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Definition of travel

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Definition of travel  (Entry 2 of 2)

  • peregrinate
  • peregrination

Examples of travel in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'travel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English travailen, travelen to torment, labor, strive, journey, from Anglo-French travailler

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing travel

  • travel agency
  • travel agent
  • see / travel the world
  • travel trailer
  • travel sickness
  • pre - travel
  • travel light

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Dictionary Entries Near travel

Cite this entry.

“Travel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/travel. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of travel.

Kids Definition of travel  (Entry 2 of 2)

Middle English travailen "torment, labor, strive, journey," from early French travailler "torment, labor," from an unrecorded Latin verb tripaliare "to torture," from Latin tripalium "an instrument of torture," literally "three stakes," derived from tri- "three" and palus "stake, pale" — related to pale entry 3 , travail

More from Merriam-Webster on travel

Nglish: Translation of travel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of travel for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about travel

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Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, Japan

A Brief History of Travel and Tourism

Utilizing the widest definition of the word, human beings have been travelling since the dawn of time. No matter one’s beliefs about the creation of humans, everyone can agree our species began in some single locale, likely Africa or the Middle East , and ‘travelled’ outwards, settling new lands. However, most of this ‘travel’ was done out of necessity and war, often without the intent of return. It wouldn’t be until Antiquity, or the glory days of the Greek and Roman empires, that tourism, or leisure travel, would be introduced.

origin of travel meaning

Aristocratic Tourism

In those days, tourism was a privilege almost entirely confined to the wealthy, who travelled largely for cultural exploration. One has to remember, the Greek and Roman upper classes were people who prided themselves on artistic, scientific, and philosophical pursuits. It follows, then, that these early travellers largely sought to learn the arts, languages, and cultures of their destinations.

origin of travel meaning

Soon enough, travelling for leisure’s sake began to gain popularity; from the Roman Empire arises some of the earliest examples of travel resorts and spas in the world. Though they documented their experiences most thoroughly, the elite Europeans were not the only ones travelling in ancient times. In eastern Asia , it was popular for nobles to travel across the countryside for the religious and cultural experience it offered, oftentimes stopping at temples and sacred sites during their travels.

Roman Forum, Rome

Religious Tourism

During the Middle Ages, travel took on a new meaning. Although leisurely travel was still reserved for the upper class, it became more and more common for members of the upper and even lower classes to embark on pilgrimages. Most of the major religions at the time, including the Islamic, Judaic, and Christian traditions, encouraged their practitioners to conduct pilgrimages.

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Largely unaided by technology, most of these journeys were done on foot, often occasionally with a beast of burden to carry supplies. The wealthy were able to afford other forms of travel including horseback and ship. Furthermore, the Middle Ages saw the emergence of connected shipping routes. As ports grew, travel opportunities increased, and the dock was typically the start of any long-distance travel during the Middle Ages.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The Grand Tour

Travel continued to exist in this way for some time: the rich travelled primarily for cultural and leisure reasons, while the poor travelled largely for religious reasons, if at all. The next major development travel underwent was the establishment of the Grand Tour. Undertaken by the elite men of Western and Northern European countries , the Grand Tour took young travellers across Europe in a “rite of passage” meant to educate the wealthy after they finished their education but before adulthood. Historians cite this tradition as the origin of the modern tourism industry and indicate that the tradition had become well established in European culture by the 1660s.

origin of travel meaning

Like many traditions, the Grand Tour eventually developed a rigid structure. Tourists were expected to follow a set itinerary and travelled with a tutor. The Grand Tour typically began in England, moved south through France into Switzerland and Italy. After spending a few months in Italy, the traveller and his tutor moved upwards through Germany and into Holland before returning to England. These trips utilized the most advanced travel technology of the day, including ships and collapsable coaches, and it wasn’t entirely uncommon for the traveller and tutor to be waited on by a handful of servants.

In side of Notre-Dame Cathedral - Lausanne, Switzerland

Tourism For The Masses

The Grand Tour remained a popular cultural phenomenon amongst the rich until the 1840s, which saw the advent of the first widespread railway system across system Europe. Immediately, this innovation opened the possibility of embarking on a Grand Tour to the middle classes, and soon it became more popular for middle and even working-class citizens to travel for leisure.

Restored steam train of Durango & Silverton RR. Integral in the History of Travel and Tourism

More importantly, the implementation of railway systems across Europe and the United States positioned the world for the Industrial Revolution. The United Kingdom is often cited as the first country to actively promote leisure time to its industrial class, and as a result, the country had a strong impact on the early development of the tourism industry. One hugely influential player in the history of travel and tourism was Englishmen Thomas Cook, who established the first-ever travel agency to provide ‘inclusive individual travel’ in the 1840s.

Thomas Cook Building, Leicester

This means that travellers move independently in their travels, but all the food, lodging, and travel expenses were set at a fixed price for a predetermined length of time. This allowed travellers to take any route they fancied throughout Europe without having to ascertain food or lodging ahead of time. This fact, coupled with the falling ticket prices of railways, meant that long-distance travel was dramatically cheaper and faster than ever before. This not only further lowered the barriers to leisure travel but also drastically increased the incidences of business-related travel. As one can imagine, Cook’s Tours became massively popular, and the company remains successful today as the Thomas Cook Group.

Historic Covers of Thomas Cook's Continental Timetable

In short, the introduction of a widespread railway system gifted a massive boost to the tourism industry; this boon would largely reflect that the aeroplane would have in the early-20th century. More so than any other technological development, the aeroplane opened the floodgates of mass international tourism. Behemoth multinational airlines such as Pan Am, Delta, and American Airlines arose during the 1900s, and suddenly the physical boundaries between cities were rendered useless. It has become possible for a traveller to get nearly anywhere on the globe in less than 48 hours, for a price that most middle and working-class members can achieve.

Pan Am Holiday pamphlet for destination New Zealand

Today, travel stands as one of the most economically important leisure activities in the world. The tourism market is so large that it has split into an astounding number of niche markets, including ecotourism , backpacking, and historical tourism. As of the writing of this article, there have even been a handful of trips into orbit around Earth branded as “space tourism”, a new and exciting chapter in the history of travel and tourism. The story of tourism displays a remarkable connection to the technology that makes travel possible. Transportation innovations like the train and aeroplane have eliminated the difficulties and lowered the costs of long-distance travel, and planet Earth has truly become a smaller place because of it.

Main tower of the Himeji Castle, Japan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

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  • 1.1 Alternative forms
  • 1.2 Etymology
  • 1.3 Pronunciation
  • 1.4.1 Conjugation
  • 1.4.2 Synonyms
  • 1.4.3 Derived terms
  • 1.4.4 Translations
  • 1.5.1 Usage notes
  • 1.5.2 Synonyms
  • 1.5.3 Derived terms
  • 1.5.4 Translations
  • 1.5.5 Further reading
  • 1.6 References
  • 1.7 Anagrams
  • 2.1 Etymology
  • 2.2 Adjective
  • 2.3 References
  • 3.1 Etymology
  • 3.2 Adjective
  • 3.3 References

English [ edit ]

Alternative forms [ edit ].

  • travail ( obsolete )
  • travell ( obsolete )

Etymology [ edit ]

From Middle English travelen ( “ to make a laborious journey, travel ” ) from Middle Scots travailen ( “ to toil, work, travel ” ) , alteration of Middle English travaillen ( “ to toil, work ” ) , from Old French travailler ( “ to trouble, suffer, be worn out ” ) . See travail .

Largely displaced fare , from Old English faran ( “ to go [a long distance], to travel ” ) . More at fare .

Pronunciation [ edit ]

  • IPA ( key ) : /ˈtɹævəl/
  • Rhymes: -ævəl

Verb [ edit ]

travel ( third-person singular simple present travels , present participle travelling or ( US ) traveling , simple past and past participle travelled or ( US ) traveled )

  • 1661 , John Stephens, An Historical Discourse... , Prol.: He that feareth oblatration must not travel .
  • 1930 , Marmaduke Pickthall , transl., The Meaning of the Glorious Koran , surah 28, verse 29: Then, when Moses had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his housefolk, he saw in the distance a fire and said unto his housefolk: Bide ye (here). Lo! I see in the distance a fire; peradventure I shall bring you tidings thence, or a brand from the fire that ye may warm yourselves.
  • ( intransitive ) To pass from one place to another; to move or transmit . Soundwaves can travel through water. The supposedly secret news of Mary's engagement travelled quickly through her group of friends.
  • ( intransitive , basketball ) To move illegally by walking or running without dribbling the ball.
  • ( transitive ) To travel throughout (a place). I’ve travelled the world.
  • 1596 (date written; published 1633 ), Edmund Spenser , A Vewe of the Present State of Irelande   [ … ] , Dublin: [ … ] Societie of Stationers,   [ … ] , →OCLC ; republished as A View of the State of Ireland   [ … ] (Ancient Irish Histories), Dublin: [ … ] Society of Stationers, [ … ] Hibernia Press, [ … ] [ b ] y John Morrison, 1809 , →OCLC : They shall not be travailed forth of their own franchises.
  • 1707 , Richard Baxter, The Practical Works of the Late Reverend and Pious Mr. Richard Baxter , page 646 : Necessity will make men fare hard, and work hard, and travel hard, go bare, and suffer much; yea it will even cut off a leg or arm to save their lives;
  • 1719 , William Tilly, The Acceptable Sacrifice , page 335 : We labour sore, and travel hard, and much Study is a Weariness to our Flesh; and of making many Books there is no End.
  • 1794 , “Resignation”, in A Complete Edition of the Poets of Great Britain.Volume 10 , page 144 : Man holds in constant service bound The blustering winds and seas; Nor suns disdain to travel hard Their master, man, to please;

Conjugation [ edit ]

† Archaic or obsolete . * US.

