Last updated on October 7, 2024 by Shannon
The wanderlust gene is a real thing, and as someone who spent ten years traveling the world before settling in Barcelona, Spain in 2018, it was refreshing to hear there might be a genetic component to my wanderlust. For those of us who love travel more than your average person, you just might also have the wanderlust gene, known as DRD4-7R.
But you might be wondering:
How does the wanderlust gene work?
It’s been linked to an increased level of curiosity and restlessness, which can explain why some of us are born with an innate desire to explore the world. According to research, those who possess this gene tend seek out novelty and new experiences. Full cultural immersion becomes the minimum bar for your travels.
Here’s how it works.
Understanding the Wanderlust Gene
I have often mentioned that in my family, the idea of world travel was a not given. I never thought a person like me—from a low-income family who had never left the country before—could plan and execute more than 15 years of exploring the world.
But hey, maybe it’s because of the wanderlust gene. While the idea of a “wanderlust gene” may seem like a romantic notion, scientific evidence supports its existence. Studies show that individuals with the DRD4-7R gene are more reactive to a dopamine hit in their brains—new experiences and calculated risks can actually lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness.
I’ve found that to be the case in my life. Despite some controversy surrounding the idea of a “wanderlust gene,” it’s clear that I fall into the category of those with a deep-seated desire to put foot to pavement and each new foods, meet new people, and see firsthand every place that has ever piqued my interest.
It’s not that having the wanderlust gene, which is a genetic variant, guarantees you’ll be a world traveler, but rather that there is simply a slightly different chemical process happening in the brains of those with it.
So many factors—many out of your control—may have impacted if you can find the money and gumption for world travel—upbringing and life experiences may mean you have that unrealized desire.
And if you’re like me, you have a bevy of close friends for whom travel resonates at a different frequency. Only about 20% of the population carries this genetic mutation. This means that while some people (me) have an insatiable desire to travel, others are perfectly content staying close to home (my bestie).
8 Signs You Have the Wanderlust Gene
The discovery of the wanderlust gene has raised some interesting questions about its implications for society. Some have suggested that the gene may be responsible for the rise of tourism and travel as a global industry—as travel has become increasingly accessible and affordable, more people are seeking out new experiences and adventure.
Since genetic testing will run you upwards of $50 to test if you actually have this gene variant, it’s more fun to look at some of the traits that might manifest in your own life if you’re a frequent traveler.
Each of these aspects is more than just a quirky trait; it’s a watermark on your soul, proof of your wanderlust gene.
You trace intricate journeys on maps.
I’m just as likely to hang a beautiful map on my wall as I am my travel photos. If you look at a map and your eyes dance from continent to continent, you just might have the wanderlust gene.
Many look at a map just to plan a trip, but if you’re like me, you study them because you’re intrigued by the possibilities. Where others see cartography, you see an intricate web of stories, connecting not just cities but cultures, histories, and souls.
You speak the language of many lands.
Fluency isn’t the goal, but connection is. If you’re like me, you pick up “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” in languages that most people wouldn’t venture to explore. More than mere words, these phrases are keys that unlock tiny, yet meaningful, interactions—a respectful nod from a local vendor, a shared smile with a passerby.
My best moment was volunteering in Nepal for two months, when I took a week of language lessons before living in a rural town in the Kathmandu Valley for a month. While I certainly didn’t learn Nepali in that short time, I did pick up a handful of fun phrases—and a few crude ones. Those would come in handy during my long hike in the Annapurna circuit in the Himalayas.
You curate a globetrotting playlist on the reg.
Your playlists aren’t confined by genre or language; they’re an aural journey around the world. Each song conjures a vivid scene—perhaps a bustling African market or a sun-soaked Caribbean beach. Your eclectic musical tastes become a way to relive your travels and inspire new ones, as each note ushers in a sense of place.
On my play lists is the Danish song I learned to love while driving around Fraser Island with an eclectic mix of backpackers, a song Rowe from Australia introduced me to while I couchsurfed with him in Melbourne, and many more.
You savor the world on your plate.
For you, each dish is a geographic riddle, told through spices and textures. From the aromatic curries of Southeast Asia to the hearty stews of Eastern Europe, you relish in the ways food can convey a sense of community and history.
And while others may shy away from unfamiliar flavors, you dive in with zeal.
Even as a vegetarian, I have made a point to explore every new culture with as much gusto and curiosity as it allowed. Bosnia wasn’t great for vegetarians, but I loved the bureks with sour yogurt. Jordan mains are meat-tastic, but the mezzes are a feast for the curious vegetarian. And while I lacked much ability to communicate in Burma, I may have eaten better food in Burma there than anywhere else in Southeast Asia!
You transform airports into wonderlands.
Airports aren’t just transfer hubs; they’re spaces filled with untold stories and unexplored corners. Every lounge, every gate, every duty-free shop becomes a microcosm of the world beyond, a snapshot of our globalized society.
