travel mean

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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

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trav•el

• Like a chastity belt, the package tour keeps you out of mischief but a bit restive for wondering what you missed —Peg Bracken
• Like film critics, the guidebooks don’t always see eye to eye —Peg Bracken
• Like gin or plum pudding, travel is filling —Peg Bracken
• One’s travel life is basically as incommunicable as his sex life is —Peg Bracken
• A traveller without knowledge is a bird without wings —Sadi
• Travel light, like the prayers of Jews —Yehuda Amichai
• Travelling is almost like talking with men of three other centuries —Rene Descartes

Travel can be a verb or a noun. The other forms of the verb are travels , travelling , travelled in British English, and travels , traveling , traveled in American English.

If you make a journey to a place, you can say that you travel there.

When you travel , you go to several places, especially in foreign countries.

Travel is the act of travelling. When travel has this meaning, it is an uncountable noun.

When someone has made several journeys to different places, especially places a long way from their home, you can refer to these journeys as their travels .

Be Careful! Don't talk about ' a travel '. Instead you talk about a journey , a trip , or a voyage .

Other results

• travel light

Nearby words

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

What Does Travel Mean to You?

A few years ago, I went around the world and asked people what travel meant to them. As I travel the country on my current book tour and hear everyone’s reasons for travel, I’m reminded of that experience.

Travel means something different to every single person in the world.

There are a million and one reasons to travel. Many people travel the world to get the bug out of their system, or to check things off a list to say they’ve been there and done that. Some run to escape their problems. Some people travel simply to get drunk around the world.

For me, travel means many things. Travel is freedom . It’s about being able to do what I want and fill my day with excitement. Travel was an escape. Travel was “elsewhere”. That place where exciting things and people resided. It was escaping the Matrix to learn about the world, why people do what they do, and how they act. It’s about pushing myself to the limit and getting more comfortable in my own skin.

But I wondered what motivates other people to do the same.

I have my theories of course.

But I wanted to hear it from people directly.

So, during an extended trip, I asked people I met on the road one question:

“What does travel mean to you?”

And here is what they said:

I loved hearing everyone’s answers because it so accurately describes all the various reasons that push us to travel the world, learn about the people in it, and ourselves.

Now, tell me in the comments below:

What does travel mean to you?

Share what drives you.  

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Synonyms of travel

• as in to trek
• as in to traverse
• as in to fly
• as in to associate
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Thesaurus Definition of travel

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• peregrinate
• road - trip
• knock (about)
• perambulate
• pass (over)
• cut (across)
• proceed (along)
• get a move on
• make tracks
• shake a leg
• hotfoot (it)
• fast - forward

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hang (around or out)
• slow (down or up)
• collaborate
• take up with
• keep company (with)
• rub shoulders (with)
• fall in with
• pal (around)
• rub elbows (with)
• mess around
• be friends with
• interrelate
• confederate
• cold - shoulder

Thesaurus Definition of travel  (Entry 2 of 2)

• peregrination
• commutation

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Thesaurus Entries Near travel

Cite this entry.

“Travel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/travel. Accessed 27 Mar. 2024.

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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What Does Travel Mean To You?

Yesterday evening, I, along with my Wander Across Romania & Moldova tour group, arrived in Brasov, Romania. We checked into our guesthouse, threw our stuff in our rooms and decided to rest for a couple of hours. I ended up turning on my laptop and tried to get some work done, and I managed to reply to quite a lot of emails. At one point, though, I needed a break, so I went upstairs and walked out onto the balcony, a balcony that offers a panoramic view out over the Old City below, set so perfectly at the foot of the mountains, with the massive Black Cathedral so unmissable in the middle of the scene. I took a few deep breaths, inhaling that fresh Prahova Valley air, and before long I realized that, just as one of the members of my Romania tour had already stated within ten minutes of arriving in Brasov, “I could live here.”

And what if I did decide to move and live in Brasov? What if I stayed here permanently, perhaps for the rest of my life? I started thinking about this scenario, and while I knew perfectly well that I wasn’t actually going to move to Brasov for the rest of my life, these questions got me thinking about something else.

If I chose to live in one place all year round, albeit a place overseas, would I still be ‘traveling’?

I then began to think about the months ahead as well. Not only would I be here in Romania and Moldova, but in three weeks I will be heading to the US for a friend’s wedding. Is that traveling or is that just going ‘home’ for an event?

After the US, I’ll be off to India to meet my group for the Wander Across India tour in October. Is that travel? Some might think it’s ‘work’ since I’m leading the group around and not ‘traveling’ as they see it.

From India, I’ll head back to the US to visit my family for a couple of weeks. Again, is that heading ‘home’ or traveling? And after that trip, I’m quite certain I’ll plop down somewhere overseas for a couple of months and not move around much at all.

What is travel?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of travel is: to make a journey, typically of some length .

Some might agree with the simplicity of that definition, others might feel some extra clarification is needed. Either way, I think that definition is vague for a reason. Travel certainly means something different to everyone and whatever it may mean to you, that’s what it means. There is no right answer and naturally, there is no wrong.

Some might think you have to leave your own country to travel or you must be away for a certain period of time. Do you have to be visiting a place for pleasure or can it be for other reasons, such as visiting family or friends or to conduct some business? What if you take a cruise, are you traveling? What if you move overseas or live in one place for six months? What if you go abroad just to work, such as teaching English in a small town in Turkey or working for an international company in Singapore?

While out on that balcony yesterday, right about the time I finished a tall glass of beer, I realized that my own definition of travel is also quite simple.

To me, traveling is just going somewhere, anywhere, whether familiar or new. It doesn’t matter if it’s the next town over, a new country or a continent on the other side of the world. And I personally don’t think it matters if you’re gone for one day or one year or one decade. As long as you have even the slightest interest in the destination you’re visiting, and you’re open to learning about the places you visit and about yourself in the process, I think you’re traveling. It encompasses a great range of experiences, I know, but I personally don’t think the word ‘travel’ warrants a more complicated description.

And now, out of sheer curiosity, I’d be interested to know what travel means to many of you, to read your definitions in their infinite forms, based on your own individual ideas and experiences.

So, what does travel mean to you?

( Travel Tip – Over the past few days, I’ve received several emails asking which airfare search engines I personally use at the moment, so I thought I’d pass my experience along to everyone. This year, I have almost exclusively used Vayama.com , simply because they’ve consistently offered the cheapest fares no matter where I’ve been flying, often showing flights that other search engines don’t display. I’ve become a huge fan and for those who have met me in person lately, you’ll know that I always mention Vayama if the topic of flights ever comes up. Well worth checking out in my opinion. )

New blog posts, honest updates from my 21 years of constant travel, personal recommendations and the best of travel from around the world.

