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100 Unique and Creative Travel Words with Beautiful Meanings

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Everyone (who knows me) knows how I love words. I hoard words . Everyone also knows how I love to travel. I eat, drink, and sleep travel 🙂 Here, in this post, I’ve blended two of my passions – words and travel. The post rounds up the creative travel words that describe wanderlust perfectly. You’ll never be at a loss for words while narrating your travel experiences once you equip yourself with these unique words about travel.

Unusual Travel Words with Beautiful Meanings

Wanderlust (n.).

Origin: German Pronunciation: vawn-duh-luhst Meaning: a strong desire to travel

Resfeber (n.)

Origin: Swedish Pronunciation: race-fay-ber Meaning: the restless race of the traveler’s heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together; the nervous feeling before undertaking a journey

Related Read: 27 Cool Swedish Words You Must Know

Strikhedonia (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: strik-he-don-e-a Meaning: the joy of being able to say “to hell with it”

Eleutheromania (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: eleuthero-ma-nia Meaning: an intense and irresistible desire for freedom

Origin: Hawaiian Pronunciation: ak-i-hi Meaning: listening to directions and then walking off and promptly forgetting them

Exulansis (n.)

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: exu-lan-sis Meaning: the tendency to give up trying to talk about an experience because people are unable to relate to it — whether through envy or pity or simple foreignness—which allows it to drift away from the rest of your life story, until the memory itself feels out of place, almost mythical, wandering restlessly in the fog, no longer even looking for a place to land.

Hodophile (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: hodo-phile Meaning: a lover of roads; one who loves to travel

Saudade (n.)

Origin: Portuguese Pronunciation: sau-da-de Meaning: a nostalgic longing for something or someone that was loved and then lost, with the knowledge that it or they might never return; “the love that remains”

Fernweh (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: feirn-veyh Meaning: an ache for distant places; a longing for far-off places; an urge to travel even stronger than wanderlust; being homesick for a place you’ve never been

Selcouth (adj.)

Origin: Old English Pronunciation: sel-kooth Meaning: unfamiliar, rare, strange, and yet marvelous

Serendipity (n.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: seh-ruhn-di-puh-tee Meaning: finding something good without looking for it

Pilgrimage (n.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: pil-gruh-mij Meaning: a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion

Gökotta (n.)

Origin: Swedish Pronunciation: yo-kot-ah Meaning: literally translates to the early cuckoo morning or dawn picnic to hear the first birdsong; the act of rising early in the morning to hear the birds sing at sunrise and appreciate nature

Schwellenangst (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: shwel-en-ahngst Meaning: fear of embarking on something new; fear of crossing a threshold

Voyage (n.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: voy-ij Meaning: a long journey involving travel by sea or in space

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: yoo-gehn Meaning: a profound awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep, powerful, and mysterious for words

Origin: Danish Pronunciation: hue-gah Meaning: the Danish practice of creating warmth, connection, and well-being; a complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things; celebrating the everyday

You Might Like: Cool Danish Words We Need in English Now

Vagary (n.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: va-ga-re Meaning: an unpredictable instance, a wandering journey; a whimsical, wild, and unusual idea, desire, or action

Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: mo-rii Meaning: the desire to capture a fleeting experience

“With every click of the shutter, you’re trying to press pause on your life. If only so you can feel a little more comfortable moving on living in a world stuck on the play.”

Musafir (n.)

Origin: Arabic Pronunciation: mu-sa-fir Meaning: traveler

Musafir remains one of my most favorite words associated with travel.

Odyssey (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: aw-duh-see Meaning: a long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience

Sonder (n.)

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: sohn-dehrr Meaning: the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.

Gadabout (n.)

Origin: Middle English Pronunciation: gad-uh-bout Meaning: a habitual pleasure-seeker; a person who moves about restlessly and aimlessly, especially from one social activity to another; a person who travels often or to many different places, especially for pleasure

Acatalepsy (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: ey-kat-l-ep-see Meaning: incomprehensibleness; the impossibility of comprehending the universe; the belief that human knowledge can never have true certainty

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: noh-mad Meaning: a person who does not stay long in the same place; a wanderer

Cockaigne (n.)

Origin: Middle English Pronunciation: ko-keyn Meaning: an imaginary or fabled land of luxury and idleness

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: o-ni-sm Meaning: the awareness of how little of the world you’ll experience

“The frustration of being stuck in just one body, that inhabits only one place at a time, which is like standing in front of the departures screen at an airport, flickering over with strange place names like other people’s passwords, each representing one more thing you’ll never get to see before you die—and all because, as the arrow on the map helpfully points out, you are here.”

Nemophilist (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: ni-mo-fi-list Meaning: a haunter of the woods; one who loves the forest for its beauty and solitude

Trouvaille (n.)

Origin: French Pronunciation: troo-vee Meaning: a lucky find; a chance encounter with something wonderful and valuable

Safarnama (n.)

Origin: Persian Pronunciation: su-fur-nama Meaning: travelogue; an account of the travels

Smultronställe (n.)

Origin: Swedish Pronunciation: smool-tron-stall-uh Meaning: literally translates to place of wild strawberries; a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness

Livsnjutare (n.)

Origin: Swedish Pronunciation: livs-noo-tuhreh Meaning: literally translates to enjoyer of life; someone who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme

Wayfarer (n.)

Origin: Old English Pronunciation: wey-fair-er Meaning: someone who travels, especially on foot

Kopfkino (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: kof-kino Meaning: literally translates to head cinema; the act of playing out an entire scenario in your mind

Hireath (n.)

Origin: Welsh Pronunciation: her-rith Meaning: a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past

Peripatetic (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: per-uh-puh-tet-ik Meaning: a person who travels from place to place

Luftmensch (n.)

Origin: Yiddish Pronunciation: looft-mensh Meaning: literally translates to an air person; an impractical dreamer with improbable plans and no business sense; one with their head in the clouds

Solivagant (adj.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: soh-lih-va-ghent Meaning: wandering alone

Waldeinsamkeit (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: vahyd-ahyn-zahm-kahyt Meaning: literally translates to woodland solitude; the feeling of being alone in the woods

Ecophobia (n.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: eco-phobia Meaning: a fear or dislike of one’s home

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: u-key-yo Meaning: literally translates to the floating world; living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life

Meraki (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: may-rah-kee Meaning: to do something with soul, creativity, and love; when you leave a piece of yourself in your work

Wabi-sabi (n.)

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: wabe-sabe Meaning: finding beauty in imperfections; an acceptance of things as they are

Vorfreude (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: vor-froy-dah Meaning: the joyful, intense anticipation that comes from imagining future pleasures

Cosmopolitan (n.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: koz-muh-pahl-i-ten Meaning: belonging to all the world; not limited to just one part of the world; someone who has traveled a lot and feels at home in any part of the world

Peregrinate (v.)

Origin: Middle English Pronunciation: per-i-gruh-neyt Meaning: to travel or wander from place to place

Sojourn (n.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: soh-jurn Meaning: a temporary stay

Shinrin-yoku (n.)

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: shin-rin-yo-ku Meaning: literally translates to forest bathing; a leisurely trip to the forest for recreation, relaxation, meditation, and therapy

Origin: Thai Pronunciation: ti-eow Meaning: to wander or roam around in a carefree way

Origin: Serbian Pronunciation: mir-ak Meaning: enjoyment of the simple things in life; the feeling of bliss and sense of oneness with the universe that comes from the simplest of pleasures; the pursuit of small, daily pleasures that all add up to a great sense of happiness and fulfillment

Dépaysement (n.)

Origin: French Pronunciation: de-pe-iz-ma Meaning: the feeling that comes from not being in one’s home country; disorientation due to experience of unfamiliar surroundings; being out of your element like a fish out of water

Itinerant (n.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: ai-ti-nr-uhnt Meaning: one who travels from place to place

Numinous (adj.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: noo-muh-nuhs Meaning: having a strong religious or spiritual or supernatural quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of divinity; describing an experience that makes you fearful yet fascinated, wed yet attracted – the powerful, personal feeling of being overwhelmed and inspired

Heimweh (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: haim-ve Meaning: homesickness; nostalgia; a longing for home

Sprachgefühl (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: shprahkh-guh-fyl Meaning: the character and spirit of a language; an intuitive sense of the rule and rhythm of language

Mångata (n.)

Origin: Swedish Pronunciation: mo-an-gaa-tah Meaning: the glimmering, roadlike reflection of the moonlight on water

Dromomania (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: dro-mo-ma-nia Meaning: an uncontrollable impulse or desire to wander or travel

Sehnsucht (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: zen-zukt Meaning: the inconsolable longing in the human heart for we know not what; a yearning for a far, familiar, non-earthly land one can identify as one’s home

Dérive (v.)

Origin: French Pronunciation: de-rive Meaning: literally translates to drift; a spontaneous and unplanned journey where the traveler leaves their life behind for a time to let the spirit of the landscape and architecture attract and move them

Absquatulate (v.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: ab-skwoch-uh-leyt Meaning: to leave abruptly without saying goodbye

Thalassophile (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: thal-as-o-fahyl Meaning: a lover of the sea; someone who loves the sea or ocean

Yoko meshi (n.)

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: yoh-koh-mesh-ee Meaning: literally translates to a meal eaten sideways; refers to the peculiar stress of speaking a foreign language

Forelsket (v.)

Origin: Norwegian Pronunciation: phor-rel-sket Meaning: the euphoria you experience when you are first falling in love

Read More: 14 Beautiful Norwegian Words We Need in English Now

Rückkehrunruhe (n.)

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: rukee-ren-ruhee Meaning: the feeling of returning home after an immersive trip only to find it fading rapidly from your awareness—to the extent you have to keep reminding yourself that it happened at all, even though it felt so vivid just days ago—which makes you wish you could smoothly cross-dissolve back into everyday life, or just hold the shutter open indefinitely and let one scene become superimposed on the next, so all your days would run together and you’d never have to call cut.

Eudaimonia (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: u-de-mon-e-a Meaning: literally translates to human flourishing; a contented state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous

Sturmfrei (adj.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: stirm-fra Meaning: literally translates to storm-free; the freedom of not being watched by a parent or superior; being alone in a place and having the ability to do what you want

Origin: Mandarin Chinese Pronunciation: yu-yi Meaning: the desire to see with fresh eyes, and feel things just as powerfully as you did when you were younger-before expectations, before memory, before words

Photophile (n.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: pho-to-phile Meaning: Derived from the biological term “photophilic” for an organism that thrives in full light, it means a person who loves photography and light

Traipse (v.)

Origin: Unknown Pronunciation: trayps Meaning: to walk or go aimlessly or idly or without finding or reaching one’s goal

 Neophile (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: neo-phile Meaning: one who loves or has a strong affinity for anything new or novel

Ballagàrraidh (n.)

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: bal-la-ga-rye Meaning: the awareness that you are not at home in the wilderness

Vacilando (v.)

Origin: Spanish Pronunciation: vah-see-lan-doh Meaning: to wander or travel with the knowledge that the journey is more important than the destination

Quaquaversal (adj.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: kwey-kwuh-vur-sul Meaning: moving or happening in every direction instantaneously

Coddiwomple (v.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: kod-ee-wom-pul Meaning: to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination

Vemödalen (n.)

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: ve-mo-da-len Meaning: the fear that everything has already been done

“The frustration of photographing something amazing when thousands of identical photos already exist—the same sunset, the same waterfall, the same curve of a hip, the same closeup of an eye—which can turn a unique subject into something hollow and pulpy and cheap, like a mass-produced piece of furniture you happen to have assembled yourself.”

Commuovere (v.)

Origin: Italian Pronunciation: com-muo-ve-re Meaning: a story that touches or stirs you and moves you to tears

Natsukashii (adj.)

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: nat-soo-kash-ee Meaning: of some small thing that brings you suddenly, joyously back to fond memories, not with a wistful longing for what’s past, but with an appreciation of the good times

Querencia (n.)

Origin: Spanish Pronunciation: keh-rehn-syah Meaning: a place from which one’s strength is drawn, where one feels at home; the place where you are your most authentic self

Novaturient (adj.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: no-vah-ter-y-ent Meaning: desiring or seeking powerful change in one’s life, behavior, or situation

Komorebi (n.)

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: koh-moh-ray-bee Meaning: sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees

Flâneur (n.)

Origin: French Pronunciation: flah-nœr Meaning: one who strolls around aimlessly but enjoyably, observing life and his surroundings

Hanyauku (v.)

Origin: Kwangali Pronunciation: ha-ahn-yoh-kuu Meaning: to walk on tiptoes across the warm sand

Dès Vu (n.)

Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Pronunciation: des-vu Meaning: the awareness that this will become a memory

Gallivant (v.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: gal-uh-vant Meaning: go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment

Nefelibata (n.)

Origin: Portuguese Pronunciation: ne-fe-le-ba-ta Meaning: literally translates to cloud-walker; one who lives in the clouds of their own imagination or dreams, or one who does not obey the conventions of society, literature, or art; an unconventional or unorthodox person

Petrichor (n.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: pet-ri-kawr Meaning: a distinctive scent, usually described as earthy, pleasant, or sweet, produced by rainfall on very dry ground; the smell of earth after rain

Circumnavigate (v.)

Origin: Latin Pronunciation: suh-kuhm-na-vuh-gayt Meaning: to sail or travel all the way around the world

Hitoritabi (n.)

Origin: Japanese Pronunciation: hitori-tabi Meaning: traveling alone; a solitary journey

Torschlusspanik (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: tursh-luss-pan-ik Meaning: literally translates to gate-closing panic; a sense of anxiety or fear caused by the feeling that life’s opportunities are passing by and diminishing as one ages

Globetrotter (n.)

Origin: English Pronunciation: globe-trawt-uh Meaning: a person who travels widely

Menggonceng (v.)

Origin: Indonesian Pronunciation: menggon-ceng Meaning: to travel by getting a free ride, usually on the back of a friend’s bicycle

Vagabond (n.)

Origin : Old French Pronunciation: va-guh-baand Meaning: a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job

Gemütlichkeit (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: guh-myt-likh-kahyt Meaning: a feeling of cozy warmth, friendliness, and good cheer with a sense of belonging

Erlebnisse (n.)

Origin: German Pronunciation: ayr-leeb-nis-eh Meaning: an experience that one feels most deeply, and, in a sense, ‘lives through’ – not just mere life experience, but something memorable which happens to someone

Livslogga (v.)

Origin: Swedish Pronunciation: Meaning: literally translates to life log; continually capturing and documenting one’s life through pictures

Poudrerie (n.)

Origin: French Pronunciation: pu-dre-ri Meaning: fallen snow blown by the wind from the ground, appearing like fine powdery particles across the streets and highways

Yeoubi (n.)

Origin: Korean Pronunciation: yu-bi Meaning: literally translates to fox rain; a sunshower – the event of having a light rain while the sun is still shining

Morriña (n.)

Origin: Galician Pronunciation: mo-rina Meaning: a very deep, nostalgic, and melancholic homesickness experienced as one intensely longs to return home; “a ‘saudade’ so strong it can even kill”

 Víðsýni (adj.)

Origin: Icelandic Pronunciation: vith-see-nee Meaning: a panoramic view

Xenophilia (n.)

Origin: Greek Pronunciation: zen-uh-fil-ee-uh Meaning: love for, attraction to, or appreciation of foreign people, manners, customs, or cultures

Do you have other words that describe travel? Send them over! We’d be happy to add them to our list of words for travel lovers.

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28 Beautiful Travel Words that Describe Wanderlust Perfectly

Describe your travels with these unique and beautiful travel words from different languages around the world.

I love travelling and I love languages, so imagine my excitement when I came across a treasure trove of travel words and wanderlust synonyms that describe how we feel before, during, and after we travel. 

Just like a photo can’t fully capture what it feels like to stand on the edge of a fjord , neither can ‘wanderlust’ fully express how we feel when we crave our next adventure. These travel words are literary gems which have been gathered from languages around the world. From Japanese to Swedish , Latin to Greek , travel brochures of the future will be peppered with travel words like of resfeber , livsnjutare, and coddiwomple .

Wanderlust meaning

As you’ll see in the list below, every language has its own variation of how it explains and defines what wanderlust is. In English, wanderlust means to have a strong desire for or impulse to travel, wander and explore the world.

Learn a language from home

During these times it can be bittersweet to think about travelling when we have to stay at home and practice social distancing, let this list of wanderlust-filled words inspire you to a learn a language from home and prepare yourself for your next trip. Being travel fluent is the best way to enrich your travel experiences.

Without further ado, here are 28 beautiful travel words you should slip into your vocabulary. When you’re done, take and look at this collection of inspirational travel quotes . I’d love to hear which ones are your favourites in the comment section below.

Table of Contents

• Eleutheromania
• Quaquaversal
• Schwellenangst
• Strikhedonia
• Livsnjutare
• Novaturient
• Coddiwomple

1. Resfeber  (n.)

Origin: Swedish

Definition: The meaning of resfeber refers to the restless race of the traveller’s heart before the journey begins when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together.

It’s that moment just after you buy your plane tickets and excitement and fear floods in all at once, creating a mixture of emotions that make you feel anxious or physically ill.

For more inspiration, don’t miss my guide to cool gifts for language learners and the best travel accessories and travel gadgets here.

2. Sonder (v.)

Origin: Unknown

Definition: The realisation that each passerby is living a life as complex as your own.

The full definition, taken from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows reads:

[Sonder is] the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.

I often feel this way when I pass groups of strangers, speaking a language that is completely foreign to me, and realise just how incredibly big the world is. We all have a life that is full of different connections, memories and possibilities. That’s sonder.

