental conflict as opposed to other unorthodox lifestyles and careers (e.g. military)?
That’s a really good question Anil.
I think that it depends on a number of factors such as the length of your travels and the individuals own mental stability.
Maybe you traveled for say 8 years (or what ever your mental threshold is), you might develop a breakdown.
Also, perhaps there are lingering thoughts in the back of your mind all the time. Such as, you LOVE travelling but you also want to have children one day. The thought of ending your ex. 8 years of travelling could break you down.
Ah, I missed then ‘when’ part. Yes I agree with Sean, you might want to settle down and have a family, and probably couldn’t continuously travel. It also depends on what is spurring the travel. Like the first question from Earl- is someone just trying to escape something? I’m reminded of Holly-Go-Lightly from the book breakfast at Tiffanies- she needed to keep moving because she had no strong inner sense of self, and staying in any one place for too long was uncomfortable to her because she felt trapped and was worried she might have to learn something about herself.
All in all, i really dont think that a travelling lifestyle would become harmful. The world is so connected today with the interwebs that you’re not going to lose touch with whats out there.
I hate to say it, but again its really person specific. And ‘unorthodox’ is in the eye of the beholder. Look at all the priests abusing children out there. They likely chose an ‘orthodox’ lifestyle to escape the ‘unorthodox’ inner feelings, so in this case the orthodox lifestyle was harmful psychologically.
Some might argue that people need to feel grounded to gain a strong sense of self and accomplishment, and that this might be difficult with a traveling lifestyle. But then there are people like my friend Earl, who only feels grounded when moving to new grounds.
Any advice for travelers around the world who might be interested in seeing a psychiatrist in different countries around the world? What should one look for in a therapist given varying accreditation internationally?
Good question: I am thinking of seeing a psychologist in Egypt in the next days!
Oy vey, sadly that question could be applied just to america. Unfortunately there are many quacks out there. In regards just to therapy, the interesting thing is that the one variable thats been proven to be the most accurate predictor of success in therapy is the trust and bond between the therapist and patient. But i dont think folks are going to be going in for much therapy during travels. In regards to pharmaceuticals, its probably similar to finding any other doctor, which you guys probably know more about. Since these meds are effecting your brain though, definitely do some google searching before you put anything in your mouth!
Another thing, is that unlike meds, therapy is typically a long process. So be wary of people with quick fixes!
That’s the big issue with me. I have been told I need therapy, but I know I won’t be staying here for long. Shall I give up my travel plans and focus on this? I guess so…
What would you say about rational vs emotional decisions when planning a RTW trip?
Anil and Earl might better answer that. But this reminds me of things Malcolm Gladwell writes about- how we make better decisions sometimes with our ‘irrational’ gut than with our minds. They’ve done studies with people buying big things like houses and cars, and find that the people who picked based on how they felt, vs pouring over every single detail, tend to be happier with their decidions. But please dont base a RTW trip just on that!
I would say a balance is important, especially depending on your personality type. I tend to like a good plan (although tend to overdo it sometimes) before taking off on a big endeavor. That helps ease my emotional side which can be a powerful influence in many of us.
Hi everyone, just a quick reminder we’ve got about 5 minutes of chat time left. If you’ve got any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
I know that for me, I travel in order to see what the world is like with my own eyes. And what I have difficulty understanding is how so many people are more than happy to reach conclusions about other countries/cultures based on very little (and very unreliable) information.
Of course, people are busy with their own lives and they don’t really have time or the need to truly understand a foreign country or people, so I understand the convenience factor with just accepting whatever third-party info (news, internet, etc.) you hear, but is there more to it? I just find it fascinating that some brains need to search for information before believing something while others are so quick to accept and fully believe anything they hear/read.
What triggers that need to search our information ourselves? Is it simply having the ability to do so (ie money, time, family situation, etc.)?
Well, think about it from an evolutionary standpoint- its only been the last few thousand years that humans have been co-mingling with those unlike their own ‘tribe.’ For millions of years we evolved as social beings to fit into our particular group, and also evolved the ability to make very quick, sound decisions within that group. I kinda believe that stereotypes, predjudices, bigotry, stems from this. Our cultural boiling pot (is that the right term?) has occured in the last few seconds for evolutionary time.
Many thanks, Dr Levy and Anil – it’s been fascinating to read this thread as it unfolded.
Thank you for participating Mike ๐
Hi everyone, I’m going to begin wrapping things up as much as I know we’d all like to keep Dr. Levy around for another hour or two ๐ It’s been a fascinating discussion, thank you very much Dr. Levy for taking the time to join us with your insight and expertise.
I hope we can do a follow-up conversation in the months ahead and again appreciate you setting aside the time to join the live chat. It’s been a pleasure.
Thank you,
-Anil
Thanks Anil, and thanks everyone for participating! It was great fun. I apologize if I couldnt get to some of the questions.
It’s not a problem, and look forward to following up in the future!