Synonyms [ edit ]

  • fare , journey , reyse

Derived terms [ edit ]

  • fellow-travel
  • road less traveled
  • travellable , travelable
  • travelled , traveled ( adjective )
  • traveller , traveler
  • travel light

Translations [ edit ]

Noun [ edit ].

origin of travel meaning

travel ( countable and uncountable , plural travels )

  • The act of traveling; passage from place to place. space travel travel to Spain
  • 2023 November 29, 'Mystery Shopper', “Does the railway deliver for passengers?”, in RAIL , number 997 , page 53 : But overall, I think the railway delivered very well on my travels . I'd give it 9/10 - there are just a few little rough edges that need smoothing off.
  • 1903 , Henry Yule, Arthur Burnell, Hobson-Jobson : CALUAT, s. This in some old travels is used for Ar. khilwat, 'privacy, a private interview' (C. P. Brown, MS.).
  • The activity or traffic along a route or through a given point.
  • The working motion of a piece of machinery; the length of a mechanical stroke. There was a lot of travel in the handle, because the tool was out of adjustment. My drill press has a travel of only 1.5 inches.
  • 1667 , John Tanner, The hidden treasures of the art of physick , page 208 : Hard Labour is when more vehement Pains and dangerous Symptomes happen to Women in Travel , and continue a longer time.
  • Distance that a keyboard's key moves vertically when depressed. The keys have great travel .

Further reading [ edit ]

References [ edit ].

  • “ travel ”, in The Century Dictionary   [ … ] , New York, N.Y.: The Century Co. , 1911, →OCLC .
  • “ travel ”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary , Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam , 1913, →OCLC .

Anagrams [ edit ]

  • retval , varlet

Norwegian Bokmål [ edit ]

Possibly from French travail ; compare with Danish travl .

Adjective [ edit ]

travel ( neuter singular travelt , definite singular and plural travle , comparative travlere , indefinite superlative travlest , definite superlative travleste )

  • “travel” in The Bokmål Dictionary .

Norwegian Nynorsk [ edit ]

travel ( neuter singular travelt , definite singular and plural travle , comparative travlare , indefinite superlative travlast , definite superlative travlaste )

  • “travel” in The Nynorsk Dictionary .

origin of travel meaning

  • English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European word *tréyes
  • English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
  • English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *peh₂ǵ-
  • English terms inherited from Middle English
  • English terms derived from Middle English
  • English terms derived from Middle Scots
  • English terms derived from Old French
  • English 2-syllable words
  • English terms with IPA pronunciation
  • English terms with audio links
  • Rhymes:English/ævəl
  • Rhymes:English/ævəl/2 syllables
  • English lemmas
  • English verbs
  • English intransitive verbs
  • English terms with usage examples
  • English terms with quotations
  • en:Basketball
  • English transitive verbs
  • English terms with obsolete senses
  • English nouns
  • English uncountable nouns
  • English countable nouns
  • en:Typing keyboards
  • Norwegian Bokmål lemmas
  • Norwegian Bokmål adjectives
  • Norwegian Nynorsk lemmas
  • Norwegian Nynorsk adjectives
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  • English entries with topic categories using raw markup
  • Requests for translations into Chechen
  • Mandarin terms with redundant transliterations
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Etymology

journey (n.)

c. 1200, "a defined course of traveling; one's path in life," from Old French journée "a day's length; day's work or travel" (12c.), from Vulgar Latin * diurnum "day," noun use of neuter of Latin diurnus "of one day" (from dies "day," from PIE root *dyeu- "to shine"). The French fem, suffix -ée , from Latin -ata , was joined to nouns in French to make nouns expressing the quantity contained in the original noun, and thus also relations of times ( soirée , matinée , année ) or objects produced.

Meaning "act of traveling by land or sea" is c. 1300. In Middle English it also meant "a day" (c. 1400); a day's work (mid-14c.); "distance traveled in one day" (mid-13c.), and as recently as Johnson (1755) the primary sense was still "the travel of a day." From the Vulgar Latin word also come Spanish jornada , Italian giornata .

Origin and meaning of journey

journey (v.)

mid-14c., "travel from one place to another," from Anglo-French journeyer , Old French journoiier "work by day; go, walk, travel," from journée "a day's work or travel" (see journey (n.)). Related: Journeyed ; journeying .

Origin and meaning of journey

Entries linking to journey

1570s, French, literally "good day," from bon "good," from Latin bonus "good" (see bonus ) + jour "day" (see journey (n.)).

from French plat du jour "dish of the day," which appeared from early 20c. on restaurant menus; abstracted as an all-purpose modifier by 1989. For jour "day" see journey (n.).

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Dictionary entries near journey

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Cambridge Dictionary

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Meaning of travel in English

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travel verb ( MAKE JOURNEY )

  • I like to travel but, then again, I'm very fond of my home .
  • It's often quicker to travel across country and avoid the major roads altogether .
  • Passengers without proper documentation will not be allowed to travel.
  • The elderly travel free on public transport .
  • We like to travel in the autumn when there are fewer tourists .
  • The tragedy is that cultures don't always travel well, and few immigrant groups can sustain their culture over the long term .
  • around Robin Hood's barn idiom
  • baggage drop
  • communication
  • first class
  • peripatetically
  • public transportation
  • super-commuting

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

travel verb ( MOVE )

  • The objects travel in elliptical orbits .
  • In 1947, a pilot flying over the Cascades saw nine metallic flying objects traveling at an estimated 1,200 miles per hour .
  • The elevator traveled smoothly upward .
  • White light separates out into its component wavelengths when traveling through a prism .
  • As the material travels through the winding machine , excess liquid is squeezed out by rollers .
  • Lead dust travels easily from hands to mouth and can't be seen .
  • body English
  • kinetic energy
  • recirculate
  • recirculation
  • repair to somewhere

travel verb ( BREAK RULE )

  • foul trouble
  • free-throw lane
  • free-throw line
  • run-and-gun

travel noun ( ACTIVITY )

  • They offer a 10 percent discount on rail travel for students .
  • The price includes travel and accommodation but meals are extra .
  • His work provided him with the opportunity for a lot of foreign travel.
  • The popular myth is that air travel is more dangerous than travel by car or bus .
  • Passes are available for one month's unlimited travel within Europe .
  • break-journey
  • circumnavigation

travel noun ( MOVEMENT OF OBJECT )

  • It can be difficult to predict the travel of smoke from smouldering fires .
  • The travel of the bullets and blood spatter showed that he was lying on the ground on his side when he was shot .
  • This seemed to prove that light has a finite speed of travel.
  • Striking the ball when the clubhead is already past the lowest point of its travel gives a slight overspin.
  • The actuator then rotates its output shaft to the extremes of its travel.
  • bring someone on
  • non-competitor
  • park the bus idiom
  • play big idiom
  • step/move up a gear idiom

travel | Intermediate English

Travel | business english, examples of travel, collocations with travel.

These are words often used in combination with travel .

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Translations of travel

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Renowned and celebrated (Words meaning ‘famous’)

Renowned and celebrated (Words meaning ‘famous’)

origin of travel meaning

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  • travel (MAKE JOURNEY)
  • travel light
  • travel (MOVE)
  • really travel
  • travel (BREAK RULE)
  • travel (ACTIVITY)
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to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship; take a trip; journey : to travel for pleasure.

to move or go from one place or point to another.

to proceed or advance in any way.

to go from place to place as a representative of a business firm.

to associate or consort: He travels in a wealthy crowd.

Informal . to move with speed.

to pass, or be transmitted, as light or sound.

Basketball . (of a player in possession of the ball) to take more than two steps without dribbling or passing the ball.

to move in a fixed course, as a piece of mechanism.

to travel, journey, or pass through or over, as a country or road.

to journey or traverse (a specified distance): We traveled a hundred miles.

to cause to journey; ship : to travel logs downriver.

the act of traveling; journeying, especially to distant places: to travel to other planets.

journeys ; wanderings : to set out on one's travels.

journeys as the subject of a written account or literary work: a book of travels.

such an account or work.

the coming and going of persons or conveyances along a way of passage; traffic : an increase in travel on state roads.

Basketball . an instance of traveling with the ball.

Machinery .

the complete movement of a moving part, especially a reciprocating part, in one direction, or the distance traversed; stroke.

length of stroke.

movement or passage in general: to reduce the travel of food from kitchen to table.

used or designed for use while traveling: a travel alarm clock.

Origin of travel

Usage note for travel, other words from travel.