60 Comments

Vow, nicely written, good presentation of thoughts and yes good topic too. Keep writing and I will read your blogs

Hello Earl, That is the first time I get to have a look at your blog. That’s the first article I read, and it got me thinking as well. I have been travelling for some time too. I mean, not as much as you apparently, as I have been around places mainly to work, intern, or study. I did go to countries and cities to visit, when I got the chance. The idea of travelling got to me when I was in high school. I was thinking that travelling was the future for us, and that it would be necessary to be able to move around for work for example. But I also thought about travelling as a way to discover, meet new people, and see places that are unknown. I mean, travelling is just escaping the everyday life. You travel because you want to see something different, something you don’t know. You want to learn about differences, and stop being stuck in one place. Travelling is the freedom of the mind, and of the body. As a European, I saw travelling as something easy, as we can go to many countries in just a couple of hours of plane or a few hours by train. It is that easy to get out, and get in a new territory. I think travelling means experiencing, but also being a nomad. It is pretty cool to be able to go to other countries, but sometimes I think about travelling like something exhausting. We you can’t stay in one place for more than a year, have to pack again and again, to deal with transportation, costs, and leaving things and people behind, then it can become overwhelming. But it still is something crucial, something I would not give up for anything or anyone. Travelling is being lucky to be able to see something you have never seen before, and that you might never see again. Something that people who are close to you and who don’t have you chance, have the opportunity to travel through you and your memories. It is all about sharing, and I think that is the part that I like the most.

Travelling is difficult to define. It is so big! But it is something worth doing, right? 🙂 I loved your post, very insightful.

Best, Julie.

Travelling is being open to unusual situations/people to overcome your fears.

Such a great question. Obviously travelling is so diverse it could mean to just drive down the road or to fly around the world country hoping for years on end. For me I believe I am truly travelling when I am not settled. If I stay for over 2-3 months in a country I don’t consider myself travelling I would say i am living there for a short period and when I am to move on, that is when i start travelling again.

For example, if you were to live in Brasov, when you go back to the states i would consider that travelling. However that is just my opinion.

Hello Earl,

I recently read your entry (this one) on traveling and I would like to share my idea on what travel means to me.

The idea of traveling to me is to visit an area, whether local or overseas, that includes areas and activities that you love to see and do. For example, a place where I can call “travel” can be the local Central Catchment Area here in Singapore or as faraway as Kruger Park in South Africa, where I can photograph and record details on wildlife.

Although I may have never traveled as far as you, I had been able to journey to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and I enjoyed spending hours searching for creatures as small as colugos and parakeets, to creatures as large as monitors and hornbills! Even though I did not wander as far as you, the feeling of me “traveling” is there.

In conclusion, my idea on traveling is to go to places near or far, meeting amazing new people and things, learning new things and to just, you know, relax.

Hopefully, I’ll get to travel abroad and go to exotic locations such as Japan, Nairobi, Brazil, Sumatra and many more! I also hope to be as popular as you or any other blogger out there! Hopefully you’ll reply!

Hey KC – Thank you for sharing your definition of travel. And it makes perfect sense to me. I always think that travel doesn’t have to involve faraway international travel, it can simply involve experiences in your own part of the world as well. I certainly do hope though that you do have a chance to visit the places on your list one day as well!

Hi Earl , Traveling Means To Me Is Having A Freedom From Stress .. As If You Just Want To Have A Relax . Just Want Get Our From All The Stress At Work Or Even School . There May Be A Lot Of Differant Answer But Like As What You Say , There is No Wrong Or Right Answer ^^

Hi Matt, Obviously you’ve traveled many places around the world, but what about the United States? Have you explored your own country? There is so many beautiful things to see in this country, I’m wondering why there seems to be a lack of interest in traveling in the U.S.

Oops, I don’t know why I called you Matt lol. I meant Earl! Must be because I also follow Nomadic Matt’s travel blog. Sorry!

Hey Keri – There’s no lack of interest at all. The thing is that I’ve seen much of the US during my pre-international travel years. I think I’ve been to around 42 states or so. As a result, I now prefer to travel outside the country and see what I haven’t seen yet 🙂

Travel to me is a state of mind, being outside your comfort zone, exploring and discovering, trying all the flavours of life. It doesn’t need to involve a movement in physical distance, it can be mental. I spent 2011 traveling Europe and am currently spending 6 months in South America. Crucially I had a ‘YesMan’ year in 2010 where I made it a point to experience something new and go out everyday and say Yes to everything. I see no distinction between the three. Whilst it seems more exotic to be jetsetting around the globe. Feelings of adventure, being lost and making new friends can start at home. You just need to create the adventure.

Travel to me is opening my mind to new ideas and possibilities. It is a time for reflection and observation. Seated in a restaurant, how and what does the man sitting at the next table order? I find that when I travel, my mind does not rest. It keeps me curious and on my feet, constantly looking for a new idea to chew on to. I guess everyone relates to a familiar feeling of adrenaline rush of a new place. Having said that, traveling does not mean commuting to me, it actually means displacing yourself for a long-ish period of time till you start to identify with the place, get rid of the initial confusion of cultures and just when that feeling of having settled down, occurs – moving to a new place all over again. Yeah, traveling isn’t merely fun in my mind, it encompasses a lot more things and needs a willing mind above all!

Travel to me is a freedom from daily life hassle and regular people. When I travel I get a chance to meet people of different culture and religions which help in understanding their views. The more I travel the more I become greedy to visit different places.

This is an interesting topic, and one that seems to crop up quite a lot amongst travelers; when are we ‘traveling’, when are we ‘home’, and when are we ‘living’? My friend, and fellow travel blogger, Sherrydane Abroad actually wrote a really interesting piece on the topic the other day, after a rather introspective conversation over a pint of beer about ‘how we define home’.

I personally define travel as movement, perhaps in a rather vague direction, away from somewhere I’ve been. What I actually find harder to define, are the moments when we are not traveling. Particularly when people ask the “Where are you from?” question.

When people do this now, if I happen to be in the same place as my best friend and traveling translator Tuncay Kurt, his first reaction is always to leap in and tell the naive enquirer “Planet Earth!” – as where I am from is not where I live. Of portuguese, spanish, greek and catalan heritage, born in London, lived traveling around Spain and the UK, and age 17 moved to Brazil – alone. In fact, the longest time I have stayed in one place is Rio de Janeiro in Brazil – and these days I do tend to respond with a vague “I live in Brazil, in Rio”.

So I ask you Earl, where are you from, and/or where do you live?

Hey Sarah – I always say I’m from the US, originally from Boston. As for where do I live, I just reply that I’ve been living, working and traveling outside of the US since 1999 and that I don’t actually live in one place 🙂

Wandering around an completely unfamiliar area mapless, taking in the things that capture my attention. Tasting new foods, and allowing the sensations to wash over my tastebuds. To observe people in my destinations go about their daily lives, and trying to imagine myself in their shoes, and what they are talking about, in spite of any language barrier. To float in a tropical sea, as the hot air on my exposed side contrasts with the mild coolness of the azure ocean. All of these are at the heart of traveling for me.

