I live to travel. When people talk about hobbies, I talk about traveling. I can’t get enough of it. The highest highs come from nailing down the dates for another trip.
Recently, a trip with two other couples fell through. We’d been discussing it for months. I contacted a travel agent and got three options for homes to rent next June. I sent the info to the other two couples for decision/approval. That’s when a family obligation came up for one pair and the trip got bumped to the “postponed” category. I totally understand and am thrilled the couple will get to spend some time with family, but there was an unmistakable moment of sadness.
Greg suggested we move a tentatively planned September trip up to fill the now-vacant June spot. He pointed out the June trip was to celebrate my birthday and we should still go somewhere. Things started looking up.
I sat down at my computer, found some dates and booked flights. Suddenly I was floating on air! The excitement of locking in dates for an epic vacation trip consumed me. I dashed off emails to inquire about booking accommodations. I hoped to use a COVID-caused voucher to book a multi-day stay at a winery. I was jittery with excitement.
That’s when I realized I officially have wanderlust. I looked up several definitions; they all have the same theme …
- Wanderlust is a very strong desire to travel. An example of wanderlust is someone who, just after returning home from a two month trip, immediately starts planning their next one.
- An impulse, longing, or urge to wander or travel.
- A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel.
- A strong impulse or longing to travel.
Yep! That’s me. Greg and I even joke about not planning the next trip until we’re done with the one we’re on. After all, if we’re preoccupied with a future trip, we aren’t taking the time to enjoy this one.
In fact, upon further research I found this: In 2000, the bible of psychiatry, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) added ‘dromomania’ to its list: Clinical travel addiction. Sufferers, it declared, had “an abnormal impulse to travel” and were “prepared to spend beyond their means, sacrifice jobs, lovers, and security in their lust for new experiences.”
Holy moley, do I have a mental disorder? I don’t think I’m that far gone. I mean, I have no plans to seek the advice of a professional nor will I spend beyond my means or sacrifice Greg in the process, but I have NO plans to stop traveling. That’s great news if you enjoy this blog … because I also enjoy writing about my travels and have no intention of stopping.
There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. I admit, I am a little obsessed with exploring it.
© The World A to Z, LLC 2021 — Unless otherwise indicated, no compensation was received for this blog.
The World A to Z 