  • trav·el·a·ble, adjective
  • non·trav·el·ing, adjective
  • non·trav·el·ling, adjective
  • outtravel, verb (used with object), out·trav·eled, out·trav·el·ing or ( especially British ) out·trav·elled, out·trav·el·ling.
  • pre·trav·el, noun, verb, pre·trav·eled, pre·trav·el·ing or ( especially British ) pre·trav·elled, pre·trav·el·ling.
  • un·trav·el·ing, adjective
  • un·trav·el·ling, adjective

Words Nearby travel

  • traumatology
  • travel agency
  • travel agent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use travel in a sentence

López said she could not travel to Mexico because she is undocumented.

Sound waves traveling thousands of kilometers through the ocean may help scientists monitor climate change.

Biden traveled to the state days later, meeting with the Blake family and calling for unity and healing in the community, though he, too, denounced the violence that followed the shooting.

TripActions says it has added nearly 500 new corporate customers since March, a surprising achievement at a time when most employees are still not traveling freely.

The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, which was first identified in China in December, has had sweeping effects in the public health, business, and travel sectors, among others.

You just travel light with carry-on luggage, go to cities that you love, and get to hang out with all your friends.

He did travel to China and Australia while the story was unfolding.

In doing so he exposed the failure of other airlines in the region to see the huge pent-up demand for cheap travel .

“The tribe is really made of people who put travel as a priority in their entire lifestyle,” says Evita.

Brands like Lo & Sons and Delsey are already tapping travel Noire to connect with black travelers.

One thing was certain: Grandfather Mole could travel much faster through the water than he could underground.

The mothers know better than any one else how hard a way the little girl will have to travel through life.

He could lie in bed and string himself tales of travel and adventure while Harry was downstairs.

Under ordinary circumstances these men can travel with their burden from twenty to thirty miles a day.

The rules regulating travel on highways in this country are called, "the law of the road."

British Dictionary definitions for travel

/ ( ˈtræv ə l ) /

to go, move, or journey from one place to another : he travels to improve his mind ; she travelled across France

(tr) to go, move, or journey through or across (an area, region, etc) : he travelled the country

to go, move, or cover a specified or unspecified distance

to go from place to place as a salesman : to travel in textiles

(esp of perishable goods) to withstand a journey

(of light, sound, etc) to be transmitted or move : the sound travelled for miles

to progress or advance

basketball to take an excessive number of steps while holding the ball

(of part of a mechanism) to move in a fixed predetermined path

informal to move rapidly : that car certainly travels

( often foll by with) informal to be in the company (of); associate

the act of travelling

( as modifier ) : a travel brochure Related adjective: itinerant

(usually plural) a tour or journey

the distance moved by a mechanical part, such as the stroke of a piston

movement or passage

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Culture tourist

Art & Culture Travel Blog

History of travelling: how people started to travel.

  • Tea Gudek Šnajdar
  • Cultural Tourism

Camel in front of pyramid

Although we often have a feeling like people are travelling for the last few decades only, the truth is – people are travelling for centuries. Old Romans were travelling to relax in their Mediterranean villas. At the same time, people in Eastern Asia wandered for cultural experiences. I’ve got so fascinated with the history of travelling, that I did my own little research on how people started to travel. And here is what I’ve learned.

History of travelling

I was always curious about the reason people started to travel. Was it for pure leisure? To relax? Or to learn about new cultures, and find themselves along the way?

I wanted to chaise the reason all the way to its source – to the first travellers. And hopped to find out what was the initial motivation for people to travel.

According to linguists, the word ‘travel’ was first used in the 14th century. However, people started to travel much earlier.

While looking at the history of travelling and the reasons people started to travel, I wanted to distinguish the difference between travellers and explorers. Most of the time, when thinking about travel in history, people like Marco Polo or Christopher Columbus are coming to mind. However, they weren’t really travellers in a modern sense. They were explorers and researchers. So, to really learn about how people started to travel, I wanted to focus on ordinary people. Travellers like you and me, if you wish.

Romans and their roads

Old Roman road, history of travelling

First people who started to travel for enjoyment only were, I’m sure you won’t be surprised, old Romans. Wealthy Romans would often go to their summer villas. And it was purely for leisure. They could, of course, start doing that because they invented something quite crucial for travelling – roads. Well developed network of roads was the reason they could travel safely and quickly.

However, there is another reason that motivated people in Antiquity to travel. And I was quite amazed when I learned about it.

It was a desire to learn. They believed travelling is an excellent way to learn about other cultures, by observing their art, architecture and listening to their languages.

Sounds familiar? It seems like Romans were the first culture tourists.

⤷ Read more : 20 Archaeological sites you have to visit in Europe

Travelling during the Middle Ages

It may come by surprise, but people started to wander more during the Middle Ages. And most of those journeys were pilgrimages.

Religion was the centre of life back in the Middle Ages. And the only things that connected this world with the saints people were worshipping, were the relics of saints. Pilgrims would often travel to another part of the country, or even Europe to visit some of the sacred places.

The most popular destinations for all those pilgrims was Santiago de Compostela, located in northwest Spain. People would travel for thousands of kilometres to reach it. To make a journey a bit easier for them, and to earn money from the newly developed tourism, many guest houses opened along the way. Pilgrims would often visit different towns and churches on their way, and while earning a ticket to heaven, do some sightseeing, as well.

Wealthy people were travelling in the caravans or by using the waterways. What’s changing in the Middle Ages was that travel wasn’t reserved only for the rich anymore. Lower classes are starting to travel, as well. They were travelling on foot, sleeping next to the roads or at some affordable accommodations. And were motivated by religious purposes.

⤷ TIP : You can still find many of those old pilgrim’s routes in Europe. When in old parts of the cities (especially in Belgium and the Netherlands ), look for the scallop shells on the roads. They will lead you to the local Saint-Jacob’s churches. Places dedicated to that saint were always linked to pilgrims and served as stops on their long journeys. In some cities, like in Antwerp , you can follow the scallop shell trails even today.

Below you can see one of the scallop shells on a street and Saint-Jacques Church in Tournai , Belgium.

Pilgrim scallop shell from Tournai in Belgium

Grand Tours of the 17th century

More impoverished people continued to travel for religious reasons during the following centuries. However, a new way of travelling appeared among wealthy people in Europe.

Grand tours are becoming quite fashionable among the young aristocrats at the beginning of the 17th century. As a part of their education (hmmm… culture tourists, again?) they would go on a long journey during which they were visiting famous European cities. Such as London , Paris , Rome or Venice, and were learning about their art, history and architecture.

Later on, those grand tours became more structured, and they were following precisely the same route. Often, young students would be accompanied by an educational tutor. And just to make the things easier for them, they were allowed to have their servants with them, too.

One of those young aristocrats was a young emperor, Peter the Great of Russia. He travelled around western Europe and has spent a significant amount of his time in the Netherlands. The architecture of Amsterdam and other Dutch cities definitely inspired a layout of the new city he has built – Saint Petersburg . So, travelling definitely remains an essential part of education since Roman times.

⤷ Read more : 15 Best museums in Europe you have to visit this year

The railway system and beginning of modern travel in the 19th century

Old train, history of travelling

Before the railway system was invented, people mostly travelled on foot (budget travel) or by water (the first-class travel at that time). However, when in the 1840s, an extensive network of railways was built, people started to travel for fun.

Mid-19th century definitely marks a real beginning of modern tourism. It’s the time when the middle class started to grow. And they have found a way to travel easily around Europe.

It’s coming by no surprise that the first travel agency, founded by Thomas Cook in England, was established at that time, too. He was using recently developed trains together with a network of hotels to organise his first group trips.

⤷ Read more : The most interesting European myths and legends

History of travelling in the 20th century

Since then, things started to move quickly. With the development of transportation, travelling became much more accessible. Dutch ships would need around a year to travel from Amsterdam to Indonesia. Today, for the same trip, we need less than a day on a plane.

After the Second World War, with the rise of air travel, people started to travel more and more. And with the internet and all the cool apps we have on our smartphones, it’s easier than ever to move and navigate your way in a new country. Mass tourism developed in the 1960s. But, with the new millennium, we started to face the over-tourism.

We can be anywhere in the world in less than two days. And although it’s a great privilege of our time, it also bears some responsibilities. However, maybe the key is to learn from history again and do what old Romans did so well. Travel to learn, explore local history and art, and be true culture tourists.

History of Travelling , How people started to travel , Travel

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A Brief History of Travel

Travel Atlas of the World

In our modern world, global travel has become so easy that it’s easy to forget that mass tourism is a relatively new occurrence. At least it is for the masses. But why do we travel? And when did travel become ‘a thing’? Have we always been travelling, or is it really just a modern invention?

Today, tourism is a huge industry, supporting millions, perhaps billions of people around the world. From airlines and taxi drivers, to restaurants, hotels and bloggers, tourism plays an integral part in our modern global economy. And this economy has been growing at a staggering rate throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1980 there were just over 280 million tourism arrivals around the globe. By 2018, there were an estimated 1.4 billion tourist arrivals, with the money spent on travel accounting for around 10.4% of global GDP.

But it wasn’t always like this.

Table of Contents

Travel in the Ancient World

For most of human history, travel had been undertaken either as part of exploration or trade. Or, sometimes, both together. Military conquests or the spreading of a religious word have spurred people to reach out across the region to either subjugate or enlighten the neighbours – and on occasion to dominate distant lands.