The internet suggests this may not be a real word, either way, the concept is beautiful.

3. Solivagant (adj.)

Origin: Latin

Definition: Wandering alone. A solitary adventurer who travels or wanders the globe.

Not all those who wander are lost, but all those who wander alone are definitely solivagants . From the Latin word solivagus , meaning lonely or solitary, solivagant describes anyone who enjoys meandering around new countries, alone, in order to take it all in.

4. Fernweh (n.)

Origin: German

Definition: This German word,means an ache to get away and travel to a distant place, a feeling  even stronger than wanderlust. If wanderlust wasn’t poetic enough for you, allow me to present fernweh , a German word that literally translates to “distance-sickness.”

While someone with wanderlust might sit at home and happily fantasise about all the places they might visit, someone with fernweh would feel a deeper sense of longing, a sort of homesickness but for foreign lands.  For me, it’s wanting to be back in Rome . Fernweh is one of most those beautiful untranslatable words I’ve ever come across.

Carry this beautiful word with you with my Fernweh T-Shirt available in men’s and ladies styles and black or white. Buy it here.

5. Sehnsucht (n.)

Definition: A wistful longing and yearning in the heart for travels past and future.

One author translated it as the “ inconsolable longing in the human heart for we know not what .” Another compared it to “ a longing for a far-off country, but not one which we could identify.”

When you return from travelling and wish you could do it all over again and experience every moment like it was the first.

6. Eleutheromania (n.)

Origin: Greek

Definition: An intense and irresistible desire for freedom.

We all want to be free, and travelling shows us how the freedom in the lives of others that is different from our own. Eleutheromania describes a person who has a strong desire and obsession for freedom.

7. Cockaigne (n.)

Origin: French , Middle French

Definition: An imaginary land of luxury and idleness.

Every destination seem like a wonderland or cockaigne before you set foot there and see it for yourself.

The term c ockaigne ” comes from the Middle French phrase pais de cocaigne, which literally means “the land of plenty.” The word was first popularised in a 13th-century French poem that is known in English as “The Land of Cockaigne.”

8. Quaquaversal (adj.)

Definition: Moving or happening in every direction instantaneously.

This perfectly describes my state when I’m in a new place and want to see and do everything at once.

9. Dérive (n)

Origin: French

Definition: A spontaneous and unplanned journey where the traveller leaves their life behind allows themselves to be guided by the landscape and architecture.

Literally translated as “drift”,  dérive is the idea that even if you drift you will end up on the right path. This could describe life in general, but it also describes small journeys. When you’re wandering through a new city and you just happen to wander on a path that takes you to great discoveries.

10. Ecophobia (n.)

Origin: English

Definition: This word came into English word via Greek and means a fear or dislike of one’s home.

I don’t dislike my home, but recently I can’t stop thinking about going back to Lofoten, Norway.

11. Numinous (adj.)

Definition: A powerful feeling of both fear and fascination, of being in awe and overwhelmed by what is before you.

Originally, this word refers to having a strong religious or spiritual quality; but it can also be used to describe how you feel when you see things that are so beautiful that you realise how wonderful the world is and the small part you play in it.   Hiking Trolltunga was a numinous moment for me.

12. Schwellenangst (n.)

Definition: Fear of crossing a threshold to begin a new chapter.

From s chwelle (“threshold”) and a ngst (“anxiety”), this word explains that feeling you get before deciding to set out on a new journey. Argh! Did I make the right decision?

13. Strikhedonia (n.)

Definition: The pleasure of being able to say “to hell with it”.

Another personal favourite word on this list. Not only is it the joy I feel, but the freedom to be able to say “to hell with it” and book that next trip and embark on your next adventure.

14. Vagary (v.)

Definition: A whimsical or roaming journey.

From Latin, vagārī meaning “ to roam”, is an unpredictable idea, desire or action to travelling without knowing the destination, and not caring.

15. Livsnjutare (n)

Definition: Literally meaning, “enjoyer of life”, this describes a person who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme.

If you’re reading this, that’s probably you!  Need more inspiration?

16. Commuovere (v.)

Origin: Italian

Definition: To stir, to touch, to move to tears.

Just like the euphoric emotions I felt whilst whale watching.

17. Sturmfrei (adj.)

Definition: The freedom of being alone and being able to do what you want.

Literally translating to “stormfree”, this describes the freedom of not being watched by others and being alone in a place where you have the freedom and ability to do what you want.

Another great German word. Travelling solo can be especially rewarding because you have complete control. No compromises, no one else to please. Just you and the big wide world.

18. Saudade (n.)

Origin: Portuguese

Definition: This Portuguese word describes the emotional state of nostalgia and longing for someone or something distant. S audade  was once described as “the love that remains” after someone is gone.

Saudade  is the recollection of feelings, experiences, places, or events that brought excitement and happiness but now triggers the senses and makes one live again.

19. Yūgen (n.)

Origin: Japanese

Definition: A profound and mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe.

An awareness of the Universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and powerful for words.

20. Acatalepsy (n.)

Definition: The impossibility of comprehending the universe.

Henry Miller said “ One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. ” Do we ever really understand the world and what we see on our  travels,  and how they mould us? Sometimes, if at all, it takes time to discover how these things change our lives.

21. Trouvaille (n.)

Definition: A chance encounter with something wonderful.

Whether it’s stumbling across a hidden back street, a quaint cafe, or connecting with a local, trouvaille describes those magical moments we experience in our journeys. 

22. Hygge (n.)

Origin: Danish

Definition: Pronounced hue-guh , hygge describes the warm feeling you get while enjoying the company of great friends and all life has to offer.

Hygge is the conscious appreciation of recognising everything you have and enjoying to the present moment.

23. Onism (n.)

Definition: The world is a big place as not everyone will get to see it. Onism describes understanding that we’ll never get to see it all. It’s the frustration of being stuck in just one body that can only inhabit one place at a time. I felt this way before going to Copenhagen !

Similar to the Swedish word ‘resfeber’, onism describes the feeling of knowing that you’ll never be able to see it all. They say that the more you travel, the harder it gets to stay in one place.

24. Novaturient (adj.)

Definition: A desire to change and alter your life.

This was exactly how I felt when I quit my job and moved to Rome . There was this strong urge that pulled me towards my dream of pursuing a life of speaking Italian and travelling. I knew I  wouldn’t be living my life if I didn’t go.

25. Yoko meshi (n.)

Definition: This untranslatable gem describes the stress of speaking a foreign language .

The Japanese word ‘meshi’ literally means ‘boiled rice’ and ‘yoko’ means ‘horizontal,’ together it means ‘a meal eaten sideways.’ The Japanese have created a beautiful way of describing the unique kind of stress you experience when speaking a foreign language. Furthermore, ‘yoko’ also references the fact that Japanese is normally written vertically, whereas most foreign languages are written horizontally. Clever, right?

Related: 69 Wonderful Japanese Expressions That Will Brighten Your Day

26. Selcouth (adj.)

Origin: Old English

Definition: When everything you see and experience is unfamiliar and strange, yet you find it marvellous anyway.

It’s that feeling you get when you travel to a foreign land and food, culture, customs, or language, is strange and different to everything you’ve experienced before, yet you love it and find it fascinating.

27. Eudaimonia (n.)

Definition: A state of being happy whilst travelling and everything feels great.

That intense excitement and appreciation when you travel and everything feels great. Seeing the Northern Lights was one of the best experiences of my life, a feeling I won’t forget.

28. Coddiwomple (v.)

Origin: English slang

Definition: To travel purposefully towards an unknown destination.

A brilliant word, coddiwomple is when you have a vague idea of your destination within a care for how long it takes to arrive. A great example is when you go hiking, you know you’ll eventually reach the summit, but every part of the trail along the way is just as beautiful.    Like the time I hiked Norway’s Trolltunga.

If you enjoyed these words, then let wordsmiths Stephen King, Mark Twain and the Dalai Lama transport you around the world with these inspirational travel quotes or start using some of the beautiful untranslatable words from other languages.

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Over to you!

Which one of these travel words do you identify with the most? What others would you add? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Italian Cognates & Loanwords: 17 Rules to Expand Your Vocabulary + FREE PDF

124 inspirational travel quotes that’ll make you want to travel in 2022, 12 comments.

Amazing list! One word I’d add is the Dutch word “gezellig” or “gezelligheid” – similarly to hygge, it describes a feeling of warmth/comfort/coziness/quaintness in certain settings or around certain people.

Thank you so much for sharing this Heba. So interesting to learn that Dutch has a similar word 🙂

This is such a fun article! Love these words and phrases!

Glad to hear it! Thank you so much, Eric 🙂

So many of these describe me or my feelings about seeing the world. But, if I had to pick one, the one that best describes how I choose my destinations would be “selcouth”. I so want to be a stranger in a strange land. To have my belief that there is no such thing as “normal” affirmed again and again and over again.

What a beautiful word. Thanks for sharing, Janet 🙂

Thanks Michele what a wonderful list of inspirational words. It nearly made me cry as I realised that I suffer from acute eleutheromania! ha

Thanks Juliana 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed this list. Eleutheromania? I know how you feel hehe

Unique list i must say – If you want to add one more word than check this !

In Hindi language (India) traveler called as “Musafir”

thanks Niraj 🙂

Thanks for sharing this! Really enjoyed it a lot ❤

Thanks Donah, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😉

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If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

10 Synonymous Words for Travel Lovers

We often run out of words on what to say. It also happens when we talk about travel lovers or want to impress our  nomadic friends . Are you tired of using the same old words? If so, today’s fun  post is for you. 

Do you know what a person is called who loves to travel? Travel lover. Yes, but we all know that, and besides, that’s two words, not a one word noun .

Words for Travel Lovers

How about “Hodophile”. If you are saying, “what, a hodophile!” Yes, a hodophile is a person who loves to travel. Now, that’s certainly going to grab your friends’ attention next time you talk to them.

Below are the top 10 simple to pronounce words you should start using to enhance your regular travel vocabulary.

These are nothing like out-of-the-tongue kinda words but refreshing synonyms one should add to their day to day vocabulary.

Globetrotter

Do you know anyone who loves to hop between countries? Or anyone who is a hardcore traveler? Anyone who leaves their tiny footprints across the various continents? Globetrotter is what you call them, and Globetrotting is their religion.

Few of us hate staying in one place. We are people of many lands who live to travel. Itinerant is an apt word for travel lovers who have got a gypsy soul.

Read Next: 201 Greatest Travel Quotes That Will Leave You Speechless

Many times we say, let’s hit the road ! That is exactly what roadies do, but they accompany bands or musicians and travel in a group. In recent time though, the term has become more generalized and biking groups can be also called Roadies.

Wandering around might get old after a few days, why not use roving around for a change? Become a Rover aka Travel Lover. 🙂

Related:   The Ultimate Travel Bucket List and 101 Couple Goals

“Catch flights, not feelings”  is what the quote says, but what about after you get off the plane? Hop on a car, and move to your hotel, then what?

You need to walk around and discover the destination. All travel lovers are wayfarers in a way.

www.artoftravel.store/

Nothing is permanent. And this world is massive to just live in a corner. People who make any place their home are in reality the Vagabonds – the daring nomads, adventurers , and travel lovers.

Also, you might have heard this quote from Saint Augustine of Hippo: “The World is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Traveling alone is empowering. And when you are brave enough to take on the roads yourself you become a Solivagant. Wandering alone is an unadulterated bliss which travel lovers should try once.

Related: Women Solo Travelers on Rise  and Best Destinations for Traveling Solo

Travel Buff

Wisdom comes from experience and those who are travelers amass knowledge through traveling. That is what makes them the travel-buffs.

You don’t need an explanation for this word. It is as perfect as it comes. Hodophile – the very word for travel lovers. A Hodophile is “One who loves to travel.”

In Australia , a retired old man traveling in a motorhome or caravan is named as Grey Nomad. But why just use it in the context of an old man?

Nowadays the travel lovers who live a nomadic life are often called “Grey Nomads.” (They may or may not have grey hairs though, Lol!)

What are some other words for travel lovers? Comment below and we’ll add to this list. We hope this post cheered you and brought you value. If yes, please share it with your globetrotting friends and tell them they are too young to be a grey nomad. (wink)

Next up:   The Ultimate Travel Bucket List and Couple Goals

November 2, 2017 1:26 pm Published by Staff Writer 24 Comments

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ᐅ TRAVEL LOVER: 100 Unique + Creative Travel Words From Around the World

Published January 18, 2024 · Updated January 18, 2024

Get inspiration from around the world with these catchy and creative travel words in other languages >> A list of the best words for travel lovers. ❤️

Travel. It can leave you speechless and then turn you into a storyteller . The experience has a tendency to make us feel a plethora of emotions and when you’re reliving those times there may not be an accurate word to describe the travel experience , the adventure, the magic, the moments, or the way you felt.  This loss of words is more common than you may think. Especially since the English language is limited when it comes to words related to travel or words to describe a person who loves to travel.  Sure, you could use the popular travel word wanderlust, but it is also often way overused (have you noticed every new travel influencer and their dog jumping on the wanderlust-wagon?). Rather use these wanderlust synonyms below instead.

Wanderlust (n.) Origin:  German Definition:  A strong, innate, impulse or desire to travel the world

How do you explain your deep-seated need to get away or the desire to always be on the move and live a nomad existence? Is there a travel-related word to describe the mix of excitement and anxiety one feels on starting a new journey? Are there other creative words for travellers to articulate the curiosity to experience other cultures , other exotic foods , other landscapes, and other ways of life around the world? How can you express the profound feeling of awe you feel on the awareness of the vastness and beauty of the universe when observing the stars? Or the thrill of discovering a hidden waterfall during a hike up a mountain to catch the last sunset?

Fortunately, there are foreign words from other cultures and different languages to voice these special moments. These beautiful travel words , often with no English equivalent, are meant to educate and inspire you. And perhaps even assist with your next clever travel caption for the gram or pinterest.

>> Must Read:

• More foreign language guides: How to say Hello , Thank You , Goodbye , and Love in different languages around the world
• Fun list: Best travel questions , the world’s best flags , or these road trip questions
• The top 50 travel songs to add to your playlist
• Why is travel important? Find 10 key benefits of travelling the world
• Get inspired: Short quotes about traveling and funny travel quotes

What do you call someone who loves travel?

Hodophile — one who loves to travel

Studies have shown that people who spend their money on experiences rather than material stuff, such as travel, tend to be more open minded, creative, carefree, and happier in their life. *searches for my next flight out.

Travel the Word: Unique + Beautiful Travel Words from Other languages of the World

A handful of my favourite words associated with travel. Save a couple of your own favorites from this list , bookmark this page, and add them to your vocabulary before your next adventure!   Describe your explorations with these foreign words about travel taken from different languages around the world . Ready. Let’s go…. 

v. = verb n. = noun adj. = adjective

In alphabetical order….

Absquatulate (v.)

to leave without saying goodbye.

Origin:  North America My close friends know that I absquatulate. Like, a lot.  So no surprise there, when the urge to pack your things and just disappear shows up… with no time to say goodbye. Continue reading to find more creative words for travelers.

Coddiwomple (v.)

To travel purposefully towards a strange location.

Origin: English slang Some days you wander with no plan at all, seeing where the day will take you. And other days, you coddiwomple. I do like the sound of this unusual word related to travel.

Cosmopolitan (v./adj.)

A citizen of the world or at home all over the world.

Origin: English This definition varies, depending on whether you use the word as a noun or an adjective. Even though, the origins of these creative travel words are from English, it can be traced back to Pythagoras, who first used the Greek word kosmos as a way to describe the order of the universe.  Travellers naturally feel at home in the world and the saying, “home is where the heart is” applies perfectly. 

Dérive (n.)

To drift unplanned on a spontaneous journey, leaving everyday life behind and guided by the scenery, architecture, and landscapes.

Origin: French One of my favourite words to describe my travel experience. This untranslatable travel term perfectly describes spontaneous exploration.  There is no strict plan, instead going with the flow away from the beaten beaten path and towards unplanned discoveries such as a beautiful sunset .

Dromomania (n.)

An uncontrollable and irrational impulse or psychological urge to wander or travel without purpose.

Origin: Greek Dromomania, also referred to as travelling fugue or vagabond neurosis, is seen as an abnormal and uncontrollable psychological impulse to wander. It comes from a combination of the Greek words dromos and mania to diagnose those with this condition to spontaneously abandon their everyday lives to travel long distances, even taking up different identities and occupations. This irrational desire stems from a strong emotional and physical need to constantly be travelling and having new experiences. It also often involves sacrificing security, relationships, and careers in the hunt for these experiences. Fantasies about exploring occupy their thoughts and dreams. I guess, I have a serious undiagnosed case of the dromomania.

Ecophobia (n.)

A fear or distaste of home.

Origin:  Greek Now, this unusual word for travel can be used in the literal sense. Or, as I prefer, to describe when you can’t stop thinking about a different place. A place, other than where you live. Say, an exotic tropical island ?

Eleutheromania (n.)

The intense and insatiable desire for freedom.

Origin: Greek When asked why I pursue travel so much, my response often involves an insatiable yearning for freedom, amongst the many other reasons for exploring the globe.   Yes, I’ve since learned that freedom comes from within as much (or even more) than your external circumstances. However, the very act of travelling does leave me feeling free and eleutheromania perfectly describes the desire for this feeling.  For sure, one of my favourite words associated with travel holidays and tourism.

Eudaimonia (v.)

A state of feeling happy and content whilst travelling.