Home is where I pay my rent. That is currently Japan and when I curl up on my futon on the floor I am home. Going back to Wales is travelling to my hometown, and travelling around Japan is just that. If I have a bike and a tent then the tent is my home. Everything else is travel.

I think this is a really interesting question and I have thought a lot about it. I have a full time job and so I only have a few weeks of the year in which I am able to “travel” in the traditional sense of the word, i.e. away from home. So I have to try to travel at home, and capture the same feeling of freedom and adventure that travelling to new places gives me. For me, that is all about being open to new experiences, making a conscious effort not just to fall into familiar routines (e.g. eating or drinking in the same places), and trying to look upon familiar places with fresh eyes. I remember once I saw a couple taking a photo of a bus stop. I scoffed at them a bit as I walked past before I realised that the bus stop displayed a print of Andy Warhol’s Campbells Soup. I had walked past this bus stop every single day without noticing, and I only realised it was there when looking at it from the perspective of people travelling. I now try to keep my eyes open and experience my home as if it was somewhere new. In that way, I can feel as if I am travelling all year round.

Travel for me means just getting out of the house and seeing and experiencing something new. I’ve had to put my long term travel plans on hold due to an illness the past two weeks, but yesterday I was able to drive 45 miles to a Civil War Battlefield and Graffiti House. I consider that short jaunt traveling because I was able to get out of the house and see something I have never seen before. To me travel is all about experiencing something new, no matter how big or small.

Travel – for me it’s all about the metaphorical “grass.” Do they have grass there? What color is it, what’s the texture, how does it smell, who eats the grass? *grin*

I think this is something that comes to mind for everyone. The answer is that what travel means differs with each and every person. We might agree with one another on a definition but in general we all have our own…theory? Mine is that the technicality of where we are doesn’t count for much, it’s more home is where your heart is and if your hearts in your shoes you’ll be traveling everywhere you set foot. More or less. I have three places in the world I call ‘home’ now after traveling only a year.

People or individuals are what give travel meaning. To some, it’s feeding their curiosity of what they’ve heard or read about. To others, it’s simply trying out new things the way others do it. Still, there are others who travel to broaden their networks. Personally, it’s about getting lost and being a stranger. That way, I keep both feet on the ground but my sights reach far beyond the horizon.

I don’t think we should define travel with a quantified amount of time, or what experience they seek. To each their own =). I live a rather nomadic life but can’t take in too many surreal experiences at once, I’ll burn out. I move around and settle down for a few months to a year then go again.

We can probably all agree that generally, travel makes the world a better place. As long as we do it responsibly with an open mind, then it shouldn’t be too big of a deal to define what travel really means!

Great post! I have just come across your blog for the first time; I think I’ll subscribe. I like your philosophical approach; it got me thinking while I burn up in my house because the fires in Yosemite National Park are killing the O2….

For me there are many answers to this question, “What does travel mean to you,” but right now travel means understanding, or questioning geopolitical situations. For example parts of the world that make the news, i.e. Syria seemed distant and interpreted in a certain color before I went there. Now that I have friends there, memories, and a better understanding of the complexity of the place, the mainstream media looks a bit silly and under equipped in telling its story.

Travel is the great leveler of black and white. I’d love to have a beer with you since you’ve been on the road so long and I’m sure have much to say. Enjoy Brasov!

Best, Peter

Brasov is the place that gave me my travel bug. I went there in 1989 before the revolution. I was 13 at the time and went skiing with my school. I would love to return one day and find my crazy ski instructor who plied us with schnapps every morning!!

This is a tricky one… travel is different for each of us. For some it’s a vacation, in a resort by a beach, all expenses paid. For others it’s not *travel* unless it involves some degree of risk, lots of unidentifiable food and a completely incomprehensible language. I think we each define travel for ourselves.

For me – travel is about getting to know a place, taking time, having local experiences, immersion in sights, sounds, and smells, learning a language, losing your way, making new connections, finding a rhythm, fostering understanding, returning again, slipping into new lives – if only for awhile. Travel, for me, is the infinite whatever.

I explore the reasons why I travel here: https://takingtotheopenroad.com/the-infinite-whatever/

I think the word travel could be more complex to a traveller, like the Eskimos have 48 words for snow so the traveller should have varying degrees of travel.

Back in the 1980’s I use to travel for 6 or more months every year, I would work all hours in my brother’s café in summer and take off somewhere warmer in Winter. I would do a bit of work while away if needed, a moshav/kibbutz, or some labouring like apple picking in New Zealand which no only helps the finances it is a great way of meeting locals on their own terms. In these times we just wanted to distinguish ourselves from holiday makers as we would try to blend in with the locals rather then expecting to find the things enjoyed at home. I did the first 6 months with 3 other friends but in later years I use to like travelling alone as it was the only way to really get to know locals and other travellers as it made you open to be approached where as being with someone you seemed to miss everything by sitting together in bars and restaurants. Some times it is cheaper to get a room when there are two of you but on the whole it was ok I would often find a free place to doss down like a beach or an old building or toilet block. Not sure it is so easy today but in the 80’s when I was in my 20’s it didn’t bother me, in Australia in 4 months I only paid for 1 night in Canberra in a youth hostel, most of the other times I was camping in National parks or with friends, as a come stay with me when you are in England sort of arrangement.

Now I have a house and a wife it is not easy to go travelling so we take holidays which I didn’t think I would ever do 30 years ago but things change, maybe I will go travelling again when we retire, again this could be in a very different form as I don’t think I would be sleeping rough anymore. I love the idea that with the internet you could earn as you travel nowadays, my wife and I are web designers working from home anyhow so it doesn’t actually matter that much where we are based.

I agree going back to places you have enjoyed makes a lot of sense and as you say you always find new things to you may have missed first time and things change. The old adage about never going back to place in case it is not so good should be ignored, if you enjoyed seeing first time it is often even better next time as you know what to expect. Of course seeing new countries is always very exciting and I would often go without any pre planning as I found following the old ‘on a shoestring’ books were pretty good but you would then tend to follow a well trodden trail of other travellers with the same book going to the same places. So not having any guidebooks helped to take a unique path and there were always local tourist offices if you wanted to check if there was anything special in the area.

Travelling is wonderfully complex, from hitch hiking, motor bike, trains, boats, planes they are all interesting and doing some work, staying put or moving on they are all just part of the wonderful tapestry of life and travel. I believe my 10 years of travelling taught me more then my 10 years in school and I learnt to relate and get along with people from all over the World so I think it was the best thing I ever did.

Happy wanderings Earl I look forward to reading your stories for years to come and maybe one day I will meet you on the road and exchange some more views with you

I ever pondered about this question too! If you move away from your original home and move somewhere semi-permanently, does it count as travelling or going back.

Given that I have been living on a dot on the map my whole life, to me travelling is getting anywhere with my passport being stamped.

The beauty of travel abroad is, that it has enhanced my appetite to see more of my own country as well (for a long time I never considered this ‘real’ travel).