However, travel for pleasure has always been there in the background, albeit usually for the more fortunate monied classes. In ancient Greece, there are examples of people travelling to watch the original Olympic Games, or to question the Oracle at Delphi. There were also other games less famous than the Olympics which would attract visitors from far and wide. At the time, there was an extensive network of inns across Greece designed for travellers to stay the night, although they were basic by today’s standards with no bathrooms, toilets or catering facilities.

Well-to-do Egyptians too would explore ancient marvels (some of which were ancient even in 1000BCE). The Pyramids and the Acropolis were draws for tourists even in pre-modern times, and those who could afford to visit ancient sites would take time out with their slaves and entourages to go and explore. Visitors came from Greece and Rome to marvel at the scale of the pyramids of Giza, which were the world’s largest man made structures for thousands of years.

But it was perhaps the Romans who first took holidays or vacations in a way that might seem familiar to us today. The nobility of ancient Rome would escape the stifling heat of the city in summer and head to either the cooler hills, or the seaside. Sicily, Capri and the north of Italy were all favourite haunts, although some would even travel as far as Egypt or Greece for these excursions.

In fact the Romans also pioneered the spa holiday, often travelling to find thermal baths for health benefits. Around these spas would spring up additional services including restaurants, gambling dens and even prostitution. Roman travel was made relatively easy by their great network of roads and shipping routes across the territory. However, with the collapse of the Roman Empire, tourism in the Mediterranean took a break for a while.

Ancient Tourism in Asia

The ancient Silk Route is still well known today as a network of paths and shipping lanes leading from China to the Western lands. Although it was clearly a trade network, travellers would have traversed the steppes of central Asia perhaps for enlightenment or other benefits.

Srinagar in Kashmir, northern India holds an interesting example of the possibilities of the age. The city hosts a tomb said to be that of a pilgrim from the Middle East who arrived around 2000 years ago. It is said that the tomb houses the body of Jesus Christ, who survived the crucifixion and fled to India to live a life of quiet contemplation. Although the tomb is officially the resting place of a Muslim preacher called Youza Asaph, the speculation around the Jesus story is still quite strong.

Although this might be controversial for some, even if it isn’t the body of Christ, the fact of the matter is that people did make such a huge journey even in antiquity. This could have been to spread their own gospel, or to study Buddhism (the dominant religion at the time).

China too has a history of classical travellers, such as Hsuan Tsang, born around 607CE. Although it was illegal to travel outside of China around this time, between 627-643, Tsang travelled along the Silk Route, to Samarkand and Tashkent (both in modern Uzbekistan), and eventually visited Benares in India on a Buddhist pilgrimage. He even recorded his travels in a book, Great Tang Records on the Western Regions.

Zheng He is another famous example of a Chinese traveller, although he was more a diplomat acting at the behest of the Emperor of the time. Born in Yunan to a Muslim family, He led expeditions as far afield as the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa and Sri Lanka. Zheng He bought back many exotic treasures to the emperors including spices, wild animals and minerals and was even rumoured to have reached the American continent and Australia.

His ships were also famous, mainly for being huge. Although time may have blurred the truth, rumours of the time suggest that his flagship was many times bigger than any other wooden ship of the time.

Conquests, Pilgrimages and Persecution

Back in Europe, there was undoubtedly tourism during the middle ages, that is the years between the 5th and 15th century. Much of it would have centered around religious observances, for example pilgrimages to distant temples and the tombs of Saints.

With the conquest of Spain by the Muslims, many would come from as far away as Baghdad or Damascus to enjoy the lifestyle in this lush distant land.

With Muslims so far flung, the pilgrimage to Mecca would have been one of the main reasons for pilgrims to travel huge distances. From Al Andalus (Spain) or Morocco, all the way to Arabia, or even in the case of Zhang He, visiting from China, Mecca was probably one of the biggest destinations for travellers for hundreds of years.

And, with the religious theme being kept, the Crusades inspired a whole generation of European noblemen to head to their own holy land of Jerusalem and Palestine to defend against the invading Muslims. Although the Crusades are illustrated as battles and sieges, in fact there is evidence of some co-existence and even sharing of knowledge.

Moving towards the modern age, with the discovery of America by Europeans in 1492, people began to eye the new world more as a new frontier and the chance for a new beginning. Travel to the Americas was, at first, less about travel and more about escaping persecution, poverty and hardship in Europe.

The 16th, 17th and 18th centuries saw lots of movement, through forced migration such as slavery or displacement as well as colonising Asia, Australia, parts of Africa and the Americas. And with the opening of shipping routes, an increased exposure to foreign cultures through newspapers and books and more awareness of the world around us, a new era was about to begin…

The Birth of Tourism

Tourism as we would recognise it today started around the 17th or 18th century. Well to do Europeans would set off on a Grand Tour of classical cities across the continent, taking in stops in Paris, Vienna, Prague, Florence, Rome, Venice and London, among many others. In this respect, the modern travel trail isn’t quite so modern as it would seem.

Famous poets such as Britain’s Lord Byron spent two years travelling the Mediterranean, enjoying copious amounts of wine and seducing the locals. In-keeping with this style of travel, the Grand Tour tended to be reserved for the nobles and more monied classes. These ‘tourists’ would then return with tall tales of the riches of far off lands and often publish memoirs, poems and other forms of media, a precursor to Instagram posts perhaps?

Arguably, mass tourism as we know it today took shape when Thomas Cook, a British businessman, started organising mass tours from his base in Leicester. At first, his ‘travel agency’ would organise excursions across England. His first, in 1841, was from Leicester in England, to Loughborough, a town just 11 miles away. His next ‘tour’ was to Liverpool, and by 1856 he was organising tours to Scotland, Italy, Egypt and even the United States – surely a milestone in the history of travel and tourism as we know it.

Today, Thomas Cook is still a household brand name in the UK, with the company offering holiday packages across the world.

The Sky is the Limit

Of course, air travel changed everything. From days, or even weeks to reach a destination, suddenly far flung cities were within just a few hours reach.

The first commercial air link, in 1914, was between St Petersburg and Tampa, both in Florida, USA. By 1919, many nations began setting up commercial airlines, some of which are still in operation today. KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines), Czech Airlines, Avianca and Qantas are a few of the founding transcontinental airline companies who are still flying the skies.

Although air travel was slow at first, as anyone who has seen an Indian Jones movie would understand, it was still a lot faster than travelling by boat or train. And, of course, it was expensive. Air travel was the preserve of the rich, and the glamour associated with air travel is still something people come to expect.

Today, of course, budget airlines rule the skies and everyone can fly around the world for what amounts to pocket change. Anyone can fly away for a city break getaway for the weekend, or perhaps to live as a digital nomad in a more exotic city. Ryanair in Europe, AirAsia in Asia and JetBlue of the USA make travel much more accessible for everyone, although perhaps to the detriment of that glamorous image.

Now, the world is struggling with the effects of over-tourism, with protests in popular locations such as Barcelona and Venice. But, the double edged sword means that the tourist dollar is still welcomed, even if those excessive tourists are not. So where next for tourism?

Are people looking for more independent and unique experiences? Or perhaps we’re going to start looking to the stars… One thing is for sure, the history of travel is still being written.

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About the author: oliver lynch.

Oliver Lynch

Interesting stuff. Have you read the mentioned book ‘Great Tang Records on the Western Regions’? I am wondering if it is any good?

Hey Walter, I actually haven’t read it and I couldn’t find a Kindle edition (not quite ready to splash out $50 on a print copy). Let me know if you find a copy and what you think of it…

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Origin of Travel

origin of travel meaning

The origin of the word “travel” is most likely lost to history. The term “travel” may originate from the  Old French  word  travail . [3]  According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English  travailen ,  travelen  (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler  (which means to work strenuously, toil). In English we still occasionally use the words  travail  and  travails , which mean struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers’ Tales (2004), the words travel and travail both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means “three stakes”, as in to impale). This link reflects the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Also note the torturous connotation of the word “travailler.” Today, travel may or may not be much easier depending upon the destination you choose (i.e.,  Mt. Everest , the  Amazon rainforest ), how you plan to get there ( tour bus ,  cruise ship , or  oxcart ), and whether or not you decide to “rough it (see  extreme tourism  and  adventure travel ). “There’s a big difference between simply being a tourist and being a true world traveler,” notes travel writer Michael Kasum.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

What is the etymological origin of the word 'travel'.

The image above was possibly inspired by "Noel Kempff Mercado National Park," which was itself inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's book, 'The Lost World.'

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

"The Park is dominated by a large tableland of 7000 sq km, the Bolivian side of which is Serrania Huanchaca, and the Brazilian side is Sererania Ricardo Franco. The intervening Rio Verde marks the national boundary. The tableland is bounded by precipitous cliffs, 200 to 700 metres in height. The rocks of the tableland comprise Proterozoic sandstones, deposited around 1 billion years ago, intruded by a tholeiitic sill/dyke complex. These overlie an older basement of granites and metamorphic rocks which crop out over the Amazonic plain. The surface of the tableland is overlain by Cretaceous sandstones, and there are laterites and siliceous duricrusts which mark stages of Tertiary uplift and peneplanation.[8]

The Huanchaca Plateau within the park is 600-900 m above sea level and is composed of Precambrian sandstone and quartzite of the Brazilian Shield."

~ Wikipedia

Getting Where You Want To Go Easily

Travelling today is not only cheap, but also efficient thanks to modern aerospace technologies like the Airbus A350-900, Airbus A340-600, Boeing 777-300ER, and Boeing 747-8.