Origin: Greek This is one of my favourite words associated with travel because it such an apt description of the journey. The joy of wandering, the excitement of new discoveries, the contented state of living the dream…. and everything feels perfectly alright. Even when things go wrong . 

Exulansis (n.)

When you give up trying to talk about an experience because none are able to relate to it.

Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows How many times have you given up trying to explain yourself or something you’ve done because those around you are just not on the same wavelength as you and are unable to relate or even understand. Yeah, I know this feeling all too well and exulansis is one of the most unique travel words I’ve come across to articulate this.

Fernweh (n.)

Distance sickness. A yearning, a longing, an ache to be elsewhere. To be in a far away place.

Origin: German Not as popular or overused as wanderlust, this catchy travel word has gained much traction over the past few years. This German word is often described as feeling homesick for a far away place. A place you’ve never been to before.  This urge to travel is strong and fernweh, a synonym for wanderlust, describes the aching desire to be far away from home.

Flâneur (n.)

Someone who strolls aimlessly and enjoyably, observing life and their surroundings.

Origin: French One of the best words describing travel lovers, flâneur derives from the French  flâner, meaning to stroll or saunter. My favourite kind of days when travelling do not have a plan nor involve a requirement to be in a particular place. It is simply wandering around aimlessly at a comfortable pace, observing the local life and appreciating the day as it unfolds.  Yes, I am a big time flâneur.

Forelsket (adj.)

The overwhelming euphoric-feeling that takes place at the early stages of falling in love.

Origin: Norwegian

Gadabout (n.)

A habitual pleasure-seeker who moves about restlessly or aimlessly.

Origin: Old Norse It is used to refer to a person who gads or walks idly about. A person who’s constantly on the move, restlessly seeking amusement along the way.

Gallivant (v.)

to roam without a plan… to wander about, seeking pleasure or diversion.

Origin: German No list of creative travel words is complete without including gallivant. This word is used to describe the action of going to many different places as a form of enjoyment while completely forgetting or disregarding other things you should be doing. As an example, using travel as a form of escape, something that many a lover of travel is guilty of.

Hiraeth (n.)

A homesickness for a place which you can’t return to. A longing for what may no longer exist.

Origin: Welsh This Welsh term describes not just a longing for home, but a nostalgic desire to reconnect with a place or time period you can’t return to or that may not exist anymore.

Hodophile   (adj.)

A lover of roads . A love of travel.

Origin: Greek A unique word to describe a person who loves to travel.  I mean, what’s there not to love about exploring the world. The unusual sights, the new tastes, the beautiful landscapes and the people you meet along the way. Raise your hand if, like me, you’re the biggest hodophile? *guilty as charged

Holoholo (n.)

to ride or walk around for pleasure.

Origin: Hawaiian One of my favorite Hawaiian words , it is the perfect description of something I do a lot when exploring a new country.

Hozhoni  (n.)

a feeling of being filled with beauty and balance.

Origin: Navajo

The feeling of comfort, relaxation, and coziness in certain settings around certain people, particularly friends.

Origin: Danish This unusual word is not just reserved for travel and holiday, but it is perfectly suited to describe those moments when you’re enjoying a meal, drinks, and those simple pleasures with friends around the world. The Dutch words gezellig or gezelligheid is similar to hygge, describing that feeling of ease and coziness when you’re around friends you feel comfortable with. 

Kismet (n.)

Destiny, sometimes referred to as fate, is a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual .

Origin: Arabic This beautiful Arabic-derived word refers to one’s destiny and something that one believes was meant to be. 

Livsnjutare (n.)

A person who truly enjoys life and lives it to the extreme .

Origin: Swedish This unique trip word, of Swedish origin, is often used to describe someone who enjoys life and lives it to the full, making the most of each moment. When I am wandering around the world, in places like Mexico , it certainly feels like living to the extreme. 

The feeling of enjoyment and oneness with the Universe that comes from the simplest of pleasures .

Origin: Serbian

Meraki (n.)

Doing something with creativity, with love, with soul — when you put “something of yourself” into what you’re doing.

Origin: Greek A beautiful word, that also happens to be one of my favourites. Meraki, derived from Greek, describes the action and the feelings that results when one does something with complete focus and love. Being so caught up with what you’re doing as if your entire being and soul is part of the whole experience. Moments of meraki flood my experience often when painting or when exploring a beautiful landscape.

Monachopsis (n.)

The subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place .

Origin: Greek It comes from the combination of words monos and opsis, where ‘monos’ means solitary or unique and ‘opsis’ refers to like or appearance.

Nefelibata (n.)

One who lives in the clouds of their own imagination and does not obey convention.

Origin:  Portuguese  Ok, this is me. Just a beautiful meaning word to describe a person who loves to travel. The direct translation is “cloud-walker,” referring to those, like myself, who live in their own world/imagination. An unconventional person that does not blindly follow the rules of society.  More about me here.

Novaturient (adj.)

A desire to alter your life. The feeling that pushes you to travel.

Origin: Latin This is the feeling that pushed me to quit my job and travel the world. You know, when you are curious to discover what more is out there. 

Numinous (adj.)

The powerful, personal feeling of being overwhelmed and inspired.

Origin: Latin Numinous has its origins in Latin, meaning to be both fearful, awed, and inspired by what you see and experience before you. Exploring tends to bring up all the human emotions, often simultaneously, and these catchy travel words are an apt description of the experience. Like the time I went trekking among some of the highest mountains in the world in Nepal .

The awareness of how little of the world you will experience.

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Once you start seeing the world, you realise just how much more there is to see out there.  And you actually reach a point, somewhere along the journey, where you come to the realisation that no matter how extensive your travels are, you will only ever experience a little bit. This realisation is referred to as onism.  This creative word associated with travel is not from a foreign language, but actually originates from a book by John Koenig. 

Peregrinate (v.)

Travel or wander from place to place.

Origin: Latin From the Latin peregrinari, meaning “to travel abroad,” this type of inspirational travel words refers to a long journey in which you travel to various different places, especially on foot.

Peripatetic (adj.)

A person who travels from place to place.

Origin: Greek Originating from the Greek word peripatein, “to walk up and down,” this adjective is used to describe backpackers who are constantly moving from place to place, living a nomadic existence .

Photophile (n.)

A person who loves photography and light.

Origin: English This pretty word is derived from the biological term of the same name for an organism that loves or thrives in light . If you carry a camera with you wherever you go and post to photo sharing websites ( like instagram ) all day, you’re a photophile.

Quaquaversal (adj.)

Directed outwards in all directions from a common centre

Origin: Latin A good word for travel and the desire to experience everything all at the same time. 

Querencia (n.)

The place where you are your most authentic self. Where one’s strength is drawn from; where one feels at home.

Origin: Spanish The term comes from the Spanish verb “querer,” which means “to desire.” Many long term travellers feel at home in the world and their most authentic self when connecting with this place. One of the best words for travel lovers. 

Resfeber (n.)

the restless race of a traveler’s heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together.

Origin: Swedish Another catchy word related to travel, resfeber is universally used to describe the mixed emotions one feels just before the journey begins. These emotions include both excitement as well as anxiety and nervousness when starring in the face of the unknown. Like that time I had decided to climb Kilimanjaro , the highest mountain in Africa . 

Rückkehrunruhe ( n.)

The feeling of returning home after a trip only to find it fading rapidly from your awareness. 

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Saudade (n.)

a deep emotional state of nostalgic or melancholic longing for something or someone far away that one cares for and loves.

Origin: Portuguese This is the creative word to use when you’re fondly thinking back to a beautiful moment during your travels and longing to return to that experience.

Schwellenangst (n.)

a fear of, or aversion to, crossing a threshold or entering a place to begin a new chapter.

Origin: German That anxious and fearful feeling you get when you’re about to begin a new chapter in your life, like a new travel adventure to the Caribbean islands . That’s schwellenangst.

Sehnsucht (n.)

a wistful longing and yearning of the heart for travels that have been and travels to come.

Origin: German

Selcouth (adj.)

Strange and uncommon. Unfamiliar, rare, and yet marvellous.

Origin: Old English This is one of my favourite travel words on this list. Not only because of its unusual sound, but also because it is an appropriate way of describing the way you see things when you travel. Everything is unfamiliar and strange, yet we find it inviting and marvellous anyway, much like my time in these South American countries .

Smultronställe (n.)

A special place discovered for solace and relaxation.

Origin: Swedish This Swedish word directly translates to “place of wild strawberries,” used to describe a location or place in this world where you feel most at home. A place that serves as a refuge from any stress and/or sadness. This place, once discovered, is often returned to for comfort and consolation.

Sojourn (n.)

To stay as a temporary resident. A short period when a person stays in a particular place.

Origin: Old-French Like the months I’ve spent in one of my favorite cities Paris , over the years.

Solivagant (adj.)

A lone wanderer. A solo traveller. A person who revels in the act of wandering alone.

Origin: Latin This popular word, to describe a person who loves to travel alone, as opposed to vacationing with family or friends . It originates from the Latin sōlivagāns, with sōlus meaning “alone” and vagāns meaning “wander.”

Sonder (n.)

The realisation that everyone you pass is living a life just as complex as yours.

Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Have you ever had that realisation that a random stranger is living a life that is just as complex and vivid and important as your own. This is sonder. Just a beautiful word and one of the best for travel lovers. 

Strikhedonia (n.)

The joy of being able to say “to hell with it.”

Origin: Greek This word about travel perfectly describes the time you stop making excuses, quit everything, book a one way flight , and explore the world.  Exactly what I did in 2013, leaving behind my well-paying career in finance to travel the world . 

Sturmfrei (adj.)

The freedom of being alone. The ability to do what you want.

Origin: German This German word that directly translates to “storm-free.” However, its real meaning has nothing to do with the weather nor a description about how we feel. It is more a description of the situation itself, such as having the house to one’s self or not having to wait or compromise on what you want to do as a solo traveller.

Thalassophile (n.)

a lover of the sea.

Origin: Greek A coconut, a tropical island, a hammock, (maybe some cute animals like those found on Flamingo Beach Aruba ), and a bungalow that leads directly onto the beach and into the sea. Is there anything more that you need, fellow thalassophile?

To wander or roam around in a carefree way

Origin: Thai

Traipse (n.)

To go on foot. A tedious or tiring journey on foot

Origin: unknown

Travitude (n.) 

when you start to feel grumpy cause you to miss traveling.

Anyone been feeling this way recently? I sure have.

Tripophobia (n.)

The fear of not having any travel trips currently booked.

When the world and travel shut down in 2020, thipophobia was the main emotion running through my veins. What kind of life is it where there are no adventures to look forward to and you’re forced to remain in the same location for the foreseeable future. You tell me?

Trouvaille (n.)

Something lovely discovered by chance. A chance encounter with something wonderful.

Origin: French When travelling, especially without much of a plan and with an open heart, it is not uncommon to discover something beautiful purely by chance. These discoveries make for some of the most memorable experiences. This interesting travel word is often used by French travellers to describe a chance encounter. It’s time the rest of us use this word too the next time we unexpectedly stumble upon an inspiring landscape, a cute cafe, or a welcoming local. 

Vacilando (v.)

The act of wandering when the experience of travel is more important than reaching the a destination.

Origin: Spanish The word, from Spanish, aims to describe someone who travels for travel sake, and not to reach a particular goal or destination. For us, the journey is more important than the destination or vacation spot .  While others despise the act of getting to a place, I savour it and enjoy the long plane, boat, or bus rides and the happenings along the way, especially if the journey occurs in a beautiful setting like the Spanish islands or Greek islands . One of the most inspiring travel words that should be a part of every globetrotter’s vocabulary. 

Vagary (v.)

A whimsical or wandering journey.

Origin: Latin With its origins in 16th-century Latin, Vagārī translates as, “to roam.” This unique travel word to describe the travel experience of an unpredictable or impulsive desire or action for a wandering journey.

Vorfreude (n.)

The joyful anticipation when looking forward to something or while imagining future pleasures.

Origin: German Much like the idea or plan of moving abroad and living in Costa Rica .

Waldeinsamkeit (n.)

The feeling of solitude, being alone in the woods and connected to nature.

Wayfarer (n.)

Someone who travels, especially on foot.

Origin: English The travel term may seem modern, but it goes back all the way to the mid-1400s as a combination of way defined as “a path or course leading from one place to another,” and fare, meaning “to go, travel.”

Xenophilia (n.)

An attraction to foreign peoples, foreign cultures, and/or customs.

Origin: Greek This attraction, appreciation, and affinity for foreign people, their cultures and customs is what draws many to explore the world. These unique travel words, as a synonym for wanderlust, comes from the Greek “xenos,” meaning “unknown, stranger, foreign” and “philia,” defined as “attraction or love.”

Yoko meshi (n.)

The stress of speaking a foreign language.

Origin: Japanese Another word related to travel that literally translates to, “a meal eaten sideways.” It is used to explain the difficulty and stress when trying to speak a language that is not your native language, whether at home or when abroad. Like, that time I found myself in St Petersburg , struggling to speak Russian to get around the city.

The desire to feel things just as intensely as you did when you were younger.

Origin: Chinese As you grow older, life seems to be less exciting. Travelling overseas and exploring new places is one way of mitigating this. Yu Yi is an inspirational Chinese word that describes the yearning to feel things the way you did while growing up, before expectations, before memory, before words.

a profound, mysterious awareness of the vastness and beauty of the universe… and the sad beauty of human suffering.

Origin: Japanese This untranslatable travel word is used for those moments that lead to a greater awareness and trigger a deep emotional response within.

Over to YOU… Did you enjoy traveling the word? How many of these these creative travel words have you heard before? Which one(s) your favorite and which of these unique words associated with travel do you resonate with most? What phrases describe the travel experience and make for the best words for travel lovers in your language? Let me know in the comments below or start a conversation with me on social media.

>> Read next:

• Learn these words in other languages: Beautiful . Light . Cheers
• The ultimate list of smile quotes to keep you smiling all day
• The best quotes about travelling to inspire you
• How many countries in the world? And should you visit all?
• Sustainable travel: 10 ways to become a more responsible tourist
• Be inspired: An ode to my fellow travellers .
• What should you do with you life? What is the purpose of life?

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WHO IS ARAIOFLIGHT ✈

Welcome to A Rai of Light!

A home for extraordinary people around the world. If you've ever felt like there must be more to life, this site is for you.

Out of a love for travel, writing, photography, sharing stories and a desire to inspire others , I created this space to connect with other like-minded individuals.

Along the way, I share my journey and strategies on Travel , Art and Life . Enjoy!

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60 Beautiful Travel Words Every Travel Lover Should Know

Are you dying to perambulate? Dreaming of the day when you can coddiwomple around? Wondering what the heck those things even mean? If the latter rings true, well, we’ve got some travel words you need to add to your vocab ASAP. Because, let’s be honest , being a lover of travel is almost a language unto itself already . If you’ve got roam in your bones and run across someone else in the world who does too, you just sort of get each other. And so hearing words that capture the inherent magic of being a traveler is bound to stir something inside of you. Or, at the very least, stir you into planning your next trip .

As an added bonus, the following lexicon can serve a few other excellent purposes for the wandering soul — like making for a great tattoo, or helping you beast all of your friends in Scrabble. So, keep reading, but be forewarned… you’re going to want to pack your bags and book a flight by the time you’re finished.

Other Words for Travel

• Pilgrimage (n.): A journey; the course of life on earth.
• Trek (n.): A trip or movement, especially when involving difficulties or complex organization; an arduous journey.
• Voyage (n.): An act or instance of traveling; a course or period of traveling by other than land routes.
• Gallivant (v.): To travel, roam, or move about for pleasure.
• Perambulate (v.): To travel over or through, especially on foot.
• Expedition (n.): A journey or excursion undertaken for a specific purpose.
• Excursion (n.): A usually brief pleasure trip.
• Odyssey (n.): A long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune .
• Walkabout (n.): A short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Australian aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work — often used in the phrase go walkabout; something (such as a journey) similar to a walkabout.
• Migrate (v.): To move from one country, place, or locality to another.
• Globe-trotting (adj.): Traveling widely.
• Itinerant (adj.): Traveling from place to place.
• Sojourn (v.): To stay as a temporary resident.
• Traverse (v.): To go or travel across or over; to move or pass along or through.
• Circumnavigate (v.): To go completely around, especially by water .
• Peregrinate (v.): To travel, especially on foot; to walk or travel over.
• Peripatetic (n.): Movement or journeys hither and thither.
• Coddiwomple (v.): To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.
• Dérive (n.): A spontaneous and unplanned journey where the traveler is guided by the landscape and architecture.
• Hitoritabi (n.): Traveling alone; solitary journey.

Words for Travelers

• Nemophilist (n.): One who is fond of forests or forest scenery; a haunter of the woods.
• Gadabout (n.): A person who flits about in social activity.
• Flâneur (n.): A person who strolls the city in order to experience it; deliberately aimless.
• Nefelibata (n.): One who lives in the clouds of their own imagination or dreams, or one who does not obey conventions of society, literature, or art; “cloud walker.”
• Hodophile (n.): One who loves to travel; a traveler with a special affinity for roads.
• Wayfarer (n.): A traveler, especially on foot.
• Livsnjutare (n.): One who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme.
• Thalassophile (n.): A lover of the sea; someone who loves the sea, ocean.
• Musafir (n.): “Traveler” in Arabic, Persian, Hindu, and Urdu.
• Nomad (n.): An individual who roams about.
• Solivagent (adj.): Someone who wanders or travels the world alone; a solitary adventurer.
• Luftmensch (n.): An impractical dreamer, literally an air person; someone with their head in the clouds.

