Traveling Far To Reach A Close Distance - My Family Travels
05_2
Scholarship_winner_trophy

Travel has always taken place within the human race, raising the question: what drives the need to travel and why is the pursuit of travel never ending amongst our kind?

 

â–º  best video 2012 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship

â–º  Honorable mention 2012 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship

Signing Up
     I learned the trigger for mankind’s adventurous aspirations when I signed up for a program with Colorado Youth at Risk, called Steps Ahead. CYAR told ninth graders (like myself at the time) that once we committed to the program we would be provided with a mentor and a community that would always have our back. Of course that is not what perked my youthful interest. What had me sold was the promise of a three day trip to Buena Vista in the mountains with free food, games, and a ropes course. But in the end my journey wasn’t unforgettable because of recreational activities, it was because of what I learned about myself and the bonds I had made in the process.
 

Day One
     Somehow my curiosity over powered my shyness when I boarded a travel bus with vaguely familiar faces. The adult chaperones advised us to drink plenty of water to avoid high altitude sickness but I knew that home sickness was more likely to strike (because despite the fact that I was only going to be a short two hours away from home, I was still embarking on a seventy-hour two journey of the unknown).

Day Two
     What did I get myself into? These CYAR people actually wanted me to wake up at six in the morning for a mile run followed by blindly falling backwards off a stage into the arms of strangers, and to top it off, I was volunteered to be the first to jump from a thirty-foot high platform. I was reluctant as could be! But with the support of my new community my fear turned into courage.

  I ran the mile as fast and as hard as I could just to prove to myself that when I feel like I have nothing left… I do. I fell into the arms of strangers to teach myself to trust and I jumped from that towering platform declaring,  “I am jumping to prove that I can believe in myself for once!” because it was the first time I actually started  believing that I can be anything I want to be.

Day Three: Reaching Home
     Catalysts for human migration can range from horrible tyrannic governments and economic downfalls to needing a relaxing five day vacation. But regardless of the cause, all ventures have these intentions in common: the pursuit of a better life and self discovery.

     On the last day, as I peered out the window of the travel bus, I realized that I helped satisfy my search for a better life because I saw things inside myself that I wouldn’t have if I had stayed at home. As trees disappeared and buildings returned to view I resolved that life is a trip where we can rack up miles with destinations like Buena Vista, but in the end, travel is just a commodity for gaining experience. And as a result of my experience I found that the most priceless gain from travel isn’t exactly a trip to the farthest parts of the world rather, it is getting a ticket to a deeper understanding of one’s self and who we all are as people but sometimes in order to do so: you have to travel far outside your comfort zone to reach the closest distance — the heart.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

0 Replies to “Traveling Far To Reach A Close Distance”

  • 50

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
    I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  • fashion

    Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
    There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Many thanks

  • ht

    We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.

    Do you offer guest writers to write content
    for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
    here. Again, awesome site!

  • Ulysses Meads

    Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.

  • Ulysses Meads

    Thanks for sharing

  • atlan

    Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
    Contine the good work!

  • average

    Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!

  • sites

    Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
    is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
    your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
    comeback.

  • dewanye worthy

    i wish i was chinese

  • 2022

    I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
    of helpful information, thanks for providing
    these kinds of statistics.

  • Multimedia Broadcasting

    Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
    article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
    Thanks for sharing!

  • familytoursrilanka

    Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.

  • Nelson saving

    Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

  • res

    Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.

  • Ernastnab

    Thank you! I value it!

  • Ernastnab

    Great information. Cheers.

  • sbo

    Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
    Continue the good work!

  • Supraja Lakshmi N

    I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.

  • guidance point

    This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.

Comment on this article

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.