From hearth to horizon: How we traded home comfort for wanderlust

photo credit: Mantas Hesthaven

Have you ever wondered why it feels like everyone is itching to jet off somewhere new ? Not too long ago, the idea of spending weekends at home, tending the garden, or gathering around the dinner table was the norm. Now, our social feeds are filled with snapshots from faraway beaches, bustling cities, and mountain peaks. So, what happened? When did we shift from finding contentment in our own living rooms to chasing adventure at every turn?

Rise of the travel bug

For much of human history, travel was a luxury or a necessity, not a hobby. Most people stayed close to home, rooted by work, family, and community. But as the world became more connected- thanks to trains, planes, and the internet - travel became easier, cheaper, and more accessible. Suddenly, the world was open for exploration, and curiosity became a calling.

Social media effect

Enter Instagram, TikTok, and a parade of travel influencers. Now, not only can we see the world from our couches, but we’re also bombarded with images of friends and strangers living their ‘best lives’ abroad. The message is clear: staying home is dull, and adventure is out there waiting. This constant stream of wanderlust content has rewired our brains to crave novelty and equate travel with happiness, success, and even status.

Pursuit of novelty

Our brains are wired to love new experiences - they give us a dopamine rush and make life feel exciting. As society shifted toward valuing personal fulfillment and self discovery, travel became the ultimate way to ‘find yourself’ or escape the ordinary. The idea of being content at home started to feel, well, a little old fashioned.

Changing values and priorities

There’s also been a cultural shift in what we value. Previous generations prized stability, community, and tradition - things often rooted in home life. Today, we’re encouraged to chase experiences, collect memories, and broaden our horizons. The world feels smaller and more accessible, so why not see as much of it as possible?

Pandemic pause

Ironically, the pandemic gave us a taste of the old days -more time at home, slower routines, and a rediscovery of simple pleasures. For some, it sparked a renewed appreciation for home. But for many, it also fueled an even greater desire to get out and explore once restrictions lifted, making travel feel more urgent and precious than ever.

Finding balance

Travel is wonderful, and exploring new places can be life-changing. But there’s also something to be said for the quiet joy of being at home - of knowing your favorite nook, your neighborhood’s rhythm, and the comfort of your own bed. Maybe the real trick is finding a balance: savoring the adventures when they come, but also remembering that contentment doesn’t always require a boarding pass.

In the end, whether you’re a homebody or a globe trotter, happiness is less about where you are and more about how you feel. So, go ahead - plan that trip, but don’t forget to make your home a place you love to return to. After all, even the greatest explorers needed a place to call home.