How Climate Shapes the Way We Travel

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.

• More Sunlight, More Energy: Sunlight increases serotonin production, which boosts mood, energy, and motivation (Rosen et al., 2015). For example, in Cyprus, bright sun and clear skies made me feel energized, motivating me toward outdoor activities and positive emotions. People in warm climates tend to engage in more outdoor activities and social interactions, which promote social bonding and positive emotions.
• Expressive, Social Cultures: Warm climates often coincide with collectivist cultures, in which social bonds, hospitality, and community are highly valued (Triandis, 1995). In Morocco and Thailand, people eagerly engage with strangers, and lively street markets create an atmosphere of connection and vibrancy.
• Sensory Stimulation: Warm destinations are characterized by sensory richness—bustling streets, street food smells, and vibrant markets. In Cairo and Istanbul, sensory overload in the markets energizes me, creating a stimulating environment that leaves me feeling awake.

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.

• Less Social Contact, More Personal Space: Cold weather discourages outdoor social interactions, tending to foster more independent and introspective cultures. In places like Norway and Russia, harsh winter temperatures promote personal reflection, allowing for self-discovery and emotional recovery.
• Muted Sensory Input: Snow-covered landscapes, dim lighting, and lack of street noise create a low-stimulation environment that feels soothing (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989). When I visited Austria and the Czech Republic in winter, the calmness of snow-filled streets helped me feel peaceful, a feeling absent in busier, warmer destinations.
• Greater Solitude: For those who feel emotionally drained, the stillness of cold places can be rejuvenating. In Switzerland and Finland, nature and solitude dominate, providing space to recharge away from the hustle and bustle.

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.

• Seeking Warmth: People from colder regions seek warmth, not just for better weather but for the mood-lifting benefits of sunny climates (Parker & Simmonds, 2007). When I visited Greece and Spain, the warmth and social vibrancy energized me, offering a mental reset aftr time in colder climates.
• Seeking Coolness: People from hot climates may seek cooler destinations for peace, solitude, and the prestige of colder places (Oishi et al., 2012). A trip to the crisp air of northern Europe or Japan offers a refreshing contrast to the heat in places like Egypt.
• Travel Based on Emotional State: Travel preferences are shaped by emotional state. When emotionally overwhelmed or burnt out, I crave quiet, cold destinations like Norway. When drained, I seek warmer places like Thailand to recharge through vibrant culture and sunlight.

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.