A Wanderlust

We all know people that are always traveling somewhere. When they aren't on a trip they are dreaming of or making plans for another one. When they do travel, they hit the ground running. Every second of every day is planned so they can see as much as possible. They finish off each day by posting pictures on Facebook. I am positive when they get home, they don't put their suitcase away, they just set it in a place where it can quickly be packed for the next impending trip. They have an insatiable desire to travel, which is nicely defined as "wanderlust". Wanderlust is more than just loving to travel; it is a deeply personal experience. It's a mix of psychology, biology and culture. My google search provided the following information of the traits that wanderlusts possess.  

1. The Dopamine effect. Dopamine is what makes us "feel good". Wanderlusts feel good when they step into the unknown, experience new cultures and meet new people. The excitement of a trip triggers the brain's reward system. The novelty and unpredictability of travel can provide a dopamine rush that can become addictive.  

2. Curiosity and fear of missing out. Wanderlusts are curious and have a need for novelty. They are also known as "high sensation seekers". They have a need for exploration. Wanderlusts fear missing out. Social media shows the endless possibilities of travel and they respond. 

3. Escape routine. Travel offers a sense of freedom and possibility for the Wanderlusts that find routine stifling. 

4. Cultural influences. Wanderlusts can't get enough of stories, media and traditions of other cultures. 

5. Connection. Wanderlusts are motivated to meet people from different backgrounds, experience diverse cultures, and expand their view of the world. They want to be connected. 

6. Personal Growth. Travel pushes people out of their comfort zones. The process of growth and self-discovery can be deeply fulfilling, making travel feel like a necessity rather than a luxury.

7. Ancestral Roots. I found this interesting because wanderlusts might be linked to evolutionary history. Early humas were nomadic, constantly on the move to survive. 

The Wanderlust people in my life are educated about how to travel. They know the world and are interested in history. They remember every detail about what they have seen and know what they want to see. When they return from a trip, they are inspired to start planning to visit another area or return to the same place. I can say with all clarity, "I'm not a wanderlust". I am not the type of person that hits the ground running, I find travel exhausting. I do it all, I jet lag, and I struggle to adjust to the time change. I am never really prepared for what I am about to see. I don't immerse myself in research about trips or what I can see, so it is all new to me what is about to happen. As crazy as it sounds, I like that part of travel, it's a mystery to me. It seems once day one is over, I am set to go. 

When I was planning to retire, I was frequently asked if I had plans to travel. I came to realize that people assumed because I was retiring, I would travel, because that is often what retired people do. For me, retirement and Covid happened at the same time. I don't need to explain how travel was for the next 2 years for the entire world. That was several years ago, and I have to admit "travel" is part of my life, just not that big of a part.  

I am comfortable putting a trip together. I am somewhat spontaneous when deciding to go on a trip. When I go on a big trip, it is usually with another person(s). I have discovered this about myself, when I am going on a big trip, I am not a travel planner. Lucky for me, I seem to do big trips with people that are travel planners. If someone else wants to plan, I am willing to let them. I will not question any decision they make, and I will go along with their plans. I am sure as a travel partner; I am very frustrating. My trip planners have every detail taken care for themselves, and I just fall in behind them. I contribute very little to the whole event. I don't research or see the sites before I arrive. I know the basic details and I go from there. I am really good at knowing the details to getting from point A to B, what I need to wear and what I have to take for said event. What happens between there is always a surprise to me. Something that I do bring to the table is my ability to deal with issues. If there is a problem arising, or there is a situation, you want me as your travel partner. I seem to be able to get it sorted out.  

The thing I enjoy the most is seeing and doing things I have never done before. I have always enjoyed eating the food that is part of the culture of the place I am visiting. I love browsing through souvenir shops, drinking local coffee and buying a treat. I have a deep appreciation for how people live and how hard working in the vacation industry is. When I travel, I can honestly say, "people influence me more than anything I will ever see".