difference between journey trip travel and voyage

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English Grammar

TRAVEL - TRIP - JOURNEY - TOUR - VOYAGE

Meaning and use of the words 'trip', 'travel', 'journey', 'tour', and 'voyage'..

The explanation below should help clarify the meaning and use of vocabulary related to travel.

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Understanding the Distinction: Travel, Trip, and Journey Explained

Zackary Hooper

Ever find yourself scratching your head over when to use ‘travel’, ‘trip’, or ‘journey’? Me too. In fact, these terms are commonly misused by even the most well-traveled folks among us.

Table of Contents

As an English language aficionado and travel enthusiast, I dove deep into linguistic resources to clear up this confusion once and for all. This blog will guide you through the nuances of these three words , helping you navigate your way to flawless English usage in any travel context .

Ready for departure?

Key Takeaways

• Travel refers to going to a place, especially far away.
• Trip involves traveling from one place to another, usually for a short period of time.
• Journey implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.
• Proper usage of these terms is essential in effectively conveying our experiences.

Definition and Differences between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel is a verb that means going to a place, especially far away, while trip refers to the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time. Journey, on the other hand, implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.

Travel as a verb meaning to go to a place, especially far away

Travel, as a verb, emphasizes the act of moving from one location to another. This movement often involves significant distance between the two points. For instance, you might say you are traveling to Europe or Asia from America – places that are undoubtedly quite far from each other.

Notably, travel doesn’t always require a return trip; it merely notes the action of going somewhere far . Even voyages into space can be considered travel! So next time you utter “I love to travel,” note that this phrase speaks volumes about your passion for exploring distant destinations and embracing new experiences on a broader geographic scale .

Trip as the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time

When we talk about a trip, we’re referring to the act of traveling from one place to another. It’s usually for a short period of time and involves moving between different locations .

Think of it as going on a vacation or taking a quick getaway. A trip can be as short as a day or extend over several days, but it generally doesn’t involve staying in one place for an extended period.

So whether you’re heading out on a road trip with friends or catching a flight to explore new cities, remember that a trip is all about the process of getting from point A to point B , enjoying the journey along the way.

Journey as traveling from one place to another, not necessarily returning

A journey is all about the experience of traveling from one place to another, without the expectation of returning . It can be a long and exciting adventure, with multiple destinations along the way.

Unlike a trip or travel, which often involves going somewhere and then coming back, a journey implies forward movement and exploration . It’s like embarking on a voyage of discovery, where you’re eager to see what lies ahead and open to new experiences.

Whether it’s backpacking through Europe or sailing around the world, a journey offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-discovery .

Common Uses and Examples of Travel, Trip, and Journey

– Travel: “I love traveling to different countries , experiencing new cultures and exploring exotic destinations.

– Trip: “We took a weekend trip to the beach, enjoying sun-kissed days and relaxing by the seaside.”

– Journey: “His journey across the desert was filled with challenges and self-discovery as he embarked on a soul-searching adventure.”

Travel: “I love to travel to different countries.”

I absolutely adore exploring different countries . Experiencing new cultures, trying unique cuisines , and immersing myself in unfamiliar landscapes is what makes travel so thrilling for me.

Whether it’s wandering through ancient ruins in Greece or hiking through the vibrant jungles of Costa Rica, I find immense joy in venturing beyond my comfort zone and discovering all that the world has to offer.

Travel opens my eyes to different perspectives and allows me to create lasting memories that I cherish forever.

Trip: “We went on a business trip to New York.”

Last week, I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to New York . It was an exciting experience that allowed me to explore the bustling city and meet with important clients . During the trip, we visited various companies , attended conferences , and even had some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of New York.

Being able to immerse myself in a different environment for a short period of time was both refreshing and educational. Overall, it was a successful trip that helped us strengthen our professional relationships and achieve our business goals.

Journey: “His journey around the world took him three years.”

I embarked on a three-year journey around the world, exploring new cultures and experiencing incredible adventures along the way. From bustling cities to remote villages, my journey allowed me to immerse myself in different landscapes and meet fascinating people from all walks of life.

It was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons and shaped my perspective on the world.

Clarifying Misuses of Travel, Trip, and Journey

Many people mistakenly use the term “travel” for short distances, but it should be reserved for going to faraway places. To understand the proper usage of these words, read on!

