Have you ever felt an irresistible urge to pack your bags, book a flight, and set off on an adventure to a faraway land? If so, you’re not alone! That longing for travel, for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, has a name—wanderlust.
But have you ever stopped to think about where this word comes from and how it resonates across the globe?
Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating history of wanderlust and what it means in different cultures around the world.
The Origins of Wanderlust
The word wanderlust is a fusion of two German words: “wandern” (to hike or wander) and “lust” (desire or longing). Essentially, it translates to a deep yearning to roam and explore. The term first appeared in the German language in the early 19th century and was often used to describe the spirit of adventure and exploration that was growing during the Romantic era. Poets, philosophers, and artists of the time romanticized travel as a means of self-discovery, growth, and inspiration. We are seeing the same trend in social media through shared vlogs and creative content today.
The concept of wanderlust gained traction beyond Germany in the 20th century as people began to embrace travel as more than just a necessity—it became a lifestyle, a passion, and in some cases, a form of therapy.
The English language adopted the word without translation because, quite frankly, no other term captures the feeling quite as perfectly as wanderlust does.
Wanderlust in Different Cultures
Although wanderlust has its roots in the German language, the feeling it represents is universal. Many cultures have their own words and expressions that reflect a deep longing for travel and exploration. Here are a few fascinating examples:
1. Fernweh (Germany)
Another German word that complements wanderlust is “fernweh”, which literally translates to “far-sickness.” If wanderlust is the desire to explore, fernweh is the longing for distant places, even if you’ve never been there before. It’s that deep, aching feeling in your soul that tells you there’s so much more to see and experience beyond your current surroundings.
2. Hiraeth (Wales)
The Welsh have a word that, while not directly meaning wanderlust, captures a similar sentiment—hiraeth. It refers to a deep, nostalgic longing for a place that may no longer exist or one that you’ve never actually been to. This bittersweet emotion often accompanies travelers who feel a strange connection to a land they’ve never visited.
3. Saudade (Portugal/Brazil)
Similarly, the Portuguese word saudade describes a profound longing, often associated with missing someone or something. However, travelers often use saudade to express their yearning for a place they’ve visited and fallen in love with—one they desperately want to return to.
4. Resfeber (Sweden)
The Swedes have a wonderful word for the nervous excitement one feels before a trip—resfeber. It’s the butterflies in your stomach, the thrill of the unknown, and the anticipation of adventure, all rolled into one.
5. Sehnsucht (Germany)
Germany makes another appearance with sehnsucht, a word that embodies an intense yearning for something intangible—often a longing for a different life, new experiences, or distant lands yet to be explored.
6. Yūgen (Japan)
In Japanese culture, yūgen describes a deep, mysterious sense of beauty in the world, often linked to nature and the vast unknown. While not directly about travel, yūgen is what many travelers feel when they witness an awe-inspiring landscape that leaves them speechless.
7. Coddiwomple (England)
A lesser-known but delightful English word, coddiwomple, means to travel purposefully toward an unknown destination. It perfectly captures the spirit of the wanderer who is eager to embrace the journey rather than focus on a final stop.
The Modern-Day Meaning of Wanderlust
Fast forward to today, and wanderlust has taken on an even deeper meaning in our globalized world. Travel is more accessible than ever, and social media has amplified our desire to explore exotic destinations, hidden gems, and cultural experiences. The hashtag #wanderlust is used millions of times on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, inspiring countless people to chase their travel dreams.
But wanderlust isn’t just about ticking destinations off a bucket list—it’s a mindset. It’s about curiosity, a thirst for adventure, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s a cross-country road trip, a weekend getaway, or a solo backpacking journey, wanderlust fuels our need to experience the world in new and exciting ways.
Why Do We Feel Wanderlust?
There’s actually a scientific reason behind our longing to travel. Studies suggest that humans have a natural drive to explore due to our evolutionary history as nomads. Psychologists have also found that travel can significantly boost happiness, creativity, and personal growth.
Additionally, the “wanderlust gene” (DRD4-7R) has been identified as a possible genetic factor in why some people feel an insatiable urge to travel. Those with this gene variant are believed to be more prone to seeking novelty and adventure, which explains why some people are content staying in one place while others feel an unrelenting need to roam.
How to Embrace Your Wanderlust
If you feel the call of the open road or the allure of distant lands, here are some ways to embrace your wanderlust:
Travel When You Can: Whether it’s a big international trip or a short weekend escape, make travel a priority when possible.
Explore Locally: You don’t always have to go far to satisfy your wanderlust—there are hidden gems right in your own backyard and neighborhood.
Discover Other Cultures: Even when you’re not traveling, reading books, watching documentaries, or trying new cuisines can fuel your love for exploration.
Make a Travel Bucket List: Write down all the places you want to visit and start making plans to turn those dreams into reality.
Stay Curious: Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about people, history, food, and experiences. Keep an open mind and embrace the unknown.
Satisfy Your Wanderlust with Us
The word wanderlust may have German origins, but its meaning transcends language and culture. It speaks to a universal human desire—to see, to experience, and to connect with the world beyond our everyday lives.
Whether you’re someone who loves to plan elaborate trips or simply enjoys dreaming of distant places, wanderlust is a beautiful reminder that the world is vast, and there’s always something new to discover.So, where will your wanderlust take you next? Find us on Instagram and Tiktok to see where ours took us.
Written with a sprinkle of wanderlust by your travel storytelling companion ChatGPT and edited by the sisters.