Creative Travel Words

• Sturmfrei (adj.): The freedom of being alone and being able to do what your heart desires.
• Resfeber (n.): The restless race of a traveler’s heart before a journey begins; a ‘travel fever’ of anxiety and anticipation.
• Hireath (n.): A homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past.
• Sonder (v.): The full definition, taken from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows , is: “[Sonder is] the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.”
• Fernweh (n.): An ache for a distant place; missing places you’ve never been before.
• Sehnsucht (n.): A craving for adventure; an intense yearning for something far-off and indefinable.
• Numinous (adj.): A powerful feeling of both fear and fascination, of being in awe and overwhelmed by what is before you.
• Vagary (v.): An unpredictable instance; a wandering journey; a whimsical, wild, or unusual idea, desire, or action.
• Saudade (n.): A nostalgic longing to be near again to something, someone, or some place that is distant, or which has been loved and then lost.
• Trouvaille (n.): Something lovely discovered by chance; a windfall.
• Yoko meshi (n.): The peculiar stress induced by speaking a foreign language.
• Selcouth (adj.): Unfamiliar, rare, strange, and yet marvelous.
• Yugen (n.): A profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe that triggers a deep emotional response .
• Novaturient (adj.): A desire to seek powerful change in one’s life; the feeling that pushes you to travel.
• Travitude (n.): When you start to feel grumpy and sassy because you miss traveling.
• Eudaimonia (n.): The condition of human flourishing or of living well.
• Ukiyo (n.): Living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life; “the floating world.”
• Strikehedonia (n.): The joy of being able to say “to hell with it.”
• Solivagant (n.): To wander alone. Someone who is a solo adventurer who travels the world. This word comes from the Latin word solivagus , which means lonely or solitary.
• Eleutheromania (n.): A great or incredible desire for freedom. This is a person who has an intense longing for liberty and independence.
• Cockaigne (n.): A place of luxury or idleness. This word comes from the French word cocaigne, which means “the land of plenty.”
• Ecophobia (n.): An abnormal fear of home surroundings.
• Morii (n.): The desire to capture a fleeting moment.
• Exulansis (n.): This is what you feel when you stop trying to explain or talk about an experience because the surrounding people cannot relate to it.
• Rückkehrunruhe (n.): The feeling of returning home after a trip and finding that you keep forgetting you’ve been away. The person has to constantly remind themselves that the excursion even happened.
• Absquatulate (n.): To flee or leave abruptly without saying goodbye.
• Onism (n.): The awareness of how little of the world you’ll experience. The frustration of being stuck in just one body that inhabits only one place at a time.
• Hygge (n.): The cozy feeling of relaxing with friends while having a meal or drinks. A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a sense of contentment or well-being.

This article was originally published on Jan. 8, 2021

One Luggage To Destination

100 Love Travel Quotes to Inspire You For Adventure

Table of Content

Traveling and love share an incredible connection. Both journeys take you to places you’ve never been before, fill your heart with unforgettable moments, and create memories that last a lifetime. Love and travel intertwine like the threads of a beautiful tapestry, and the result is a life enriched by adventure, companionship, and discovery.

In this collection of 100 Love Travel Quotes, we’ll explore the profound ways in which love and travel intersect. These quotes capture the essence of exploring the world with a loved one, cherishing the shared experiences, and finding romance in the most unexpected places.

Love Travel Quotes

• “Adventure is always better when shared.”
• “Traveling with you is my favorite adventure.”
• “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Unknown
• “Exploring the world with you is my idea of a perfect date.”
• “Love is the compass that guides us in our travels.” – Unknown
• “Our love story is written in the places we’ve been.”
• “Love knows no borders.”
• “With you, every destination is a dream come true.”
• “We’re not lost; we’re exploring together.”
• “Traveling with you is like a romantic movie.”
• “You, me, and the open road—what more could we ask for?”
• “Love and adventure are the best travel companions.”
• “In your arms, I’ve found my favorite place in the world.”
• “Together is our favorite place to be.”
• “Love and travel go hand in hand, for they both lead to unforgettable journeys.”
• “Our love is the greatest adventure.”
• “Every moment with you is an adventure of a lifetime.”
• “Traveling together is a journey of love.”
• “With you, every day is an adventure.”
• “Love and travel—two incredible journeys combined.”
• “Exploring the world is better when you’re holding my hand.”
• “Life is short; let’s travel the world together.”
• “You are my greatest adventure.”
• “The world is more beautiful with you by my side.”
• “Love grows as we explore.”
• “With you, every place feels like home.”
• “Our love story is a travel diary.”
• “Together, we’re writing the best chapters of our lives.”
• “Love makes every journey sweeter.”
• “My heart is always on an adventure with you.”
• “Love is the ultimate souvenir of our travels.”
• “Adventures are better when shared with the one you love.”
• “The best part of any journey is being with you.”
• “You are my favorite travel companion.”
• “Our love knows no boundaries.”
• “Love is the greatest adventure.”
• “Love and travel—my two favorite things.”
• “Exploring the world, one love story at a time.”
• “I’d travel to the ends of the Earth with you.”
• “Our love is an adventure waiting to happen.”
• “Our love story is a journey, and the best is yet to come.”
• “Adventure is calling, and love is leading the way.”
• “I love you more with every adventure we share.”
• “Our love is like a compass; it always points us in the right direction.”
• “With you, I’m at home anywhere in the world.”
• “You are the destination of my heart’s journey.”
• “In your arms, I’ve found my paradise.”
• “Together, we’re making memories all over the world.”
• “Love is the greatest adventure, and you are my favorite companion.”
• “Our love story is the most beautiful journey I’ve ever been on.”
• “Exploring the world with you is a dream come true.”
• “In every journey, love is our guide.”
• “Life is short; let’s travel often and love deeply.”
• “With you, even the longest flights feel short.”
• “Adventure awaits, and I want to share it with you.”
• “In your eyes, I find the beauty of every place we visit.”
• “With you, every day feels like an adventure.”
• “You are my favorite adventure.”
• “Love makes every destination special.”
• “Together, we’re collecting moments, not things.”
• “Traveling with you is the best kind of escape.”
• “With you, every sunrise is more beautiful.”
• “Exploring new places with you is the greatest gift.”
• “Love and travel are the keys to a happy heart.”
• “You are the map to my heart’s journey.”
• “In your smile, I find the warmth of every destination.”
• “With you, I’m on a perpetual adventure.”
• “Our love story is a journey that will last a lifetime.”
• “Love knows no distance.”
• “With you, every journey is a love story.”
• “Our love is the compass that points us to new adventures.”
• “In your laughter, I hear the echoes of our travels.”
• “You are my favorite adventure buddy.”
• “Together, we’re creating a lifetime of memories.”
• “With you, every moment becomes an adventure.”
• “Our love is the most beautiful journey.”
• “Adventure is calling, and I want you by my side.”
• “In your love, I find my home.”
• “Traveling with you is my greatest joy.”
• “With you, I’m living my dream adventure.”
• “Our love is the destination of a lifetime.”
• “Love and adventure make the perfect pair.”
• “You are my heart’s true north.”
• “Together, we’re making the world our playground.”
• “With you, every day feels like a new beginning.”
• “Our love story is an adventure I cherish.”
• “In your love, I’ve found my greatest treasure.”
• “With you, every place feels like a fairytale.”
• “Love is the greatest adventure, and you’re my favorite partner.”
• “Our love story is written in the footprints of our travels.”
• “Adventure is the spice of life, and you’re my favorite flavor.”
• “With you, every journey is a work of art.”
• “You are the reason I believe in love at first sight—of a new destination.”
• “Our love is like a well-traveled road, filled with memories and adventure.”
• “In your love, I find the strength to explore the unknown.”
• “With you, every journey feels like an epic adventure.”
• “Our love is the passport to a world of happiness.”
• “Love is the journey, and you’re my favorite travel partner.”
• “With you, every day is an adventure worth living.”

As we conclude this exploration of 100 Love Travel Quotes, we’re reminded that love and travel are the twin flames of life’s grand adventure. They push us to step outside our comfort zones, connect with others on a profound level, and savor the beauty of the world around us.

If you’re wandering through bustling cities, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, or trekking through remote landscapes, may these quotes be a source of inspiration and motivation. Let them serve as a reminder that love and travel are not only destinations but also incredible journeys that enrich our lives and shape our souls.

So, embark on your next adventure with an open heart, create lasting memories with those you love, and let the magic of travel and love continue to inspire your life’s story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an inspirational quote about travel and love.

An inspirational quote about travel and love might be: “Traveling with the one you love is like writing a beautiful novel together, filled with adventures, chapters of laughter, and pages of love.”

What does love to travel mean?

“Love to travel” means having a deep passion and enthusiasm for exploring new destinations, seeking adventure, and embracing the enriching experiences that travel brings.

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29 travel words that describe travel better than you ever thought possible

We love travelling and we love words, so imagine our surprise when we came across a massive treasure trove of travel words that describe how we feel before, during and after we travel better than anything we’ve ever seen, ever. In the history of everything.

These literary gems make ‘wanderlust’ look like an overrated show pony. Which it is. Travel brochures of the future will be littered with the likes of resfeber, eudaimonia and fernweh. At least, they will if we have anything to do with it.

TAKE IT AWAY, WORDS!

1. Trouvaille (n.)

Origin: French

Something lovely discovered by chance, like stumbling on a waterfall in Costa Rica .

2. Dérive (n.)

Origin: Latin/French

Lit. “drift”; a spontaneous journey where the traveller leaves their life behind for a time to let the spirit of the landscape and architecture attract and move them.

Dériving along the Quarry Trail. Photo by Stephen Parry.

DÉRIVE YOUR WAY AROUND SOUTH AMERICA ON A SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE NOW 

3. Numinous (adj.)

Origin: Latin

Describing an experience that makes you fearful yet fascinated, awed yet attracted; the powerful, personal feeling of being overwhelmed and inspired. For example, you may have a numinous experience at Yosemite National Park , gazing up in wonder at El Capitan, or at a towering black bear.

4. Cockaigne (n.)

Origin: French, medieval trope

An imaginary land of luxury and idleness. Think House Tyrell of Highgarden, minus the poisoning.

5. Schwellenangst (n.)

Origin: German

Fear of embarking on something new; fear of crossing a threshold. But you know what? You should totally just go with it, and cross that threshold.

Getting all Strikhedonia in Jordan. Photo by tegan & nathan.

6. Strikhedonia (n.)

Origin: Greek

The pleasure of being able to say “to hell with it”. Try it now. Head to our North America page  and shriek ‘Strikhedonia’ immediately before booking a trip.

7. Resfeber (n.)

Origin: Swedish

The restless race of the traveller’s heart before the journey begins when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together; a ‘travel fever’ that can manifest as an illness. The only cure is another grand adventure.

8. Vagary (n.)

An unpredictable instance, a wandering journey; a whimsical, wild or unusual idea, desire, or action.

ESCAPE THE VAGARIES OF LIFE ON, SAY, A SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE IN AFRICA

Embracing eudaimonia in Japan. Photo by Stephen Parry.

9. Eudaimonia (n.)

Lit. “human flourishing”; a contented state of being happy, healthy and prosperous. For example, you are pretty much guaranteed to experience eudaimonia as you watch the sun rise above the ocean in Playa del Carmen .

10. Quaquaversal (adj.)

Moving or happening in every direction instantaneously. It’s a little like when you think your passport’s in your sock drawer but it’s not and your flight’s leaving in three hours.

11. Novaturient (adj.)

Desiring or seeking powerful change in one’s life, behaviour, or situation.

Happily quaquaversal in Guatemala. Photo by Nathan Landers.

12. Sehnsucht (n.)

“The inconsolable longing in the human heart for we know now what”; a yearning for a far, familiar, non-earthly land one can identify as one’s home.

13. Ecophobia (n.)

Origin: English

A fear or dislike of one’s home.

14. Eleutheromania (n.)

An intense and irresistible desire for freedom. Pretty much describes every picture of the Greek Islands  we’ve ever seen.

Livsnjutare in Italy. Photo by The Common Wanderer

15. Livsnjutare (n.)

One who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme.

16. Solivagant (adj.)

Wandering alone. Although we think it’s better when you’re solivagant with a small group of other solivagant types.

17. Saudade (n.)

Origin: Portuguese

A nostalgic longing to be near again to something or someone that is distant or that has been loved and then lost; “the love that remains”. For example, I have a nostalgic longing for Turkish Delight right now.

Having eunoia in Vietnam. Photo by Damien Raggatt.

18. Eunoia (n.)

Beautiful thinking; a good mind. My love of Turkish Delight proves I have eunoia (or does it?).

19. Sturmfrei (adj.)

Origin: Germany

Lit. “stormfree”; the freedom of not being watched by a parent or superior; being alone at a place and having the ability to do what you want. Like eating 18 waffles in a day in Belgium .

20. Yoko meshi (n.)

Origin: Japan

The peculiar stress of speaking a foreign language (literally means ‘a meal eaten sideways’). If you’ve ever tried to order ramen in one of Tokyo’s  laneway bars, you’ll know exactly what this means.

Selcouth outfits in the Sacred Valley. Photo by Stephen Parry.

21. Selcouth (adj.)

Unfamiliar, rare, strange, and yet marvellous, like adding cheese to your coffee in Colombia .

22. Fernweh (n.)

An ache for distance places; the craving for travel; the opposite of homesickness. Also one of Instagram’s most popular hashtags.

23. Yūgen (n.)

An awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and mysterious for words.

It’s hard not to feel yūgen in a place like this. Photo by Damien Raggatt.

24. Commuovere (v.)

Origin: Italy

Only in Italy  would you find such a sensual word meaning to stir, to touch, to move to tears. Possibly while eating a giant slice of thin-crust pizza.

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25. Peregrinate (v.)

To wander from place to place. AKA travel. It’s the very definition. Think of a falcon and BE THE FALCON by embracing its love of flying immediately.

26. Nemophilist (n.)

One who is fond of forests; a haunter of the woods. Not like a spooky ghost; more like a guy with a top-knot who enjoys spending his weekends writing poetry under an old oak tree and drinking black coffee from a vintage thermos.

Peripatetic over a rock. photo by Phoebe Escott-Kenny.

27. Peripatetic (n.)

A person who spends his or her time wandering. There’s nothing pathetic about being peripatetic – we embrace the wanderers wholeheartedly.

GET PERIPATETIC IN THE MIDDLE EAST. EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF ADVENTURES NOW

28. Hireath (n.)

Origin: Welsh

A homesickness for a home that you can’t return to, a home that perhaps never was. Which is kind of a downer, but a good excuse to keep travelling.

29. Gadabout (n.)

A person who travels often, and for pleasure. Something we should all aspire to, right? Be professional gadabouters? Update your LinkedIn profiles now, gang.

Now you’ve got the lingo, USE IT! Impress your friends with your newfound vocabulary on a small group adventure with Intrepid .

Feeling inspired?

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

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Travel Words: 27 Special Worldly Words to Inspire Travelers

Table of contents.

Do you want to travel around the globe but also fill your journey with inspiring and insightful words along the way? Whether it’s a phrase, proverb, fairy tale, or even a religious dictum – learning foreign expressions or travel words can open up a gateway of knowledge while enriching the experience of any trip.

Why Learn New Travel Words?

Learning travel words from other cultures can be a great source of inspiration, especially for those who love to travel. Exploring different languages and learning new travel words can broaden your vocabulary and allow you to express yourself in new and exciting ways. Incorporating travel words from other cultures into your writing or speech can add depth and personality to your communication.

Plus, it’s always satisfying to connect with people from other parts of the world on a deeper level. By embracing linguistic diversity, you can open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives, making you a more creative and culturally aware individual.

Here is our list of 27 travel words to elevate your trips and enhance your life experiences:

Abditory (Latin)

Abditory refers to a secret hiding place, often used for storing valuable or treasured items. The idea of having your own abditory can be quite inspiring, as it gives you a sense of privacy and security. Imagine creating your own hidden nook, filled with special mementos and memories from your travels. It’s a wonderful way to keep your experiences close to your heart.

Datsuzoku (Japanese)

This fascinating Japanese word captures a concept that’s highly valued in their culture. It means to break away from the norm, the established order, and pursue something that brings you joy. It’s about exploring new paths and seeking out experiences that fill your heart with excitement. For travelers, Datsuzoku can be incredibly inspiring and a reminder to let go of expectations and embrace the unknown.

Fernweh (German)

Are you feeling homesick for a place you have never been to? Maybe what you’re experiencing is Fernweh – a German word that translates to “wanderlust” or a strong desire to travel and explore new places. It’s that longing feeling you get when you see a photo of a beautiful landscape or hear someone talk about their travels. Fernweh is more than just an urge to wander, it’s a passion that drives you to experience all the beauty and wonder that the world has to offer.

Gemütlichkeit (German)

The German word is all about creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, often involving things like warm blankets, good food, and great company. It’s a feeling of relaxed contentment, of feeling at home while away from home. And isn’t that what travel is all about? Finding inspiration in new places, connecting with new people, and experiencing different cultures–all while feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. Embrace the spirit of gemütlichkeit on your next adventure and see where it takes you.

Haneul (Korean)

“Haneul” is a Korean word for “sky” or “heaven.” It is often used in Korean culture as a symbol of inspiration and hope. The vast and limitless nature of the sky inspires many to dream big and reach for the stars. In Korean literature and poetry, the word “Haneul” is often used to depict a sense of freedom and a connection to the divine.

