Wanderlust is the overwhelming desire to travel, explore and roam about. The term originated in Germany and is divided into ‘wandern’, meaning literally to wander and lust; meaning pleasure and desire. Combined, the term pertains to an addiction to adventure and activity holidays, where the bug has truly bitten!
But how do you control your wanderlust when it strikes? Whether it’s due to lack of finances or weather conditions, you cannot always expect to travel whenever and wherever you want. Sooner or later, you’ll be stuck at home for weeks, months or even years without the sniff of a travel adventure on the horizon, either locally or internationally. If you’re housebound use these tips and tricks to contain your wanderlust until the next adventure comes your way;
Tip #1 – Engage in travel conventions. These gatherings are where avid travelers and wandering enthusiasts attend whenever they cannot travel abroad for reasons or purposes of varying sorts. Though you can’t head on to the travel destination of your choice, you can at least listen to someone talking about it.
Tip #2 – Create a committed travel budget. If one of the main reasons why you can’t travel is lack of funding, you can start saving for future travel endeavours. Put away even a small amount each month as soon as you get paid into a particular fund to assist in preparing for a huge occasion or out-of-town trips.
Tip #3 – Gather some well-established travel catalogues and brochures with tons of vibrant images and comprehensive itineraries. Browse Pinterest which has a dedicated travel category full of inspirational photos. Though it sounds like this will only empower your wanderlust, it is an enjoyable means to torture the traveller inside you who wants to get out.
Tip #4 – Browse blogs of folks who’ve visited the destination you want to go to and check out travellers’ YouTube and Flickr streams for future inspiration. This will not only fuel your desire to travel to the destination and become dedicated towards saving up or preparing for your travel but will also help you produce new ideas regarding places to visit or activities to do within the destination.
Tip #5 – Prepare a whole trip in your mind. From the transportation to lodging to even the restaurants and establishments you visit, picture all these occurrences in your mind. Ideally, keep a spreadsheet detailing the fund distribution of how much your desired trip will cost.
Tip #6 – Open your doors to a foreign exchange student. If you cannot visit Greece, why not take a Greek student into your home? Local councils run schemes to place students with local families, which may also include a small allowance per week. If you are prepared for a little commitment, functioning as a host for a foreign exchange student can be a great way to learn many things about the individual’s cultural background and ethnicity.
Tip #7 – Try daytime traveling. If possible, leave early in the morning and come back late at night. This results in money saving while also being able to tour and visit great travel destinations and tourist spots within the area on a day to day basis.
Tip #8 – Act like you’re a tourist in your own community. It is very common for avid travelers to forget or neglect the attraction sites and tourist spots in their own hometown or region. If you are not fit to travel soon, try to visit good tourist sites within your area that other foreigners pay good money just to see and experience.
Tip #9 – Set up a rewards credit card to pay for your airfare or lodging. However, remember that this privilege is only possible if you are able to pay off the credit in full amount each month.
Tip #10 – Host a theme evening and buy some good food and wine and at home or with friends and family. Crack open the long-forgotten ouzo from the back of the cupboard and team with tzatziki, houmous and Taramosalata dips to create the perfect reek meze platter. Or prepare a tasty paella and tapas with a decent bottle of Rioja for your own Spanish themed party.
