Travel! To escape or to find yourself?

I believe there comes a point on Medium where one has to embark on a more philosophical journey. Speaking of which, there isn’t anything that brings me more joy than traveling — exploring new places and cultures, meeting new people, traveling with strangers, making new friendships, or even falling in love with someone you meet during these journeys! And while this list can go on forever, I have always wondered if there is something else. Do I enjoy traveling this much, or am I trying to escape something? Am I just exploring, finding myself, discovering what I like and don’t like? And while we may never resolve the big Hamletian dilemma — to be or not to be — I can answer my traveling dilemma: Is it to escape reality or to find me?

I have read different articles, especially during COVID times about how people view ‘travel escapism’ as a good way to not deal with reality or cope with stress. That could be true, but I also think that when certain liberties are taken away from people, those are the ones that they will crave the most. For me, the love for travel didn’t begin as a response to external pressures; I have enjoyed the experience since childhood. As I started to catch planes more frequently, I never analyzed myself, I just cherished the moment. Over time, I noticed a recurring pattern. Every time I returned from a new destination, I sensed an inexplicable emptiness and void within me.

Credits: Geraldina Shkurtaj

Almost a year ago today, I flew to Barcelona. I was excited and happy to go experience a few days under the sun with some sangria and paella. Yet, during the boarding process, I realized that my carry-on wasn’t the only luggage I brought; pain, chaos, fear of the future, uncertainty of tomorrow, and sadness comprised my emotional baggage for the trip. My life wasn’t in a good place. I was trying to escape reality, and that was my end goal. Surprisingly, I understood, that that was just a byproduct of a bigger journey — the one where I discover myself — in pieces and authentically.

I explored and enjoyed Barcelona without any emotional baggage or carry-on! I learned so much more about the place, the people, and the culture, but most importantly, I learned about myself. This trip opened my eyes to new perspectives in life.

• I took leadership (as I usually do, to guide my travel buddies)|(Lesson 1: Even when broken and at my lowest, I can still do things I love and enjoy them)
• I spoke broken Spanish|(Lesson 2: I felt brave for moving out of my comfort zone and practicing a language I had learned from telenovelas.)
• I immersed myself fully in the experience and discovered some unique spots in the city that are not so popular.|(Lesson 3: I discovered I had a little Dora the Explorer within me, and didn’t even know it)
• I also tried some of the most exquisite food I had ever tasted!|(Lesson 4: Happiness comes from the stomach, but we all knew that!)

While I had been living in a mental block, Barcelona taught me to dance with my problems while playing the right soundtrack. (And a few sangrias along the way certainly helped!)

Credits: Geraldina Shkurtaj

While I have often booked tickets to new destinations as a way of getting away from my everyday life, I remain hesitant to define travel solely as a form of escapism. Life naturally comes with its share of ups and downs, and I believe that traveling serves as a means to discover oneself. I believe this is to be the most intriguing journey you can take. Upon some reflection, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons:

1. It is ok to ‘escape’ the reality you live in for a while. It is like taking a break from staying 8 hours in front of a computer and going for a walk. It helps clear your mind, and it fosters productivity and creativity. When I got back from Barcelona, I was filled with ideas on what to do with my life, and what projects to take on.
2. It is ok to ‘escape’ to find yourself. I think that’s how it has turned out for me. Spending time in Barcelona or Rome isn’t just about having fun; it’s a way for me to reconnect with myself.
3. Let the journey change you. Whether you plan everything or go with the flow, you’ll discover more about yourself. Challenges will show you new ways of thinking and options you hadn’t thought about. In Rome, I got lost a few times and couldn’t find a specific tourist spot immediately. However, I discovered new places to visit, spoke Italian to get the right directions, and learned more about the city — all without panicking!
4. Live in the moment and relish it! Try street food from a truck, share a car with a stranger, or enter a seemingly pricey museum; you’ll discover you’re braver than you thought, gain intriguing insights, and experience new culinary delights, at the very least.
5. Collect the pieces of the puzzle. Everywhere you go, you leave a piece of yourself and carry pieces with you. Although the puzzle may seem chaotic initially, the bigger picture becomes clear with time. You’ll recognize how traveling has helped you grow, be open to new cultures, embrace challenges, and become comfortable with the unknown — all while enjoying the process.

So, book that flight, and escape! Embark on a journey to discover not only a new place but also yourself gradually, piece by piece.