The Ultimate Guide to Wanderlust Travel

Wanderlust travel Paragliding over Olüdeniz

Not All Those Who Wander are Lost

The intense yearning to wander endlessly may serve as a cover for deeper underlying issues. It’s essential to recognize that we all have a wanderlust, manifesting in various forms. The concept of wanderlust encompasses a world of possibilities beyond our wildest imaginations. As a passionate traveller, I find myself constantly drawn to the allure of the unfamiliar and the chance to immerse myself in uncharted territories. My fascination with travel has deepened as the years pass, and wanderlust travel constantly fills my mind. Subscribing to travel magazines opened up a realm of boundless imagination for me.

Wanderlust Travel: For those with wanderlust, the excitement of travel lies in exploring new places, cultures, and experiences. It’s an opportunity to step beyond the boundaries of familiarity and gain profound insights. Have you ever pondered the origins of the wanderlust travel bug and why some individuals have an irresistible urge to venture into the lesser-known corners of the world, embracing risk and uncertainty?

What is Wanderlust

What is a travel addiction called? Dromomania, also called travelling fugue, is a historical psychiatric diagnosis whose primary symptom was an uncontrollable urge to wander. And why do some people like to wander?

Wanderlust Has German Roots

“For my part,” writes Robert Louis Stevenson in Travels with a Donkey, “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” Sounds like a case of wanderlust if we ever heard one. Those with wanderlust don’t necessarily need to go anywhere in particular; they just don’t care to stay in one spot. The etymology of wanderlust is a very simple one that you can probably figure out yourself. Wanderlust is a lust for wandering. The word comes from German, in which wandern means “to hike or roam about,” and Lust means “pleasure or delight.”

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wanderlust

It is like David Dobbs, who said, “The compulsion to see what lies beyond that far ridge, ocean, or planet is a defining part of human identity and success.” Roman Payne said, “She is free in her wildness, a wanderer, a drop of free water. She knows nothing about borders and cares nothing about rules or customs. ‘Time’ for her isn’t something to fight against. Like fresh water, her life flows clean, with passion.” – Roman Payne.

Signs of Wanderlust Travel

One Characteristic of people with Wanderlust in their DNA is a strong desire to explore adventures. At the same time, they find meaning in discovering new places and things. Persons with the wanderlust gene are high sensation seekers. They like challenging activities as the excitement releases dopamine in their brains.

It is more meaningful for them to wander around than to drive a new car or impress others. People born with wanderlust traveto l genes are constantly looking for exciting things to do and have an urgency to do things. Furthermore, they tend to be impulsive and do things without thinking if its the right thing to do. Also, without considering the consequences of their decision. While some consider it a character trait, others might hinder it by making it reckless or attention-defying, although they find it exciting and makes them feel alive.

I have done so many things without thinking, just to look back and realise that I made a mistake. For example, it happened so many times to me that I signed up for a course or buy a program as I’m eager to do things which I don’t have the time for. Only to realise later I made a mistake and wasted money. Dopamin thats released when I do scary activities or participate in extreme sport, gives me a high and make me feel so good.

“I want to touch every grain of sand on every beach and swim in every ocean. So I can tell you how different the stars are and hear the magic I know is in the air. The air is never the same in two places. That is why I explore, and wander.” – Claire Windsor.

Why Would Anyone Want to Get Lost?

Often, it is the best way to experience the real heart of a place and how one usually learns more about the locals’ culture and traditions. Altogether, discover places that the average tourist would miss. To not plan the day, but get off the beaten path and just let your senses lead you, is very rewarding. Altogether that is how you find those hidden gems which people sometimes overlook. Only problem is that persons like me with ADHD many times miss things due to lack of consentration and being overeager and in a hurry.

Is the Wanderlust in your DNA Genetic?

Firstly, studies on the wanderlust Travel Gene revealed that the mutated gene, DRD4-7R, is a gene variant that makes people want to take dangerous risks, try new experiences, and crave change and novelty. According to National Geographic, this mutation exists in approximately 20% of humans. Furthermore, Chuansheng Chen from the University of California, Irvine, discovered that the DRD4-R7 mutation is predominant in nomadic communities as opposed to other cultures.

Secondly, this mutation is mainly connected to human migration and, by extension, a need for Wanderlust. Altogether, to travel the world and experience the unknown. Most likely, they are too impulsive at times.

Studies of DRD4-7R Revealed the following

  • “Dr. Richard Paul Ebstein, a Professor of Psychology at the National University of Singapore, conducted a case study on DRD4-7R. For over two decades, it is believed that there is a relationship between the gene” novelty-seeking ” and an extraverted wanderlust behaviour.”
  • Another study by Chen (1999) found the DRD4-7r show that the wanderlust gene is more likely to occur in modern-day societies. Findings suggest that this gene is motivated by the yearning to explore wanderlust travel and tours. 