Getting around however, was historically not so easy to do. The word travel is originally derived from the word 'torture.'

" Travel and travail are doublets - that is to say, they have a common ancestor, but have split into separate words. Their ultimate source is medieval Latin trepalium, a term for an instrument of torture made of three sharp stakes. This was a compound noun formed from Latin tres 'three' and palus 'stake' (source of English pale ). From it was formed a verb trepaliare 'torture on the trepalium, ' hence generally 'torture.' This passed into Old French as travailler, where its reflexive use 'put oneself to pain or trouble' evolved to 'work hard.' Its noun derivative travail 'painful effort, hard work' was borrowed by English as travail, and this quickly developed a new sense, 'journey' (presumably from the notion of a 'wearisome journey'), which came to be distinguished by the spelling travel. "

~ John Ayto, "Dictionary of Word Origins"

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Definition of travel verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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origin of travel meaning

The Oxford Handbook of the History of Tourism

Eric G. E. Zuelow is Professor of History at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. He is author of A History of Modern Tourism (2015) and Making Ireland Irish: Tourism and National Identity since the Irish Civil War (2009), editor of Touring Beyond the Nation: A Transnational Approach to European Tourism History (2011), and editor of the Journal of Tourism History.

Kevin J. James is Professor of History at the University of Guelph in Canada, where he holds the Scottish Studies Foundation Chair and serves as Director of the Centre for Scottish Studies. His research programs have explored the history of the hotel visitors' book, hotels in wartime, and the history of country house hotels.

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origin of travel meaning

The Evolution of Travel Agencies: A Historical Perspective

The history of travel agencies is a compelling narrative that has witnessed significant transformations over the years. This article explores the evolution of travel agencies from their early beginnings to the present day, highlighting key milestones and shifts in the industry.

Early Travel Arrangements:

Before the establishment of travel agencies, individuals took charge of their travel arrangements directly with transportation providers and accommodations. This process was often cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring considerable effort from the traveler.

Emergence of Travel Agencies:

In the 19th century, the concept of travel agencies began to take shape. Thomas Cook & Son, founded in 1841 by Thomas Cook, is recognized as one of the earliest travel agencies. Initially focusing on organizing railway outings, the agency later expanded its services to include international travel.

Growth and Globalization:

As transportation infrastructure grew and global travel became more accessible, the role of travel agencies expanded. They became intermediaries between travelers and various service providers, offering packaged tours and simplifying the booking process.

Technology and Online Booking:

The late 20th century witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of technology. The rise of the internet allowed travelers to research and book their trips online, reducing dependence on traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies.

Specialization and Niche Markets:

As the travel industry diversified, agencies began specializing in specific niches such as adventure travel, luxury vacations, or eco-tourism. This specialization enabled agencies to cater to the unique preferences of different traveler segments.

Challenges and Adaptation:

The advent of online booking platforms and direct-to-consumer options presented challenges to the traditional travel agency model. However, many agencies have adapted by leveraging technology to enhance customer service, offering personalized experiences and providing expertise in complex travel arrangements.

Conclusion:

While the travel agency landscape has undergone significant changes, agents continue to play a crucial role, particularly for complex or customized trips. Their expertise and personalized service add substantial value, contributing to a resurgence in specific segments of the industry. The role of travel agencies continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, ensuring their relevance in the dynamic world of travel.

Empower Travel Agents

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this article are intended to provide an insightful exploration of the history and evolution of tourism ambassadors. However, it is essential to note that these opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the author or the Tourism Academy. The article aims to present a comprehensive overview of the topic based on available information and research, but individual perspectives may vary. Please consider multiple sources and viewpoints when you understand the subject matter.

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Related articles, us travel's geoff freeman on leadership and industry transformation, family travel association: transforming travel agent accreditation with the tourism academy, unveiling the spirit of travel with bud geissler, 2024 american bus association marketplace chair.

Overthought This

Overthought This

10 Common Phrases Whose Original Meanings Were Different

Posted: February 3, 2024 | Last updated: February 3, 2024

<p><span>Ever wondered why we “bite the bullet” or what “cats and dogs” have to do with rain? </span></p> <p><span>Take a tour through the interesting origins of everyday expressions. These may be good ways to “break the ice” in future conversations.</span></p>

Ever wondered why we “bite the bullet” or what “cats and dogs” have to do with rain? 

Take a tour through the interesting origins of everyday expressions. These may be good ways to “break the ice” in future conversations.

<p><b>Current Meaning:</b></p><p><span>“Honeymoon” can function as a noun, describing the post-wedding vacation, or as an adjective, indicating the place where newlyweds stay during their vacation, such as the honeymoon suite.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning: </b></p><p><span>The term dates back to the 16th century when it referred to the first month of marriage according to the Oxford English Dictionary. The word “moon” referred to this first, sweetest, part of marriage likening it to the quickly changing phases of the moon. </span></p><p><span>Other suggestions are that it is linked to the “Mead Moon” or “Honey Moon,” ancient names for the June full moon. June, historically, has been a popular month for both weddings and honey harvesting.</span></p>

Current Meaning:

“Honeymoon” can function as a noun, describing the post-wedding vacation, or as an adjective, indicating the place where newlyweds stay during their vacation, such as the honeymoon suite.

Original Meaning: 

The term dates back to the 16th century when it referred to the first month of marriage according to the Oxford English Dictionary. The word “moon” referred to this first, sweetest, part of marriage likening it to the quickly changing phases of the moon.

Other suggestions are that it is linked to the “Mead Moon” or “Honey Moon,” ancient names for the June full moon. June, historically, has been a popular month for both weddings and honey harvesting.

<p><b>Current Meaning:</b></p><p><span>“Rule of thumb” refers to a practical, approximate method in English, originating in the 17th century. It was tied to trades using thumb measurements. Despite a false link to a law allowing wife-beating, no such law existed. In the 1970s, it was wrongly associated with domestic abuse, leading to efforts to discourage its use due to this misconception.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b></p><p><span>The phrase’s exact origin is uncertain, with early appearances in works by James Durham, Sir William Hope, and James Kelly. Historically, it used thumb width for practical measurements in trades like cloth and brewing beer. It signifies a rough but practical approach, emphasizing experience over strict rules.</span></p>

Rule of Thumb

“Rule of thumb” refers to a practical, approximate method in English, originating in the 17th century. It was tied to trades using thumb measurements. Despite a false link to a law allowing wife-beating, no such law existed. In the 1970s, it was wrongly associated with domestic abuse, leading to efforts to discourage its use due to this misconception.

Original Meaning:

The phrase’s exact origin is uncertain, with early appearances in works by James Durham, Sir William Hope, and James Kelly. Historically, it used thumb width for practical measurements in trades like cloth and brewing beer. It signifies a rough but practical approach, emphasizing experience over strict rules.

<p><b>Current Meaning:</b></p><p><span>“Biting the bullet” is a metaphorical expression used to describe accepting an unavoidable hardship or compelling point in a debate and facing the resulting challenges with resilience. The term, first recorded by Rudyard Kipling in 1891, conveys enduring pain or difficulty with fortitude.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b></p><p><span>The exact origin of “biting the bullet” is uncertain, but it may have historical ties to patients clenching a bullet during surgery to cope with pain. Limited evidence supports this practice. Speculated to have evolved from the British expression “to bite the cartridge,” it may also date back to 1796 with the phrase “chew a bullet.” Notably, in the era when the phrase originated, bullets were typically made of soft lead. The term was used literally in the 1975 film “Bite the Bullet,” where a character uses a shell casing to cover a broken tooth.</span></p>

Bite the Bullet

“Biting the bullet” is a metaphorical expression used to describe accepting an unavoidable hardship or compelling point in a debate and facing the resulting challenges with resilience. The term, first recorded by Rudyard Kipling in 1891, conveys enduring pain or difficulty with fortitude.

The exact origin of “biting the bullet” is uncertain, but it may have historical ties to patients clenching a bullet during surgery to cope with pain. Limited evidence supports this practice. Speculated to have evolved from the British expression “to bite the cartridge,” it may also date back to 1796 with the phrase “chew a bullet.” Notably, in the era when the phrase originated, bullets were typically made of soft lead. The term was used literally in the 1975 film “Bite the Bullet,” where a character uses a shell casing to cover a broken tooth.

<p><b>Current Meaning:</b></p><p><span>“Break the Ice” means to initiate conversation in a social setting.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b></p><p><span>The phrase’s origins trace back to the time before modern icebreakers, when ships depended on smaller vessels to break ice in frozen waters, enabling larger ships to navigate. Over time, this maritime term was metaphorically adapted to describe initiating social interactions.</span></p>

Break the Ice

“Break the Ice” means to initiate conversation in a social setting.

The phrase’s origins trace back to the time before modern icebreakers, when ships depended on smaller vessels to break ice in frozen waters, enabling larger ships to navigate. Over time, this maritime term was metaphorically adapted to describe initiating social interactions.

<p><b>Current Meaning: </b></p><p><span>A phrase commonly used when one is rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b> </p><p>There is a common belief that this phrase came from people having bells installed in coffins due to the fear of being buried alive.</p><p>However, <a href="https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/saved-by-the-bell.html">evidence</a> points to this phrase coming from boxing when a boxer is near defeat, but saved from losing by the bell signaling the end of the round.</p>

Saved by the Bell

Current Meaning: 

A phrase commonly used when one is rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation.