Hanyauku (Namibian)

When it comes to travel, inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources. One such source is the word Hanyauku, which has a fascinating meaning when it comes to hot sand. In the Himba language of Namibia, Hanyauku refers to the art of walking on hot sand without showing any signs of discomfort. It’s an ancient practice that has been passed down through generations and is still used today. This incredible skill is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human body and serves as a source of inspiration for those looking to push their physical limits.

Hiraeth (Welsh)

While difficult to translate directly, hiraeth is often described as a longing or nostalgia for a place or time that may never have existed. It’s a complex emotion that speaks to our deepest desires to connect with the world around us and find meaning in our journeys. Whether you’re exploring new destinations or reminiscing on past adventures, hiraeth is the word that encapsulates all the beauty and mystery of travel in one succinct term.

Hygge (Danish)

Pronounced “hoo-gah”, it’s a term that describes the feeling of cozy contentment and warmth, often associated with a peaceful moment spent with loved ones. Although it’s difficult to translate directly into English, understanding what hygge means can inspire travel and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. From curling up with a good book on a rainy day to sharing a meal with friends by candlelight, hygge encourages us to find comfort in the present moment and savor the joys of life.

Jayus (Indonesian)

This unusual word comes from Indonesian culture and refers to a joke that is so unfunny that everyone breaks out laughing. However, it’s often used to describe something that’s funny in an absurd way, which can inspire creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

Kilig (Filipino)

“Kilig” is a Filipino term that describes the feeling of butterflies in your stomach, the thrill of excitement, or the happiness of being in love. It’s the natural high that one experiences when they feel inspired and touched by something or someone. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with friends, kilig is a feeling that can positively impact your journey and give you those unforgettable moments.

Koi No Yokan (Japanese)

The Japanese term is often used to describe the feeling of knowing that you will soon fall in love with someone. However, it’s a phrase that goes beyond romantic love. It’s all about the feeling of intuition, the sense of knowing that something is about to happen. Koi No Yokan can apply to any situation, whether it’s a new job opportunity or a chance meeting with a stranger. The beauty of this concept lies in the anticipation and the mystery of what comes next. It’s a reminder that life is full of surprises, and we should embrace them with open arms.

Komorebi (Japanese)

Have you ever strolled through a forest on a sunny day and noticed the way the sun’s rays filter through the leaves, creating a mesmerizing pattern on the ground? That dappled effect has a name: Komorebi. In Japanese, komorebi refers to the interplay between light and foliage and is often used to describe experiencing nature in a spiritual way.

La Dolce Vita (Italian)

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you may have heard the phrase “La dolce vita” being thrown around. In essence, la dolce vita captures the idea of “the sweet life” – a lifestyle of leisure and pleasure. This phrase has become emblematic of Italian culture and the allure of travel to Italy.

Lebenskünstler (German)

In German, it loosely translates to “life artist,” someone who lives their life to the fullest and finds inspiration in the everyday. As a traveler, I have met many Lebenskünstlers along the way. They are the ones who embrace the unknown, take risks, and see beauty in the simplest things. They inspire me to live in the moment and approach life with a sense of curiosity and creativity.

Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan)

Hailing from the Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego, this word is often cited as one of the most difficult concepts to translate into English. It refers to a meaningful, reflective, yet fleeting look between two people who both desire something but are hesitant to initiate it. While the literal definition may seem abstract, the concept can apply to all sorts of travel-related experiences: connecting with locals, exploring hidden corners of a new city, or simply taking a risk on an adventure.

Meraki (Greek)

Meraki is a beautiful Greek word that is often used to describe the intense passion and creativity that goes into creating something. It can be applied to anything, from cooking a delicious meal to painting a piece of art. This word is truly inspiring and can be used to encourage creativity and exploration in all aspects of life.

Pura Vida (Spanish, Costa Rican)

Translated literally, Pura Vida means “pure life.” However, it’s so much more than that. It’s a philosophy, a way of living, an attitude toward life. Pura Vida is all about enjoying the journey, taking things as they come, and appreciating the little things. It’s an inspiration to live life to the fullest, with a sense of gratitude and joy.

Resfeber (Swedish)

A Swedish word that describes the mix of emotions you feel when embarking on a journey, whether it’s adventure, anxiety, curiosity, or excitement. Essentially, it’s the feeling of butterflies in your stomach and a racing heart as you’re about to board a plane, train, or even a car for a road trip. Resfeber is a reminder that travel is not just about the destination, but the journey that takes you there, and it’s something that can provide inspiration to embrace the unknown and accept that the adventure of travel comes with a mix of emotions.

Saudade (Portuguese)

It’s a Portuguese word that doesn’t have a literal translation in English, but experienced travelers know what it means. It’s a feeling of nostalgia and longing for a place or person that’s currently far away. Even if you’ve never heard the word before, there’s a good chance you’ve felt saudade during your travels. It’s a bittersweet emotion that can inspire us to keep exploring the world, to stay connected with the people we meet, and cherish the memories we create.

Sisu (Finnish)

Sisu is an untranslatable Finnish word that describes a particular mindset. It conveys the idea of inner strength, tenacity, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It is a quality that Finns hold dear and derive inspiration from when facing tough challenges. Sisu can be found in the way they approach work, sports, relationships, and life in general.

Smultronställe (Swedish)

Smultronställe translates to “wild strawberry patch,” but it holds a deeper meaning for Swedes. It refers to a special place in nature that is known only to a few, a spot where one can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find inner peace. Smultronställe can inspire anyone to explore and uncover their own version of hidden havens around the world, whether it’s a deserted beach or a hiking trail. Don’t let the limits of technology stunt your travel dreams; let “smultronställe” be your guide to finding the next adventure that awaits.

Sobremesa (Spanish)

This phrase encapsulates the cultural tradition of post-meal conversation and relaxation. Sobremesa translates directly to “over table” and refers to the time spent lingering over food and drink while enjoying the company of friends and family. This concept is so important in Spanish culture that it has become a cornerstone of their way of life.

Tsundoku (Japanese)

Tsundoku refers to the habit of acquiring too many books, but not having enough time to read them all. It’s a word that many of us can relate to, especially those who love to travel and seek inspiration through literature. Despite being a seemingly innocuous word, Tsundoku perfectly captures that feeling of excitement when we discover a new book we simply can’t resist, even if we still have a pile of unread books at home.

Ubuntu (Zulu)

This mystical, ancient word is a cornerstone of the country’s cultural identity and is held in high esteem by all who live here. At its core, ubuntu represents compassion, connection, and a sense of community spirit. It’s an idea that inspires people to look out for each other, and to recognize that every individual is an integral part of something much larger.

Vacilando (Spanish)

The Spanish term, often associated with writer John Steinbeck, encompasses the idea of wandering with a sense of purpose. It’s about exploring a place, whether new or familiar, with open eyes and an open mind. It’s about embracing uncertainty, taking detours, and discovering unexpected treasures. Vacilando invites us to be present in the moment and to let go of preconceived notions.

Wabi-sabi (Japanese)

Originating from Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is an idea that embraces the beauty of imperfection, simplicity, and nature. It celebrates the flaws and unique characteristics of objects and living things, rather than striving for perfection and uniformity. By traveling to Japan and experiencing the wabi-sabi lifestyle firsthand, you may find a new source of inspiration that encourages you to find beauty in the ordinary and appreciate the impermanence of life.

Schwellenangst (German)

This a German term that refers to the fear of crossing a threshold- a perfect word to describe that overwhelming feeling of apprehension before taking a leap of faith into something new. For those who love to travel, Schwellenangst can be a common experience, particularly when visiting foreign countries with different customs, languages, and cultures. But through facing our fears, we often find the most inspiring experiences and create unforgettable memories.

Worldwide Travel Words

Learning words from other cultures is a great way to bring new perspectives to our work and inspire creativity. By reading about different cultural concepts, we can gain new ideas for approaching familiar problems or finding innovative solutions. It’s also important that we remember the context in which these travel words are used, as their real meanings may differ from those of the language they originated in.

If done respectfully, learning and understanding travel words from various cultures can become a beautiful form of collaboration that can unite us all in our quest for knowledge and self-improvement. As always, we must strive to honor each culture’s unique perspective and traditions without causing offense. To ensure respect and understanding of different cultures within our conversations, the best place to start than by looking at each other’s language.

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Travel Word FAQs

How can i learn new travel words.

Reading about different cultures is a great way to expand your understanding and knowledge of their language and customs. You can also look for language-learning resources online, such as apps or podcasts, to help you get started on learning the basics of a new language. Additionally, if you’re traveling, you could try practicing the language of the country you’re visiting with a local.

Are there any tips for remembering travel words?

One way to help remember new vocabulary is to write down or create flashcards of important terms and concepts so that you can easily refer back to them. Additionally, listening to native speakers of the language is an effective way to learn pronunciation and get a feel for the language. Finally, incorporating travel words into daily conversations or activities is another great way to remember them.

Are there any other ways I can use travel words?

Travel words can be used in many different ways! You could incorporate them into your conversations with friends or co-workers, use them in writing, or even create art inspired by different cultural concepts. They can also be used to help you understand and appreciate the cultures of other countries while traveling. Finally, learning new travel words is a great way to challenge yourself and continually expand your global knowledge base.

Should I worry about cultural appropriation when using travel words?

It is important to be mindful and respectful of different cultures, traditions, and languages when using travel words. Research the deeper meanings behind the words you learn, as some have multiple interpretations or connotations depending on the context. Finally, it is always important to ask for permission before using any words from another culture in order to avoid any potential cultural appropriation or offense.

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Get Inspired

42 inspiring travel words (besides wanderlust).

We’ve all tried to find words to describe a travel experience, and sometimes nothing seems to quite explain it right.

I love discovering new ways to express myself, and over the years I’ve slowly collected the below list of creative travel words that are either not commonly used in English or are from another language or are words that describe travel emotions we go through much better.

If you’re a bit of a Pinterest addict like me you might have heard some of these alternative words for travel before, but hopefully, some are new.

After all, we could all use some other words for wanderlust!

These are just a few of my favourite words associated with travel.

As someone who writes about travel all the time, I love finding new words for travel and to describe travel experiences.

Everyone knows wanderlust, but are there words for wanderlust in other languages, or even just another word for travel too? 

I first wrote this post back in 2015 with just 24 new travel words that I had found over the course of the year while I was living abroad in Spain .

Since then I’ve come across many more so I’ve updated it to include the new ones!

Each travel word definition has been written in my own words, with a photo of my own, and examples from my own experiences. 

I hope that you’re able to learn some new words for travel (that aren’t wanderlust but are other words for wanderlust!) and be a bit inspired by them like I have been!

The unusual travel words you need to know:

Resfeber  (n), origin – swedish.

The tangled feelings of fear and excitement before a journey begins.

This is one of the most popular words associated with travel and all over Pinterest!

We’ve all felt this. That jolt in your heart when you book your flights, or when you tell your family and friends what you’re about to do.

Now that feeling has a word you can use!

This feeling is for new travellers and old alike. I still feel it when I embark on new journeys, especially before I moved to Spain to teach English .

Fernweh (n)

Origin: german.

Farsickness. An urge to travel even stronger than wanderlust.

That feeling you get when you’ve been home too long and you ache to be out into the world again.

Sometimes you don’t know where you want to be, but you know that it’s away. Sometimes you know where, and you want to get there as quickly as possible. This is that feeling.

I’ve had a serious case of the post travel blues , and felt this to the extreme!

It’s one of my favourite words related to travel, since it really does describe how I’ve felt on so many different occasions.

Origin: French

To drift unplanned, led only by the landscape and architecture around you.

The idea that even if you drift you will end up falling into a path that is lined out for you by your surroundings. This could describe life overall, but it also describes small journeys.

When you’re wandering through a new city and you just happen to wander on a path that takes you to great discoveries.

This happened to me in Stockholm, when I went to the archipelago and saw absolutely nothing of the city, and again in Lisbon where we made no plans and just let the city show us where to go.

This is a travel word I’ve seen less often, probably because many of us love to plan our trips, tick things off a bucket list and not miss out, but sometimes if you just allow yourself to wander you’ll find the most unexpected and best things of your trip.

Numinous (adj)

Origin: latin.

Feeling both fearful and awed by what is before you.

I don’t know why but there’s something intriguing about finding Latin words for travel. Maybe it’s because it’s not a language we really use anymore, but it forms the basis for so much of ours now.

There are quite a lot of words for travelling that are Latin based, or that we can turn into a word associated with travel.

Firstly referring to divinity, but I think it is a wonderful way to describe how you feel when you see things that are so amazing you’re not sure whether to be amazed or realise your own insignificance in the world. It’s the magical feeling when you see something truly awe-inspiring, be it the scenery before you, or just something amazing falls into place when you’re travelling.

Visiting the rice terraces of China was that moment for me.

Schwellenangst (n)

Fear of crossing a threshold to embark on something new.

Ok so this German word isn’t traditionally a word related to travel but it could be used as one of those words to describe a travel experience now.

Maybe referring literally to a door, but a great way to explain that feeling you might have before deciding to set out on a new journey.

Did you make the right decision? Those questioning feelings now have a name. I thought I might have made a mistake in moving to Spain but really, it was just this feeling of fearing something new.

Strikhedonia (n)

Origin: greek.

The joy of being able to say “to hell with it”.

A popular Greek word associated with travel!

This is what you can do when you decide to quit everything, stop making excuses , and explore the world.

Something you say when you book your flights or you decide to do something on your journey that you wouldn’t normally do. You’re travelling, who cares right?!

Now you have a word related to travel for that awesome feeling.

A wandering or roaming journey.

An unpredictable idea, desire or action.

Travelling without knowing the destination, and it doesn’t matter.

I got completely lost with friends in the Alpujarras in southern Spain , and it didn’t matter one bit. This is another Latin word for travel that we should definitely bring back into our vocabulary!

Sehnsucht (n)

A wistful longing and yearning in the heart for travels that have been and travels to come.

When you’re not travelling this can be an overwhelming feeling, or when you think about the travel you’ve done and you wish you could relive it all over again.

This feeling is why you need to make the most of every moment! It’s why the more you travel, the harder it gets .

This is one of those other words for wanderlust that we could use instead, although not as easy to say I admit!

Eleutheromania (n)

The intense desire for freedom.

This is probably one of the closest words to explaining wanderlust in different languages. People often say that travelling makes them feel free, and eleutheromania is the desire for this feeling.

We seem to find freedom in other cultures, or just in being outside the norm, and when you stop travelling, you crave it again.

I think this is what led me to make the crazy decision to move abroad for the first time at 16 !

Definitely one of my favourite other words for wanderlust and a firm favourite on Pinterest when you look for travel words.

Livsnjutare (n)

Origin: swedish.

Someone who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme.

Someone I try to be. One that takes chances, takes risks, and always chooses the adventure .

This other word for travel could be used in place for wanderluster, nomad or traveller.  We could all stand to appreciate what we have and make the most of life, and so this is an inspirational travel word! 

Sturmfrei (adj)

The freedom of being alone and having the ability to do what you want.

Travelling solo can be especially rewarding because it’s all up to you. You can make your travel journey exactly how you want it to be. No compromises, no one else to please. Just you and the road.

You might meet amazing people when you travel , but being on your own is real freedom.

This isn’t traditionally a word associated with travel either, but instead with being in a place alone or without supervision from your parents, so like when they leave you at home for the weekend as a teenager.

But isn’t that slightly giddy feeling of being able to do whatever we want similar to how we feel when we travel? No one’s watching, so you can be who you want and let go!

Solivagant (adj)

Wandering alone.

The kind of traveller many of us are. Solo travel has exploded so much that it is no longer out of the ordinary.

As most solo travellers know, you’re not alone for long as you make your friends on the road . But sometimes, it’s the wandering journey you take alone that is the most rewarding.

This is a word for someone that travels a lot or someone on a solo journey.

It’s definitely a popular description amongst travel bloggers too!

Saudade (n)

Origin: portuguese.

Nostalgia and the love that remains. A desire to be near to something or someone distant.

This is a travel word for after your journey ends and you just want to be back where you were, or with the people you met on the way. It’s the feeling that’s left after it all ends.

It’s what makes you want to return to your favourite place , even if you know it might not be the same. Part of the definition of this travel word is also about looking forward positively to the future!

Origin: Japanese

An awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and mysterious for words.

That feeling when it’s dark and you look at the stars and your wonder for all the things in the world wells up inside of you.

I felt like this when I saw the northern lights in Iceland during the wintertime . It was the most amazing experience and if I had any word to describe it then this would be it!

Acatalepsy (n)

The idea that it is impossible to truly comprehend anything.

Acatalepsy is a word that we can associate with travel. 

Can you truly understand your travels, the things you see, and how they affect you?

Sometimes it takes time to process how travel might have changed your life, and sometimes we never truly know why we take the journeys we do and what they’ll mean for us until afterward.

We can reflect on amazing travel moments , but never fully know their impact until much later! 

Origin: In doubt

The realisation every person is living their own vivid life.

I stumbled across this word and fell in love with the meaning, as it’s something I sometimes think about. How each person’s life is as full of different connections, memories, and possibilities as my own.

Although research tells me Sonder may not be a real word, the concept is beautiful and I think it can be a word closely associated with travel.

When we’re travelling we realise how everyone is living their own different and vivid life, sometimes close to our own and sometimes on a completely other level!

Trouvaille (n)

Something lovely found by chance.

A street, cafe, an experience stumbled upon by luck.

I love when this happens in my travels. A moment drinking coffee under a lemon tree in the south of Spain , a garden or a lake or a swimming hole discovered with no one else around.

I love finding alternative words to describe a travel experience, and this is a great one! It’s so important to appreciate the little things, especially when we come across them in an unexpected way. 

