The concept of travel, understood as a journey to distant places, is an activity enjoyed by many. These comings and goings allow for the discovery of new environments, different cultures, and varied experiences, often accompanied by local gastronomy and new friendships.
However, travel can also bring a series of challenges and discomforts, from drastic climate changes and insect bites to digestive issues, headaches, and logistical difficulties such as hotels that leave much to be desired or seemingly endless distances.
Cinema has portrayed travel on numerous occasions. From grand epics like The Ten Commandments (1956) or Exodus (1960), to the fantasy of Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon (1902). Coming-of-age journeys have also been explored in films like Stand by Me (1986), or more personal and profound ones in Fernando Fernán Gómez's El extraño viaje (1964) and El viaje a ninguna parte (1986).
Other films approach travel with a lighter or more adventurous tone, such as Five Weeks in a Balloon (1962) or Around the World in 80 Days (1956). Comedy also finds its place with films like Airplane! (1980), and even air travel is reflected, where airlines typically avoid screenings featuring accidents.
Ground transportation also serves as a backdrop for films, like The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) with its iconic bus, or The Bus (1976), which narrates the journey of immigrants. There are even parodies like The Atomic Bus (1976).
Finally, the author makes an ironic mention of the recent visit by the Pope, suggesting that a more practical journey, like that of the garbage truck, is more beneficial to him.
