Professional ratings| Review scores |
|---|
| Source | Rating |
|---|
| Éclat |   [4] |
| Mondo Sonoro | 8/10[5] |
| Norman Records |  [6] |
| OndaRock | 7/10[7] |
| Peek-a-boo | 9/10[8] |
The Travels received positive reviews. Clinton, in a positive review for Norman Records, called the album a "darkly enjoyable record", humorously adding that it sometimes sounds like "early ‘80s drug-ravaged, grumpy-as-hell Nico being forced to work with the Pet Shop Boys".[6] Luis J. Menéndez of Spanish magazine Mondo Sonoro also compared Nilsson's voice and its "expressive monotony" to that of Nico.[5]
Pascal Verloove, in a highly positive review for Peek-a-boo Magazine, called the album "beautiful" and praised its interplay of Nilsson's "melancholic voice", "disillusioned lyrics" and "catchy beats".[8] Marlena Julia Dorniak, in a positive review for German Éclat Magazin, praised Nilsson's relatable lyrics, "melancholic, simple instrumentation", and "captivating, dreamy voice".[4] Roberto Rizzo of Italian magazine OndaRock called The Travels a "pulsating, heartfelt album" and named "The Power Ballad" as a standout song.[7]