Wanderlust travel and DRD4-7R. 

This DRD4-7R gene is present in approximately 20% of the human population. Psychologists Schilling, Walsh & Yun, say that the restlessness and the wanderlust gene cause people to take more significant risks and do exciting things, like participate in adrenalin filled activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting.

Dopamine, Adrenaline and Wanderlust Travel

DRD4 is a dopamine receptor that helps control dopamine levels in our brains and is also an organic chemical that can trigger anything from chocolate to ecstasy. To receive a text from a loved one is a precursor of other substances, including adrenaline.

If you have Wanderlust in your DNA, the fact remains the same: the hunger and love to travel and explore continues no matter how many journeys you take. I can relate to most of the above. We who have wanderlust in our DNA continue to long to experience differences and new things, like the excitement of seeing what’s on the other side.

Woman on World Wanderlust travel and tours
World Wanderlust travel and tours

Find Your True North

The Wanderlust Festivals 2024

Are you an adventure wanderlust life seeker, or perhaps longing for world wanderlust travel? If you have Wanderlust in your DNA, then the Wanderlust Festival is for you. So move purposefully and find your true north at a Wanderlust Festival.

Get more information at Wanderlust Festivals for Wanderlust Festival events, where to obtain tickets, online classes, yoga events, actual north counselling, and faithful north service. 

Wanderlust Travel and True Nort Services

Famous Wanderlust, the leading wellness brand, organises over 50 events yearly in more than 19 countries worldwide. The consultancy Company True North opened its doors in 2003 and specialized in Communication, Leadership, Coaching, and Team Effectiveness. They partnered with individuals, teams, and organizations on their development journey. 

Sean Hoess, the CEO and co-founder of the Wanderlust wellness brand, says, We want to help people live a healthy and inspired life. Live music, with great ideas and activities such as yoga, meditation, and fitness, contribute to a great festival. Their motto and purpose, they say, are to enable people to shape the future they desire, in other words, to find their True North.

People and organizations can create and sustain positive results when equipped with the right opportunities and input. Our success is based on co-creating the desired outcomes by exploring, activating, and integrating people’s potential. I’d say this is ideal for those with the Wanderlust Travel gene.

Plan Your Wanderlust Travel Adventure

Again, nothing worthwhile has ever come easy or happens by itself. Only God knows what the future holds, so don’t let those dreams stay dreams. You have to make it happen. First, check out the Travel planner’s guide to realize those dreams. 

Wanderlust Travel Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there ways to cure wanderlust? I doubt that.
  • How to cure wanderlust? There is no cure, how to satisfy wanderlust is just to be and explore the places you want. There is nothing wrong with that.

With so many Adventures to still your Wanderlust, check out the following options:


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9 Comments

  1. Very interesting post! It was interesting reading about the different genetic traits that may be associated with wanderlust. I definitely think that it is in a person’s personality/make up. It would be fascinating to see the results of a genetic test for these genes. I can relate to many of these traits, including the restlessness and lack of satisfaction no matter how many trips are taken.

  2. thanks for taking the time to read article and your comment.

  3. I was stuck in a comfort zone for too long, feeling empty. When I stepped out of it and began exploring this amazing world again I was reminded how much that truly is a part of my soul! I love that quote from Claire Windsor!

  4. I was unaware that we have specific genes dedicated to wanderlust. And now I can understand why the people who are not bitten by it, cannot understand the rest? The traits that you have mentioned restlessness, risk-taker, lover of adventure sport, I can very well relate with it. I will also check the national geographic article.

  5. I was interested in your list of traits for wanderlust. If people think that travellers have an attention deficit disorder, they have never tried travelling for extended times in new countries. Recklessness is certainly not something that makes for successful travel. I have wondered if I have the mutated gene. While I have done lots of things that others think are risky (e.g. skydiving, pilot, scuba, shark diving) I believe that I am actually developing strong risk management skills when I do these things. I never did any of them without a thorough review of risks, contingencies and safety measures. To more adventures in coming years!

  6. Lisa at Following the Rivera says:

    This was an interesting read. I’m not an adrenalin seeker, but I definitely have a strong case of wanderlust! I’m compulsive at times too.

  7. I wonder if you can get tested for the DRD4-R7 mutation! Don’t get me wrong, I actually would want it cause everything you described about this Wanderlust mentality fits me to a tee! I often tell people that I can’t believe God created this entire amazing planet only for me not to try and see all of his amazing work everywhere!
    I am glad of the DRD4-R7 mutation too. Can you imagine if humans never had this mutation and thus desire to leave, roam, and explore? We would all be living cramped up in either Africa or Mongolia!