It’s now with excitement that I look forward to getting over to Ningaloo Reef or the Kimberley, where once it would have just been a poor substitute to a trip abroad.

Travel has also given me a great appreciation for how big my home (Australia) truly is, as New Zealand aside, nowhere is closer than a 6 hour plane flight from here in Melbourne.

It really is a wonderful world!

Oddly I was talking about this a few weeks ago with Kent of http://www.thedromomaniac.com and referenced your site in the discussion (specifically the ‘days on the road’ counter). I tend to agree that time in the US, even in your hometown when you’ve been gone for a long time, can be ‘traveling’ in the sense of exploring with new eyes. If that can be the case at home, then how could you possibly discount anywhere else on the planet?

I began a slow travel about a year ago. I drove cross-country to the SF Bay area, but within a week went down to San Luis Obispo for a work-trade opportunity. I spent 3 or so months there before coming back to the Bay Area, where I’ve been for 6 months. I still live nomadically – about two-six weeks in one place through housesitting, work-exchanges, etc., and camping in between – but have chosen to see each location I visit slowly. I love it. I have enough time here to find all the best spots for food, music, attend local festivals and art shows, and enough of a base to explore all the funky spots of the surrounding cities and the beautiful nature so close by. I plan to use this same mode of travel when I head to South America in January.

Funny, I was thinking about my ‘could-have-been’ life and asked myself, do I want to settle in one place, abroad or in my home country, or do I want to be on the road constantly? I realized I want both: to have a place I call home but have the opportunity to take trips several times in a year. So I guess traveling for me is leaving my home for a period of time while knowing I have a permanent place to return to.

Thanks Earl!

great question, and one I feel like other people aren’t asking. We move and travel at the same time. There is no “home” to go back to. We tend to live somewhere about a year and then move/travel to a new place. We also take trips from where ever we are living. There are many questions I have a hard time answering – where are you from? how long will you be there? is this a trip or are you moving there? I feel disconnected from many people because they are more concerned w things that involve living somewhere for a long time. I’m not exactly travelling – I think of it as nomadic living.

travelling to me is movement….physically,emotionally and energetically. travelling down the street is travel if i am open to that journey….travel to different cultures is a big movement within myself that offers me access to different parts of myself….ahhh its challenging,fun,ordinary and sometimes scary Ax

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes.” – That sums up pretty much what travel means to me, so regardless of going back to my home country, going to another town or venturing to other side of the city could be an adventure or a form of travel for me. It also depends on what experience you choose or seek with each trip 🙂

Hey Lan – That’s as good of a description of travel as I’ve seen. It matches what I believe as well.

I find myself very close to Kle’s, the previous, definition of travelling. I come alive when I move, I come more alive when I’m going to a place I’ve never been before and even more alive when that place is farther or a new country or continent. It is a mix of moving a new that I call travelling. For me it’s mostly an experience of the senses… the very first thing I notice when I land in a new place is a mood, an atmosphere … then it starts getting more concrete, for the eyes or for the mind and so on.

On the other hand… the complete opposite hand I would say 🙂 India and Nepal changed completely my definition of travelling. I found it much more rewarding just sitting put in the same place and doing as little as possible than running aroung trying to see and try all sorts of things that come with a new country. I fet that that I understood much more about their culture and way of living doing that, namely nothing, than running around through that huge country with so many “attractions”.

So from cultural/discovery/learning new stuff about the word and yourself point of view travelling pretty much means “when in Rome, act like the romans” and some times this means doing absolutely contrary that any guide book or traveller would tell you.

Or at least it does for me…

After 17 years far away from home, for me traveling means going from point a to point b. There is of course the discovery of a new place but i never feel more alive or satisfied than when im on the road, looking at the infinite sequence of landscapes from my window seat. That’s why i don’t like planes and i take buses and trains whenever possible. When im moving phisically my senses are sharpened and my mind is clearer than ever. It feels like i’m moving both inside and outside. A difficult feeling to explain really. Travel is a movement of the soul for me. Without that i find it “empty”.

Great question Earl! I was just talking to a friend yesterday about my own tendency to seek to think like a local person (and not move around that much) when I come somewhere for a stated purpose, as opposed to my tendency to try to see a lot while “traveling.” Even (or perhaps because) of living abroad in Ireland for four years and Korea for two years I’ve probably gone out of my way to see new locations only a half dozen time in each one, because my focus has been on getting to know them by staying put. I wouldn’t call that not traveling though.

So between my conversation with my friend and your post, maybe my definition of travel has to do with trying to explore and understand places as opposed to trying to see myself as part of them. What this makes me think is that really our best self is being open to things, rather than trying to shape them to us and us to them. So maybe that’s my definition of travel, being open to new things and not attached them.

I love your definition, Earl. Nice and simple!

I think the word travel, can encompass anything. You can travel down the street, or you can travel around the world. It doesn’t really matter what the word means, I think it just matters about how you feel about it. I think a bigger question might be, when was the last time you took a vacation? From my understanding, a vacation is doing something different than your usual routine for a while so you can be refreshed. It could be something that is very relaxing, OR it could be something stressful (but hopefully exciting). As long as it breaks the routine, it IS somewhat of a vacation. So here’s somewhat of an ironic question, (Ironic because you do for a living what most people do for vacation) When was the last time you had a vacation? lol

Hey Katie – I took a vacation last summer when I went to a town called Ulcinj, Montenegro for 10 days, strictly to be offline and relax and nothing else. I didn’t partake in any activities apart from going to the beach, reading and sleeping and it was exactly what I needed at the time…might need another one in a couple of months!

I think of travelling as an impermanent state: You’re planning to go, you’re en route, you’ve arrived, you’re visiting, you’re leaving (and maybe en route to the next destination)… There are as many ways to travel as there are people: moving rapidly from one destination to another or, my preferred way, slow travel where you get a chance to catch your breath, meet people and take in the sights and surroundings. Anita @ No Particular Place To Go

And happy 5,000 consecutive days on the road this Sunday, Earl.

Thank you Christian…I didn’t even notice that myself!

It’s to return to where I come from—either intermittently or permanently—and see it with new eyes.

Hey, I have been wondering the same thing. I live in South Korea and have been here for 4 years. Is this traveling? I really don’t feel like it is, so I was surprised when I was asked to do a post about my travels of “living abroad.” I think ever since I did that post about my experiences here, I have to agree with you. It is almost a state of mind, even if it is just the town over. Of course, there is a bigger rush if it is a city or country that is completely new…and like always… the more different the better. But overall, I agree that it is definitely up to a person to decide, as long as you are willing to GO SOMEWHERE.

BTW, these wandering earl tours are something I have dreamed of being in charge of myself some day…maybe when I get to as many countries as you. I am curious though, do you visit a new country with the groups, or do you already have info of the place?

Hey Julio – All of my tours are to countries that I am already very familiar with.

