How often do you dream of waking up in a new city? Do you yearn for flights and crowded international airports? Well, the answer is simple. The constant need for travel called wanderlust is the result of a genetic mutation that pushes you to new discoveries. You have the wanderlust gene!
The Telegraph refers to numerous studies demonstrating that wanderlust is connected with a gene variant DRD4-7R, which has low sensitivity to dopamine – an organic chemical precursor of adrenaline. It is thought that about 20% of the population carry that variant of the gene, which probably prompts them to seek emotions that release more dopamine. In other words, wanderlust gene carriers have a burning desire to do something new: visit other countries, try unusual food, get new experience.
The “wanderlust gene” is a nickname for a variation of the DRD4-7R gene, which is associated with higher levels of curiosity, restlessness, and a desire to explore new places and experiences. The DRD4 gene affects dopamine receptors in the brain, influencing motivation and reward-seeking behavior.
How It Relates to Travel and Adventure:
- People with the 7R variant of DRD4 are often more prone to risk-taking, novelty-seeking, and adventure.
- Some studies suggest that this gene variant is more common in populations with a history of migration, implying a genetic link to exploration and movement.
Does the wanderlust gene Really Make You Travel More?
While the “wanderlust gene” is a fun idea, it’s not the sole reason why people love to travel. Many factors—upbringing, culture, finances, and personal experiences—also shape someone’s desire to explore.
Do you still doubt that you have a wanderlust gene? Here are some signs to help you verify that.
You have a good imagination
Since the desire to get a new experience never leaves you alone, you have learned to enjoy everything is linked to travel. Looking at the cost of tickets on airline websites, you imagine the places where you would like to go. You’re fond of watching documentaries and reading books about famous travellers, imagining yourself in their shoes. Perhaps you have already made a list of countries that you want to visit in the next 5 years.
You know how to save your money
Why waste money on another sweater if you can spend this amount on visiting the Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg or Forbidden city in Beijing? The wanderlust gene carrier doesn’t understand the desire to spend money on material things without good reason. Saving money is important for you because it allows you to spend it on amazing adventures.
You are an optimist
Whatever trouble you have during your trip it will definitely become a part of a fascinating story. Lost luggage, a stolen phone or lack of hotel rooms would never become an obstacle and certainly will not force you to interrupt the trip.
You do not need any plan
A person with the wanderlust gene is always ready to discover something new. Going on a trip, of course, you will carry out preparatory work, but when you arrive at the place you will likely follow the impulse, rather than the plan. As we know, the most exciting adventures are those that no one expects.
If you can not post a new photo, you go on another adventure. The memory card of your camera or phone is always full. You can spend hours reviewing your photos and remembering the places and people you met during extensive travel.
You are very curious
Exploring classic tourist attractions is not enough to quench your wanderlust. After the standard program of must-see places, you will definitely go off the beaten path route. Curiosity always helps you find new interesting places and meet amazing people.
Travelling is another form of learning for you – the wanderlust gene
Visiting new countries and numerous meetings, in your opinion, have given you much more than studying at a college or university. You can easily maintain a conversation about politics, culture or geography. You are very good at history and you probably know at least one foreign language. And it is all thanks to travels that fuel you not only emotionally.
How genes affect your personality is an eternal question. It is impossible to claim with absolute certainty that the desire to go on vacation to another country is due only to nature. In any case, you do not need a medical certificate to embark on an amazing adventure.
