Travel: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Belwine
Last edited August 8, 2025
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
m Removing protection template from an unprotected page
m adjusted page for accuracy and fixed typos as per guidelines
 
Line 2: Line 2:
{{About}}
{{About}}
{{redirect|Travelling}}
{{redirect|Travelling}}
 
{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2021}}
[[File:A backpacking travel to europe R002-005.jpg|thumb|240x240px|An image taken on a backpacking trip in Europe.]]
{{Multiple image
| image1            = Cross Harbour Tunnel (1).JPG
| image2            = Rush hour, Hong Kong MTR.jpg
| footer            = Methods of travel in [[Hong Kong]], the [[List of cities by international visitors|most visited city]] according to [[Euromonitor]]. Top to bottom: the [[Cross-Harbour Tunnel]] and the [[MTR]].
| direction = vertical
}}
{{Hospitality service}}
{{Hospitality service}}
[[File:Nilgiri Mountain Train.jpg|thumb|[[Train]] travel{{spaced ndash}} Passengers on a train on a bridge of the [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]], between [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]] and [[Ootacamund]], in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]]]
[[File:Nilgiri Mountain Train.jpg|thumb|[[Train]] travel{{spaced ndash}} Passengers on a train on a bridge of the [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]], between [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]] and [[Ootacamund]], in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]]]


'''Travel''' is the movement of people between distant geographical [[Location (geography)|location]]s. Travel can be done by [[Pedestrian|foot]], [[bicycle]], [[automobile]], [[train]], [[boat]], [[bus]], [[airplane]], [[ship]] or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip.<ref>{{cite web |title=Travel |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/travel |website=Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary |publisher=[[Merriam-Webster]] |access-date=16 April 2021 |date=12 Apr 2021}}</ref> Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of [[tourism]].
'''Travel''' is the movement of people between distant geographical [[Location (geography)|location]]s. Travel can be done by [[Pedestrian|foot]], [[bicycle]], [[automobile]], [[train]], [[boat]], [[bus]], [[airplane]], [[ship]] or [[Mode of transport|other means]], with or without [[Baggage|luggage]], and can be one way or round trip.<ref>{{cite web |title=Travel |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/travel |website=Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary |publisher=[[Merriam-Webster]] |access-date=16 April 2021 |date=12 Apr 2021}}</ref> Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of [[tourism]].


==Etymology==
== Etymology ==
The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the [[Old French]] word ''travail'', which means 'work'.<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=travail&allowed_in_frame=0 Entymoligical dictionary] (definition). Retrieved on 10 December 2011</ref> According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word ''travel'' was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English ''travailen'', ''travelen'' (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French ''travailler'' (which means to work strenuously, toil).
The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the [[Old French]] word ''travail'', which means 'work'.<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=travail&allowed_in_frame=0 Entymoligical dictionary] (definition). Retrieved on 10 December 2011</ref> According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word ''travel'' was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English {{lang|enm|travailen}}, {{lang|enm|travelen}} (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French {{lang|fro|travailler}} (which means to work strenuously, toil).


In English, people still occasionally use the words ''travail'', which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book ''The Best Travelers' Tales (2004)'', the words ''travel'' and ''travail'' both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the ''tripalium'' (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale). This link may reflect the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Travel in modern times may or may not be much easier depending upon the destination. Travel to [[Mount Everest]], the [[Amazon rainforest]], [[extreme tourism]], and [[adventure travel]] are more difficult forms of travel. Travel can also be more difficult depending on the method of travel, such as by [[bus]], [[cruise ship]], or even by [[bullock cart]].<ref>Buzard, J. (1993) The Beaten Track. European Tourism literature, and the Ways to 'Culture' 1800 - 1918. Oxford: Oxford University Press</ref>
In English, people still occasionally use the words {{lang|en|travail}}, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book ''The Best Travelers' Tales (2004)'', the words ''travel'' and ''travail'' both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the {{lang|la|tripalium}} (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale).{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} This link may reflect the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Travel in modern times may or may not be much easier, depending upon the destination. Travel to [[Mount Everest]], the [[Amazon rainforest]], [[extreme tourism]], and [[adventure travel]] are more difficult forms of travel. Travel can also be more difficult depending on the method of travel, such as by [[bus]], [[cruise ship]], or even by [[bullock cart]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Buzard |first=J. |date=1993 |title=The Beaten Track. European Tourism literature, and the Ways to 'Culture' 1800 - 1918 |location=Oxford |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref>