Very good question – I had to write a paper on the definition of “tourist” and “immigrant” once; and it’s a similar sort of dilemma. Even words such as “to live” become a little unclear – how long do you have to spend somewhere for you to “live” there?

A similar question is “holiday” vs. “travelling”. I’m currently doing a three-week trip around Eastern Europe (I’ll be in Brasov myself before long, but am currently in Belgrade!) – and some people have said that I’m “on holiday”. But “holiday” is the last word that comes to mind for me!

Interesting post, Earl.

It’s up for debate Earl that’s for sure. I consider myself as having been travelling for 10 years now, mostly because I have never stayed in the same place for longer than 4 months during those 10 years without at least going away for a few days to another city, town or country. I left my home country (Northern Ireland) in 2003 and have been travelling ever since. Until I become completely stationery in one place, I will always be a traveller. However in those 10 years, I have used 5 places as my “base” at points, including one town in England where I spent a lof of time in between my backpacking jaunts. Though even while at those bases, I was always away travelling any time off work I had! Another way I look at it is someone who doesnt have a set mortgage/flat etc. I could move anywhere I want at the drop of a hat. Safe travels. Jonny

That’s a great question! I’ve lived away from “home” for so long that I do call it traveling when I go visit. But I also call it going home. I don’t call it traveling when I go to places that are a mere 2-3 hours away by car. Living in Los Angeles, if I go to the other side of downtown it’s like I’m traveling since it’s a completely different culture there. I agree with your definition of travel. For me, apparently, a better question might be “what does home mean to you.”

Hey Erin – That is a good question about the meaning of ‘home’. I’ve asked myself this all the time and don’t really have a concrete answer. I always say I’m from Boston in the US even though I rarely go there any more and most of my family and friends have moved away, but it’s where I grew up and I don’t really have any other place to ‘hold onto’ I guess.

Hey Erin – That’s a good question about the meaning of ‘home’. I’ve asked myself this all the time and don’t really have a concrete answer. I always say I’m from Boston in the US even though I rarely go there any more and most of my family and friends have moved away, but it’s where I grew up and I don’t really have any other place to ‘hold onto’ I guess.

For me traveling is discovering new things and new places. I like to find out how life is in different places. What is part of every day routine. Understand why people do what they do especially when it is very different to what I already know. It can also be I travel more then once to the same place because I like learn more about the place and people.

Traveling is lot about learning and with that extending my horizon and my cultural understanding.

I used to think that “travelling” meant going abroad and didn’t take any of the trips within my own country seriously. But I’ve changed my perspective on this a little since having travelled to the DPRK. I now realize how lucky I am to just be able to take a train and go to a different city whenever I feel like it. So now, I see this as “travelling” as well. Even if it’s on business, or to see family.

And maybe my view of the difference between travelling and living somewhere is simplistic, but I think as soon as you rent an apartment and stay somewhere for a month or longer, you live there, and if you’re still in a hotel or any other kind of temporary accomodation, you are travelling.

Traveling is what every person makes of it. I see ”life” it self as a journey, that may be your whole life in your home country, but you did things, learned things, met people along the way (your life, your journey, your travels). So life is one big ”travel”, if that is on the other side of the world, or in your home town, village with no more then your friends and family. To me it is exploring, a life lesson and educate myself with new cultures and people, where ever on this planet!

(To me) traveling or in general anything without an objective is a futile effect. Traveling undoubtedly opens us to a broader perspective of life, to understand new dimensions of life, which otherwise quite difficult to explain. It also means socializing in an educated way (solo traveling), but in the end there must be a fixed objective that always adds certain juice in wandering.

You are wanderer in true sense, seeing lots of people, variety of landscapes, so you’ve obviously found something that motivates you to travel for such a long time. Personally, traveling in a way a spiritual experience where I think less of my material perspective and more on Self. This is very complicated in a sense from a third angle view, but simple when I travel alone.

This is not so simple subject to deal with. It takes a whole spectrum of the individuality to really understand ‘Why Travel?’

I think there’s a difference between vacationing and traveling. I’ve done both. I’ve taken paid-time-off at work, tooled around Europe or Egypt or Mexico for a few weeks, then come back and settled back into my home, with apartment and job and friends waiting for me upon my return. That, to me, is a vacation. I’ve also given it all up…quit the job, left the apartment, sold all my stuff, and just went until the money I’d saved ran out. That, on the other hand, is travel. There has to be some amount of letting go of what is at home in order to really be fully engaged and immersed in the places you visit. At least that is what I think.

Travel to me is about new experiences and new memories. Surrounding yourself with something unfamiliar and gaining a new perspective.

Travel is my life. =]

Interesting topic. I myself will be staying put in Bangkok for the next 4 months, but I still see myself as ‘travelling’ as I’m not at home. My girlfriend and I have decided to live in the cheaper cities and holiday to the more expensive ones for now, but we are still going to be hopping around SE Asia.

Travel to me is being mobile. I’d still classify myself as a traveller if I lived in Ireland for a while, and my home country is right next door!

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What Does the Word “Travel” Mean to You?: Inspirational Travel Quotes from Around the World

Posted by Candice Gaukel Andrews | Sep 24, 2015 | Travel Tales

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”—Henry Miller. ©Eric Rock

Well-known travel writer Pico Iyer once wrote that “Travel for me is all about transformation, and I’m fascinated by those people who really do come back from a trip unrecognizable to themselves and perhaps open to the same possibilities they’d have written off not a month before.”

I’m sure you, as an avid nature and adventure traveler, can relate to that feeling of metamorphosis that happens when you go on a great trip. Somehow, travel seems to open you up to possibilities: it makes you question your long-held beliefs, challenges your worldviews, stretches your heart and stirs your soul.

Below, I’ve gathered together a few quotes about travel from some famous and not-so-famous people. All of them finish the phrase “Travel is … ” (or a close approximation). I hope you’ll use these reflections to inspire your own, one-sentence definition of travel. Then, let us know what you came up with by posting  your creation in the comments section at the end of this piece.