Incorrect uses of travel: “He traveled to the grocery store.”

Using the word “travel” to describe a short trip to the grocery store is incorrect. Travel usually refers to going to a distant place, especially far away. So, it’s important to use this term appropriately and not for everyday local trips like grocery stores.

Proper uses of the terms: “I traveled to Europe.”

I traveled to Europe for my summer vacation. It was an exciting travel experience filled with new cultures, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. The proper use of the term “travel” in this context refers to going somewhere far away , especially to a different country or continent .

In this case, I embarked on an adventure from my home country to Europe, immersing myself in each destination’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Traveling to Europe broadened my horizons and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Understanding the Nuances between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel, trip, and journey may seem similar, but they each have their own nuances. Read on to delve deeper into the distinctions between these terms and how to use them correctly in your everyday conversations.

Travel focuses on the action of going to a distant place.

Travel allows us to embark on exciting journeys to faraway destinations. It is the act of physically moving from one place to another , often to distant locations . Whether it’s exploring a new country , immersing ourselves in different cultures , or experiencing thrilling adventures , travel is all about the exhilarating action of venturing beyond our comfort zones .

So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences!

Trip emphasizes the process of traveling and staying in a place.

A trip is all about the journey itself and the experience of being in a specific place . It focuses on the process of traveling from one location to another, while also emphasizing the time spent staying in that particular place.

Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip to a nearby city or embarking on a week-long vacation, a trip is about immersing yourself in new surroundings and enjoying everything that destination has to offer.

Journey implies a longer and more significant travel experience.

When embarking on a journey, you can expect a more extensive and meaningful travel experience . Unlike a simple trip or travel, a journey often involves exploring multiple destinations or pursuing a specific purpose .

It encompasses the idea of venturing into the unknown and embracing new challenges along the way. Whether it’s an epic road trip across several countries or a spiritual pilgrimage to sacred sites, a journey offers an opportunity for personal growth and transformation .

It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures , navigate unfamiliar terrain, and create lasting memories. So if you’re seeking an adventure that goes beyond mere transportation from point A to point B, set out on a journey that will take you further and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Conclusion and Importance of Using the Correct Terms

Understanding the distinctions between travel , trip, and journey is crucial in accurately conveying our experiences . By using these terms correctly, we can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion .

So whether we’re embarking on a short trip or a life-changing journey , let’s remember to use the right words to describe our adventures ! Keep exploring and keep traveling!

1. What is the difference between travel, trip, and journey?

Travel refers to the act of going from one place to another, while a trip is a specific instance of traveling for a particular purpose or destination. A journey, on the other hand, implies a longer and more meaningful experience that may involve personal growth or transformation.

2. Can you give examples of each term – travel, trip, and journey?

Sure! Travel can include activities like flying to a different country or taking a road trip across states. A trip could be going on vacation to Disneyland or visiting family over the holidays. And a journey might involve backpacking through Europe for several months or embarking on a spiritual retreat.

3. Is there any overlap between these terms?

Yes, there can be some overlap between these terms depending on context. For example, someone’s “trip” may also be considered their “journey” if it involves self-discovery or exploration. Similarly, long-term travel experiences may encompass both the notions of “travel” and “journey.”

4. How does understanding the distinction between these terms help in communication?

Understanding the distinction between travel, trip, and journey helps in effective communication as it allows us to accurately describe our experiences and intentions when discussing our travels with others. It provides clarity and avoids confusion by using appropriate terminology when sharing stories or making plans involving different types of travel experiences.

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

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Confusing words: travel, a journey, a trip, a voyage

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The words travel , journey , trip and voyage can easily be confused by learners of English.

I suppose it’s a good time of year to look at these words, as the spring and summer holiday seasons will soon be starting for many people.

Travel (noun)

The noun travel is a general word, meaning to move from place to place, usually over long distances.

We can say: air travel , food and travel , space travel , business travel , a travel agency .

• Air travel is getting more expensive.
• The magazine is a food and travel guide.

We can also say travels , which is a plural noun:

• Where did you go on your travels?
• Jack Kerouac wrote many books about his travels.

Travel is also a verb:

• I travel 20 km to work every day.