==Purpose and motivation==
==Purpose and motivation==
Reasons for traveling include [[recreation]],<ref name="ufl">[http://plaza.ufl.edu/hwinger/byz/purpose.html "The Road to Travel: Purpose of Travel."] [http://www.clas.ufl.edu University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences]. (Compilation for History 3931/REL 3938 course.) Accessed July 2011.</ref> holidays, rejuvenation,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Motivations of Travel|url=https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/Motivations%20for%20Travel%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf|url-status=live|website=<nowiki>[[U.S. Travel Association </nowiki>}}</ref> [[tourism]]<ref name="ufl"/> or [[vacation]]ing,<ref name="ufl"/> [[research]] travel,<ref name="ufl"/> the gathering of information, visiting people, [[volunteer travel]] for [[charity (practice)|charity]], [[Human migration|migration]] to begin life somewhere else, religious [[pilgrimage]]s<ref name="ufl"/> and [[mission trip]]s, [[business travel]],<ref name="ufl"/> [[trade]],<ref name="ufl"/> [[commuting]], and other reasons, such as to obtain health care<ref name="ufl"/> or waging or [[Refugee|fleeing war]] or for the enjoyment of traveling. Travelers may use [[human-powered transport]] such as [[walking]] or [[cycling|bicycling]]; or [[vehicle]]s, such as [[public transport]], [[automobile]]s, [[train]]s, [[Ferry|ferries]], [[boat]]s, [[cruise ship]]s and [[airplane]]s.
[[File:Traveler Motorcycle.jpg|thumb|Traveler's motorcycle with large rear box]]
Reasons for traveling include [[recreation]],<ref name="ufl">[http://plaza.ufl.edu/hwinger/byz/purpose.html "The Road to Travel: Purpose of Travel."] [http://www.clas.ufl.edu University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences]. (Compilation for History 3931/REL 3938 course.) Accessed July 2011.</ref> holidays, rejuvenation,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Motivations of Travel |url=https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/Motivations%20for%20Travel%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |website=[[U.S. Travel Association]]}}</ref> [[tourism]]<ref name="ufl"/> or [[vacation]]ing,<ref name="ufl"/> [[research]] travel,<ref name="ufl"/> the gathering of information, visiting people, [[volunteer travel]] for [[charity (practice)|charity]], [[Human migration|migration]] to begin life somewhere else, religious [[pilgrimage]]s<ref name="ufl"/> and [[mission trip]]s, [[business travel]],<ref name="ufl"/> [[trade]],<ref name="ufl"/> [[commuting]], obtaining health care,<ref name="ufl"/> waging or [[Refugee|fleeing war]], for the enjoyment of traveling, or other reasons. Travelers may use [[human-powered transport]] such as [[walking]] or [[cycling|bicycling]]; or [[vehicle]]s, such as [[public transport]], [[automobile]]s, [[train]]s, [[Ferry|ferries]], [[boat]]s, [[cruise ship]]s and [[airplane]]s.


Motives for travel include:
Motives for travel include:


* [[Pleasure]]<ref name="conservancy">{{cite web|title=So Your Community Wants Travel/Tourism? Guidelines for Attracting and Servicing Visitors|url=https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/178439|website=conservancy.edu|access-date=10 April 2018}}</ref>
* [[Pleasure]]<ref name="conservancy">{{cite journal|title=So Your Community Wants Travel/Tourism? Guidelines for Attracting and Servicing Visitors|url=https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/178439|website=conservancy.edu|year=1988 |access-date=10 April 2018|last1=Simonson |first1=Lawrence R. |last2=Koth |first2=Barbara A. |last3=Kreag |first3=Glenn M. |hdl=11299/178439 }}</ref>
* [[Relaxation technique|Relaxation]]
* [[Relaxation technique|Relaxation]]
* [[Discovery (observation)|Discovery]] and [[exploration]]<ref name="ufl"/>
* [[Discovery (observation)|Discovery]] and [[exploration]]<ref name="ufl"/>
Line 26: Line 32:
* [[Intercultural communication]]s<ref name="ufl"/>
* [[Intercultural communication]]s<ref name="ufl"/>
* Taking personal time for building [[interpersonal relationship]]s.
* Taking personal time for building [[interpersonal relationship]]s.
*Avoiding stress<ref name="ustravel.org">https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/Motivations%20for%20Travel%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>  
* Avoiding stress<ref name="ustravel.org">{{Cite web |title=Motivations for Travel Fact Sheet |url=https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/Motivations%20for%20Travel%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=U.S. Travel Association}}</ref>
*Forming memories<ref name="ustravel.org"/>
* Forming memories<ref name="ustravel.org"/>
* Cultural experiences<ref name="worldpackers.com">{{Cite web |title=Cultural Experiences |url=https://www.worldpackers.com/articles/cultural-experiences |website=Worldpackers}}</ref>
* [[Volunteering]]
* [[Festivals]] and events


==History==
== History ==
Travel dates back to [[Classical antiquity|antiquity]] where wealthy Greeks and Romans would travel for leisure to their summer homes and villas in cities such as [[Pompeii]] and [[Baiae]].<ref name=matador>{{cite web|title=A History Of Why People Travel |url=https://matadornetwork.com/bnt/a-history-of-why-people-travel/ | website=Matador Network}}</ref>
Travel dates back to [[Classical antiquity|antiquity]] where wealthy Greeks and Romans would travel for leisure to their [[Summer house|summer homes]] and [[villa]]s in cities such as [[Pompeii]] and [[Baiae]].<ref name=matador>{{cite web|title=A History Of Why People Travel |url=https://matadornetwork.com/bnt/a-history-of-why-people-travel/ |website=Matador Network}}</ref> While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible.<ref>[https://www.gapyear.com/history-of-travel/ "A Brief Visual History of Travel"]. Accessed May 2017.</ref> Humankind has come a long way in transportation since [[Christopher Columbus]] sailed to the New World from Spain in 1492, an expedition which took over 10 weeks to arrive at the final destination; to the 21st century when [[aircraft]] allows travel from Spain to the United States overnight.
While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible.<ref>[https://www.gapyear.com/history-of-travel/ "A Brief Visual History of Travel"]. Accessed May 2017.</ref> Mankind has come a long way in transportation since [[Christopher Columbus]] sailed to the new world from Spain in 1492, an expedition which took over 10 weeks to arrive at the final destination; to the 21st century where [[aircraft]] allow travel from Spain to the United States overnight.


Travel in the [[Middle Ages]] offered hardships and challenges, however, it was important to the economy and to society. The [[Wholesaling|wholesale sector]] depended (for example) on [[merchants]] dealing with/through [[Caravan (travellers)|caravans]] or sea-voyagers, end-user [[retailing]] often demanded the services of many itinerant [[peddler]]s wandering from village to hamlet, [[gyrovague]]s (Wandering Monks) and wandering [[friar]]s brought [[theology]] and [[Pastoral care|pastoral support]] to neglected areas, [[traveling minstrel]]s practiced the never-ending tour, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars.<ref name=matador/>
Travel in the [[Middle Ages]] offered hardships and challenges, though it was important to the economy and to society. The [[Wholesaling|wholesale sector]] depended (for example) on [[merchants]] dealing with/through [[Caravan (travellers)|caravans]] or sea-voyagers, end-user [[retailing]] often demanded the services of many itinerant [[peddler]]s wandering from village to hamlet, [[gyrovague]]s (wandering monks) and wandering [[friar]]s brought [[theology]] and [[Pastoral care|pastoral support]] to neglected areas, [[traveling minstrel]]s toured, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars.<ref name=matador/> Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally and internationally.<ref>{{cite book |last=Peters |first=F. E. |title=The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places |publisher=[[Princeton University Press]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EK5MqskDYC0C&pg=PA164 |year=1994 |page=164 |isbn=9780691026190}}</ref>
Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally ([[Canterbury Tales]]-style) and internationally.<ref>{{cite book |last=Peters |first=F. E. |title=The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places |publisher=Princeton University Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EK5MqskDYC0C&pg=PA164 |year=1994 |page=164 |isbn=9780691026190}}</ref>