Origin: Danish

The cosy feeling you get while you’re enjoying the good things in life with friends.

When you’re out for a meal with people you met during your travels , and you feel content and right.

That feeling that you’re right where you’re meant to be.

This isn’t traditionally associated with travel and has become much more popular in recent years as a word describing a Danish way of living.

This word is now much more popular and well known than when I first wrote this post when I was an expat ! When I first came across it in 2015 I’d never heard of it before at all!

And I love that.

To me, it sounded like a word to describe the experiences I’d had while travelling, when I’d met an amazing group of people and we were enjoying a shared meal together at the end of an awesome day of exploring.

Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows – John Koenig

Awareness of how little of the world you’ll experience.

When you’re staring at the departures board and wishing you could go to all of those places at once.

It’s possible that the more you travel the harder it gets , and this is one of the reasons why. You can live abroad to try and travel more, but there’s still only so much to be seen.

This travel word is a little different in that it isn’t from another language but instead from a book.

However, it is another word that describes travel in that you’ll never reach the end of your exploration.

Travelling just makes you realise how much of the world there is still to see, and fuels your wanderlust even more!

Novaturient (adj)

A desire to change and alter your life.

This word for travel lovers describes the feeling that pushes you to travel.

When you know you’re not living the life you could be and there must be more out there for you.

It’s time to go and find it . I’ve never regretted travelling or moving abroad , even alone . It’s this knowledge and this feeling that makes me keep doing it!

Yoko meshi (n)

The stress of speaking a foreign language.

Literally translates to, “a meal eaten sideways”, and how I felt about speaking Spanish when I moved to Spain!

When people would tell me to “just start speaking” and it’s really not that easy.

Can you really learn a language just by moving abroad ? Maybe not, but you can try. Just be prepared for this feeling that you now have a travel word to describe!

Selcouth (adj)

Origin: old english.

Strange and uncommon, the way you see things when you travel.

Everything seems different and foreign, and it’s a good thing. We travel to seek out the things we don’t have at home .

This is another word that we can make into a word for travel, even though it doesn’t traditionally mean that.

It is one I could kind of see myself using to describe the odd things I’ve come across while travelling!

Eudaimonia (n)

The contented happy state.

That bursting feeling in your chest when you travel when it all feels right. The constant change in travel often puts our senses in overdrive and the highs are higher than ever. 

Learning to dive on the Great Barrier Reef was one of the best experiences of my life, and I won’t soon forget this feeling.

This Greek word is actually related to a philosophy that has been translated as meaning happiness or well-being, but I think that it’s the way we often feel when we travel, so it’s a word for travel lovers too!

Coddiwomple (v)

Origin: english slang.

To travel purposefully towards a vague destination.

When you have an idea of where you’re going, but it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get there.

The road doesn’t have to be a straight one. In fact, sometimes it’s better when it’s not .

I love this travel word because I can imagine an old English gentleman discussing his latest “coddiwomple”!

Flâneur (n)

Someone who strolls aimlessly but enjoyably, observing life and the surroundings.

This is what I love to do when I get to a new city, or through the countryside .

When we travel we seem to have fewer worries in general, allowing us to place ourselves more IN the moment.

Plus walking a city and people watching is a great way to learn about a new culture! It’s also a lovely way to spend a romantic date !

Nefelibata (n)

“Cloud-Walker”. One who lives in the clouds of their own imagination, or who does not obey the conventions of society, literature or art. An unconventional person.

Probably the way people have described me on occasion!

For those who don’t travel, or don’t know how to begin, the idea can seem fantastical and unconventional.

But these days there are so many people breaking free of “cubicle” life and working as digital nomads with the world as their office, working different travel jobs ,  saving to move abroad , or taking a year off to travel. Phil and I now work for ourselves and travel as we like (with kids!).

It may be unconventional to some, but for the rest of us, it’s life.

Brumous (adj.)

Origin: english.

Of gray skies and winter days, filled with heavy clouds or fog.

This may be a travel word you only use if you travel to the United Kingdom, especially in Scotland (it’s not the weather though, you just need the right clothes !)

It’s well known as the land of rainy days and fog, and I’ve experienced first hand.

However, I visited the Isle of Skye , one of the beautiful places in the UK, in the wind and rain and it was no less amazing. So really, I don’t mind if I have to describe some of my travels this way.

Vorfreude (n)

The joyful, intense anticipation that comes from imagining future pleasures.

When we book a new trip and in the time before we go, this is the way we often feel.

We can think about the people we’ll meet , and all the exciting things we’re going to experience.

I love watching movies about places I want to go and then imagining myself there too, which is basically this feeling!

Commuovere (v)

Origin: italian.

Heartwarming, something that stirs and moves you.

I love finding new words that don’t translate into English. This one is a prime example of a word that is difficult to explain, but the best I can do is heartwarming, something that moves you to tears in a good way.

Maybe you’re wondering how this relates to travel… crying?!

Well, I’ve definitely shed a few tears over travel, from the good to the bad, and I’ve definitely been moved and awed by the things that I’ve seen.

Peregrinate (v)

Travel or wander around from place to place.

A pretty simple word that we could use to describe our travels and yet it seems to have fallen out of favour. “We peregrinated around the Scottish Highlands .” It works right?!

Nemophilist (n)

Origin: english.

A haunter of woods, one who loves the forest and it’s beauty and solitude.

There’s something magical about walking through the woods, and even more so in a foreign country.

When I lived in Canada on a study abroad one of my favourite things to do was wander through the huge forests there. So much so my new friends and I once got lost for 8 hours…

Querencia (n)

Origin: spanish.

The place where you are your most authentic self, from where strength is drawn, where you feel at home.

I’m so excited to have a Spanish word, after learning Spanish while giving in Spain.

This word comes is related to the verb querer , which is to want or desire.

It can be associated with bullfighting, as it is also the name for the area of the bullring where the bull takes its stand, but I like to think of it more as a travel word, of course.

Komorebi (n)

The sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees.

If you’re on those forest walks when you’re travelling like above, then this is hopefully what you’ll see!

Another unusual word that doesn’t translate directly into an English word, but one that describes a beautiful sight.

Hireath (n)

Origin: welsh.

A homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was. The nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past.

Homesickness isn’t quite the right translation for this beautiful Welsh word, it’s more than that. It’s one of my favourites though as I often reminisce about my previous travels and times in my life.

It’s strange to think back to times like our babymoon in France , and how we had no idea what was ahead of us. As much as I love our life now I sometimes wish to live those times again!

Smultronställe (n)

Literally “place of wild strawberries” a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness.

When I went to Luleå in the north of Sweden in summer we discovered wild strawberries growing on an island in the middle of the archipelago.

That’s what I think of when I see this word because what better place to be? These are often the kind of places we discover when we travel.

Mångata (n)

The reflection of the moon on the water.

Something I only seem to see or see the most when I’m travelling.

It reminds me of being by the sea, of the Full Moon Party in Thailand and of the early darkness when I lived in the Gold Coast, Australia, where this photo was taken!

Photophile (n)

Origin: possibly english or greek.

A person who loves photography and light.

This one is a little in dispute. It could originate from the word for organisms that love light, “photophilic”, but have been adjusted to fit with photographers too.

Or, it could come from the same origins as “hodophile” in that “phos” means light and “philos” means friends. I can’t find concrete evidence either way, but that’s the beauty of finding new words!

Photophiles carry their camera wherever they go, and many travellers now do the same.

I used to have an old point and shoot camera, and then I stuck to mostly iPhone before finally getting a “proper” camera. I’ve been testing it out in Spain at places like the Alhambra , and in Portugal around the streets of Lisbon .

But there was nothing quite like the midnight sun in Luleå last summer.

Dépaysement (adj.)

Feeling that comes from not being in one’s own country. Being out of your element, a fish out of water.

Living abroad has often made me feel like this , especially in the early days.

Sometimes we can idealise moving abroad and not realise how it will affect us , but eventually, a place will feel like home, even if it’s a different concept of home than before.

Hodophile (adj.)

“Lover of roads”. One who loves to travel.

Does this travel word really need an explanation?

There’s something magical about setting out on a trip with the open road before you. My absolute favourite was driving across the Nullabor in Australia! It’s one of the longest straight roads in the world.

Cockaigne (n)

Origin: an english word with french origin.

Imaginary land of luxury and idleness; the land of plenty.

This word originates from a medieval myth, a land of plenty where society’s restrictions are defined and the harshness of life in medieval times does not exist.

Although we’re not in this time anymore, we could use this word to describe our ideal land of plenty now. One where people are not persecuted for their religion or race, one where equality reigns supreme, maybe one we will all be able to travel to one day?

Wayfarer (n)

Someone who travels, especially on foot.

Maybe not as unusual a word as some on this list, and one that you may already know. I considered making this my blog name when I started blogging !

It’s a word that makes me think of older times when people travelled in a more whimsical way that had nothing to do with social media. You went wherever the wind took you!

Absquatulate (v)

Origin: north american english.

To leave without saying goodbye.

Invented in the US in the 1830s as a word that sounded vaguely Latin, to make it seem older.

It means to make off with someone or something without announcing you’re going! The way many of us might feel we want to leave for our travels. No fuss, please!

Have you heard of these travel words and would you use them? Do you think they explain things better than we usually can?

If you liked them, pin them!

Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

55 thoughts on “ 42 Inspiring Travel Words (Besides Wanderlust) ”

Amazing list! Looking to impress a number of my fellow travelers with this list now!

I swear some of them can be worked in to normal conversation! Others may be a little different but it’s so nice to have words that describe those travel feelings.

Sonja, that’s a great one!! Sharing it all over now:) love all the words and the idea of such a post:)

Thanks so much Monika! I have been sitting on all of these for a long time. They are saved all over my phone and written in personal journals, so I thought it was time to share!

I’d add: ecdemomania <3

That’s a good one I didn’t have! I’ll have to add it to the next list 🙂

I absolutely love these! I so often find myself having a hard time describing my deep seeded need to get away, always be moving, or travel solo. The long pause and struggle I have to express the answer to “why” when asked about my journeys can feel very awkwardly isolating, and not in the good way of standing alone on a mountain top or wandering an empty desert. I like to feel all alone in the world sometimes but other times, I want to be a part of something, a community, and understood. Seeing words like you have dug up to share in this post do just that. The fact that there are words in so many languages to describe exactly how I feel, means that I am not really alone, even when I have been on a road with no signs of humans for days!

Thanks Bethany! You are definitely not alone! I too loved discovering that there are words that actually describe how I feel when I can’t even really describe it myself. It means that there are other’s that have felt like this, and so much so that whole words have been created for it. I hope you find a way to explain how you feel and why you want travel and movement in your life. All the best x

Wow, I love these, thank-you!

Thanks! I’ve been collecting them for awhile, I love finding out about different words that we can use to explain our feelings, not that I would end up actually saying most of these!

Your list of words is awesome! But Germans actually don’t use “sturmfrei” in the context of traveling. It’s being said when your parents have left home for one or more nights so you can invite friends and party. 😉 it’s not a description about how we feel, it’s more a description of the situation itself. I definitely like your interpretation – hopefully it’ll become a part of travelers diaries.

Thanks Josi! It’s good to know the real meaning behind the word. I like the idea of trying to adapt it as a travel word too, so fingers crossed others see it like you too! 🙂

Thank you Sonja, This was a fun list. I doubt I will be able to work them into my vocabulary. I don’t think I can even pronounce most of them. Perhaps it would be fun to have a follow up post that included the pronunciation of each. You clearly have comfort with many languages. I envy that. Happy Trails to You, Michelle

Haha no they are not exactly everyday words! I think a few may be easier than others, but anyone actually understanding them is the problem! I love the idea that sometimes other languages can explain things better than English though, and I do find it fascinating in learning Spanish that things are not always a direct translation. The use of words can be so different! Happy travels to you too!

I loved reading these words! Thanks for finding them and creating the pin for them! What an excellent way to express our traveling emotions!

Thanks so much! You’re most welcome :). I have to admit I don’t use them a whole lot in my blog writing, but I just love them!

I love your words. Thank you.

Thanks for your comment!

This is a great list, I enjoyed it! Thanks. However, I just want to correct a minor detail. While I was reading along, I got surprised by the word “onism” as I am Danish and has never in my life heard of this word before, whereas “hygge”, the other Danish word on your list, is very commonly used. I looked up “onism” on the internet and found that it comes from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows which is a compendium of invented words written by John Koenig. I suppose it is made as a combination between the words “monism” (Greek?) and “onanism” (English?), so there is nothing Danish about its origin (at least not that I could find) x

Thanks Ida! I tried to research everything as much as I could (hours in fact haha) and I’m not sure how I ended up with that one! I’ll take another look but I suspect I’ll find the same as you and change it! Thanks again 🙂 x

I loved reading this post and found myself relating to almost every one! ? Thought the accompanying photos were perfect too. It’s given me inspiration for a new travel/art journal …

Thanks so much! It makes me really happy to hear I’ve given someone else inspiration 🙂 🙂

Wow !! Love them.. I was actually looking for a new word which would describe my travel agency. I think I should be able to come up with something using the list of words, u’ve mentioned in this post.

That’s great I’m glad they’re able to help you! Best of luck.

Thnx a lot for giving this sort of knowledge about the words who r completely new to me. Keep posting these words along with their meaning it helps a lot.

Thanks dea… It perfectely helped me to explain my inner feelings , but some words have difficulty in pronouncing . I wrote down every word in ma notebook for future description pf my Travel Thanks alot yaar <3

Hi, I would like to know if there is a word for this feeling describes below,

‘I feel at home when I’m travelling, but when I’m actually at home, I feel weird.

I don’t think wanderlust is the word, can you please help me?

I’m sorry I’m not sure! I only know these words and the other post I did about unusual travel words. It’s possible something exists though and I’ll keep an eye out since I love finding unusual words 🙂

Was looking for travel words from Greek origin, and have found it, thanks so much. Love your page as well, maybe we see each other on the road sometime 🙂

Thanks so much! I’m glad they’re useful 🙂

So who copied who? 🙂 https://www.theintrepidguide.com/travel-words-that-describe-wanderlust-perfectly/#.WjWJFCPMwmo

Great list!

OMG!!!! Thanks for bringing this to my attention!!! I can’t believe how similar some of the wording of this is!!! 🙁 🙁 🙁 I first published this in early 2016.

Thank you for compiling such a great list! I may be incorrect, but shouldn’t ‘Vagary’ be listed as a noun rather than a verb?

It appears it’s listed as a noun now to mean something unpredictable but it came from the verb to wander!

So great to see Eleutheromania included in the list, passionate about freedom!

One of my favourites!

This is a very impressive, creative and original list. Will revisit many times. Thanks for sharing 🙂

42? How did anyone even get to this comment section? I had to scroll for 2 days just to get to leave this comment. This is really outrageous. 7 would have been plenty. We are internet users here, not book readers.

Two days well spent I’m sure 😉

When one is confined within the four corners of the home, because of the pandemic, this list is very encouraging! Thank you Sonja, many of the words here describes various emotions I have already experienced. Two more weeks of lockdown, I have time to do a project, finding my travel photos that match the words :).

Love this post! I’m feeling so much fernweh at the moment <3

Same here!!

Thank you so much for these! At this time of great challenges in the world, it is comforting to know that I can read the wonderful words you have compiled to capture all the positive feelings travel evokes. Slainte!

I couldn’t find all of these travel words anywhere else. You know, I am gonna bookmark it right away. Thanks for sharing these travel phrases. I love it. Looking forward to reading more of these informative articles 🙂

Amazing read. Needed these for getting a travel domain name. Bookmarked this post already. It’s very useful. Looking forward to reading more of these awesome travel blogs.

Ha ha what a random post! Learned so many new words from this, excited to casually *drop* them into my conversations

Haha so many! I mean, half I think I’ve never said but it’s fun to learn their meaning and find words that can describe the things we feel and think when we travel x

Wonderful article, it must have taken a lot of work to put together so many words 🙂

Thanks! I collected them over a few years and then reworded in my own words :).

Nice article. Thanks for sharing these travel phrases. Looking forward to reading more of these informative articles .

Stunning article, loved to read. will read more for sure…

Was very helpful article

I love this list of inspiring words for travel! I’m always looking for new ways to explore new places and this list has given me some great ideas.

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152 Best Travel Quotes To Inspire You To See The World

We’ve been putting together some of our favorite inspirational travel quotes as we continue to travel the world and experience new places and things abroad.

What follows is a complete collection of 152 of the best travel quotes, complete with adventure travel quotes from famous figures like Anthony Bourdain, John Muir, and Mark Twain.

Warning: some of these quotes may give you the travel itch! In any case, I hope you’ll find some of these short travel quotes inspirational for your own journey!

Table of Contents show 152 Best Travel Quotes • Famous Travel Quotes • Mark Twain Travel Quotes • Funny Travel Quotes • Short Travel Quotes • Misc Travel Quotes • Inspirational Travel Quotes • Travel With Friends Quotes • Adventure Travel Quotes • Solo Travel Quotes • Anthony Bourdain Travel Quotes More Travel Content & Tips  

152 Best Travel Quotes

• famous travel quotes.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. — Unknown

Take only memories, leave only footprints. — Unknown

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. — Gustave Flaubert

Not all those who wander are lost. — J.R.R. Tolkien

Every man dies, but not every man really lives. — William Wallace

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. — Oscar Wilde

Life is a journey. Make the most of it. — Unknown

I’ve traveled every road in this here land… I’ve been everywhere, man, I’ve been everywhere. — Johnny Cash

Paris is always a good idea. — Audrey Hepburn

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. — Unknown

Collect moments, not things. — Unknown

Today is your day, your mountain is waiting. So get on your way. — Dr Seuss

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. — Unknown

I’m shaking the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I’m gonna see the world. — George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life

It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to. — J.R.R. Tolkien

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. — Gary Snyder

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. — Lao Tzu

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. — John Muir

The mountains are calling and I must go. — John Muir

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. — John Muir

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote: To travel is to live. — Hans Christian Andersen

Oh the places you’ll go. — Dr. Seuss

I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. — Robert Frost

When one is alone at night in the depths of the woods, the stillness is at once awful and sublime. — John Muir

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own. — Charles Dickens

• Mark Twain Travel Quotes

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.