Journey (noun) 

A journey means moving from one place to another, especially in a vehicle. It is a single piece of travel. A journey can also be a regular thing.

Here is an example. Let’s say we go from London to Leeds then back again. That is two journeys (London to Leeds is the first journey, Leeds to London is the second journey).

We can say: a bus journey , a train journey , the journey to school , my journey to work .

Be careful with the plural: journeys NOT journies .

• How long does your journey to work take?
• Did you have a good journey?
• Did you have a good travel?

Trip (noun)

A trip describes the whole process of going somewhere and coming back. (It is more than one journey.)

Once again, let’s go from London to Leeds then back again. As I said above, that is  two journeys, but it is one trip.

Some examples: a day trip , a round trip , a round-the-world trip, a boat trip and a business trip . We say go on a trip .

• We went on a three-week trip to Scotland.
• He’s gone on a business trip to Germany.
• Let’s go on a trip to the mountains this summer!
• The trip there took three hours. The journey there took three hours.

Voyage (noun)

Voyages are less common nowadays. A voyage is a very long trip, usually at sea or in space:

• At the age of twenty-three, Sir Francis Drake made his first voyage to the New World.
• A voyage around the world often took four or five years.

The French Bon voyage! translates into English as Have a good trip! or Have a good journey!

I hope that’s clear. Here’s a quick exercise for you to test your understanding:

34 Comments

sareh - April 16, 2012, 11:28 pm Reply

that was so helpful thank you

Amelia - February 20, 2013, 1:07 pm Reply

The explanation is very nice but I could not find the “quick exercise” you mention at the end. Thanks.

Stuart Cook - February 20, 2013, 7:05 pm Reply

Thanks, Amelia. Some users have told me that the exercises are not visible in certain browsers (older versions of Internet Explorer, for instance). They’ll definitely work if you use the Chrome browser.

MARIA DEL MAR - May 31, 2013, 8:53 pm Reply

hello,…. Your website is really usefull, now I can understand some differents thing … I hope it will be more successful than before.. and I wish improve my english too. 🙂

Allabergan - September 1, 2013, 11:01 pm Reply

I really liked this website. Thx . But what about <>???? Please, explain it also?! thx in advance

Allabergan - September 1, 2013, 11:02 pm Reply

I asked about ” tour”.

Stuart Cook - January 21, 2014, 7:44 am Reply

A tour is when we visit several different places on a long trip and is usually for pleasure. A tour can also be an official visit to inspect a place, e.g. They gave the Prime Minister a tour of the new factory.

Wen Dodge - August 14, 2021, 8:51 am Reply

How can I get more helpful info?

Blanca - January 20, 2014, 10:31 am Reply

Le agradecería me aclarara si es un error en la página o es que estaba yo confundida, porque aprendi que no se dice ‘Travel is much faster and cheaper nowadays…’ como se indica en la pagina como correcto, sino: ‘TRAVELLING is much fuster and cheaper …’ Por favor ¿puede confirmármelo? Muchas gracias por adelantado po su amable respuesta.

Blanca - January 20, 2014, 10:40 am Reply

Excuse me, I put the question in Spanish without realising where you could be located. I put it again in English,excuse me.

I learnt that the correct sentence would be: ‘TRAVELLING is much faster and cheaper..’ but in the site here the answer that appear as correct is ‘TRAVEL is much faster and cheaper..’

Could you please be so kind to confirm me if it is a mistake of the system or if I was wrong and in fact in this case is more correct to say travel than travelling?

Thank you very much in advance for your reply.

Stuart Cook - January 20, 2014, 11:03 am Reply

Blanca, It’s also possible to say Travelling is much faster and cheaper . The reason travelling was not given as an option in the multiple choice quiz is that we are looking at the differences between the nouns journey, trip and travel here. I see that this may be a bit confusing, so I have changed the last question in the exercise to air travel .

Luisa - January 21, 2014, 1:51 am Reply

Hi! I don´t find the question number 10 that you mentioned in your comment. Could you tell me if the exercise is incomplete? Thanks a lot.

Stuart Cook - January 21, 2014, 7:49 am Reply

Hi, Luisa The travel / journey / trip exercise has seven questions, not ten. You can see it at the end of the article above.