In the late 16th century it became fashionable for young European [[aristocrat]]s and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the [[Grand Tour]], it included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, The [[French Revolution]] brought with it the end of the Grand Tour.<ref name=matador/>
In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young European [[aristocrat]]s and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the [[Grand Tour]], and included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, the [[French Revolution]] brought with it the end of the Grand Tour.<ref name=matador/>


Travel by water often provided more comfort and speed than land-travel, at least until the advent of a network of [[railway]]s in the 19th century. Travel for the purpose of tourism is reported to have started around this time when people began to travel for fun as travel was no longer a hard and challenging task. This was capitalized on by people like [[Thomas Cook]] selling tourism packages where trains and hotels were booked together.<ref name=DW>{{cite news|title=A brief history of travel: From elite hobby to mass tourism|url=http://www.dw.com/en/a-brief-history-of-travel-from-elite-hobby-to-mass-tourism/a-16996047|access-date=13 February 2018|work=Deutsche Welle|language=en}}</ref> [[Airship]]s and [[airplane]]s took over much of the role of long-distance surface travel in the 20th century, notably after the Second World War where there was a surplus of both aircraft and pilots.<ref name=matador/> Indeed, air travel has become so ubiquitous in the 21st century that one woman, [[Alexis Alford]], visited all 196 countries before the age of 21.<ref name="twsLL222">{{cite web  
Travel by water often provided more comfort and speed than land-travel, at least until the advent of a network of [[railway]]s in the 19th century. Travel for the purpose of tourism is reported to have started around this time when people began to travel for fun as travel was no longer a hard and challenging task. This was capitalized on by people like [[Thomas Cook]] selling tourism packages where trains and hotels were booked together.<ref name=DW>{{cite news|title=A brief history of travel: From elite hobby to mass tourism |url=http://www.dw.com/en/a-brief-history-of-travel-from-elite-hobby-to-mass-tourism/a-16996047 |access-date=13 February 2018 |work=[[Deutsche Welle]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Airship]]s and [[airplane]]s took over much of the role of long-distance surface travel in the 20th century, notably after the Second World War where there was a surplus of both aircraft and pilots.<ref name=matador/> Air travel has become so ubiquitous in the 21st century that one woman, [[Alexis Alford]], visited all 196 countries before the age of 21.<ref name="twsLL222">{{cite web |first=Shauna |last=Beni |date=July 29, 2019 |publisher=Conde Nast Traveler |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-gen-zer-just-became-the-youngest-person-to-travel-to-every-country |title=This Gen Zer Just Became the Youngest Person to Travel to Every Country: Alexis Alford—or Lexie Limitless, as she's known on Instagram—has set the record at just 21 years old. |access-date=March 6, 2020 |quote=... By age 12, Alexis Alford ... Alford, now 21, has accomplished her goal...}}</ref>
| author= Shauna Beni
| date= July 29, 2019
| publisher= Conde Nast Traveler
| url= https://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-gen-zer-just-became-the-youngest-person-to-travel-to-every-country
| title= This Gen Zer Just Became the Youngest Person to Travel to Every Country: Alexis Alford—or Lexie Limitless, as she's known on Instagram—has set the record at just 21 years old.
| access-date= March 6, 2020
| quote=... By age 12, Alexis Alford ... Alford, now 21, has accomplished her goal...
}}</ref>


