How Climate Shapes the Way We Travel
Why traveling in warm and cold countries feels different.
Posted May 28, 2025 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
Observing mental health challenges in a culture where stigma made it difficult to seek help or openly discuss emotional struggles sparked my curiosity about how mental health is understood and addressed across different cultures. Growing up in India, where mental health is often misunderstood, I noticed significant challenges in navigating emotional struggles without adequate support. This led me to pursue a career in mental health, and it also ignited a deep passion for travel.
Having lived in the USA, I am now based in London, where I find the long, dark winters particularly tough. These months can feel isolating and draining, so I’ve made travel a priority to cope with the harsh weather. Over time, I noticed something fascinating: Warm countries feel refreshing and energizing, while cold destinations tend to evoke a sense of quiet and introspection. As a mental health professional, I became curious about how climate influences our psychological experiences of a place. I realized that the answer lies in psychology, weather and culture.
Why Warm Destinations Feel Stimulating and Invigorating
During my travels to Cyprus, Egypt, Thailand, and Morocco, I have often felt a sense of refreshment and energy that I don’t experience in colder places. This response isn’t just about personal preference; it’s psychological and cultural. Warm climates have unique effects on mental and physical energy, making them more stimulating.
For someone like me, who finds cold, grey winters overwhelming, travelling to warm places provides a much-needed reset. These destinations fuel me with energy, helping combat seasonal fatigue.
Why Cold Destinations Feel Quiet and Relaxing
In contrast, colder destinations evoke calm and introspection. My trips to Norway, Russia, and Switzerland highlighted for me how cold weather and winter landscapes foster a slower pace of life.
While cold destinations don’t provide the same burst of energy, they offer a different kind of comfort. These quieter environments promote reflection and rejuvenation, essential for mental well-being.
How Climate Shapes Travel Preferences and Mental Well-Being
Through my travels to Spain, Japan, Greece, and Poland, I realized people are drawn to destinations that fulfill emotional needs. Climate plays a significant role in influencing travel preferences and impacts our mental well-being.
Traveling With Mental Health in Mind
For me, travel is more than an escape from London’s winter; it’s a way to reconnect with myself, explore different cultural attitudes toward mental health, and experience how climate influences psychology. The right destination can profoundly impact my mental well-being.
If you’ve felt an unexplained connection to a warm or cold destination, you’re not imagining it: Your brain and body are responding to the environment in ways that influence emotions and mental health. Understanding how climate shapes our psychological experience can enhance travel and promote better well-being.
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Ankita Guchait, MBPsS, is a London-based Mental Health Practitioner specializing in trauma support for refugees and neurodiverse children.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.