An uncomfortable flight home from Japan made me ask why we stay silent when someone crosses our boundaries. Proxemics, the armrest debate, and what Japanese omoiyari and American assertiveness can teach each other.
Positive Psychology Why the Best Part of a Trip Happens Before You Leave Five days out, I have a plane ticket and nothing else. Not because I ran out of time — because I don’t want to decide yet. By Yumi Yamaguchi · 10 min read · August 2026 I Read more
Travel-Psych › Social Psychology › The Goodbyes That Keep Coming Back Social Psychology Why Goodbyes to People You Barely Know Hurt the Most You’ll never see them again. You know it. And you’re not even trying to stay in touch. So why does it hurt this much? By Yumi Yamaguchi Read more
Travel-Psych › Social Psychology › The Power of Small Talk Social Psychology The Psychology of Small Talk: Why Those Brief Conversations Matter More Than You Think Science shows that “meaningless” chit-chat is anything but — and it might be the secret ingredient to happier travels. By Yumi Yamaguchi · 8 Read more
A Solo Traveler’s Observation — and the Psychology Behind It I’ve traveled widely, and I’m used to seeing a mix of nationalities wherever I go. Even in very popular destinations, diversity is usually part of the experience — different languages, different rhythms, different ways of moving through a place. So Read more
Have you ever noticed that tempers seem to flare more often on hot, sticky days? You’re not imagining it. Heat doesn’t just make us sweat—it can make us snap. From short fuses in traffic jams to simmering tensions during summer vacations, the connection between heat and emotion is real—and science Read more
We often say that “travel broadens the mind,” but can it also soften the heart? After years of exploring diverse cultures—from spice farms in Zanzibar to quiet valleys in Cuba—I’ve come to believe that travel has the power to challenge and reduce prejudice—but not always in the ways we expect. Read more
Introduction Cosmetic tourism has become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of individuals to destinations like South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and Colombia for affordable, high-quality aesthetic procedures. The global medical tourism market was valued at approximately $24.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $137.71 billion by 2032, with cosmetic Read more
As the vibrant colors of autumn give way to the starkness of winter, many people relish the change in seasons. However, for approximately 5% of adults in the United States, the transition brings more than just colder temperatures and shorter days—it triggers Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)1. This means that about Read more
Traveling to the heart of East Africa, one cannot help but be captivated by the rich cultural tapestry of the Maasai people. Renowned for their vibrant attire, intricate beadwork, and deeply rooted traditions, the Maasai offer a unique glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for Read more