== Geographic types ==
== Geographic types ==
Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an [[internal passport]], while international travel typically requires a [[passport]] and [[Visa (document)|visa]]. Tours are a common type of travel. Examples of travel tours are expedition cruises,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unrivaled Expedition Cruises|url=https://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk/expedition-cruises/|access-date=2021-04-30|website=National Geographic Expeditions|language=en-UK}}</ref> small group tours,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Book a small group tour with National Geographic Journeys and see more of the world for less.|url=https://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk/journeys/|access-date=2021-04-30|website=National Geographic Expeditions|language=en-UK}}</ref> and river cruises.<ref>{{Cite web|title=River Cruises from National Geographic - Book one of our new authentic River Cruises across Europe or Asia|url=https://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk/river-cruises/|access-date=2021-04-30|website=National Geographic Expeditions|language=en-UK}}</ref>
Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an [[internal passport]], while international travel typically requires a [[passport]] and [[Visa (document)|visa]]. Tours are a common type of travel. Examples of travel tours are expedition cruises,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unrivaled Expedition Cruises |url=https://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk/expedition-cruises/ |access-date=2021-04-30 |website=[[National Geographic]] Expeditions |language=en-UK}}</ref> small group tours,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Book a small group tour with National Geographic Journeys and see more of the world for less. |url=https://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk/journeys/ |access-date=2021-04-30 |website=[[National Geographic]] Expeditions |language=en-UK}}</ref> and river cruises.<ref>{{Cite web|title=River Cruises from National Geographic - Book one of our new authentic River Cruises across Europe or Asia |url=https://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk/river-cruises/ |access-date=2021-04-30 |website=[[National Geographic]] Expeditions |language=en-UK}}</ref>


== Safety ==
== Safety ==
Line 57: Line 56:


Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel [[safety]].<ref name="travel.state.gov">[https://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html "Tips for Traveling Abroad."] [http://travel.state.gov Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State]. Accessed July 2011.</ref> When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.<ref>[https://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html "A Safe Trip Abroad."] [http://travel.state.gov Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State]. Accessed July 2011.</ref> Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> avoiding being the target of a crime,<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> leaving copies of one's [[passport]] and [[Travel itinerary|itinerary]] information with trusted people,<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> obtaining [[Health insurance|medical insurance]] valid in the country being visited<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> and registering with one's national [[Diplomatic mission|embassy]] when arriving in a foreign country.<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept [[international driving permit]]s.<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits">[https://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html#permits "Road Safety Overseas."] [http://travel.state.gov Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State]. Accessed July 2011.
Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel [[safety]].<ref name="travel.state.gov">[https://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html "Tips for Traveling Abroad."] [http://travel.state.gov Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State]. Accessed July 2011.</ref> When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.<ref>[https://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html "A Safe Trip Abroad."] [http://travel.state.gov Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State]. Accessed July 2011.</ref> Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> avoiding being the target of a crime,<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> leaving copies of one's [[passport]] and [[Travel itinerary|itinerary]] information with trusted people,<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> obtaining [[Health insurance|medical insurance]] valid in the country being visited<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> and registering with one's national [[Diplomatic mission|embassy]] when arriving in a foreign country.<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept [[international driving permit]]s.<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits">[https://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html#permits "Road Safety Overseas."] [http://travel.state.gov Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State]. Accessed July 2011.
</ref> [[Vehicle insurance|Automobile insurance]] policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it is often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits"/> It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving rules and -regulations of destination countries.<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits"/> Wearing a [[seat belt]] is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating [[Seat belt legislation|seatbelt laws]].<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits"/>
</ref> [[Vehicle insurance|Automobile insurance]] policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it is often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits"/> It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving rules and regulations of destination countries.<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits"/> Wearing a [[seat belt]] is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating [[Seat belt legislation|seatbelt laws]].<ref name="travel.state.gov.permits"/>