Rogerio - March 20, 2014, 5:35 pm Reply

Thank you for your help and congratulations for the iniciative of keeping this site in the web.

azam - May 7, 2014, 6:04 am Reply

Hi thank you very much. could you tell me how I can speak better please? When I speak English, I wanna get nervous and forget everything. my teacher told me ” don’t be shy” but he didn’t tell me how. please teach some exercises.

Alexandre Spindola - May 12, 2014, 5:41 am Reply

Dear Mr. Stuart Cook,

I’d like to thank you very very very very much for this explanation!!! I am Brazilian, and I have never had the opportunity to learn the difference among these confusing words. Now, thank you, I finally know that. I’m so happy and satisfied, thank you!!!

Best Regards,

Alexandre Spindola

Stuart Cook - May 12, 2014, 7:07 am Reply

Hi, Alexandre

I’m really glad you like the site and find it helpful. Good luck with your studies!

Pouya keikavous - May 26, 2014, 10:08 am Reply

Lots of thanks for explanation

regor ngavouka - September 9, 2014, 2:34 am Reply

Hi, i’m a congolese i’m so happy to have discovered the real and clear explanations of them. Thank you for having brought more light on the confusion that seemed to be as tough as a stone. But now thanks to you,

Aristia - September 25, 2014, 11:32 am Reply

Brilliant work! Thank you

Heine - February 23, 2015, 11:34 am Reply

thank you. this is very helpful.

Tiago_Dos_Santos - April 8, 2015, 11:41 am Reply

Extremely helpful! Thank you! 🙂

Venya Gangwani - October 11, 2016, 5:18 am Reply

This is a very good page but I need to ask that : A voyage is for pleasure or for business?

Aurélio Loiola - November 2, 2016, 10:56 pm Reply

This time I shall learn the differences between travel, journey, trip and voyage. On my future trip, I’ll take three flights because I’ll go to three different cities. In the middle, I got confused to say if I scheduled my journey to Recife or if I scheduled my travel to Recife on 28. I know I could only say I scheduled my flight from Fortaleza do Recife. But considering journey and travel which is right? Thanks a lot.

Fariba - February 10, 2017, 2:48 am Reply

Hi That was so useful & helpful. Thanks. Can we say: “go on a travel” ?

Pro Inglis - March 28, 2017, 9:34 pm Reply

Very Helpfull! Can you include Crossing and Fight??

Anonymous - May 25, 2017, 10:33 pm Reply

Thank you for your explanation, It really helped me understand the context in which I can use them.

Nassimah Reynolds - October 17, 2017, 7:28 pm Reply

Great work, Stuart Cook! I’m an English teacher myself and have to explain these words very often. But your explanation is very clear and concise, and illustrates the wonders of the English language : ) Thanks!

Nouran - December 2, 2017, 9:34 pm Reply

Thank you for this wonderful site . It helped me alot.

Dinuka - September 20, 2019, 3:40 am Reply

It very useful to me. Thanks

jennifer - July 1, 2020, 10:28 am Reply

wonderful and very useful information.

FreeAgent - January 22, 2021, 11:10 am Reply

I don’t know how to thank you enough, but this is the best insightful explanation ever on the Internet.

I really understood the subtle differences and proper usages of them.

You are evidently a great teacher.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

Martine - May 16, 2021, 9:45 am Reply

Which noun do we use when we talk about travelling around the world? A … around the world? A world …?

Stuart Cook - May 16, 2021, 10:05 am Reply

We call it a round-the-world trip . A musician would do a world tour .

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Vocabulary: Differences between travel, journey, trip, voyage and tour

Published 29/07/2015 In Blog

The Summer holidays are around the corner so it is definitely a good time to post an article on my blog explaining the difference between all these words. 

Travel, journey, trip, voyage and tour can be easily confused by all those students learning English, so below are clear explanations of how to use the 5 terms: 

*Verbs: Louise travels a lot for work *Nouns: Travel the way you wish to go

learn english online voyage journey travel trip tour online english course learn english on skype differences between voyage journey travel trip and tour English grammar

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Confused Words: Trip, Travel, Journey & Voyage

Hello, dear learners! Are you ready for another exciting English lesson? Today, we’re focusing on the words “Trip,” “Travel,” “Journey,” and “Voyage.” These words are all about going from one place to another, but they each have their unique contexts. Let’s learn together!

