What It Means To Me

Hello! My name is Marco Gómez, and I've come to the realization -- 6 posts into the semester -- that I never got around to fully explaining why I chose travel as the topic for my blog. I mean, who does that? Talk about skipping formalities. I'm sitting here at my desk in complete and utter shock, wondering how I thought it would be okay to skip the introduction and jump right into the middle of things. I might as well turn in my blogger resignation letter.

In any case, I'm determined to fix that problem in today's post. So, would you care to go on a trip with me? We won't be traveling abroad as in other posts, but rather, exploring my mind. It's bigger on the inside than it may appear on the outside, I promise. So, without further ado:

What Travel Means To Me

Via Fletcher Art

Travel means freedom, and getting lost in the most wonderful of ways. 

• When I travel, whether domestic or abroad, I try not to stick to Google Maps for every little direction. Travel is an adventure, but you can't have a true adventure if you always know where you'll end up. Think of it as reading a novel you already know the ending to -- what's the point? Live a little, and put down that map or smartphone. Let your heart and instincts guide the way. I've discovered some of the most amazing locations by doing this, locations that I would not have discovered otherwise. Now, I understand that having a map to guide you is very comforting. But believe me when I say that the payoff of exploring is often worth the risk of 'getting lost'. 

It's about detaching yourself from all of the pressures, anxieties, and distractions of the modern world.

• I like to completely immerse myself in my surroundings, taking in all the sights and sounds and smells that the area has to offer. But I can't do this unless I put my phone down and let my stresses and worries be carried away with the wind. Especially in this day and age, we are so hooked on technology and social media, that we often miss out on the great things that are sitting right in front of our eyes. I am guilty of this myself, so I have no judgement there. But, I guarantee you'll notice a difference in your travel experiences if you live in the moment. Try not to look at everything through a lens; check it all out for yourself! 

Travel means expanding your worldview. Travel has helped me to realize that happiness does not come from acquiring things, but from making memories.

• I genuinely believe that travel broadens the mind. It exposes you to new cultures, languages, and traditions that you can't quite grasp from a textbook or webpage. You pick up on customs and cultural norms, and make memories that will last a lifetime. I'm not lying when I say that I even have memories from visiting Los Angeles when I was 3 years old. Some travel experiences are just so profound that they stay with you for years and years to come.

Via Fletcher Art

It's all about finding yourself and seeing the beauty in variation.

• Every journey provides an opportunity for self-growth and improvement. When you're away from home/school/work, you have so much time to yourself. And if you're like me, you ultimately spend that time thinking these deep thoughts and pondering all the little aspects of life. We are often so focused on other people, that we forget to think about ourselves every once in a while. Travel can give you the ability to do that. Furthermore, it allows you to see the beauty in variation. The world is an enormous place, full of contrasts and contradictions. People tend to shy away from what they are unfamiliar with, but I say, embrace those things!

Travel means connecting with people far and wide.

• Some of my closest friends are from the other end of the country, or, the other side of the globe! Moving around enables you to form lasting bonds with other people. It's neat to think that although I'm sitting here at my desk in State College, I have friends who are currently fast asleep in London, and others who are about to dig into some lunch over in Japan. There exists this great interconnectedness within our planet earth, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

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What does travel mean to you? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear what you have to say.