Among my bucket lists and Pinterest boards, you will see photos and maps of all the places I want to see before I die. I can't help but feel this uncontrollable wanderlust when i grow older and I feel as if there's a clock ticking over my head saying to go NOW. I've always aspired to travel, but maybe the sight of graduation in my windshield is getting me excited for how attainable a life of exploration could actually be. It seems like the whole world has wanderlust and therefore are ready to travel. Most people would give you a funny look if you said you wanted to stay exactly where you are for the rest of your life.
But the fact is, there's a scientific reason for why the world thinks this way. Psychology Blog Aimee suggests that the inherent urge you have to travel can be traced back to a specific gene which is derivative of the gene DRD4. This gene is associated with dopamine levels in your brain – this really is that “feel good” hormone you get when you're turned on or in love. That sensation suggesting to take risks and explore may be the devil on your shoulder telling you to get up and go.
One way ticket to anywhere, please?
This DRD4-7R fancy term is actually just long and complicated for what some scientists are calling the “wanderlust gene.” With increased curiosity and restlessness, those who carry the gene typically carry one common thing; a history of traveling. Now this is totally music to my ears considering I was raised in a family that loved to maneuver – my dad lived in a variety of countries and places becoming an adult, ranging from Turkey to Canada, and if that means I've got the wanderlust bug, maybe my adventure is simply beginning.
This particular gene isn't as fashionable as you may think either. Of course most of the world would say yes to a warm beachy vacation, but only about 20% in our population has it. Although, this could vary depending where you are in the world and what the history of travel and migration is within that part of the world.
This assumption was supported by David Dobbs of National Geographic in another study that drew a link for curiosity and restlessness to a specific passion for travel. What we talked about earlier with risks and exploration, also means the ability to embrace movement, change and adventure. Dobbs also linked the gene straight to human migration, where those who had a history of relocating often, tended to hold the gene more commonly.
Whether you're part of that 20% or not, you probably want to get out and see some facets of the world. Travelling can give you this rush immaterial else and although expensive at times, you'll learn things and experience stuff that no classroom, or workplace could ever rival. Embrace your wanderlust for all it's worth, because now you have the excuse that 'it's inside your blood' for while you're planning the next destination.