There are three main statistics which may be used to compare the safety of various forms of travel (based on a [[DETR]] survey in October 2000):<ref>The risks of travel {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010907173322/http://www.numberwatch.co.uk/risks_of_travel.htm |date=2001-09-07 }}</ref>
There are three main statistics which may be used to compare the safety of various forms of travel (based on a [[DETR|Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions]] survey in October 2000):<ref>The risks of travel {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010907173322/http://www.numberwatch.co.uk/risks_of_travel.htm |date=2001-09-07}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable  
{| class="wikitable sortable  
Line 71: Line 70:
| [[Bus]]|| 4.3||11.1||0.4
| [[Bus]]|| 4.3||11.1||0.4
|-
|-
| [[Rail travel|Rail]]|| 20||30||0.6
| [[Rail travel|Rail]]|| 20||30||0.6
|-
|-
| [[Air travel|Air]]|| 117||30.8||0.05
| [[Air travel|Air]]|| 117||30.8||0.05
Line 96: Line 95:
* [[Mode of transport]]
* [[Mode of transport]]
* [[Recreational travel]]
* [[Recreational travel]]
* [[Right of return]]
* [[Science tourism]]
* [[Science tourism]]
* ''[[The Negro Motorist Green Book]]''
* [[Transport]]
* [[Transport]]
* [[Tourism]]
* [[Tourism]]
Line 119: Line 118:
  ===================================================================-->
  ===================================================================-->
{{Sister project links|wikt=travel|b=Airplane Travel|q=Travel|s=no|commons=Category:Travel|n=no|v=Tourism/Travel|voy=Travel topics|d=y}}
{{Sister project links|wikt=travel|b=Airplane Travel|q=Travel|s=no|commons=Category:Travel|n=no|v=Tourism/Travel|voy=Travel topics|d=y}}
* {{Curlie|Recreation/Travel|Travel}}
* {{Merriam-Webster|Travel}}


{{Tourism}}
{{Tourism}}

Latest revision as of 00:18, 8 August 2025


For other uses, see Travel (disambiguation).
"Travelling" redirects here. For other uses, see Travelling (disambiguation).

Methods of travel in Hong Kong, the most visited city according to Euromonitor. Top to bottom: the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the MTR.

Template:Hospitality service

Train travel – Passengers on a train on a bridge of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, between Mettupalayam and Ootacamund, in Tamil Nadu, India

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

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the Old French word travail, which means 'work'.[2] According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil).

In English, people still occasionally use the words travail, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers' Tales (2004), the words travel and travail both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale).[citation needed] This link may reflect the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Travel in modern times may or may not be much easier, depending upon the destination. Travel to Mount Everest, the Amazon rainforest, extreme tourism, and adventure travel are more difficult forms of travel. Travel can also be more difficult depending on the method of travel, such as by bus, cruise ship, or even by bullock cart.[3]

Purpose and motivation[edit | edit source]

Traveler's motorcycle with large rear box

Reasons for traveling include recreation,[4] holidays, rejuvenation,[5] tourism[4] or vacationing,[4] research travel,[4] the gathering of information, visiting people, volunteer travel for charity, migration to begin life somewhere else, religious pilgrimages[4] and mission trips, business travel,[4] trade,[4] commuting, obtaining health care,[4] waging or fleeing war, for the enjoyment of traveling, or other reasons. Travelers may use human-powered transport such as walking or bicycling; or vehicles, such as public transport, automobiles, trains, ferries, boats, cruise ships and airplanes.

Motives for travel include:

History[edit | edit source]

Travel dates back to antiquity where wealthy Greeks and Romans would travel for leisure to their summer homes and villas in cities such as Pompeii and Baiae.[9] While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible.[10] Humankind has come a long way in transportation since Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World from Spain in 1492, an expedition which took over 10 weeks to arrive at the final destination; to the 21st century when aircraft allows travel from Spain to the United States overnight.

Travel in the Middle Ages offered hardships and challenges, though it was important to the economy and to society. The wholesale sector depended (for example) on merchants dealing with/through caravans or sea-voyagers, end-user retailing often demanded the services of many itinerant peddlers wandering from village to hamlet, gyrovagues (wandering monks) and wandering friars brought theology and pastoral support to neglected areas, traveling minstrels toured, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars.[9] Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally and internationally.[11]

In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young European aristocrats and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the Grand Tour, and included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, the French Revolution brought with it the end of the Grand Tour.[9]