A “Trip” (IPA: /trɪp/) typically refers to a short journey, often for pleasure or a specific purpose.

Here are 10 examples:

• They are planning a trip to Europe this summer. (A holiday journey)
• I took a business trip to New York. (A journey for work)
• We had a school trip to the museum. (A journey for education)
• My daily trip to the gym keeps me fit. (A routine journey)
• The trip to the grocery store was quick. (A short journey)
• She enjoyed her trip to the beach. (A recreational journey)
• He’s going on a fishing trip this weekend. (A journey for a specific purpose)
• I forgot my wallet on my last trip to the cafe. (A recent journey)
• They’re excited about their upcoming camping trip . (A planned journey)
• The train trip was very scenic. (A journey involving travel)

To “Travel” (IPA: /ˈtrævəl/) generally means to go from one place to another, especially over a long distance. It’s also used to discuss the general activity of traveling.

• She loves to travel around the world. (Going to different places)
• I often travel for work. (Going places for business)
• They travel by car to reach their hometown. (Going somewhere using a particular mode of transport)
• He travels a lot due to his job. (Frequently going to different places)
• It took hours to travel from London to Manchester. (Going from one city to another)
• We like to travel to warm places in the winter. (Going to specific places)
• They plan to travel across Europe by train. (Going through multiple places)
• She travels back home every weekend. (Regularly going to a particular place)
• I usually travel light. (Going places with few belongings)
• The team traveled to Paris for the match. (Going to a place for a specific event)

A “Journey” (IPA: /ˈdʒɜːrni/) often refers to a long trip or process. It can be used for physical travel or metaphorically for personal growth or development.

• The journey from New York to California is long. (Long physical trip)
• She is on a journey of self-discovery. (Personal development)
• His journey to recovery after surgery was inspiring. (Healing process)
• The journey through the mountain was challenging. (Difficult trip)
• We began our journey at dawn. (Start of a trip)
• His journey to success wasn’t easy. (Process of achieving success)
• The book describes a journey across Antarctica. (Long trip in a book)
• The train journey was comfortable and scenic. (Trip by train)
• She described her journey into the world of art. (Process of becoming involved in art)
• It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey . (Process over result)

A “Voyage” (IPA: /ˈvɔɪɪdʒ/) is typically a long journey made by sea or in space.

• The Titanic’s maiden voyage ended in disaster. (First journey by ship)
• The astronauts are preparing for their voyage to Mars. (Journey to space)
• The voyage across the Atlantic took several weeks. (Long sea journey)
• His voyage around the world by sailboat was impressive. (Global trip by sea)
• The book recounts a perilous voyage across the ocean. (Dangerous sea journey)
• The explorers set off on a voyage of discovery. (Sea journey for exploration)
• The space agency is planning a voyage to the moon. (Space trip)
• They enjoyed a voyage on a luxury cruise ship. (Pleasurable sea trip)
• The voyage was made difficult by stormy weather. (Challenging sea journey)
• The seafarers completed their voyage and returned home. (Completion of a sea trip)

In conclusion, we take a “Trip” for short journeys, we “Travel” as a general activity, a “Journey” often refers to a long trip or personal growth process, and a “Voyage” is a long journey by sea or in space. Keep practicing these words in context, and you’ll be a master in no time!

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Travel vs. Trip vs. Journey

The act of going to another place (often for a short period of time) and returning.

• We took a five-day trip to the Amazon.
• You’re back from vacation! How was your trip ?
• I went on business trips to Switzerland and Germany last month.

Use the verbs “take” and “go on” with trip .

• A round-trip ticket is a ticket for going and coming back.
• A one-way ticket is only for going.

Travel (v.)

Going to another place (in general).

• I really like to travel.
• He travels frequently for work.
• My sister is currently  traveling through South America.

Travel (n.) can be used to describe the act of traveling in general:

• Travel in that region of the country is dangerous.
• World travel gives you a new perspective.

Incorrect uses of travel :

• I bought this shirt on my  travel  to Thailand. I bought this shirt on my  trip  to Thailand.
• I’m planning a travel to the U.S. next year. I’m planning to travel to the U.S. next year. I’m planning a trip to the U.S. next year.

Journey (n.)

One piece of travel (going from one place to another) – usually a long distance.

