A Leading Voice on the Psychology of Travel

Why do people travel? What are they looking for in distant places, and what changes when they’re on the road? Prof. Dr. phil. Martina Zschocke of the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has been exploring these questions for many years.

In her book *Travel Psychology: Why People Travel*, published in 2026, Martina Zschocke brings together her scholarly work on the motives, personality, perception, and effects of travel. The book combines psychological principles with perspectives from tourism studies and practical examples.

The media response to her work demonstrates that the topic is of interest far beyond academic circles. In addition to her recent appearance on SWR Kultur, Martina Zschocke has been featured as an expert on, among other platforms, the science podcast “Aha! Ten Minutes of Everyday Knowledge” by WELT and the hr program “DER TAG.” The magazine *Psychologie heute* also dedicated an in-depth interview to her research.

Martina Zschocke views travel as a process that begins long before departure and does not end upon return. Her book therefore follows four phases: the time before the trip, the journey itself, arrival, and the time afterward.

It’s not just about relaxation or a change of pace. The book also examines the role that personality and life circumstances play in travel behavior, why certain places and types of travel have different effects, and how travel can influence perception, creativity, memory, and personal development.

Digital developments are also changing how travel is planned and experienced. Social media, travel photography, and digital recommendation services help shape which places people notice, what expectations they develop, and how they experience their travels.

For students at HSZG, this expertise doesn’t stop at the lecture hall. Findings from Martina Zschocke’s research are directly incorporated into the curriculum, combining academic fundamentals with current developments in tourism. Students in the Bachelor’s program in Tourism Management and the Master’s in International Tourism Management. They address issues that are relevant in research, society, and tourism practice alike.

The media attention Martina Zschocke’s work has received also demonstrates that the HSZG conducts research on topics that are both scientifically sound and socially relevant.

The book *Travel Psychology: Why People Travel* was published by UVK Verlag in 2026 and comprises 358 pages.