Travel by water often provided more comfort and speed than land-travel, at least until the advent of a network of railways in the 19th century. Travel for the purpose of tourism is reported to have started around this time when people began to travel for fun as travel was no longer a hard and challenging task. This was capitalized on by people like Thomas Cook selling tourism packages where trains and hotels were booked together.[12] Airships and airplanes took over much of the role of long-distance surface travel in the 20th century, notably after the Second World War where there was a surplus of both aircraft and pilots.[9] Air travel has become so ubiquitous in the 21st century that one woman, Alexis Alford, visited all 196 countries before the age of 21.[13]

Geographic types[edit | edit source]

Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an internal passport, while international travel typically requires a passport and visa. Tours are a common type of travel. Examples of travel tours are expedition cruises,[14] small group tours,[15] and river cruises.[16]

Safety[edit | edit source]

See also: Air safety and Automobile safety
Travelers in a British Airways 747 airplane. Air travel is a common means of transport.
MS Skania ferry in the port of Szczecin

Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel safety.[17] When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.[18] Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,[17] avoiding being the target of a crime,[17] leaving copies of one's passport and itinerary information with trusted people,[17] obtaining medical insurance valid in the country being visited[17] and registering with one's national embassy when arriving in a foreign country.[17] Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept international driving permits.[19] Automobile insurance policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it is often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.[19] It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving rules and regulations of destination countries.[19] Wearing a seat belt is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating seatbelt laws.[19]

There are three main statistics which may be used to compare the safety of various forms of travel (based on a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions survey in October 2000):[20]

Mode Deaths per billion
Journeys Hours Kilometers
Bus 4.3 11.1 0.4
Rail 20 30 0.6
Air 117 30.8 0.05
Ship 90 50 2.6
Van 20 60 1.2
Car 40 130 3.1
Walking 40 220 54
Bicycle 170 550 45
Motorcycle 1640 4840 109

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Travel". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. 12 Apr 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  2. ↑ Entymoligical dictionary (definition). Retrieved on 10 December 2011
  3. ↑ Buzard, J. (1993). The Beaten Track. European Tourism literature, and the Ways to 'Culture' 1800 - 1918. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 "The Road to Travel: Purpose of Travel." University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (Compilation for History 3931/REL 3938 course.) Accessed July 2011.
  5. ↑ "Motivations of Travel" (PDF). U.S. Travel Association.
  6. ↑ Simonson, Lawrence R.; Koth, Barbara A.; Kreag, Glenn M. (1988). "So Your Community Wants Travel/Tourism? Guidelines for Attracting and Servicing Visitors". conservancy.edu. hdl:11299/178439. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Motivations for Travel Fact Sheet" (PDF). U.S. Travel Association. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  8. ↑ "Cultural Experiences". Worldpackers.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "A History Of Why People Travel". Matador Network.
  10. ↑ "A Brief Visual History of Travel". Accessed May 2017.
  11. ↑ Peters, F. E. (1994). The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places. Princeton University Press. p. 164. ISBN 9780691026190.
  12. ↑ "A brief history of travel: From elite hobby to mass tourism". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  13. ↑ Beni, Shauna (July 29, 2019). "This Gen Zer Just Became the Youngest Person to Travel to Every Country: Alexis Alford—or Lexie Limitless, as she's known on Instagram—has set the record at just 21 years old". Conde Nast Traveler. Retrieved March 6, 2020. ... By age 12, Alexis Alford ... Alford, now 21, has accomplished her goal...
  14. ↑ "Unrivaled Expedition Cruises". National Geographic Expeditions. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  15. ↑ "Book a small group tour with National Geographic Journeys and see more of the world for less". National Geographic Expeditions. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  16. ↑ "River Cruises from National Geographic - Book one of our new authentic River Cruises across Europe or Asia". National Geographic Expeditions. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 "Tips for Traveling Abroad." Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Accessed July 2011.
  18. ↑ "A Safe Trip Abroad." Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Accessed July 2011.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 "Road Safety Overseas." Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Accessed July 2011.
  20. ↑ The risks of travel Archived 2001-09-07 at the Wayback Machine

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Adventure travel Template:Commercial air travel Template:Public transport

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Travel&oldid=473748"
Discover more