Do You have the WanderLust gene?
Updated: Aug 1
Do you have the “WanderLust” gene? After recently reading about this topic, I believe I found out why I yearn to travel so much. Is this you? Do you love to experience new destinations, meet local people and love to travel constantly? Ever wonder why?
You know them when you meet them: Those people who always keep their passport on hand, who can pack for an international trip in about twenty minutes flat, who’ve almost never met a travel idea they didn’t like, who would rather take three international trips a year than own a car. They never get tired of exploring. Scientists might have discovered why some people tend towards wanderlust and others don’t.
One gene in particular, simply known as DRD4, is associated with dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is one of the brain’s natural “feel good” reward chemicals. For example, it’s released when we eat a delicious piece of chocolate cake or when we win at a race after training for months.
A derivative of DRD4, called DRD4-7R, is what has come to be known as the “wanderlust gene.” In people who have it — only about 20 percent of the population — it shows up with an increased curiosity, restlessness, and desire to explore. And the one thing that almost all people who have DRD4-7R share in common? A history of traveling.
While nailing down the urge to explore and travel to only one piece of DNA might seem a bit simplistic, part of this unique gene mutation might be linked to the fact that the human brain and body are uniquely suited for exploration: Our legs and hips that are designed to walk long distances; we have hands that can perform incredibly detailed tasks; and our brains are large and are naturally wired for creativity and change.
Another source of the 7R gene might be those people groups in human history that experienced mass migration over long distances — they cultivated and passed on a relentless curiosity about new territory because that was what they were doing for generations.
David Dobbs of National Geographic explored the question of the “travel gene” more in depth in a 2013 article called “Restless Genes.” Regardless of its origin, Dobbs notes that people who possess the 7R mutation are people who are “more likely to take risks [and] generally embrace movement, change, and adventure.”
"RESTLESS GENES" By David Dobbs
Do you have the WanderLust gene or does this sound like someone you know? Do you have a fantastic idea for your next trip and want to brainstorm it with someone? You would be amazed at the travel options available.
Contact me if you need assistance planning your next adventure!
Melissa@RLXTravelGroup