Original Meaning:  

There is a common belief that this phrase came from people having bells installed in coffins due to the fear of being buried alive.

However, evidence points to this phrase coming from boxing when a boxer is near defeat, but saved from losing by the bell signaling the end of the round.

<p><b>Current Meaning: </b></p><p><span>To give up or surrender.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b> </p><p><span>Derived from boxing, where a towel thrown into the ring by a boxer’s coach signaled surrender or concession.</span></p>

Throw in the Towel

To give up or surrender.

Derived from boxing, where a towel thrown into the ring by a boxer’s coach signaled surrender or concession.

<p><b>Current Meaning: </b></p><p><span>A secret has been revealed.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b> </p><p><span>The most likely origin of this phrase is from a scam of substituting a cat for a piglet in a bag at a market in the 1500s. If the buyer didn’t check the bag before purchasing a ‘pig in a poke’ (piglet in a bag) the secret was only revealed when the “cat was out of the bag.”</span></p>

Cat’s Out of the Bag

A secret has been revealed.

The most likely origin of this phrase is from a scam of substituting a cat for a piglet in a bag at a market in the 1500s. If the buyer didn’t check the bag before purchasing a ‘pig in a poke’ (piglet in a bag) the secret was only revealed when the “cat was out of the bag.”

<p><b>Current Meaning:</b> </p><p><span>Working late into the night or early morning.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning: </b></p><p><span>This phrase <a href="https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/graveyard-shift.html">originated</a> in the United States in the late 1800s, with its earliest known example in print found in The Salt Lake Tribune in 1897. It might sound ghostly, but the term simply refers to the hours of the middle of the night that are quiet and lonely like a graveyard. </span></p>

Graveyard Shift

Current Meaning:  

Working late into the night or early morning.

This phrase originated in the United States in the late 1800s, with its earliest known example in print found in The Salt Lake Tribune in 1897. It might sound ghostly, but the term simply refers to the hours of the middle of the night that are quiet and lonely like a graveyard. 

<p><b>Current Meaning:</b> </p><p><span>Heavy rain.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b> </p><p><span>This phrase is of unknown origins, but here are a couple of ideas <a href="https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/meteorology-climatology/item/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-its-raining-cats-and-dogs/#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20of%20the,of%20heavy%20rain%20for%20sailors.">put forth</a> by Etymoligists. In the Norse myth of Odin, the storm god was often depicted with dogs and wolves, while witches have been depicted riding on broomsticks in the storms, bringing the association of heavy rain. It could also have come from the no-longer-used word <em>catadupa </em>which was an old English word for waterfall.</span></p>

Raining Cats and Dogs

Heavy rain.

This phrase is of unknown origins, but here are a couple of ideas put forth by Etymoligists. In the Norse myth of Odin, the storm god was often depicted with dogs and wolves, while witches have been depicted riding on broomsticks in the storms, bringing the association of heavy rain. It could also have come from the no-longer-used word catadupa which was an old English word for waterfall.

<p><b>Current Meaning:</b> </p><p><span>Having a casual conversation.</span></p><p><b>Original Meaning:</b> </p><p><span>Sailors used to chew on fat-preserved meat, and while doing so, they would engage in casual conversations.</span></p>

Chew the Fat

Having a casual conversation.

Sailors used to chew on fat-preserved meat, and while doing so, they would engage in casual conversations.

<p>Described as “A brilliant and entrancing journey into the hidden lives of fungi” by The Guardian, Entangled Life shows us how we are connected with the unseen world of fungi. As tiny as these organisms are, they belong to a kingdom that is so large and diverse they shape not just the Earth but us, too. Merlin Sheldrake shows us that by understanding fungi, we can understand the planet and ourselves.</p>

Grade School Ideas We Were Completely Wrong About

Just like phrases we take for granted, some ideas we take for granted. Many ideas we picked up in childhood (like that carrots can help you see in the dark) are dead wrong.

  • Do you recognize any of these mistake ideas from your childhood?

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Money blog: Vodafone offers people £100 to switch with new ad campaign - and BT isn't happy

Vodafone has drawn an angry response from rival BT with its new advertising campaign offering people £100 to switch. Read this and all the latest personal finance and consumer news below - and leave a comment, or your Money Problem, in the box.

Monday 18 March 2024 06:50, UK

  • Vodafone ad campaign draws angry response from BT
  • Money Problem : The car I bought was advertised as ULEZ compliant but isn't - what rights do I have?
  • The 'invisible' housing market that only super rich can ever see
  • Reigning Great British Menu main course champion picks his favourite cheap eats
  • How you could save £265,000 for your child

Ask a question or make a comment

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. You can find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post.

This week, Sky News reader  Joe H  asks...

"I purchased a vehicle from a car dealer. On the original advert, which I still have, the vehicle was listed as ULEZ compliant. It turns out the vehicle is not compliant, and I received £630 of fines from TFL. What legal rights do I have in this situation?"

Stuart Masson, editorial director at The Car Expert, says this...

There are a couple of pieces of legislation that protect consumers in this sort of situation. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 protects against false or misleading information being given to describe a vehicle, which would include claiming a vehicle is ULEZ compliant when it's not. In addition, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 includes provision that a car must match its description.

If you still have the original advertisement that claims this vehicle is ULEZ compliant, you should be entitled to a full refund.

It may have been an innocent mistake rather than anything nefarious, but the dealer is still liable for the cars they sell. Hopefully, in this case the dealer will acknowledge the error and arrange a swift refund (and compensate you for the fines). You are not obliged to take a different vehicle or credit towards another car and should not be persuaded in that direction. Take the money and start your search again.

If the dealer doesn't want to play nicely, then unfortunately you will have to take action to exercise your legal rights. If the dealership is accredited by the Motor Ombudsman, you can ask it to resolve the dispute. However, there are thousands of dealers – especially smaller traders – who are not signed up to the Motor Ombudsman service. If that's the case, you'll need to seek legal advice to bring a claim against the dealer. The good news is that if you have the original ad containing the incorrect information, you should have a strong case.

For anyone buying a used car anywhere near London, you should always check the TFL website yourself before signing any contract, rather than relying on a dealer's description or promises. Regardless of your consumer rights, it's always much easier to change your mind beforehand than afterwards. 

Signing a contract and paying a deposit should be the final steps in your car buying process, after you've inspected the car, test driven it, looked at the service records, checked the MOT history and status, run a vehicle history check, arranged a mechanical inspection, checked that you can get insurance at a reasonable price and confirmed that the car is ULEZ compliant if necessary. If you short-cut any of those steps, you increase your chances of running into trouble.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, in the form above or by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us  here .

Vodafone has drawn an angry response from rival BT with its new advertising campaign offering people £100 to switch.

You may remember last week we reported on another delay from the big four broadband providers (BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk) in implementing the new One Touch Switching service that will make it easier for customers to switch.

The deadline of 14 March was missed - the second time this has happened.

Uswitch said it was "deeply concerned" about the push back to September, especially given industry-wise price hikes are due to apply from April.

At the end of last week Vodafone sought to take advantage by launching what it called "The Great British Telecoms Switch" - offering customers £100 when switching to certain packages, a sum it says would help cover fees that providers charge to exit a contract.

Vodafone went in for BT in particular. 

Its release said many people don't know that BT, EE, Sky and Vodafone broadband all receive the same technology supplied by Openreach.

"This lack of understanding means that an estimated eight million BT customers are overpaying by over £200 a year for the same full fibre broadband also available with Vodafone."

But, speaking to the Money blog, BT hit back, saying it was "disappointed Vodafone have made inaccurate claims" to "generate headlines".

One of the company's main gripes appears to be that in comparing prices, Vodafone has included BT customers who choose to purchase premium broadband products.

They also dispute the idea that just because all these companies use Openreach, they provide the same quality.

Both companies have provided statements to the Money blog but first…

Which is better - Vodafone or BT?

Which?, in its 2024 survey, has BT and Vodafone fairly even - giving them a 59% and 60% score respectively. They both get three stars for speed and reliability - Vodafone comes out on top for value and BT for technical support.

But for Techradar says: "We gave BT a slightly higher rating than Vodafone. The reason for this is simple: although Vodafone's deals are cheaper, BT provides a wider range of options and superior customer service. 

"Yes, Vodafone's deals are cheap. But, they may come at a cost if something goes wrong. Plus, your choices are slightly more limited if you go with Vodafone... and it doesn't offer anywhere near the same level of broadband and TV options as BT."

What have they both told us?

A BT spokesperson said: "We fully support the move to OTS and remain committed to delivering it by (or ahead of) the deadline This is a highly complex, pan-industry endeavour to build, integrate and test a new switching system. It's critical that trials are properly completed across all major CPs to ensure best possible customer experience when switching.

"We're disappointed that Vodafone have made inaccurate claims as part of a recent switching campaign. They are apparently willing to launch OTS without adequate cross industry testing, have quoted misleading pricing comparisons to generate headlines, and seem to conveniently ignore that there is in fact a significant difference in the quality of broadband service from providers on the Openreach network. We encourage them to work with us and the industry to deliver OTS as soon as possible."