• The journey takes 3 hours by plane or 28 hours by bus.
• He made the 200-mile journey by bike.
• “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step” – Lao-tze,  Tao Te Ching

We can also use journey in a more “metaphorical” way to talk about progress in life:

• He has overcome a lot of problems on his spiritual journey.
• My uncle is an alcoholic, but he’s beginning the journey of recovery.

Quiz: Travel, Trip, or Journey

• Then and Than
• Affect and Effect

Clear up your doubts about confusing words… and use English more confidently!

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Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

Voyage vs. Journey: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

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Voyage vs Journey: Difference and Comparison

The word travel is derived from the old French word called ‘travail.’ The word essentially meant ‘to work.’ The word then branched off to have a wide range of meanings like Voyage and Journey.

Although both a voyage and a journey mean to travel, their differences exist.

Key Takeaways A voyage specifically refers to a long trip, by sea or air, while a journey encompasses any travel from one place to another. Voyages involve the exploration or transportation of goods, while journeys can be physical, emotional, or symbolic. The term “voyage” implies a sense of adventure, whereas “journey” may refer to any trip, regardless of length or purpose.

Voyage vs Journey

The difference between Voyage and Journey is that they refer to two different modes of travel.

A voyage refers to a long-distance act of traveling, by sea or any other large water body, while a journey refers to the act of long-distance traveling by land, by different means of transport.

 A voyage is an act of traveling. Usually, a voyage refers to a long-distance traveling trip mainly made on the waters instead of land.

Usually, the mode of transport hence is ships, boats, and other water vessels. The voyage can also be used to describe the passage of time. In general, it refers to sea travel.

The Journey is an English word that has diverse meanings. In general, it means to travel a certain distance.

However, a journey can be used to describe both long or short-distance traveling. It may or may not include sea travel and include a wide variety of modes of transport.

Comparison Table

What is voyage.

The term voyage is a French word that means Journey. It is used to refer to a long-distance trip. For example, a story about a ship on a long journey would be referred to as a “voyage story.

Other meanings for the word Voyage include the act or process of traveling or shipping.

 This term is used to describe traveling on water. A voyage consists of many different parts, such as the Voyage’s departure, the Voyage itself, and the arrival.

In the past, people used the word Voyage for longer trips, such as long sea journeys.

Voyage is a lesser-used term in the modern-day world. Other terms such as cruising, crusade, passage, sailing, and the like are used.

The main reason, however, stands as during medieval times traveling long distances could not be achieved by land as no such forms of transportation were available.

Traveling by sea by far was the cheapest mode of travel (even today); thus, this term was commonly used back then.

Today with the advent of many efficient modes of transportation like trains and planes, sea travel has reduced, and so is the use of the word. However, the term is still used but more in a poetic tone .

What is Journey?

The Journey is a phrase that means a long trip you take to get somewhere. The reason it’s called that is that it takes a long time.

There are many different types of journeys, and they are widely varied. In general, a journey is a long trip you take to get somewhere or do something.

A journey can be made for various reasons, but it is for business or pleasure. Sometimes the journey is the destination, but not always.

A journey can be a journey to work, a journey to visit a friend for the weekend, or a journey to a foreign country for a trip of a lifetime.

Any trip of significant distance is a journey, but the word Journey can also be used to describe the entirety of a person’s life. For example, a person’s life is a journey.

We all start at a young age and live our life. We travel to different places, see different things, and meet many different people.

Short-distance journeys are also termed trips. A journey, for pleasure, is termed as an excursion.

The journey made for a particular purpose is called an expedition, and so on. The word itself has many synonyms and can be used variedly.

Main Differences Between Voyage and Journey

• The main difference between the words voyages and Journey is that the former means a trip by water, and the latter means a trip by land.
• Voyage does not refer to any other sense than traveling, but the Journey is also a metaphorical word for a long trip in the sense of life and spiritual growth.
• Voyages are much longer than journeys as traveling through water takes more time and also covers more distance.
• The word ‘voyage’ implies that you are traveling to a singular destination, but ‘voyage’ means traveling between various places.
• A voyage is long, but a journey can be long or short, depending on the purpose of travel.