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.”—Hilaire Belloc. ©Eric Rock

Travel is an instigator for personal growth

1. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”—Mark Twain

2. “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”—Miriam Beard

3. “[To] travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”—Aldous Huxley

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”—St. Augustine. ©Eric Rock

4. “Travel is like a giant blank canvas, and the painting on the canvas is only limited by one’s imagination.”—Ross Morley

5. “[To] travel is to take a journey into yourself.”—Danny Kaye

6. “Travel, like dreams, is a door that opens from the real world into a world that is yet to be discovered.”—Guy de Maupassant

7. “Travel[ing] is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.’ ”—Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

“I love to travel, but hate to arrive.”—Albert Einstein. ©Eric Rock

8. “Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage.”—Paulo Coelho

9. “Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.”—Francis Bacon

10. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”—Anonymous

11. “Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.”—Pico Iyer

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.”—Henry David Thoreau. ©Eric Rock

Travel is a complicated undertaking

1. “Travel is the only context in which some people ever look around. If we spent half the energy looking at our own neighborhoods, we’d probably learn twice as much.”—Lucy R. Lippard

2. “Travel[ing] is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes.”—Jan Myrdal

3. “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.”―Paul Theroux

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”—Tim Cahill. ©Eric Rock

4. “Travel is the most private of pleasures. There is no greater bore than the travel bore. We do not in the least want to hear what he has seen in Hong Kong.”—Vita Sackville-West

5. “Travel is impossible, but daydreaming about travel is easy.”—B. J. Novak

6. “Travel is very subjective. What one person loves, another loathes.”—Robin Leach

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.”—Pat Conroy. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

Travel is life

I like to think that travel is so much more than the simple act of getting from here to there. Again, as Pico Iyer writes, “A traveler is really not someone who crosses ground so much as someone who is always hungry for the next challenge and adventure.” Perhaps Hans Christian Anderson puts it most simply and eloquently: “To travel is to live.”

What does the word travel mean to you? Let me know in the comments section below by completing the phrase: “Travel is … .”

I can’t wait to be transported by your thoughts.

Here’s to finding your true places and natural habitats,

About The Author

Candice Gaukel Andrews

A multiple award-winning author and writer specializing in nature-travel topics and environmental issues, Candice has traveled around the world, from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica, and from New Zealand to Scotland's far northern, remote regions. Her assignments have been equally diverse, from covering Alaska’s Yukon Quest dogsled race to writing a history of the Galapagos Islands to describing and photographing the national snow-sculpting competition in her former home state of Wisconsin. In addition to being a five-time book author, Candice's work has also appeared in several national and international publications, such as "The Huffington Post" and "Outside Magazine Online."

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love this post, really travel has many ways of broadening and changing our perspective

You travel either for obligatory reasons or out of your own free will. In the first case it may be boring and will be remembered as such. In the second case all suffering is quickly forgotten and replaced by the original expectations.

The quotes here are lovely, and meaningful. But to me, the word ‘travel’ is very casual. I don’t divide the world into two parts: where I normally live, and then all the rest of it. To me, there is a seamless continuum from my front porch to my local grocery store to Athens to Lagos to Calcutta to Vientiane to Moscow, and all are entertaining, enlightening and amusing. There is no difference between “travel” to Costco or to any of those places – or any other place – on earth, except for whether or not I take a change of underwear, my passport and a toothbrush.

As my mother always told me, travel is the best investment: It always yields a return (even if not always the one you expect), and afterwards it can neither be stolen from you nor taxed away.

“adventure! “

Oh, the quotes above are so beautifully expressed, all I can do is underscore each and every one of them.

I agree with you, Mary. They certainly are inspiring. Thanks for your comment! —C.G.A.

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What is sustainable travel? Here's everything you need to know.

Back to basics: sustainable travel

Travel that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities .

What does that mean in practical terms?

Traveling & the environment.

" On our journey to Net Zero, precise, granular emissions data is really helpful to Aesop —because before we can act, we need to know what to focus on.  Working with Travelperk has enabled us to understand our travel emission hotspots much better and map out the changes we can make that will have the biggest impact ."

• By replacing short journeys with trains instead of planes to reduce carbon emissions (in fact, our data shows that 1kg of C02 emitted by a train journey is equivalent to 22kg of C02 emitted by a flight journey). That's actually become a legal requirement in countries like France recently, with the UK and Germany soon to follow suit.
• Through carbon offsetting initiatives that have a positive impact on the environment and local communities. We're proud of our carbon offsetting projects at TravelPerk— check them out here !
• With travel industry players making decisive moves in the right direction. RyanAir, for example, has pledged to dispose of all single-use plastics in the next 5 years. InterContinental Hotels Group and Marriott International are completely phasing out single-use plastic toiletries bottles.
• With airlines looking for alternate sources of energy. Qantas, for example, has conducted pan-Pacific flights using a 10% biofuel blend as an alternative to the fossil fuels that are currently commonplace.

Social & economic dimension of sustainable travel

What technology and trends are emerging to help travel become more sustainable?

Wrapping up

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My Tour Operator Is a B Corp. What Does That Mean? Should I Care?

A growing number of travel operators are undergoing the B Corp certification process, which can offer insight into a company’s environmental and social initiatives.

By Sophie Stuber

Tanya Dohoney has worked on sustainability initiatives for decades. A retired attorney from Texas now living in Paris, she even started the recycling program for her workplace. When it comes to travel, she also values environmentally and socially responsible companies, which led her to choose Intrepid Travel , a certified B Corp company, for a tour in Morocco in 2019.

The sheer number of sustainability certifications for the travel and tourism industry is almost overwhelming and certainly confusing. Certified B Corp enterprises must meet standards set by B Lab , a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit founded in 2006 that awards for-profit companies with certifications for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. It can take years — and thousands of dollars — to achieve this accreditation. Globally, there are only 62 certified B Corps in the travel industry and 76 in accommodation and hospitality.

“When you see the B Corp logo, I know it’s been at least semi-vetted,” Ms. Dohoney, 64, said. “I do worry about greenwashing, but you have to start somewhere.”

Other travelers, increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of their planes, trains, food waste and more, feel the same way, and a growing number of travel operators are undergoing the B Corp certification process, joining multimillion dollar brands like Patagonia and Athleta, to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Aurora Expeditions , a small ship tour operator focused on polar travel, became certified in 2024, joining other travel companies like the lodging company Sawday’s , and tour companies Selective Asia and Byway . But Hayley Peacock-Gower, Aurora’s chief marketing officer, said the company has focused on sustainable travel since its inception.

“Much of this work we were already doing, but we have now committed to much more accountability and made a legal agreement to sustainability,” she said, adding that Aurora also amended the company’s constitution and formalized internal policies as part of the B Corp process.

What’s the certification process?

Companies are scored on five criteria — governance, workers’ rights, community impact, environmental impact and “stewardship of its customers” — and must achieve an assessment score of 80 or above to pass B Lab’s “Impact Assessment.” Once approved, a company must pay an annual fee based on gross annual revenue and location. For U.S.-based enterprises, this ranges from $2,000 for companies with under $500,000 in gross annual revenue to $50,000 for companies with revenue from $750,000 to $1 billion. (Some organizations, like those owned by women or veterans, can also qualify for discounted fees .)

“B Corp certification offers tourists confidence that they’re visiting and using providers that are responsible,” said Jorge Fontanez, chief executive at B Lab for the United States and Canada.

With more than 2,909 employees, Intrepid Travel is the largest B Corp in the travel industry, earning its certification in 2018.

“When there is so much green fatigue and so many certifications, it’s really hard to discern what’s best,” said Mikey Sadowski, Intrepid’s vice president of global communication. “We felt that B Corp really did have this disproportionate edge and level of trust.”