We put this to Vodafone, who responded: "We've launched The Great British Telecoms Switch to help people save money on their broadband and make it easier for them to switch. 

"We are committed to Ofcom's 'One Touch Switching' regulation, though disappointed that it was delayed again by our competitors. We are therefore calling on them to make sure they hit the new deadline and start making it easier for customers to get the best deal."

Marks & Spencer is nearing a deal with one of Britain's biggest high street lenders to overhaul its banking arm as a financial services and loyalty "superapp".

Sky News has learnt that M&S and HSBC, whose UK arm owns M&S Bank, are close to announcing a new long-term relationship agreement that will pave the way for an overhaul of the business.

M&S Bank has more than three million customers, offering personal loans, travel insurance, store payment cards and a buy now, pay later credit product.

It is said that M&S's long-term aim is to establish a "superapp" encompassing payments, financial services and the retailer's Sparks loyalty programme.

Read Kleinman's full exclusive here ...

We're back for another week of consumer news, cost of living advice and all the latest on the economy - with two big financial moments set to play out this week.

This is how the week in Money is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your money problems - today, a Money blog reader needs to know their rights after buying a car that was not as advertised.

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about stamp duty.

Wednesday : February's inflation data is released at 7am. January's figure came in at 4% and a fall is expected. We'll also have our Cheap Eats feature - this week's focus is Birmingham.

Thursday : The Bank of England will announce its latest interest rate decision - with another hold at 5.25% expected. But any noises from governor Andrew Bailey et al could give us an idea of how soon the base rate may start to fall - with markets currently expecting June or August for a first cut. Also on Thursday,  Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back examining the pros and cons of another type of savings account - this week she's focusing on the lifetime ISA.

Friday : We answer another Myth or Must.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King  weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

By Emily Mee, Money team

The cost of living crisis has not slowed London's prime property boom. 

A total of 54 properties in the capital sold for £15m or more last year, costing their buyers a combined £1.3bn. 

Many of these properties are "invisible" to the average buyer - never making it to sites like Zoopla or Rightmove, and instead becoming part of an almost underground market accessible only to the super rich and in-the-know. 

Marc Schneiderman, founder of luxury estate agency Arlington Residential, knows all about this market. 

Super rich buyers will often have family offices (private wealth advisory firms) running the sale process, he says, along with top lawyers, surveyors, architects and designers - all of whom will be on standby and able to get to the property "very quickly". 

It's often these teams who will approach estate agents or selling agents with specifics on what the super rich buyer is looking for - which can sometimes mean finding a property on a particular sought-after street. 

In some cases, estate agents might be asked to approach the owners of properties to find out if they're willing to sell - and while this works "infrequently", it can help if the potential buyer is well-known.

Specific requests 

"I've had a request recently from somebody with a car collection who wants to house that underground," Mr Schneiderman says. 

This isn't too easy to find in central London, but he says there are a "few houses" in the Hampstead area. 

Another tricky request is from somebody who wants a tennis court - "that's quite hard to find in certain parts of London" - and another who needs a recording studio, ideally in a separate building at the bottom of the garden. 

Simon Tollit, partner at luxury selling agency Tedworth Property, says there is a "very large market" that is "invisible and off-market to the majority". 

He reckons about half of luxury properties - those valued at about £10m-plus - will never end up on websites. 

"That's where a buying agent or family office will prove their worth because they have a relationship with people like us," he says.  

The properties likely to get snapped up the quickest are known in the business as "triple A" homes. 

Mr Tollit says that in London these might be the white porticoed properties on Eaton Square, in Belgravia, a period house in Chelsea, or a townhouse on Chester Square. 

Wealthy buyers will often be looking for lateral apartments, a big roof terrace, high ceilings, a good outlook and lots of entertaining space. 

There is still "great demand" for these places - as Mr Tollit points out, London is not growing in terms of prime housing stock. 

But despite what many might expect, he says he has found dealing with the super rich "actually quite straightforward". 

"They are super, super successful, know exactly what they're looking for, and are clinical in terms of not wasting their time," he says. 

While security is often a big factor for the super rich, he says some of the wealthiest people are "super discreet" - "they can walk down the road and you wouldn't bat an eyelid". 

"Some of the wealthiest people I've worked with and sold properties to are very unassuming. Literally you wouldn't know that they had two pennies to rub together," Mr Tollit says. 

The minimum wage is going up on 1 April - and on the face of it, for workers and their pockets, that can only be a good thing.

But analysts at Capital Economics have warned "a clear risk" is the rise keeps wage growth, and in turn inflation, high - and could "keep the Bank of England on alert" over the need to delay interest rate cuts.

How much is the minimum wage rising?

The national living wage (what the minimum wage is generally called) will rise from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour from next month - up 9.8%.

It's also being expanded to include 21 and 22 year olds.

The minimum wage rate is also going up for younger people. Those aged 18 to 20 will get at least £8.60 an hour from April - a bump of £1.11. For those 16 and 17, and apprentices, the minimum pay will be £6.40 - a rise of £1.12 on last year.

Potential consequences

Wage growth is one of the factors the Bank of England considers when deciding whether to cut interest rates - as rates can only fall when inflation is under control (high rates are used to lower inflation by squeezing the economy).

The Bank has predicted the minimum wage hike will add 0.3% to wage growth.

Analysts aren't yet convinced of the threat this poses to inflation but Capital Economics does warn...

"There is a clear risk that the rise in the minimum wage supports wage growth by a bit more than we expect and/or businesses pass on more of the resulting rise in their costs in their selling prices. This is unlikely to stop wage growth and the various measures of domestic inflation from falling further. But it may slow the pace of decline.

"Overall, the Bank of England has indicated that if wage growth and measures of domestic inflation were to ease in line with its forecast, it will be in a position to cut interest rates at some point this year.

"Our view remains that wage growth and domestic inflation will fall faster than the Bank is forecasting, which may prompt the Bank to cut rates in June. But a bigger upward influence from the rise in the minimum wage could be one reason why that first interest rate cut comes a bit later."

By Brad Young, Money team

Gold has been trading at record levels - so we've re-upped a post from January about whether it's a good investment for the average Briton.

First though, an explanation of why gold is up from Ricardo Evangelista, a senior analyst at ActivTrades.

He said: "Concerns surrounding global economic prospects, geopolitical tensions, and shifting expectations towards earlier interest rate cuts have fuelled increased demand for the precious metal, leading to its upward price trajectory."

So, should you be investing in gold?

Those considering gold should be less interested in this short-term figure, and more in treating gold "like a pension", Ross Norman, chief executive of Metals Daily, told the Money team.

And there are reasons - ranging from interest rates to coups - why some investors "wouldn't touch it with a long pole", according to Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

'Don't bother reading gold in the short term'

These two types of buyers tend to hold the metal for longer periods of time, making gold a "resilient" investment that usually rights itself in the long term, Mr Norman says.

But in the short-term, there are many influences on its value when compared with metals like copper, which are more clearly linked to supply and demand, he says.

Uncertainty caused by geopolitical events is likely to affect gold prices this year, with wars in Ukraine and Gaza and 76 elections taking place across the world prompting nervous investors to stock up on gold.

Cuts to interest rates in the US could drive up the metal's value, though this depends on when and how fast.

"Don't bother to try and read gold in the short term - it's unreadable," Mr Norman says.

He said if you want to make a fortune or lose one then "go to the casino, go and buy bitcoin, but I think you buy gold with a different motivation in mind... you want to secure what you've got".

Predicting gold prices over the long term is much simpler because the fundamental rules of supply and demand become much more relevant, said Mr Norma.

This includes mining (supply) and the size of middle-classes in various nations (demand).

Pros and cons

"UK investors typically have homes as their go-to store of value. It's a cultural thing, and yet gold has massively out-performed housing on almost every front," Mr Norman says.

For those who can afford a second home, he says, gold offers an alternative that doesn't incur the same taxes, stamp duty or agents' fees - and doesn't take months to sell.

Mr Mould, of investment platform AJ Bell, says gold is "seen as a haven" from central bank and government policy, but there are reasons some investors won't touch it.

Gold produces no yield or cashflow - you can't earn interest on the metal like money in a bank, he says.

Mining companies are also "volatile", often difficult to manage and don't always meet expectations. They are subject to taxes, geological problems, nationalisation and even coups, he explains.

The material is also primarily a hedge against things going wrong, and if economies are starting to get a handle on inflation - and cut rates at the right pace so as not to drive them up again - the incentive to buy gold drops.

But at the same time, lower interest rates mean your banked cash isn't working for you as hard, reducing the opportunity cost of buying gold, he says.

Two big financial moments will play out next week - we'll hear February's inflation data on Wednesday (it's expected to have fallen from January's 4%) and the Bank of England's latest interest decision on Thursday (they're likely to be held, again, at 5.25%).

One of the factors the Bank will consider is wage growth - and while workers are happy this is high, economist concern themselves with how this could impact inflation (we'll have more on this in one of our Weekend Money posts shortly).

This week we learned that British wages, excluding bonuses, grew by 6.1% in the three months to the end of January compared with the same period a year earlier.

The Office for National Statistics figures mean Britons are seeing wages climb at a higher rate than inflation.

If high wages persist, and contribute towards further inflation, it could lead to caution in cutting interest rates - as the whole point of high interest rates is to curb inflation by squeezing the economy.

