The Adventures of a Canadian

Wanderlust

This is something I've wanted to write about for a while now, but kept putting off for some reason...maybe it's because I'd rather be travelling than writing about it :)

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Recently, a cousin of mine shared a post on his facebook about "The Wanderlust Gene." It's not surprising that he shared this, considering how often he travels (approx 3-4 times a year). He actually just got back from a backpacking adventure across Europe & Africa.

If it wasn't for financial/work constraints, I think I'd find myself globetrotting indefinitely. Though I value the idea of a "home," I've always had an intense eagerness to experience & observe the cultures & traditions of communities around the world.

So for me, a "home" is less about having a static address, and more about the sense of enjoyment I experience being a part of, and learning about, a particular community.

For context's sake, I was born and raised [for the past 26 years] in Toronto, Canada. My first ever trip outside of Canada was to Paris when I was 8-10. It was to visit family. Fast-forward to 22, and I went back to Paris again for family. In between 10-22, I did some trips around Ontario (+1 to NYC), but nothing major. Now, I plan a trip at least once a year. It's a must.

For the past 3 years now, I've been trying to play catch up. After Paris was a trip to Iceland, which I loved, but have since realized I missed out on a lot by staying in the major city (R.eykjavik). Last year, I went on my first backpacking adventure across Peru & Bolivia (highlight was the 4 day machu picchu trek). Next up is a road trip adventure across New Zealand (starting in Auckland and ending in Queenstown).

Going back to the article, it talks about certain traits of people who can never scratch the wanderlust itch, and it's something I share. Modesty aside, I've always been inquisitive by nature. I'm always talking and I like asking questions...like a lot. And I think a huge reason why I'm like this is because I get restless easily.

Travel, I've found, is the best cure for this itch. When I started this three years ago in Paris, I thought I'd feel rejuvenated coming back to Toronto and work, but I found myself constantly thinking of my next "big" travel adventure.

My whole year is now planned around it and it's the thing I look forward to most. Like I mentioned above, If it wasn't for financial/work constraints, I'd be up to travel multiple times a year. I'd love to do a whole year, if possible.

What's your travel story?