To meet B Corp standards, Intrepid, which offers trips in 120 countries on seven continents, focuses on initiatives like hiring local guides, sourcing local ingredients and materials, and reducing carbon emissions by planning train-based itineraries — instead of using air transit — when possible.

The Australia-based company recently completed its B Corp re-certification, which in 2024 includes an annual fee of 51,750 Australian dollars ($33,625) and another 900 Australian dollars ($585) for a submission fee, Mr. Sadowski said. For their original certification in 2018, the company also paid a one-time verification fee of 14,500 Australian dollars ($9,573).

Who gets left out?

While this certification can offer insights into a company’s environmental and social initiatives — and perhaps maximize profits, by winning the business of like-minded travelers — these tours and accommodations are often geared toward customers with deep pockets.

For budget travelers or those of less economic means, it can be challenging to find affordable travel companies with B Corp certifications.

“The reality is, B Corps generally skew to the luxury side of the market. And the idea of having any B Corp hostels, for example, is very rare,” said Nick Pinto, a 31-year-old Colorado-based marketing manager who spends several months a year working and traveling abroad.

Mr. Pinto calls himself a “budget conscious traveler” and has found he’s priced out of B Corp accommodations.

“It’s tricky because you want programs like B Corp to be inclusive to create a broader movement,” he said. Mr. Pinto recently spent several weeks in Mexico, but had noted that there were only two certified B Corp hotels in the country.

A third company, Hoteles BF , has since been certified.

What other certifications are out there?

Plenty, along with guidelines, verifications and “ecostars.” The last, a certification doled out by the for-profit Ecostars , evaluates hotels’ environmental impact per visitor stay. This certification, free to receive and apply for, is a fully digital process that takes two days on average to receive. Other certifications gauge sustainability efforts for short-term accommodations, tour groups and other subsectors of the travel industry.

To receive certification from the 1% for the Planet nonprofit, which was co-founded by the Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews, of Blue Ribbon Flies, a fly-fishing outfitter, member companies must commit to donating 1 percent of their gross proceeds to environmental organizations. Annual dues start at $500.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council nonprofit, which includes among its members government tourism boards, travel companies, tour operators and N.G.O.s, vets sustainability certificates.

Organizations also rely on guidelines and resolutions issued by the United Nations as part of the entity’s sustainable development agenda . The guidelines call for biodiversity and climate action initiatives, as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy usage in accommodations. Courses and webinars, which are free to enroll in and to view, charge a per-course fee of 49 euros ($53) if a user wants to complete assignments and receive a certificate of completion.

Many tour operators and travel companies have additionally announced efforts to reach net carbon neutrality, but carbon offsets have been shown to rarely capture or reduce real emissions, or reduce future emissions. The tour operator Run the Alps used to offset the flight emissions for travelers coming to its tours, but the company is re-evaluating the practice.

“Offsetting is not the panacea we hoped it was,” said Hillary Gerardi, the sustainability director at Run the Alps. “We’re trying to move from being good to doing good, which means beyond reducing our footprint, we’re trying to leave some positive impact in our community.”

The tour operator is a member of 1% for the Planet and works with the local research center and citizen-science organizer, CREA Mont Blanc .

But even when a travel company is committed to sustainability, B Corp certification can be a big ask for smaller operations.

“We’re entirely aligned with B Corp status, but up until this year, we were a really tiny company. The certification and process would have been too onerous,” said Doug Mayer, the company’s founder.

But with the company’s growth, Mayer is considering taking the step.

“I can see it coming up for us,” he said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

Definition of 'travel'

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Unlock the Secrets of Flying Coach: Meaning, Tips & Insider Insights

E ver felt like navigating the world of air travel requires its own dictionary? One term that often pops up, especially for budget-savvy travelers, is "flying coach". But what does it really mean, and how can you make the most out of your coach experience ? Let's dive in, dispel some myths, and uncover some hidden gems of flying in the economy class.

• Flying coach refers to the economy class of an airplane, combining affordability with basic amenities.
• Recent trends show a rise in "premium economy" seats, offering a middle ground between comfort and cost.
• Travel writer Paul Theroux once noted the social distinction felt when flying coach, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of air travel.
• Insider tips and a bit of humor can transform your coach experience into a delightful journey.

The Great Coach Conundrum: Decoding Air Travel's Economy Class

In the grand tapestry of air travel, flying coach is often painted with a broad brush of misconceptions. The term itself harks back to a simpler time, when travel classes were as straightforward as "first" and "not first".

Today, " flying coach " embodies the spirit of economy class travel - where the essence of adventure meets the reality of budget constraints.

The Evolution of Coach: From Spartan to Spruced Up

Did you know that the concept of coach class has been around for decades, yet it's constantly evolving? Once a no-frills way to fly, today's coach class often surprises with unexpected perks and improvements.

Airlines, in a bid to cater to changing consumer tastes, have introduced options like " premium economy ", blurring the lines between austerity and opulence.

The Paul Theroux Perspective: A Candid Look at Coach Class Culture

Travel luminary Paul Theroux once quipped about the social stratification evident in the flying experience. His words shed light on an unspoken truth: the journey matters as much as the destination , and how we're treated along the way can color our perceptions of travel.

Flying Coach: A Canvas of Possibilities

Contrary to popular belief, flying economy doesn't have to be a tale of woe. With a dash of creativity and some well-chosen strategies, the coach can be more than just bearable; it can be downright enjoyable. Beyond the basic tips for improving your flight, delving into the nuances of what makes a coach experience memorable can unveil a world of travel hacks that even seasoned voyagers might not know.

Secrets to a Superior Coach Experience

• Seat Selection Savvy: Did you know that not all coach seats are created equal? Arm yourself with seat maps and expert forums to snag that coveted extra-legroom spot. Some travelers swear by exit rows for the generous leg space, while others prefer the quiet of a window seat far from the lavatories. Understanding the layout of the plane can significantly enhance your comfort in the air.
• Snack Hacks: Bypass the bland airplane food by packing your gourmet treats. It's a simple touch that can add a dash of luxury to your journey. Think beyond the typical sandwich and chips; consider bringing compact, non-perishable items like fine cheeses, artisanal bread, or even a small charcuterie board. Remember, the goal is to elevate your experience with flavors you love.
• Entertainment Essentials: Don't rely solely on the in-flight selection. Load up your device with binge-worthy shows and tunes to keep the good vibes rolling. Consider also downloading podcasts, e-books, or even language learning apps to turn your flight time into an opportunity for personal enrichment.
• Comfort Kits: Create your own amenity kit with items such as a high-quality travel pillow, a soft eye mask, earplugs, and maybe even a pair of comfy socks or slippers. It’s these little personal touches that can make your coach experience feel more first-class.
• Stay Hydrated and Refreshed: The dry cabin air can take a toll, so bring a reusable water bottle to fill up after security. A small facial mist or moisturizer can also work wonders in keeping you feeling refreshed throughout your flight.

The Rise of Premium Economy: A Game-Changer?