• https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315246970-2/defining-travel-travel-book-travel-writing-terminology-jan-borm
• https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3aD_284HkrIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=what+is+a+voyage&ots=4u1yAJXyAK&sig=Nn_d8xQNSyjOwxe33jkH9lDux_E

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page .

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10 thoughts on “voyage vs journey: difference and comparison”.

This article helped me understand the meanings and differences between voyage and journey. The comparison table is very useful.

Some of the points presented seem quite obvious, I’m not entirely convinced of the need for such a detailed analysis.

I can see your point, Sienna. However, the detailed analysis does provide valuable insights.

I enjoyed learning about the origins of the word ‘voyage’. It’s interesting to see how language evolves over time.

Very informative article, with great detail about the differences between the two. The references provide the necessary support for the text.

I agree, the article is deeply informative and well supported.

This seems to be a well-researched article, I think the author made the differences between voyages and journeys quite clear.

I don’t think the distinctions made are significant enough to warrant the length of the article.

Indeed, the author did a great job presenting the distinctions.

I found the historical context of the terms ‘voyage’ and ‘journey’ particularly fascinating.

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VOCABULARY: Travel, Journey or Trip? What's the difference?

To travel  is, of course, a verb but not normally a noun unless it is in a literary context e.g.  Gulliver’s Travels  (a book by Jonathan Swift), or a long, extensive tour. 

In everyday English, we would refer to  travelling  by saying  a journey , or  a trip , the difference being that  a trip  talks of the whole process of going, doing what you do, and then returning. 

A journey  is used more to refer to the journey itself, although often there is little difference. Compare the following:  ‘The journey was rotten. The fat man who sat next to me snored all the time.’ ‘The trip was great, we managed to do everything that we had intended.’   

To journey  is an archaic verb not used now.  To trip  exists but it has a completely different meaning; ‘to fall over an object’; ‘He tripped  over the step and spilt all the drinks.’ 

To voyage  only refers to a long journey made at sea.

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Differences between travel, trip, journey and voyage

by Elblogdeidiomas.es · Published 19/04/2022 · Updated 03/05/2022

In this article, we are going to explain the differences between trip, travel, journey, and voyage  and we will also advise you on  how to correctly express both travel and trip in English .

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One of the mistakes that Spaniards make most frequently when it is expressed in English is the incorrect use of travel, pronouncing it when in fact it must use trip or journey and when there is also the alternative of using “voyage” in certain cases.

Above it is clear that  travel  or its variants are not used for travel, but  only for the verb to travel . Let’s go next step by step:

Travel means action, it is the act of traveling, moving from one place to another.  You should never say ‘a travel’ . In the cases that we use travel as a verb. Usually, we refer to how we go to school, to work, abroad … and generally referring to the environment and the way the trip is made. For example: “I travel to school by foot” or “I travel to work by train”. (Viajo a la escuela a pie  o Viajo al trabajo en tren) Also when we use it as a noun, we refer to vacation trips. For example: «Do you remember when we traveled along the Costa del Sol? (¿Recuerdas de cuando viajamos por la Costa del Sol?)

• On weekends I travel in search of the sea.

Los fines de semana viajo en buscar del mar.

• Every time I can I travel by train.

Cada vez que puedo viajo en tren.

• On weekends I travel through Andalusia, I love its towns.

Los fines de semana viajo por Andalucía, me encantan sus pueblos.

• What I like the most is traveling along the coast.

Lo que más me gusta es viajar por la costa.

• I don’t like traveling with you because you run a lot in the car.

No me gusta viajar contigo porque corres mucho con el coche.

• When I go on a trip I usually travel as a traveler.

Cuando salgo de viaje suelo viajar en un viajero.

“Trip”  is often used  when someone goes somewhere , either for a short holiday or for a business trip where you must spend the night out. It frequently refers to a trip with a basic itinerary:  you know the round trip date , and why you have to make the trip (such as a short trip abroad). It is often alluded to phrases such as  «a business trip» (viaje de negocios), «a weekend trip» (escapada de fin de semana), «a day trip» (viaje de un día), «a school trip» (excursión escolar).

However,  it is not ruled out to use it to refer to a more or less long journey , such as   It is a long trip from Cadiz to Madrid   (Se trata de un viaje largo desde Cadiz a Madrid) ¿Qué tal el viaje a Andorra? (Toda la experiencia: viaje y estancia).

