Wanderlust Within

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the idea of traveling the world. I still feel a thrill of excitement thinking about packing my bags and heading to the airport. Landing in a foreign land, sweaty, curious, and open to new experiences. I’m taken by the idea of standing at the edge of the world in Patagonia, wandering the Bazaars of Marrakech, or marvelling at the Northern Lights in Iceland. All bucket list destinations that would allow me to live my best Anthony-Bourdain-esque travel dreams and connect with the locals (RIP to the legend). Because travel seems to hold the promise of something transformative. Adventure. Perspective. Discovery.

And, for many of us, travel holds an opportunity to explore and discover a deeper sense of self.

The truth us, there’s a dream we’ve all been packaged and sold: that you need to lose yourself in the world to find yourself. It’s understandable that we believe we need to bedazzle our lives, by filling social media feeds with photos of scenic, ‘grammable destinations. We’re told in order to find and define ourselves we must get to remote beaches, secluded mountaintops, and iconic cities — and while we’re there, caption our photos with life-altering revelations. Travel is made to feel like the ultimate cure for discontent, the ticket to being a high worth human.

Let’s crack open the facade. While the desire to explore the world and experience new things is beautiful, it isn’t the only path to create meaning. Sometimes, what we’re searching for isn’t halfway across the world—it’s right here, in front of us.

The Temptation to Escape

When life feels stagnant or overwhelming, it’s natural to crave a change of environment. Travel promises an escape, a chance to hit pause on our routines and see our lives and blessings with fresh eyes.

But here’s the catch: ‘wherever you go, there you are’. The doubts, insecurities, and questions you carry don’t magically disappear when you step into new lands. They’re still tucked in the pockets of your mind, maybe slightly less prevalent, waiting to resurface once the novelty of the travel experiences wears off. If you’re travelling to escape or forget, you aren’t touching the root of your problems.

Finding Wonder Where You Are

Recently, without prospects of traveling in the near future with a newborn, I started looking at my own surroundings with an intentional curiosity. I slowed down throughout the day and really paid attention, noting the sights, sounds and smells of an environment I often overlooked while on autopilot. I wrote down line items of things that made me grateful and happy in my life.

And you know what? I began to feel a sense of wonder—not because my life had changed dramatically, but because my perspective of my environment had. The curiosity usually reserved for new, faraway places allowed me to connect and enjoy my life, exactly where I was.

Gratitude plays a huge role in this. When you stop chasing the “next big destination” and start appreciating what you already have, connecting with whats around you, your world can feel richer and more exciting. It’s not about where you are; it’s about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

The Journey Inward

Travel doesn’t guarantee self-discovery and new perspectives. It has the potential to teach you a lot, but so does sitting with yourself, asking hard questions, and being open to growth whatever you’re faced with. The real journey isn’t about how far you go; it’s about how deeply you’re willing to look at yourself and how much compassion you can build for others in the world around us. Sure, you can travel for an adrenalin rush (I’m not against traveling for fun!), but my point is, if you’re traveling to find yourself, who you are, or what you want to do — you may first want to sit still.

You don’t need a passport to learn patience, resilience, or gratitude. You don’t need a plane ticket to feel awe or wonder. Those moments are available to you every day, if you slow down enough to notice them.

Like I said, I love the idea of travel and exploration. I’m not against travelling to faraway places to quench a curiosity. But as someone trying to ‘adult’ and live a balanced and fulfilling life, I’ve come to realise that I don’t need to feel less-than or FOMO because someone is touting their latest trip to the Maldives, after a summer in Europe. Who knows, they could be trying to escape their troubles instead of face them. The world, and our little pocket of it, is full of beauty, and while travel can be profoundly enriching, it doesn’t make us better than another. And if you’re a person trying to market your life as better and more “worldly” than someone else’s to fuel your own ego, then F-. Just kidding :)

This is an important reminder that adventure isn’t the only way to grow. You can read incredible books, talk to a vast range of people, explore a new culture in a neighbouring suburb. Rediscover joy by noticing the simple things—play with your dog, go to a new coffee shop, notice the way laughter feels.

You Have Everything at Your Fingertips

For me, the desire to travel has often been associated with a longing to feel alive, to reconnect with the world. But that aliveness doesn’t have to be something you chase. It can be something you cultivate, right where you are.

The world within you is as vast and worthy of exploration as the one outside. And sometimes, the greatest adventure is simply learning to see it.