While others bemoan layovers, I love the vibes. I seize those moments as opportunities to read, learn, and perhaps even to make fleeting connections with other wanderlusters that span continents. And at the very least, it’s a good time to sit and read a great book about the place I’m visiting next.
You unearth answers through curiosity.
The world is a classroom, and we are its eternally curious students. Why are the houses in Burano so colorful? What’s the historical significance of a Turkish hammam?
If you’re anything like me, you’re not just snapping photos, you’re collecting insights.
You align your adventures with celestial events.
Who plans a trip around a solar eclipse or the northern lights? I do. While many of my travels are dictated solely by the Earth’s wonders—the Taj Mahal is popular for a reason—its celestial dance with the universe is also worth my travels.
Whether it’s swimming in bioluminescent bays or trekking to a remote corner for the best views of the stars, wanderlusters savor aspects of our world often overlooked by other travelers.
You forge sustainable paths.
Your footsteps tread lightly, but your presence is deeply felt. By choosing locally-sourced meals, eco-friendly accommodations, and sustainable modes of transport, you’re embracing a form of grassroots travel that respects both the environment and its inhabitants.
You’re not just a visitor but a conscientious contributor to the places you adore, ensuring that they can be equally enjoyed by future generations.
Why Did the Wanderlust Gene Develop?
The wanderlust gene is a genetic variation of the DRD4 gene. This variation, DRD4-7R, occurs in a region of the gene that is repeated between 2 to 11 times.
Let’s break it down:
The wanderlust gene actually varies across different populations. Migratory people tend to have a higher proportion of the DRD4-7R variant compared to those who stay closer to their origins.
Why did this trait stick around? It may have provided an evolutionary advantage to early humans, and now it just makes for a more fun human being. 🙂
But let’s be real for a second:
The ability to explore new territories and adapt to changing environments may have increased survival rates and led to the spread of human populations across the globe. While the impulsivity associated with it wouldn’t have upped your chances when facing off against a lion in the wild, overall, the more adventurous were more likely to survive and pass on their genes since they sought new territories and spread their reach wider.
That tracks with the fact that the gene is found most prominently in descendants of Europeans—who went on to explore, colonize, and spread across North and South America.
Psychological Aspects of Having the Gene
The DRD4-7R gene is also associated with increased levels of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reward-seeking behavior. Its a hormone associated with falling in love, as well as many other types of human behavior.
“Dopamine is the liking hormone, and when you want to get more, it doesn’t sate you—you get hooked,” according to biologist Dawn Maslar.
This may explain why people with the wanderlust gene are more likely to seek out new experiences and take risks, as they are driven by the potential rewards of these experiences. Associated with that innate drive for daredevil behavior is a yen for newness and novelty.
All things you find in spades when you travel a lot.
This gene is also linked to impulsivity, which may explain I had a hard time staying in one place for too long—and why I’ve lived abroad for months and years at a time in a number of places all over the world.
Additionally, research has shown that people with the wanderlust gene tend to have a more open and curious personality, which may make them more receptive to new experiences and more likely to seek out adventure.
That’s the nature side of the equation, but nurture plays a big role too.
How the Gene Influences Behavior
People with the wanderlust gene may be more likely to engage in travel and exploration, but genetics alone does not determine behavior. Environmental factors, such as upbringing, life experiences, and your eventual life partner or close friends also play a significant role in shaping behavior.
“One of the core five personality traits many people identify across the world is openness to experience,” says Adam Galinksy of Columbia Business School. “And that is both a trait that increases the probability people are likely to go abroad and the likelihood of whether they’ll benefit from those experiences.”
The fact is, the presence of the wanderlust gene may make you more susceptible to the influence of environmental factors that encourage travel and exploration. If your parents exposed you to travel young, you could have caught the travel bug from them.
Or if your college roommate saves every penny to travel—or convinces you to study abroad, these are all factors that could make someone with the wanderlust gene fall in love with traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you test for the DRD4-7R gene?
You sure can! It’s easy to genetically test for the DRD4-7R gene variant using DNA testing companies.
But beware:
Mainstream tests like 23andMe are not going to indicate if you have the gene or not. While most tests cost in the $150 range, a quick Google shows you can find out for as low as $50.
What is the connection between the DRD4 gene and personality?
The DRD4-7R variant, specifically, is associated with winning personality traits like novelty-seeking, risk-taking, and impulsivity.
And the link with travel?
These traits often pair with a desire for exploration and adventure, so if you have it, it’s likely why you have a stronger sense of wanderlust than most.
How many people have the DRD4-7R gene?
I was surprised to find out it’s a whopping 20% of the population. That said, having the gene variant doesn’t necessarily mean that person has a strong desire to travel or is more adventurous. It comes down to nurture as much as nature: how you were raised and the opportunities you’ve been afforded. You may have the gene for wanderlust but it might have been squashed or dampened as you grew up.
