How One Photographer Found Peace And Freedom On The Road

Last year at just 20 years old, Paris-based photographer Sidi-Omar Alami knew he needed to make a substantial life change. He said goodbye to studying medicine, grabbed his backpack and his camera, and set out for his first international journey as a full-time artist.

Alami ventured to the United States, where he unexpectedly undertook a three month-long road trip spanning more than 10,000 miles with friends he made along his trip. He was able to capture the beauty of the free American spirit for himself, as well as others, through his stunning photographs.

(Photo: Sidi-Omar Alami)
(Photo: Sidi-Omar Alami)

A map highlighting all of the stops along Alami's 3-month road trip

"I learned a lot about myself and my capacity to handle being alone," Alami told The Huffington Post. "For example, when I was in New York, I was without my family and my friends, and I had to make new connections. And during my travels, I met a lot of other people thanks to social media. I posted messages on my Facebook when we were in different places and invited people to come hang out with us."

With his collection of photographs from the trip, Alami hopes to share a message of peace and freedom that guided him through what he considers one of the most incredible experiences of his life. He has since traveled to more than a half-dozen other locations around the globe, collecting what he saw with his camera and pursuing his photography professionally.

"I try to encourage people to travel and discover other people, new cultures and themselves," he said. "The more you travel, the more you become open-minded."

Check out a selection of photographs from Alami's uninhibited American adventure below.

Alabama
Alabama
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Northern California
Northern California
South Dakota
South Dakota
Alabama/Tennessee Border
Alabama/Tennessee Border
Michigan Lake, Chicago
Michigan Lake, Chicago
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard
California-Oregon Border
California-Oregon Border
Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon
California
California
Oregon
Oregon
Arizona
Arizona
Portrait in Joshua Tree
Portrait in Joshua Tree

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Orlando

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Myrtle Beach

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Canada -- Vancouver And Quebec City

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Las Vegas

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Caribbean

For the budget-conscious family, all-inclusive is the way to go, and the Caribbean is the perfect spot to score sweet deals. Everyone can eat, stay and play at an all-inclusive resort with one set price and without the hassle of planning. Additionally, most resorts offer a 'kids camp' so that adults can enjoy some down time with a fruity drink and a book by the pool--a rarity on most family vacations. This can allow the adults and the kids in the family to all have the experiences they want...together or separately!    <strong>Travel-Ticker Example Deal</strong>: <a href="http://www.travel-ticker.com/jamaica-package-deal-xnexkgcsr0pdwkptz4xs" target="_hplink">Jamaica: air + all-inclusive beach resort w/extras -- $579+*</a>: Journey to Jamaica at a bargain rate. Fly from Miami (other departure cities available) and stay three nights at the all-inclusive, beachfront Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa. Be sure to use promo code BEACH100 to save $100 on your booking. Book now before this peak-season deal sells out.

Cruises

Cruises are a great option for families right now, especially for a multigenerational vacation with the grandparents. Cruises keep everyone occupied with a diverse set of activities for the children, while the adults can view multiple world sites from the comfort of a floating luxury resort. And let's not forget the array of dining and entertainment options such as nightclubs, comedy acts and shows at your fingertips. Couple these perks with the amazing destinations that cruises travel to like the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America and the Mediterranean, and you can see how easy it is for families to get an affordable and unforgettable experience all on one ship.     <strong>Travel-Ticker Example Deal</strong>: <a href="http://www.travel-ticker.com/Vertical/Cruises" target="_hplink">Seven-night Caribbean cruise w/upgrade and extras -- $369+</a>: High seas savings with extras. Hotwire and NCL have teamed up to offer W. Caribbean cruises from $369. Get a complimentary cabin upgrade plus a coupon book with up to $400 in savings. Depart from Tampa on select dates in November, 2012.

San Diego

<p>Boasting a sunny climate that never varies more than ten degrees from moderate, attractions such as the world-class zoo and amusement parks, and natural coastal beauty in places like La Jolla Cove, San Diego offers activities to suit any traveler at any age. And don't forget, the restaurants and nightlife of the Gas Lamp District will definitely keep the grown-ups of the family happy as well!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Travel-Ticker Example Deal</strong>: <a href="http://www.travel-ticker.com/Destination/SAN">San Diego: 30% off four-star downtown waterfront hotel, $90+</a>: &nbsp;Downtown and by the water -- the best of both worlds. Sale rates vary at the four-star Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, but you'll always get 30% off stays in December. Looking to go later? Click here to stay January 15-February 27 for $169, including an upgrade to a bay-view room.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Chicago

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