To do something, say something, see something, before anybody else — these are the things that confer a pleasure compared with which other pleasures are tame and commonplace, other ecstasies cheap and trivial. Lifetimes of ecstasy crowded into a single moment.

It is the loveliest fleet of islands [ Hawaii ] that lies anchored in any ocean.

No alien land in all the world has any deep strong charm for me but that one [ Hawaii ], no other land could so longingly and so beseechingly haunt me, sleeping and waking, through half a lifetime, as that one has done. Other things leave me, but it abides; other things change, but it remains the same.   For me the balmy airs are always blowing, its summer seas flashing in the sun; the pulsing of its surfbeat is in my ear; I can see its garlanded crags, its leaping cascades, its plumy palms drowsing by the shore, its remote summits floating like islands above the cloud wrack; I can feel the spirit of its wildland solitudes, I can hear the splash of its brooks; in my nostrils still lives the breath of flowers that perished twenty years ago.

• Funny Travel Quotes

Airplanes may kill you, but they ain’t likely to hurt you. — Leroy Satchel Paige

Two great talkers will not travel far together. — George Borrow

I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. — Mark Twain

I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine. — Caskie Stinnett

Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone? — Erma Bombeck

Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. — Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz

• Short Travel Quotes

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. — Unknown

Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times. — Asian Proverb

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. — Ibn Battutah

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. — Unknown

One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm. — Ella Maillart

Half the fun of travel is the esthetic of lostness. — Ray Bradbury

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. — Marcel Proust

There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign. — Robert Louis Stevenson

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. — Neale Donald Walsh

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. — Unknown

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. — Louis Armstrong

They say travel broadens the mind, but you must have the mind. — G.K. Chesterton

Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. — Anita Desai

Life is short and the world is wide. — Unknown

The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land. — G.K. Chesterton

A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. — Lao Tzu

If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. — Vincent van Gogh

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. — John Muir

A wise traveler never despises his own country. — Carlos Osvaldo Goldoni

You know more of a road by having traveled it than by all the conjectures and descriptions in the world. — William Hazlitt

I love to travel, but hate to arrive. — Albert Einstein

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. — John Muir

A great way to learn about your country is to leave it. — Henry Rollins

Live your life by a compass, not a clock. — Stephen Covey

Some experiences simply do not translate, you have to go to know. — Kobi Yamada

I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world. — Mary Anne Radmacher

At its best, travel should challenge our preconceptions and most cherished views, cause us to rethink our assumptions, shake us a bit, make us broader minded and more understanding. — Arthur Frommer

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

Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost. — Erol Ozan

Travel far enough, you meet yourself. — David Mitchell

The journey itself is my home. — Matsuo Basho

Live, travel, adventure, bless and don’t be sorry. — Jack Kerouac

The saddest journey in the world is the one that follows a precise itinerary. — Guillermo del Toro

A good traveler leaves no tracks. — Lao Tzu

It’s in those quiet little towns, at the edge of the world, that you will find the salt of the Earth people who make you feel right at home. — Aaron Lauritsen

It is better to travel well than to arrive. — Unknown

The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life. — Agnes Repplier

• Misc Travel Quotes

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. — Albert Camus

To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world. — John Muir

When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty. — John Muir

I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana, it is love. — John Steinbeck

Yosemite Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar and dust and weary, nervous, wasting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantages of both solitude and society. — John Muir

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. — Jacques Cousteau

The Mediterranean has the color of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet, you can’t even say it’s blue, because the next moment the changing reflection has taken on a tint of rose or gray. — Vincent van Gogh

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. — John Burroughs

No pain here, no dull empty hours, no fear of the past, no fear of the future. These blessed mountains are so compactly filled with God’s beauty, no petty personal hope or experience has room to be. — John Muir

On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it. — Jules Renard

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. — Albert Einstein

Lighthouses are not just stone, brick, metal, and glass. There’s a human story at every lighthouse. — Elinor DeWire

To almost every man and woman there is something about a lighted beacon which suggests hope and trust and appeals to the better instincts of all mankind. — Edward Rowe Snowe

• Inspirational Travel Quotes

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. — Helen Keller

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. — Douglas Ivester

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible. — Lawrence of Arabia

Do not dare not to dare. — C.S. Lewis

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. — George Adair

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. — Unknown

It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win. — John Paul Jones

This is what holidays, travels, vacations are about. It is not really rest or even leisure we chase. We strain to renew our capacity for wonder to shock ourselves into astonishment once again. — Shana Alexander

I beg young people to travel. If you don’t have a passport, get one. Take a summer, get a backpack and go to Delhi, go to Saigon, go to Bangkok, go to Kenya. Have your mind blown. Eat interesting food. Dig some interesting people. Have an adventure. Be careful. Come back and you’re going to see your country differently, you’re going to see your president differently, no matter who it is. — Henry Rollins

Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing your lawn. Climb that damn mountain. — Jack Kerouac

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilization, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints. — Robert Louis Stevenson

Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. — Ray Bradbury

We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place. We stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there. — Pascal Mercier

Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to. — Alan Keightley

Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you’ve never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground. — Judith Thurman

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

No man is brave that has never walked a hundred miles. If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet. — Patrick Rothfuss

It is always sad to leave a place to which one knows one will never return. Such are the melancolies du voyage: perhaps they are one of the most rewarding things about traveling. — Gustave Flaubert

The wish to travel seems to me characteristically human: the desire to move, to satisfy your curiosity or ease your fears, to change the circumstances of your life, to be a stranger, to make a friend, to experience an exotic landscape, to risk the unknown. — Paul Theroux

Although I deeply love oceans, deserts and other wild landscapes, it is only mountains that beckon me with that sort of painful magnetic pull to walk deeper and deeper into their beauty. They keep me continuously wanting to know more, feel more, see more. — Victoria Erickson

• Travel With Friends Quotes

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles. — Tim Cahill

You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place. — Miriam Adeney

We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend. — Robert Louis Stevenson

• Adventure Travel Quotes

Adventure is worthwhile in itself. — Amelia Earhart

If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal. — Paulo Coelho

Most of us abandoned the idea of a life full of adventure and travel sometime between puberty and our first job. Our dreams died under the dark weight of responsibility. Occasionally the old urge surfaces, and we label it with names that suggest psychological aberrations: the big chill, a midlife crisis. — Tim Cahill

Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter. — John Muir

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. — Edward Abbey

Once a journey is designed, equipped, and put in process, a new factor enters and takes over. A trip, a safari, an exploration, is an entity, different from all other journeys. It has personality, temperament, individuality, uniqueness. A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless.   We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. Tour masters, schedules, reservations, brass-bound and inevitable, dash themselves to wreckage on the personality of the trip. Only when this is recognized can the blown-in-the glass bum relax and go along with it. Only then do the frustrations fall away. In this a journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it. — John Steinbeck

What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? – it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies. — Jack Kerouac

A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. — J.A. Shedd

It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any. — Hugh Laurie

Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the Earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white. — Mark Jenkins

The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. — Christopher McCandless

Adventure is allowing the unexpected to happen to you. Exploration is experiencing what you have not experienced before. How can there be any adventure, any exploration, if you let somebody else – above all, a travel bureau – arrange everything before-hand? — Richard Aldington

Be careful because Cambodia is the most dangerous place you will ever visit. You will fall in love with it, and eventually it will break your heart. — Joel Brinkley

• Solo Travel Quotes

To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. — Freya Stark

Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. — Unknown

I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can’t read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can’t reliably cross a street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses. — Bill Bryson

The true fruit of travel is perhaps the feeling of being nearly everywhere at home. — Freya Stark

When you’ve managed to stumble directly into the heart of the unknown – either through the misdirection of others, or better yet, through your own creative ineptitude – there is no one there to hold your hand or tell you what to do. In those bad lost moments, in the times when we are advised not to panic, we own the unknown, and the world belongs to us. The child within has full reign. Few of us are ever so free. — Tim Cahill

No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. — Lin Yutang

He travels the fastest who travels alone. — Rudyard Kipling

Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection. — Lawrence Durrell

When the traveler goes alone he gets acquainted with himself. — Liberty Hyde Bailey

The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready. — Henry David Thoreau

I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more. — Thomas Jefferson

Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than at any other time. — Hannah Arendt

Personally I like going places where I don’t speak the language, don’t know anybody, don’t know my way around and don’t have any delusions that I’m in control. Disoriented, even frightened, I feel alive, awake in ways I never am at home. — Michael Mewshaw

I can speak to my soul only when the two of us are off exploring deserts or cities or mountains or roads. — Paulo Coelho

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road. Healthy, free, the world before me. The long brown path before me leading me wherever I choose. — Walt Whitman

• Anthony Bourdain Travel Quotes

If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.

Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.

It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description. Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu , for instance, seem to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about.   For a while after, you fumble for words, trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame where you’ve been and what’s happened. In the end, you’re just happy you were there — with your eyes open — and lived to see it.

Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.

I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.

Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? … I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.

It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.   Maybe that’s enlightenment enough – to know that there is no final resting place of the mind, no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom, at least for me, means realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.

I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.

Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.

Southeast Asia has a real grip on me. From the very first time I went there, it was a fulfillment of my childhood fantasies of the way travel should be.

I wanted adventures. I wanted to go up the Nung river to the heart of darkness in Cambodia . I wanted to ride out into a desert on camelback, sand and dunes in every direction, eat whole roasted lamb with my fingers. I wanted to kick snow off my boots in a Mafiya nightclub in Russia. I wanted to play with automatic weapons in Phnom Penh, recapture the past in a small oyster village in France, step into a seedy neon-lit pulqueria in rural Mexico. I wanted to run roadblocks in the middle of the night, blowing past angry militia with a handful of hurled Marlboro packs, experience fear, excitement, wonder.   I wanted kicks – the kind of melodramatic thrills and chills I’d yearned for since childhood, the kind of adventure I’d found as a little boy in the pages of my Tintin comic books. I wanted to see the world – and I wanted the world to be just like the movies.

At this point I think my body is like an old car. Another dent ain’t gonna make a whole lot of difference. At best it’s a reminder that you’re still alive and lucky as hell. Another tattoo, another thing you did, another place you’ve been.

Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.

If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.

Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.

More Travel Content & Tips

That’s a roundup of our favorite adventure travel quotes! I hope you’ve found these travel quotes inspirational for your own journeys.

Don’t forget to check out my latest travel blog posts and our complete destination guides by country!

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50 Romantic Quotes About Travel and Love to Inspire Your Next Adventure

Share the love — these travel-themed quotes make perfect posts for globe-trotting couples.

Travel nourishes a relationship in many ways. Discovering new cultures and encountering unfamiliar points of view can feed your curiosity while drawing you closer as a couple. Whether your romance is in its infancy or you have 20 years of marriage under your belt, there is always a way to share new experiences with your love — especially when you’re traveling together.

The crossroads of adventure and romance have inspired many writers and artists to share their observations and words of wisdom. To help you find the perfect caption for your Instagram posts on a couple's trip, here are 50 of our favorite quotes about travel and love.

Quotes About Travel and Love for the Hopeless Romantic

“I would like to travel the world with you twice. Once, to see the world. Twice to see the way you see the world.” — Anonymous

“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.” — Paulo Coehlo

“Here's to all the places we went. And all the places we'll go. And here's to me, whispering again and again and again and again: iloveyou.” — John Green

“Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me? Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?” — Walt Whitman

“Love is never hurtful; it’s never about forgetting who you are, it’s about exploring yourself more.” — Ankita Singhal

"But I love your feet only because they walked upon the earth and upon the wind and upon the waters, until they found me.“ — Pablo Neruda

"We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” — Anaïs Nin

“Surround yourself with people who make you hungry for life, touch your heart, and nourish your soul.” — Anonymous

“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” — Katie Thurmes

“Come on, fly with me, we'll float down in the blue.” — Frank Sinatra, "Fly Me to the Moon"

“It doesn’t matter where you are going, it’s who you have beside you.” — Anonymous 

“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” — William Shakespeare

“Life is short and the world is wide. The sooner you start exploring it with the person you love, the better.” – Simon Raven

“I'm your cherry blossom, baby, don’t let me blow away. I hope you haven't forgotten Tokyo wasn't built in a day.” — Kacey Musgraves, "Cherry Blossom" 

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.” — Paula Bendfeldt

“Baby, you’re my open road, you can take me anywhere the wind blows.” — American Authors, "What We Live For"

"A city becomes a world when one loves one of its inhabitants." — Lawrence Durrell

Quotes About Travel and Love for the Adventurous Couple

“Why should a relationship mean settling down? Wait out for someone who won’t let life escape you, who will challenge you and drive you toward your dreams. Someone spontaneous who you can get lost in the world with. A relationship, with the right person, is a release, not a restriction.” — Beau Taplin

“You’d be surprised who the love of your life turns out to be. After all, Adventure fell in love with Lost.” — Erin Van Vuren

“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.” — Vera Nazarian

“Date someone who is a home and an adventure all at once.” — Anonymous

“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” — Chief Seattle

“I've fallen in love with adventures, so I begin to wonder, if that's why I've fallen for you.” — E. Grin

“So, come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned.” — James Matthew Barrie

“As soon as I saw you I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” — A. A. Milne

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” — Jack Kerouac

“Respond to every call that excites your spirit.” — Rumi

“What we find in a soulmate is not something wild to tame but something wild to run with.” — Robert Brault

“A couple who travel together, grow together.” — Ahmad Fuadi

“I never sat by the shore under the sun with my feet in the sand. But you brought me here and I'm happy that you did.” — Miley Cyrus, "Malibu"

"I love your feet because they wandered over the earth and through the wind and water until they brought you to me." — Pablo Neruda

“Traveling is the best thing any couple can do. That’s how we had the idea of the honeymoon. Newly wed couples going to a new place on their own so that all they could have is each other.” — Salil Jha

Quotes About Travel and Love for the Reluctant Romantic

“To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life.” — Elizabeth Gilbert

“Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” — John Steinbeck

“Never to go on trips with anyone you do not love.” — Ernest Hemingway

“I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” — Mark Twain

“No road is long with good company.” — Turkish proverb

“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” — Robert Louis Stevenson

“Home is not where you are from, it is where you belong. Some of us travel the whole world to find it. Others find it in a person.” — Beau Taplin

“One of the great things about travel is you find out how many good, kind people there are.” — Edith Wharton

“And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, 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

“Love is the food of life, travel is dessert.” — Anonymous

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

“I don’t want to be tied down with someone; I want to be set free with someone.” — Anonymous

“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.” — Leigh Hunt

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson 

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” — Rumi

“In life, it’s not where you go. It’s who you travel with.” — Charles M. Schulz

“Travel, trouble, music, art, a kiss, a frock, a rhyme — I never said they feed my heart, but still they pass my time.” ― Dorothy Parker

Related Articles

33 Meaningful Reasons Why People LOVE to Travel

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here .

“Do you like to travel?”

This is a question I’ve been asked so many times in my life.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with seeing the world. In high school, I joined all of the clubs that had travel opportunities to out-of-state conferences.

In college, I studied abroad four times – and planned solo trips and trips with friends in between!

You could say that I LOVE to travel – it’s also one of the reasons I created this blog! Traveling is in my blood, and I have two major missions in life: 1. see as much of the world as possible, and 2. inspire others to do the same!

There’s even a word for people like me. I’m a hodophil e , which means “one who loves to travel.”

I could talk all day long about why I love traveling and the fulfillment that traveling has brought to my life. And there are tons of other travelers out there that feel the same as me!

To put together this ultimate list of reasons why people love to travel, I worked with some fellow travel addicts to tell stories of what travel means to us.

You’ll find stories of personal growth, checking off bucket list experiences, and learning new things – all thanks to travel.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling the world for yourself, or are just wondering about how traveling can change your life, keep reading for personal stories of why people love to travel!

Table of Contents

1. Travel helps you check things off your bucket list.

Written by Sydney from A World in Reach

Growing up in a small, rural town, I dreamed of one day flying across the ocean, visiting world-class cities, and seeing the landmarks I had only seen on TV in real life.

I had always found Stonehenge and its history to be so fascinating, and I thought that climbing the Great Wall of China would be one of the coolest things anyone could do.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris sparkle at night was something I often dreamed about, as was walking through the hectic streets of Tokyo.

At the time, all of these experiences seemed like a pipe dream. How would I ever be able to afford to visit such faraway places?

But now, thanks to the gift of travel, I’ve been able to check all of these things and more off of my bucket list. And thanks to learning how to travel on a budget, I’ve been doing it cheaply while still maximizing my experiences.

Today, my bucket list is never-ending – each time I check something off, something new gets added. I’m still dreaming of seeing the Pyramids of Giza, going on a South African safari, and eating my way through Mexico City.

I wake up each day thankful for the experiences I’ve been given, and I look forward each day to checking the next thing off my bucket list.

2. Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone.

One of the things I love most about traveling is that it gets me out of my comfort zone.

To me, travel is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in the world. Hopping off a plane and being in a completely new environment is a feeling unlike any other.