Although if you've been following the Money blog this week, you'll have read the chairman of M&S saying the Bank of England's actions have been "totally ineffective".

Archie Norman said: "What we've proved in the last three years is that monetary policy is totally ineffective.

"Putting up interest rates didn't actually slow the economy very much."

The top businessman and former Tory MP explained that inflation was driven by "global macro prices" and it "had no bearing on the price of gas" and "had no real bearing on the price of food".

"We probably sometimes listen a bit too much to central bankers," Mr Norman added.

"The impact of higher interest rates hasn't really materialised."

While the Bank considers when to start cutting rates (markets are still expecting a cut to 5% in June or August), we continue to see a mixed picture on the mortgage market.

The week started with four major lenders raising rates - before Coventry became the first big name to respond to falling swap rates (these dictate how much it costs for lenders to lend) by announcing reductions.

We will have to see if others follow but for now here's the current average rates...

Also this week, we were told the UK could be emerging from recession - as GDP grew by 0.2% in January. We need two more months of growth for the recession to be declared over.

If you want to read more on this, this analysis of what's going on with the UK economy by  data and economics editor Ed Conway   is well worth five minutes of you weekend...

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates from Monday to Friday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back at the start of next week with rolling news and features.

Norfolk County Council has won a £384m payout from Apple after it claimed the company misled predictions about iPhone demand in China.

In 2018, Apple, its chief executive Tim Cook and its chief financial officer Luca Maestri were accused of misleading shareholders about iPhone demand in China.

Mr Cook had told investors that while Apple was seeing pressure in some emerging markets he did not believe demand would be down in China.

Yet two months later the company issued a profit warning blaming weak demand in China, something that caused an 8% drop in its share price.

Norfolk County Council claimed that Mr Cook must have known at the time that sales in China were starting to slow down. 

The council claimed that this cost its pension fund almost $1m.

Now, after a five-year-lawsuit, Apple has agreed to pay shareholders the sum after settling with the council, The Telegraph reports.

The payout will be shared by investors who apply for damages and say they were affected by what they claim are misleading claims from Apple.

 It is unclear how much the Norfolk pension fund itself will receive.

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    origin of travel meaning

  4. Origin Of The First Travel Agency In The World, Who Is The Father Of

    origin of travel meaning

  5. Travel Dictionary Definition Poster Print

    origin of travel meaning

  6. Travel Meaning: What You Need to Know About the Travel Industry

    origin of travel meaning

COMMENTS

  1. travel

    travel. (v.) late 14c., "to journey," from travailen (1300) "to make a journey," originally "to toil, labor" (see travail ). The semantic development may have been via the notion of "go on a difficult journey," but it also may reflect the difficulty of any journey in the Middle Ages. Replaced Old English faran.

  2. Travel

    Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. Travel can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, ship or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip. [1] Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of tourism .

  3. verbs

    Yesterday I was asking about the origin of the word trabajo ("work") in Spanish, that most etymologists think that comes from Latin tripalium (or trepalium according to other sources), an instrument of torture, and its verb tripaliare, "to torture".An English cognate is travail, that according to the Merriam-Webster it still conveys the meaning of "agony, torment", while the Oxford dictionary ...

  4. Travel Definition & Meaning

    travel: [verb] to go on or as if on a trip or tour : journey. to go as if by traveling : pass. associate. to go from place to place as a sales representative or business agent.

  5. Tourism

    tourism, the act and process of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, while making use of the commercial provision of services. As such, tourism is a product of modern social arrangements, beginning in western Europe in the 17th century, although it has antecedents in Classical antiquity.

  6. A Brief History of Travel and Tourism

    Utilizing the widest definition of the word, human beings have been travelling since the dawn of time. No matter one's beliefs about the creation of humans, everyone can agree our species began in some single locale, likely Africa or the Middle East, and 'travelled' outwards, settling new lands.However, most of this 'travel' was done out of necessity and war, often without the intent ...

  7. Tourism and the history of travel

    Tourism and the history of travel Emily Thomas, The Meaning of Travel (New York: Oxford University Press, 2020); Xiaolin Duan, The Rise of West Lake: A Cultural Landmark in the Song Dynasty (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2020); Bertram Gordon, War Tourism: Second World War France from Defeat and Occupation to the Creation of Heritage (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2018); Mia Bay ...

  8. travel

    The activity or traffic along a route or through a given point. The working motion of a piece of machinery; the length of a mechanical stroke. There was a lot of travel in the handle, because the tool was out of adjustment. My drill press has a travel of only 1.5 inches. ( obsolete) Labour; parturition; travail .

  9. journey

    journey. (n.). c. 1200, "a defined course of traveling; one's path in life," from Old French journée "a day's length; day's work or travel" (12c.), from Vulgar Latin * diurnum "day," noun use of neuter of Latin diurnus "of one day" (from dies "day," from PIE root *dyeu-"to shine"). The French fem, suffix -ée, from Latin -ata, was joined to nouns in French to make nouns expressing the ...

  10. TRAVEL

    TRAVEL definition: 1. to make a journey, usually over a long distance: 2. If something travels well/badly, it…. Learn more.

  11. TRAVEL

    TRAVEL meaning: 1. to make a journey, usually over a long distance: 2. If something travels well/badly, it…. Learn more.

  12. TRAVEL Definition & Usage Examples

    Travel definition: to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship; take a trip; journey. See examples of TRAVEL used in a sentence.

  13. meaning

    2 Answers. It is derived from 'travail' and obviously in olden times, travelling by sea being the 'real travel' involved lot of travails. The journey and experience, if not hardship, is what the word 'travel' encompasses. from travailen (1300) "to make a journey," originally "to toil, labor" (see travail ).

  14. What Can the History of Travel Tell Us About Its Future?

    Travel can take many forms — and not all of them involve physically leaving a certain place. That's one of the ideas at the core of Shahnaz Habib's thoughtful and thought-provoking new essay ...

  15. History of Travelling: How people started to travel

    However, when in the 1840s, an extensive network of railways was built, people started to travel for fun. Mid-19th century definitely marks a real beginning of modern tourism. It's the time when the middle class started to grow. And they have found a way to travel easily around Europe. It's coming by no surprise that the first travel agency ...

  16. A Brief History of Travel

    And this economy has been growing at a staggering rate throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1980 there were just over 280 million tourism arrivals around the globe. By 2018, there were an estimated 1.4 billion tourist arrivals, with the money spent on travel accounting for around 10.4% of global GDP. But it wasn't always like this.

  17. Origin of Travel

    The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the Old French word travail.[3] According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and …

  18. What Is the Etymological Origin of the Word 'Travel'?

    The etymological origin of the word travel is torture; these days, travel is anything but. Modern planes, like , make travelling to incredible destinations around the world, cost effective, people friengly, and fun. On October 1st, 2022, in North America, winter is coming. Now is as good a time as any to plan a trip to South America. Contact travel agency now.

  19. travel verb

    1 [intransitive, transitive] to go from one place to another, especially over a long distance to travel around the world I go to bed early if I'm traveling the next day. I love traveling by train. We always travel first class. We traveled to California for the wedding. When I finished college I went traveling for six months (= spent time visiting different places). travel something He traveled ...

  20. travel

    b) travel the world/country to go to most parts of the world or of a particular country 2 distance [ intransitive, transitive] to go a particular distance or at a particular speed travel at The train was travelling at 100 mph. They travelled 200 miles on the first day. 3 → well-travelled 4 news [ intransitive] to be passed quickly from one ...

  21. Travel Meaning: What You Need to Know About the Travel Industry

    Travel Meaning: What You Need to Know About the Travel Industry. Gain an understanding of the travel meaning, the history of the travel industry, and the main modes of transportation available.

  22. The Oxford Handbook of the History of Tourism

    Abstract. This handbook is currently in development, with individual articles publishing online in advance of print publication. At this time, we cannot add information about unpublished articles in this handbook, however the table of contents will continue to grow as additional articles pass through the review process and are added to the site ...

  23. The Evolution of Travel Agencies: A Historical Perspective

    The history of travel agencies is a compelling narrative that has witnessed significant transformations over the years. This article explores the evolution of travel agencies from their early beginnings to the present day, highlighting key milestones and shifts in the industry. Early Travel Arrangements:

  24. 10 Common Phrases Whose Original Meanings Were Different

    Original Meaning: The most likely origin of this phrase is from a scam of substituting a cat for a piglet in a bag at a market in the 1500s. If the buyer didn't check the bag before purchasing a ...

  25. Here's why Europe has some of the world's best passports for digital

    Switzerland came in first, with Ireland and Portugal following close behind in second and third places respectively. The Swiss passport was found to be the best for nomadsEuronews / Canva ...

  26. Money blog: The 'invisible' housing market that only super rich can

    The minimum wage is going up on 1 April - and on the face of it, for workers and their pockets, that can only be a good thing. But analysts at Capital Economics have warned "a clear risk" is the ...

  27. What is the meaning of the word Idaho?

    In conclusion, the meaning of the word "Idaho" is a story of how a made-up Native American-sounding word became the name of a state. While it may not have a specific meaning in any native language, the charm and beauty associated with the word have come to symbolize the natural wonders, cultural heritage, and rich resources of the state. As ...