By Matthew W. Henninger, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist & Guest Contributor
“Travel isn’t always about escaping—it’s about returning to ourselves, our roots, and our shared humanity.”
What if I told you that travel could be more than just a fun escape—it could be a powerful tool for healing and collective liberation? Enter liberation psychology, a transformative approach to mental health that focuses on breaking free from oppressive systems and fostering collective well-being. Surprisingly, travel can play a role in this process.
In this article, we’ll explore what liberation psychology is, why it matters, and how packing your bags and hitting the road can help you—and others—heal in profound ways. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone dreaming of their next adventure, this is your invitation to see travel in a new light.
What Is Liberation Psychology?
Liberation psychology, or psicología de la liberación, was developed by psychologist Ignacio Martín-Baró in Latin America during the 1980s. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on individual healing, liberation psychology looks at the bigger picture. It examines how societal structures—like racism, sexism, poverty, and colonialism—impact our mental health and collective well-being.
The goal? To empower individuals and communities to break free from these oppressive systems and create a more just and equitable world. It’s about healing not just ourselves but also our communities, recognizing that our struggles are often interconnected.
How Travel Fits Into the Picture
At first glance, travel might seem like a purely personal experience—a chance to relax, explore, or check off bucket-list destinations. But when approached with intention, travel can be a catalyst for collective healing and liberation. Here’s how:
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Travel Helps Us Break Free from Routine Oppressions
Everyday life often keeps us trapped in cycles of stress, conformity, and societal expectations. Travel disrupts these patterns. When we step into a new environment, we’re forced to see the world—and ourselves—differently. This shift in perspective can help us question the systems we’ve internalized and imagine new ways of being.
For example, visiting a community that lives sustainably or practices collective decision-making might inspire you to challenge the individualism and consumerism ingrained in your own culture.
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Travel Connects Us to Others’ Stories
One of the core principles of liberation psychology is recognizing our shared humanity. Travel allows us to connect with people whose lives and struggles are different from our own. Whether it’s sharing a meal with a local family, learning about Indigenous traditions, or hearing stories of resilience, these experiences remind us that we’re part of a larger global community.
These connections can foster empathy and solidarity, which are essential for collective liberation. They also challenge stereotypes and prejudices, helping us unlearn harmful narratives.
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Travel Encourages Self-Reflection and Healing
Travel often takes us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to confront our fears, biases, and unresolved emotions. Whether it’s navigating a language barrier, facing the discomfort of being the minority in a new place, or simply spending time alone in nature, these moments can be deeply transformative.
By reflecting on these experiences, we can begin to heal from internalized oppression and reconnect with our authentic selves. And when we heal individually, we’re better equipped to contribute to collective healing.
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Travel Can Be a Form of Activism
Responsible travel—such as supporting local businesses, engaging in cultural exchange, or volunteering with grassroots organizations—can be a small but meaningful act of resistance against exploitative systems. It’s a way to redistribute resources, amplify marginalized voices, and challenge the inequalities perpetuated by mass tourism.
How to Travel with Liberation in Mind
If you’re inspired to use travel as a tool for healing and liberation, here are a few tips to get started:
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Choose Destinations Wisely
Opt for places that prioritize sustainability, cultural preservation, and community well-being.
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Engage Authentically
Seek out opportunities to connect with locals and learn about their histories, struggles, and triumphs.
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Reflect on Your Privilege
Acknowledge the privileges that allow you to travel and consider how you can use them to support others.
For example, last year I had the opportunity to visit Icy Strait Point in Alaska, USA, a place deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Huna Tlingit people. During my visit, I participated in a cultural tour led by Alaska Native guides who shared stories of their ancestors, their connection to the land, and the challenges they face due to ongoing colonization and modernization. One moment that stood out was learning about the traditional practice of subsistence hunting and fishing, which has sustained their community for generations. The guides explained how these practices are not just about survival but are deeply tied to their spiritual and cultural identity.
I was honored to be invited into the stories of resilience of the Huna Tlingit people and their commitment to preserving their traditions as acts of resistance against centuries of oppression. The experience engaged in reflecting on the privileges I hold and how I can honor Indigenous sovereignty, not just through travel but also in my personal life and professional practice as a psychologist. It deepened my understanding of how cultural preservation is a form of resistance against systems that seek to erase Indigenous ways of being and knowing. This trip reminded me that travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about listening, learning (and unlearning), and honoring the stories of those who have lived, and continue to live, on the land long before us.
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Give Back
Support local economies, donate to grassroots initiatives, or volunteer your time in ways that align with community needs. The organization Giveback is directory of verified ways to contribute when you travel, such as cultural exchanges, beach cleans, and animal sanctuaries.
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Bring It Home
Use your travel experiences to inspire change in your own community, whether it’s through advocacy, education, or simply sharing your story.
Final Thoughts: Travel as a Path to Healing and Liberation
Liberation psychology reminds us that healing isn’t just an individual process—it’s a collective one. And travel, when done mindfully, can be a powerful way to contribute to this process. By stepping outside our comfort zones, connecting with others, and challenging oppressive systems, we can begin to heal ourselves and the world around us.
So, as you plan your next adventure, ask yourself: How can this trip help me heal? How can it contribute to a greater good? When you approach travel with these questions in mind, it becomes more than a getaway—it becomes a gateway to freedom.
Further Reading
Want to dive deeper into the intersections of travel, healing, and liberation? Check out these books:
- The Healing Wisdom of Africa by Malidoma Patrice Somé
- Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
- Travel as a Political Act by Rick Steves
- The Master and the Slave: Traveling with Blackness by Kendrick Brown