Chapter 1: The Connection Between Pheromones and Travel

It’s fascinating to ponder how chemicals influence our feelings, particularly in the context of travel.

All images courtesy of the author.

As someone who doesn't claim scientific expertise—my most extensive experimentation involved spinning in circles during high school—I find myself enchanted by the interplay of pheromones, chemicals, and the experience of travel. There are moments when a destination captivates you, often before you even step foot into it, and this has happened to me on numerous occasions.

Anthony Bourdain, a beloved figure in the travel world, shared similar sentiments. His insights resonate with many of us who have inexplicably fallen for certain countries, leading me to devise this informal theory to rationalize the phenomenon.

It’s all in the chemistry.

The first place that stole my heart was Thailand.

Upon arriving at the airport, I was greeted by vibrant pink and purple taxis, each waiting to whisk me away. We hopped into one, and in a flash, we were speeding through the bustling highways of Bangkok. Seatbelts? Not a chance. A sudden brake forced me to confront my fleeting life, momentarily flashing before my eyes as we halted in front of a policeman on a motorbike.

He had created a roadblock for a motorcade, which turned out to be one of the longest I had ever seen. A procession of black SUVs and police cars glided past while our driver, with a peculiar grin, switched off the meter, opened the window, and lit a cigarette.

“King,” he explained in his limited English. “King of Thailand.”

Seeing King Bhumibol the Great was considered a stroke of good fortune. As the royal convoy passed, I felt an inexplicable bond forming with Thailand. Despite my near-death experience, I knew I was destined to love this place, and to this day, the mere sound of 'end of the walkway' at Suvarnabhumi Airport sends waves of nostalgia and joy coursing through me.

It’s essential to clarify that I am not a scientist. My culinary adventures have included consuming a frozen lasagna that had expired two years earlier—yet it still tasted delightful. However, after some extensive reading on pheromones, I discovered that these fascinating hormones play various roles in the ecosystem.

For example, Aggregation pheromones draw individuals together, which sounds a lot like how tourists flock to popular destinations. Then there are Trail pheromones, often used by insects to mark food sources. I can personally attest to feeling their effects.

Countless times, I’ve found myself wandering aimlessly in a foreign city, driven by hunger, until—voilà!—I stumble upon a charming roadside stall in Hanoi, serving something scrumptious. I may not know what it is, but I trust that science led me there. Sitting on a tiny plastic stool, I take a bite and realize it was exactly what I craved.

I anticipate some skepticism regarding my hypotheses. You might point to my lack of scientific training or the fact that my knowledge of pheromones was gathered in a brief Wikipedia session. But remember, people once ridiculed Ignaz Semmelweis for advocating handwashing, and yet today, it's a universal practice.

Falling in love—whether with a person, a place, or a dish that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it—is an enchanting experience. While traveling, we encounter love that seeks us out through the chemicals and pheromones that guide us to those meaningful connections. Sometimes it happens in an instant; other times, it's a slow realization.

But one thing remains true: when you know, you just know.

To be transparent, I plan to submit this article to the New England Journal of Medicine for validation. Until then, I’ll patiently await their feedback.

Chapter 2: The Psychological Aspects of Love in Travel

In this video titled "Why Do We Fall in Love on Vacay? Travel Psychology With Daniel Edward," the presenter delves into the psychological factors that contribute to falling in love while traveling.

Another insightful video, "The Science of Falling in Love" by Shannon Odell, explores the underlying science behind love and attraction, shedding light on how these emotions intertwine with our experiences on the road.