Hello!
I am a physician assistant (PA) in an urgent care clinic. For those of you who may be unfamiliar, a physician assistant is a medical professional who practices medicine as part of a healthcare team. In the urgent care I see a wide variety of illnesses and injuries that may be uncomfortable but are not life-threatening. Although I enjoy practicing medicine, travel is my true passion!
I was first infected with the travel bug while spending a semester in Ireland. I went to class during the week and on weekends made trips to various cities across Europe. I grew to love this lifestyle! However, this love for travel would quickly be put on the back burner as I had three more years of school to complete.
Over the next several years graduate school consumed my life. However, as graduation approached my dreams of travel resurfaced! I wanted to see the world and there was no better time to start! So as my classmates were applying for jobs I was planning my 2.5 month journey across Europe!
Europe 2014 did not disappoint! I spent the majority of my travels with Contiki on their tour called the Big Chill. This was an incredible 46 day, 22 country, camping tour! Definitely some of the best days of my life filled with unforgettable experiences, everlasting friendships and a new self-awareness. #NOREGRETS
This was a life-changing trip! I had a new appreciation and fascination for every culture and country across this vast world. I found myself craving the exhilaration, the unknown and the freedom of travel. I yearned to be surrounded by the likemindedness of fellow travelers. I had a bad case of wanderlust. I knew the only therapy was more travel!
Unfortunately, more travel was not an immediate option. Whether I was ready or not, it was time to pursue my medical career. Nonetheless, my wanderlust was stronger than ever! I quickly diagnosed myself with a disease called Fernweh. Fernweh is a homesickness for places you have never been, an ache for distant places, a crave for travel. This is exactly how I feel! It may not be a real medical diagnosis but it is the perfect diagnosis for me and maybe you too!
Luckily, even while working as a PA I was able to treat my Fernweh with more life-changing trips including a trip to Peru and a solo trip to Europe.
In Peru, I hiked the Inca Trail with G Adventures! We spent 3.5 days hiking up and down the trail to an elevation of 4,198m (13,769 ft). We had amazing porters who carried all our gear and chefs who cooked killer meals! We camped under the brilliant stars. We had awesome, knowledgable and passionate guides. At the end we were rewarded with the beauty of Machu Picchu! It was a trip of appreciation, cultural awareness, strength, endurance and accomplishment!
Not long after returning from Peru I decided it was time to push out of my comfort zone and plan a solo trip to Europe! This was a trip of self-discovery! I learned how courageous, confident and independent my travels have made me. I realized my ability to adapt, problem solve and work through any issues travel may throw at me. I recognized the fear that accompanies a solo trip but it’s the love of travel, the beauty of this world, the thrill of getting to know people, their culture, their ways of life and discovering how different yet connected we are that takes all the fear away!
After two years as a physician assistant and constant thoughts of travel I knew it was time to consider a change! One beautiful autumn day while on a walk I noticed a message written in chalk on the sidewalk. The message read, “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” That’s all I needed! Immediately, I knew it was time to take a risk, embrace the challenge and see what might happen!
I always loved the idea of becoming a tour guide. What a great way to combine my passion for travel and meeting people!? Thus, I applied for tour guide positions at both Contiki and G Adventures. I loved interviewing and learning more about both companies. I had a tough decision to make, but accepted a position with the company I felt was a better fit for me!
So I’m finally doing it! I quit my job to travel the world!!! I could not be happier! Are you ready to come along on the adventure???
I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge about medicine and my passion for travel. I’ll provide you with recommendations for injuries and illnesses you may encounter while traveling and much more! Of course, I’ll also share my travel experiences. Please let me know if there is anything you’d like to know more about!
Happy Travels,
Wanda R. Lust, PA-C