Although  trip and journey have the same definition, the journey is generally used to refer to a specific trip (it can even be an excursion or a short trip) in which a stay at the destination is assumed. It is possible and in fact, it is a  journey defined as a long trip .

However, by focusing on the differences between trip, travel, journey, and voyage, the one that raises the most doubt is that between Trip and Journey, for this reason, and with the purpose of avoiding it, we have prepared this article to try to dispel doubts. The typical sentence to clarify the differences is: «There could be a few trips in a journey and certainly a lot of travel» ( Puede haber algunos «trips» en un «journey» y, sin duda, mucho «travel» ).

• I don’t want to go to Paris. I don’t like journeys that last so long!

No quiero ir a París. ¡No me gustan los viajes que duran tanto !

• We have been thinking for months about the journeys we have to do by plane.

Llevamos meses pensando en los viajes que tenemos que hacer en avión.

• We have spent two weekends at base camp preparing for the journey across the desert.

Hemos pasado dos semanas en el campamento base preparando el viaje por el desierto.

  Voyage is used to cite  very long voyages , usually by sea and by air.

• I was very restless during the voyage to Chile.

Estaba muy intranquilo durante el viaje a Chile.

We hope that with this article we have managed to clarify the doubts that travel, trip, journey, and voyage raise among Spanish students. Actually, it  is somewhat complicated, but practice through exercise will help, and in a short time to know what is the word that requires the phrase that we are building.

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Difference Between Voyage and Journey

• Categorized under Words | Difference Between Voyage and Journey

Voyage vs Journey

“Voyage” and “journey” are two words related to the word “travel.” “Travel” means “going from one particular place to another place.” “Journey” refers to a lone piece of travel. “Voyage” refers to a long journey, especially by ship.

Journey “Journey” refers to a single or lone piece of travel. It means traveling from one place to another place. For example, The journey from England to France can be done by train. It can be a short journey which is referred to as a trip, or a long journey. “Journey” can be used as a verb too in place of “travel,” but it sounds very poetic and formal. For example, They journeyed across the desert.

There are many words which are used to describe different types of journeys, for example:

Odyssey-Which refers to an eventful, long, wandering journey. Expedition-Refers to a journey which is organized for some particular purpose. Commute-Refers to a daily or regular journey from one’s place of work to home. Excursion-Refers to a journey which is particularly for pleasure. Schlep-Refers to a difficult and tedious journey.

These are just a few words which are used in place of “journey” to describe a very particular type of journey. “Journey” is used metaphorically also which does not actually describe the journey of a person from one place to another but the events happening in the life of a person, for example, The journey of one’s life, or life itself described as a long journey.

Voyage “Voyage” refers to a long journey mainly to a distant place or foreign place especially by the sea. The word “voyage” is not often used in modern times but historically. Voyages were very significant. For example, Christopher Columbus discovered American mainland in his third voyage. People traveled by sea to all foreign lands for trade, pleasure, adventure, etc. Wars were won and lost on the sea. Nations were built and destroyed by the power of the fleet possessed by a nation.

There are many words which are used in place of “voyage,” for example:

Cruise-Which refers to an ocean trip taken especially for pleasure. Crossing-It refers to a voyage across the Atlantic ocean not specifically said but understood.

There are many other words similar to these words which specifically express a journey by sea.

1.“Journey” refers to a single or lone piece of travel; “voyage” refers to a long journey mainly to a distant place or foreign place especially by the sea. 2.“Journey” is a word which is very often used in the modern world; “voyage” is not often used in the modern world but was very significant historically.

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Cite APA 7 Kaushik, N. (2012, February 6). Difference Between Voyage and Journey. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/language/words-language/difference-between-voyage-and-journey/. MLA 8 Kaushik, Nimisha. "Difference Between Voyage and Journey." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 6 February, 2012, http://www.differencebetween.net/language/words-language/difference-between-voyage-and-journey/.

Thanks for the giggle. Reading through the definitions of journey and come upon “schlep”. Hilarious that you should include this Yiddish idiom.

Yes! Finally something about travel.

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Written by : Nimisha Kaushik. and updated on 2012, February 6 Articles on DifferenceBetween.net are general information, and are not intended to substitute for professional advice. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages.

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What is the difference between journey , trip , voyage and excursion ?

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