Indirect form

Question

Here in Mexico I've heard the use of the indirect form:  "No me dio ganas."  Is this generally common, and can we use it in different constructions, such as "Me da ganas viajar a Guatemala."?

Accepted Answer

Hola Marcos
Yes, we also sometimes use "dar ganas de...", although, I would say this is more commonly used to express a more impulsive action. For example, you could say:

Cada vez que veo a Lucas me dan ganas de besarlo. 
Every time I see Lucas I feel like/I get the urge to kiss him.
A veces me dan ganas de dejarlo todo y empezar de nuevo.
Sometimes I feel like/get the urge to leave everything and start fresh.

Or this is a common expression to say "I don't want to/I don't feel like it" in a slightly rude way:

-¡Carlitos, tienes que tomarte la sopa!
-¡No me da la gana!

I hope this helped.
Inma