As travelers yearn for more comfort without breaking the bank, the emergence of premium economy seats has been a welcome innovation. This class cleverly bridges the gap between the spartan confines of traditional coach and the lavish expanse of business class.

Offering more space, better service, and additional perks, this class is redefining what it means to fly coach. From wider seats and more legroom to enhanced meal services and priority boarding, premium economy is tailored for those looking to upgrade their travel experience without the steep price tag of business class. It's an especially attractive option for long-haul flights where the extra comfort can significantly impact your overall travel experience.

In essence, the world of coach travel is filled with untapped potential for comfort and enjoyment. With a little preparation and savvy, you can transform your next economy flight into a surprisingly pleasant part of your journey.

From Coach to First-Class Experience: It's All in the Attitude

At the end of the day, your travel experience is what you make of it. A positive outlook, combined with a few travel hacks , can turn even a cramped coach seat into a haven of personal space and relaxation.

Remember, the journey is a significant part of your adventure, and with the right mindset, flying coach can be a highlight, not a hurdle.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

In the grand mosaic of travel, flying coach embodies an experience rich with opportunity, marked not by the seat you choose but by the perspective you bring. As we've navigated the nuances of what it means to fly economy, we've uncovered that the essence of travel lies not in the extravagance of our accommodations but in the breadth of our adventures and the depth of our experiences. Embracing the journey means appreciating the value that flying coach offers, from the conversations with fellow travelers to the vistas seen from an airplane window, each a chapter in the story of your travels.

In today's travel landscape, where "flying coach" meaning extends beyond mere seating arrangements to encompass a broader narrative of accessible exploration, we're reminded that the most memorable journeys often begin with a simple step (or flight) taken within the realms of economy. With the rise of premium economy options, the gap between desire for comfort and budget constraints narrows, offering a new layer of choice and flexibility for savvy travelers.

So, as you click "book" on your next economy class ticket, do so with anticipation and strategy. Consider the insider tips, embrace the evolving definition of coach travel, and remember: every journey offers a wealth of stories waiting to be told. Flying coach isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about the stories, the people, and the experiences that color our travels. In the world of travel, every economy seat holds the potential for first-class adventures.

What exactly does flying coach mean?

Flying coach refers to traveling in the economy class section of an airplane, which is known for being the most affordable option. It offers basic amenities and is designed to maximize the number of passengers an aircraft can accommodate.

How does premium economy differ from traditional coach?

Premium economy is a step up from traditional coach class, offering passengers more comfort and amenities. It typically includes extra legroom, better seat recline, improved food and beverage options, and sometimes additional baggage allowances, all at a price lower than business class.

Can you really improve your flying coach experience with simple tips?

Yes, small changes can significantly enhance your experience. Selecting the right seat, bringing your own entertainment and snacks, and using noise-canceling headphones can transform your journey in coach.

Is it worth paying extra for premium economy seats?

For many travelers, the added comfort and amenities of premium economy are worth the extra cost, especially on long-haul flights. It strikes a balance between affordability and the added comfort that comes close to business class.

How can I find the best seats when flying coach?

Use online resources like seat maps and forums to learn about the aircraft you'll be flying on. Look for seats with extra legroom, such as exit row seats, or those away from high-traffic areas like bathrooms and galleys.

Are there any hidden perks to flying coach?

Occasionally, airlines offer unexpected upgrades or special treats even in coach, especially if you're a frequent flyer or if the flight is not full. Being polite and engaging with the cabin crew can also lead to a more pleasant experience.

How has the perception of flying coach changed over time?

The perception of flying coach has evolved significantly, especially with the introduction of premium economy. What was once seen purely as a budget-friendly option is now recognized for offering a decent level of comfort and convenience, challenging the notion that a memorable journey necessitates lavish spending. 

• American Airline Official website

Watch CBS News

How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: March 27, 2024 / 8:04 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

A bridge column was hit by a large container ship around 1:30 a.m., sending bridge workers and vehicles into the Patapsco River. A water search for six missing workers turned to a recovery effort Tuesday night.

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.   

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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Why warnings are being issued ahead of next month's total solar eclipse

by Avery Newmark, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

As next month approaches, anticipation for the 2024 total solar eclipse has set in. The eclipse, which will take place April 8, will be visible from Mexico through Canada, casting a brief moment when day momentarily turns to night.

Many describe it as not just awe-inspiring but possibly even spiritual, though it comes with its own set of risks.

April's eclipse is expected to surpass the 2017 event in several ways. Notably, the totality's shadow will be double the width, making it more accessible for viewers in various states. Additionally, the duration of totality—the period the moon completely obscures the sun—will extend to more than 4 minutes at many sites, nearly double the length of the last event.

"And I think even more importantly, 2024 passes over a much bigger population," Ernie Wright, who works in NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio, told Vox. "More than twice as many people actually live in the path and don't have to go anywhere to see it."

If you're lucky enough to be in the U.S. path of the eclipse—stretching from Kerrville, Texas, to Houlton, Maine—you're in for a treat. But for those in smaller towns along the way, while you're set for some pretty cool and intimate views, brace yourselves for a bit of a challenge.

With lots of eclipse chasers heading your way, emergency officials are saying it's smart to stock up on food, water gas and other basics. These places, which are often not the easiest to get to or have a ton of resources, could become jam-packed, with the chance of hitting some serious traffic and putting a strain on what's available locally.

"The millions of people drawn to locations along the eclipse path taxed limited transportation facilities, and traffic congestion was intense in many locations," Jonathan Upchurch, transportation engineering consultant, explained in Transportation Research News, IFLScience reported.

"Across the country, Interstate highways near the path of totality experienced traffic congestion shortly after the eclipse, with longer-than-normal travel times on Interstate highways. For example, travel from Casper, Wyoming, to Denver, Colorado—normally a 4-hour trip—took 10 hours or more," Upchurch continued. "Traffic congestion on rural Interstate routes lasted for up to 13 hours after the eclipse."

So, grab your eclipse glasses, choose wisely when picking a site and plan accordingly. This is the last total solar eclipse visible in the lower 48 states until 2044, NASA reported.

2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Mercury Retrograde Is Here To Cause Chaos

Mercury retrograde is here to cause all-round chaos.

It is advisable to double-check your text messages and emails, and think before speaking to avoid saying something that you may regret later.

Key astrological dates: 

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Meaning of travel – Learner’s Dictionary

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travel verb ( MAKE A JOURNEY )

• It costs less if you travel at the weekend .
• We hired a car so we could travel further afield .
• I have travelled extensively in Europe .
• They travelled the length and breadth of Scotland together.
• It's a film about the adventures of two friends travelling across Africa .

travel verb ( MOVE )

• Space travel may become very common in the near future .
• The price includes travel and accommodation .
• The travel company completely fouled up our holiday .
• They offer a 10 percent discount on rail travel for students .
• Over the years I've lost my taste for travel.

(Definition of travel from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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