Maybe I am late to the party, but I only started hearing the word “wanderlust” in the past year or so. At first I rolled my eyes, assuming it was another made up term to describe an adolescent phenomenon, but it is real. Wanderlust is not just a want to travel, but an overwhelming, obsessive need to see more and more of the world. There really is no cure, as it gets worse the more you see. Here are some distinct signs of wanderlust if you think you may have this insatiable disease.
1. Whenever you hear someone talking about a new place, you add it to your “want to visit” list.
Okay, maybe it has a better name than “want to visit,” but it is still an always growing list. It does not have to be extravagant places around the world (however, those are definitely on the list), but they can be as simple as visiting a new place in town. The list is getting pretty long.
2. You are constantly anxious that you do not have enough time to complete your “want to visit” list.
There is only so much time in the world. How are you supposed to go to college, work, AND travel the world? It seems impossible, but narrowing down your list is just as impossible. Although the number of places you want to visit is daunting, you will do everything in your power to make sure you do visit them.
3. You can always rationalize spending money on a train/plane/bus ticket.
Honestly, what is money compared to an unforgettable journey? You work for money so that you can spend it, right? You will cut back as much as you need to if it means going to Australia.
4. You find yourself procrastinating by browsing pictures of beautiful destinations.
Another way your “want to visit” list will grow exponentially is to try image-searching “most beautiful travel destinations.” Your other responsibilities always seem to come second to the beaches and boat tours that clutter your browser.
5. You definitely want to study abroad, and you are exceedingly jealous of those who have already done so.
Every study abroad fair, you have been there. The study abroad office, you live there. Spring break? Winter break? Summer? Semester? Can I go for a whole year? Every time someone mentions her/his study abroad experience, your heart melts and you crave every adventure which they have already experienced.
6. You are always trying to figure out ways to get paid to travel.
In vain so far, but something must come up sooner or later! You will get paid to travel at least once in your life.
7. New places do not scare you, they excite you.
As soon as you are in a new place, you waste no time meticulously examining maps; you are too excited. You need to see and experience as much as you can, as soon as you can. Sometimes you wonder why you even bother spending money on a hotel room when you are only there for what feels like a moment.
8. You can pack in five minutes.
If you have not packed yet, and it is five minutes before you have to leave, give it the five minutes, your bag will be packed. You're also skilled at fitting all your belongings into the smallest of bags. It will fit as long as you believe hard enough.
9. You have seriously considered living in another country.
Okay, I just need to get a working visa, then I am living in France for at least 10 years.
10. You get bored of staying in one place for too long.
A change of scenery is essential to your happiness. You need new people, new experiences and new food as fuel for a fulfilling life. It is a mystery to you how some people live in the same town for their whole lives, or never leave the United States.
11. You love your passport.
You love the way it feels flipping through your fingers. Each page’s stamp reminds you of a good time, almost as surreally as photographs do.
12. You know your travel routine like the back of your hand.
You have a specific travel outfit, favorite duffle bag or suitcase and your go-to snack. Everything is set up with anticipation, and without a doubt a sleepless night before the day of travel.
Whether you have it or not, wanderlust is real. Whether you have it or not, go out and travel.
