The Psychology of Wanderlust: Why are We Always Dreaming of Somewhere Else?

If you’ve ever caught yourself staring out a window, daydreaming of cobblestone streets in Paris, sunrises over Bali rice fields, or the quiet serenity of a mountain trail, you’re not alone. Wanderlust—the irresistible urge to travel—is more than a trendy hashtag or a clever slogan on a hoodie. It’s a deeply rooted part of human psychology.

A Journey into the Mind of the Traveler

At 1923 Main Street, we live for that pull toward the horizon. But what is wanderlust, really? Why are some of us always dreaming of elsewhere?

Let’s take a journey into the mind.

Born to Roam: The Science of Wanderlust

Wanderlust isn’t just a personality quirk—it’s something researchers have studied and even tried to measure. There’s a term for the personality trait most associated with travel: “high openness to experience.” Psychologists define this as one of the Big Five personality traits, and it’s a strong predictor of someone’s love for novelty, adventure and yes—travel.

Studies have shown that people who score high in openness tend to:

• Be more curious and imaginative
• Seek out variety and new experiences
• Be more tolerant of uncertainty and ambiguity

It’s not just about loving travel—it’s about thriving on the unknown.

There’s also a genetic component. A study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior suggested a connection between the DRD4-7R gene and a tendency to love exploring. People with this “wanderlust gene” tend to be more risk-taking and exploratory. Not everyone has it, but those who do are statistically more likely to crave far-off places.

The Eternal Elsewhere: Is Wanderlust Good or Bad?

Like anything, wanderlust has its pros and cons.

On the plus side:

• Travel lovers tend to be more adaptable and resilient.
• Exploring new cultures fosters empathy and creativity.
• Experiences (like travel) are known to bring longer-lasting happiness than possessions.

But a constant yearning to be somewhere else can also have its downside. 

If you’re always focused on “the next place,” it can be hard to appreciate the present. Psychologists refer to this as destination addiction—the idea that happiness is always “somewhere else,” just out of reach.

The trick? Embrace the adventure, but don’t lose sight of the beauty in everyday life. (That’s part of why we design our graphic tees and hoodies the way we do—to bring a little bit of your favorite places with you wherever you are—including enjoying those memories at home.)

The Social Media Effect: Inspiration or Illusion?

We all know that the digital age has turbocharged our wanderlust. Your scrolling fingers barely have time to rest before you’re seeing someone’s photo of Santorini sunsets or Patagonia peaks.

But beware, because social media can play a little game of angel/devil:

Angel:

• It fuels inspiration and discovery—introducing places you might never have dreamed of.
• It creates a global community of like-minded adventurers.

Devil:

• It can create unrealistic expectations (hello, curated perfection).
• It may lead to comparison fatigue, making us feel like we’re missing out.

Research from the University of Pennsylvania showed that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day can reduce feelings of loneliness and FOMO—especially relevant when every scroll seems to showcase another person’s passport stamp or sunrise mountain top photo from a faraway land.

The key? Let social media inspire your dreams, but not dictate your worth.

Are You Wired for Wanderlust?

Wondering if you’re part of the wanderlust tribe? Ask yourself:

• Do I get excited by planning trips—even ones I might never take?
• Do I sometimes feel more “me” when I’m out of my comfort zone?
• Am I more drawn to experiences than stuff?
• Do I keep a mental list (or an actual map) of dream destinations?
• Have I ever picked a hoodie or tee just because it reminds me of a place I love?

If you nodded yes to most of those, chances are—wanderlust runs through your veins.

Final Boarding Call

Wanderlust isn’t something to be cured—it’s something to be celebrated. 

The desire to travel pushes us to explore, connect and dream. Whether you’re planning your next trip or reminiscing about your last, 1923 Main Street is here to keep that adventurous spark alive. Our travel-inspired apparel lets you wear your passion for the world—wherever you are, wherever you're going next.

So go ahead—