When I get stuck in my day-to-day routine, I crave the excitement (and sometimes, chaos) of a travel day.

Traveling forces you to do something difficult – you might have to navigate a city with a language barrier, get accustomed to cultural norms totally different from your own, or figure out how to get a spare key to your accommodation when you got locked out of your Airbnb late at night with a dying phone battery (if you’re wondering why that’s so specific, it’s because it was easily my most stressful travel experience to date!).

Thanks to travel allowing me to get out of my comfort zone, I’ve improved my critical thinking and decision-making skills. I’ve also become a more empathetic person, and striking up conversations with strangers doesn’t seem so intimidating since I do it regularly when traveling.

Travel is an incredible way to broaden your horizons and expand your worldview. It challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, confront your fears and insecurities, and connect with others.

If you’re ever yearning for an escape from the routine, start planning a trip.

3. Travel lets you try new foods.

I travel for a lot of reasons – seeing iconic landmarks in person, learning something new at museums and historical sites, and meeting new people from different walks of life.

One of my favorite things about travel though is all of the different food!

I’ve always been a foodie, and traveling has opened me up to so many unique dishes and cuisines that I can’t get at home.

Some of my fondest travel memories include eating my way through Ueno Market (one of the best things to do in Tokyo ), trying cuy (guinea pig) in Ecuador, and taking a Hawaiian cooking class in Oahu.

When I’m planning a trip, I always keep a list of foods to try and the best restaurants to visit. I also love taking local cooking classes so that I can learn how to make the dishes at home!

One of the #1 pieces of travel advice I always give others is to always try a new food , even if it’s something out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might end up with a new favorite!

4. Travel lets you escape everyday life and discover yourself.

Written by Kristin from Tiny Footsteps Travel

Traveling helps you discover not only new places but yourself.

Having grown up in a small town that I never left where I faced bullying at school, it was hard to imagine life outside of my reality.

At 12 years old, I got on a plane for the first time, to visit family in Sweden. This was my first taste of international travel, and it taught me more than just that there are beautiful, breathtaking landscapes abroad.

In meeting my extended family members, I learned that life could look different from how I grew up. Travel became my passion that fired my spirit, and became the dream at the end of the tunnel whenever I faced hard days.

I pursued traveling in my teens and early 20s. I traveled back to Sweden and also lived abroad in France, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and Australia.

Overseas in far-off countries, it didn’t matter whether I was popular in school or not. I got to meet people as a whole new person and discover what I liked and who I really was.

I empowered myself by doing adventurous things, like skydiving on the beach in Australia.

Now as an adult, I love to give the gift of travel to my own two children. Our most recent family trip was to Costa Rica , which is the perfect destination with kids, a partner, or on your own.

5. When you travel, you get to learn about other cultures.

Written by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

One of the main reasons why I love traveling is learning about other cultures. Although you can read books, watch documentaries or hear other travelers’ stories, nothing is better than experiencing the culture yourself.

Each destination I’ve visited has taught me something about a culture, but Mexico stands out for me. Despite Spanish being my first language, Mexican Spanish and culture are very different from Spain’s.

Visiting places like Chichen Itza and eating at local restaurants inspired me to cook more Mexican foods at home, learn more about its gastronomy, and made me curious about their traditions.

I also love that you can take new habits and traditions from other countries. Having traveled and lived in the UK , I adopted new habits like drinking tea and using words and expressions from regions like Yorkshire.

6. Traveling allows you to meet new, interesting people.

Written by Tammi from Wander Healthy

Traveling is a fantastic way to meet new and interesting people, especially for first-time travelers.

It puts you outside of your usual routine, providing opportunities to interact with people who share unique insights and experiences about the places you’re visiting. This is an easy and awesome way to learn about different cultures and customs.

Whether it’s chance encounters or shared experiences, you’re likely to interact with others every time you turn around.

It could be striking up a conversation on a train, meeting someone in a coffee shop, or attending a local event, but the possibilities for meeting new people are endless.

Staying in hostels or going on tours, my personal favorites, have a way of leading to conversations and lifelong connections with friends you wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or taking a road trip across the United States, you’re likely to meet people with interests and hobbies similar to yours, and your community builds naturally.

Traveling is the only thing that does this so effortlessly, letting you meet new and interesting people from all walks of life and create memories for a lifetime.

7. Traveling lets you see unique landscapes unlike any you’ve seen before.

Written by Sierra from Your Guide to Wandering

Traveling has allowed me to see landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

There are many places on earth that, without protection, would have disappeared with time. I’m grateful for our protected lands and historic monuments to allow me to experience nature and history from a first-hand perspective.

The ability to see fossils along my hikes in Moab, Utah, bike along 75-foot sand dunes in Cape Cod , or stroll the grounds of 12th-century castles in Portugal is invaluable.

Travel allows every day to be a different story and a different adventure. I don’t have to read about history or natural wonders just in books – I can experience them in real life.

Traveling to unique landscapes sparks our curiosity and childlike wonder. How were humans able to build the Roman Empire in ancient days with the most primitive of tools? How were the caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico formed over millions of years by just wind and water?

Travel constantly inspires me and keeps me exploring the bounds of history, science, and nature. What a privilege we get to travel and see such unique historical and natural places on Earth.

8. Travel helps you see things from a new perspective.

Written by Jo from World Wild Schooling

One of the things that I love most about traveling is the ability to see things from a new perspective.

Whether it’s a different culture, a new environment, or simply a change of scenery, traveling has a way of opening up your eyes to the world around you.

When we’re stuck in our daily routines and familiar surroundings, it’s easy to become complacent and forget about the wider world.

Traveling helps to break us out of this bubble and expose us to new ways of thinking and living. It allows us to see how people in other parts of the world approach life, work, and relationships.

For example, I was surprised to find out that in Phuket, Thailand, buses have no glass in the windows due to the consistently warm climate. This may seem like a small detail, but it highlights the unique ways that different cultures adapt to their surroundings.

Similarly, my jaw dropped when I first visited Brussels, Belgium , and saw that all signs are bilingual, even the subtitles in cinemas (yes, this means 4 lines of text!). This reflects the country’s complex linguistic history and the ongoing efforts to maintain both French and Dutch as official languages.

9. Travel can make you feel alive.

Written by Michele from Adventures Abound

Traveling makes simple experiences feel momentous, it sparks creativity, and it makes me come alive!

My first time going to another country was when I studied abroad in Costa Rica , and I realized that even the smallest experiences like taking a bus to a cool landmark or walking to a neighborhood festival were suddenly interesting in a new country.

I loved meeting new people, learning about the culture and the language, and traveling around to see beautiful nature in Costa Rica. Even just taking a bus to go visit a coffee farm felt like the most fun adventure.

Once I went on that trip, I was bitten by the travel bug as they say.

I started seeking out ways to feel like I was exploring and that often meant getting out around where I lived.

It’s so fun to explore little towns, peruse around farmer’s markets and shop with local vendors with the lens that I am traveling like I would if I were further from home.

10. Traveling allows you to see art in the world’s best museums.

Written by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones

One of the reasons that I love to travel is that it gives me the opportunity to visit world-class art museums and spend time looking at fabulous pieces of art up close.

It’s quite a special way to experience art when you can look at a statue from different angles to note and admire all of the fine details.

If you can, always walk around a sculpture to view it from all sides. You just can’t appreciate it in the same way from a photo.

In some museums, the way that the art is displayed improves the viewing experience. In the Musée de l’Orangerie (one of my favorite Paris attractions ), Monet’s Water Lilies paintings are displayed in a unique oval room for an immersive panoramic viewing experience.

Visiting museums is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. And it’s also a great option for a rainy day!

11. Traveling strengthens friendship bonds.

Written by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

One of the biggest reasons why I love to travel is because it allows me to strengthen the bonds I share with friends.

My friends and I traveled together right after graduating from university.

Although we somewhat knew each other before going on the trip, we didn’t really know each other!

But on this trip, we spent over a week laughing our butts off, dealing with stressful situations, and generally going on all kinds of crazy adventures around French Polynesia together.

There was no shortage of mistakes during this intense period, but we all came out on the other side for the better!

Fast forward almost two years later, and we all still speak so fondly of that time together. In addition, we went from mere acquaintances to the best of friends.

So, for me, I love traveling because it helps strengthen the friendships and relationships I have with others!

12. Travel helps you learn about history and its impact on places you visit.

Written by Diana from Travels in Poland

Traveling has always been my passion, but when you visit a place where you really feel something you can’t explain, it can transform your perspective on travel.

This happened to me when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau .

My family is Polish and my grandmother, who was there with me, couldn’t get herself to enter the camp fully for several hours. She lived through the occupation and knew people shipped off to the camp. I realized how deeply this impacted me when I visited.

I’ve long been captivated by the way events shape societies, leaving indelible marks on the fabric of their being.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Auschwitz, I felt the weight of the past heavy on my shoulders.

My grandmother’s eyes, glistening with unshed tears, told a thousand stories. This was where she lost family and friends, their lives snuffed out by the unimaginable cruelty of the Holocaust.

It was in walking onto these grounds that I grasped the true power of travel: the ability to connect with the past, witness history firsthand, and gain insight into the myriad of ways it continues to shape our world.

Through this poignant journey, I found a renewed appreciation for the transformative potential of travel, and a deeper understanding of the impact places have on people. Learning not only about history, but about the way it has shaped our world, and how we can learn from it.

13. Traveling helps you find a home base.

Written by Mal from Where To Stay Bali

Traveling was always my passion, but since I quit my career in finance and my conventional life in my home country, traveling has a whole new meaning for me.

Slow travel has become my way of life and a search for somewhere I can one day settle.

Since the beginning of my digital nomad life, I’ve lived part-time in Greece, Albania, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

I loved each of these places for different reasons – for their weather, culture, food, and people.

But, there has been one place that felt different to me, more special, a place that I want to keep coming back to. I found a place in Bali , which is now my second home.

If you keep an open mind during your travels, you may also find a place like that – a second home that can change your life!

14. Travel gives you the chance to study and learn in a new culture.

Written by Amber from Amber Everywhere

I love to travel because it allows me to experience new cultures and ways of living.

In particular, I had wonderful experiences studying abroad when I was in college because it gave me a chance to learn and live in a new place.

I stayed with a host family during my first two trips abroad, once in Guatemala and again in Jordan.

Living with a local family gave me a chance to experience the culture, try different foods, and see entirely different parts of those cities that I would’ve otherwise found.

Studying abroad also gave me a chance to travel slowly, and I stayed in each place long enough to have a favorite restaurant or route to take to school.

There were smaller cultural nuances that I learned, either because they were explained to me by locals or because I just picked them up as I went.

15. Travel teaches self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Written by Chelsea from A Wandering Redhead

I want to personally thank travel for the self-love and self-acceptance that it has taught me. 

Pre-travel, I was shy, people-pleasing, and disbelieving if someone called me pretty. 

Post-travel, I am confident, I love my body and what it can do for me, and I’m overall more radiant and bubbly. 

Without travel, I may have never started my self-love journey and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. 

I love the progress that I have made and believe that everyone should solo travel at some point in their life.

16. Traveling fulfills childhood dreams.

Written by Colleen from Then We Walked

As a girl, I would watch Whicker’s World on our black-and-white TV.

Every week, Alan Whicker would appear on screen like a traveling James Bond, complete with his very correct English accent, and transport me to a new exotic corner of the globe.

I was enthralled. It lit a flame. I wanted to explore, too. I dreamed of Table Mountain, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Sphinx, the Parthenon, Hal Long Bay, and the Cook Islands.

But ordinary people didn’t travel in the 1960s, and I was a child.  I started work, married, bought a house, and had a family. Inside, I still dreamed.

We traveled a little, ticking off some of my bucket list, but last year, our children had flown the nest and we retired.  Now, we’re traveling and exploring in earnest!

I’ve waited half a lifetime to go exploring and I’m beyond excited about our plans.

My advice to the girl who watched the TV: don’t wait.

17. Traveling allows you to connect with nature.

Written by Taryn from Happiest Outdoors

One of my favorite things about traveling is connecting with nature.

I love the simplicity of hiking and wilderness camping because it removes all the chaos and distractions of everyday life. It’s just me and the mountains.

It’s also a great way to understand the local ecology. I find it fascinating to learn about the way glaciers and volcanoes work or what unique animal species live in the area.

Instead of just looking at a spectacular view, I can understand the way the landscape came to be, and that deepens my relationship with the place.

Spending time traveling in nature has also been pivotal in my life.

Back in 2019, I had some time to think while hiking the 65-kilometer Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia . The trek made me realize that it was the right time to leave my 9-5 job and write full-time.

Since then I’ve expanded my outdoor adventure website, written a hiking guidebook, and moved to a small mountain town so I can hike every day. 

18. Travel increases feelings of gratitude.

Written by Kristin from World on Wheels Blog

One of the reasons I love to travel is that it makes me more grateful.

When you are constantly in the same country or even environment, it’s easy to take things for granted.

As a traveler who uses a wheelchair and lives in the United States, it’s easy to forget that not all countries have ADA laws that guarantee access.

When I travel to places like South America, I am reminded how little things like curb cuts make a huge difference in how hard or easy it is to navigate a town. I can’t help but feel sad for the people with disabilities that actually live there.

Aside from reminders about how lucky I am to live in a country that encourages accessibility for all, I also feel a sense of gratitude that I’m able to explore the world and witness some of the immense beauty it has to offer.

There’s something incredibly special about seeing the power of Iguazu Falls and realizing how small you are in this massive world of ours. It’s a feeling and experience that photography just cannot seem to capture.

Travel is important for so many reasons, but helping to feel more gratitude is one of the things that I love the most.

19. Travel humbles you.

Written by Milijana from World Travel Connector

Gustave Flaubert, a literary genius and a wise man, once noted: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

And indeed, it is one of many lessons that traveling teaches you. Traveling puts you into a broader perspective of time, place, and the universe.

Visiting fascinating archeological sites like Petra in Jordan, Angor Wat in Cambodia, Giza in Egypt, and Pompeii in Italy made me see what a tiny place I occupy in today’s world and question the knowledge of contemporary times. It made me think.

Meeting other cultures while traveling showed me how oblivious I could be to other customs and traditions and how much there is always left to learn.

Traveling made me aware of the prejudices that I thought never existed. Travel shamed me. However, it also taught me the importance of being always open to learning while keeping the ego in check. 

I found it especially rewarding to hike Camino de Santiago in Spain. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walked the trail before me. The Camino reminded me of the importance of modesty, effort, perseverance, and purpose. And, most importantly, what a tiny place I occupy in the world.

So, if you like meaningful travels, prepare your  Camino de Santiago packing list and walk the Camino. Let the Camino teach you valuable life lessons! 

20. Traveling helps you de-stress and recharge.

Written by Paulina from UK Everyday

Traveling is an excellent way to de-stress and recharge.

Discovering new places can allow you to reconnect with yourself. It can also help reduce stress levels by providing a change of scenery and an escape from the mundane routines of everyday life.

Traveling can also provide people with a sense of freedom from their work-related responsibilities, allowing them to relax surrounded by natural landscapes.

Exploring some of the best beaches in Wales can be a great way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Additionally, traveling can help boost creativity, as it encourages new ideas and perspectives. This can help spark creativity by introducing fresh ideas that you might not have otherwise thought of when stressed.

For these reasons, traveling is great to help de-stress and recharge.

Furthermore, travel also provides a break from your daily routine, allowing you to step away from your comfort zone and explore the unknown without worrying about your daily problems.

21. Travel lets you connect with other cultures through the arts.

Written by Dawn from Culture Feasting

If you consider yourself an artistic person, know that traveling can be a total game-changer.

As a creative person myself, I’ve found that exploring new destinations has the power to expand my spirit and give me all sorts of new artistic opportunities.

Over the years I have come to crave the stimulation of experiencing different cultures and their unique art forms.

From visiting local museums to catching a traditional dance performance, there are so many ways to connect with the arts while on vacation.

It’s not just about admiring pretty paintings or sculptures, either. It’s about immersing yourself in a foreign environment and gaining a whole new perspective on the world.

I’ve found that this can really inspire me to incorporate new artistic elements into my own creative projects.

So next time you’re planning a trip, consider how it could enhance your love for the arts and help you connect with other cultures on a deeper level.

22. Travel gives you a change of scenery.

Written by Tina from Veganderlust

I grew up in a small village in Austria, a country with beautiful lakes and mountains, but also a landlocked country.

The best part about traveling is the change of scenery. My favorite places to go to are cities next to the ocean, which is a completely different scenery from landlocked Austria.

There’s nothing better on your holiday than exploring a city and then relaxing at the beach.

That’s why I really loved my last trip to Barcelona . There’s so much culture and history to discover in this city, and afterward, you can go swimming in the sea.

By visiting different places with a change of scenery, you also develop a new appreciation for your own home scenery – one of the many positive side effects of traveling.

As much as I love traveling to coastal destinations, I always love seeing the mountains when I come back home.

23. Travel can strengthen your romantic relationships.

Written by Amy & Liam from Plain2Plane

There are so many wonderful reasons to travel.

If you’re in a relationship then there is nothing better than sharing experiences with your significant other.

Imagine waking up in Egypt with your partner, ready to go out for the day. You are going parasailing together, enjoying cocktails, quad biking – the list really is endless. You get to enjoy all of this with someone that you love and care about.

Traveling can be challenging at times and you have to make many different, sometimes difficult, decisions.

You have the luxury to share these moments together and form a closer relationship unlike any other. This will help you create a deeper bond with your partner.

You will also be able to step out of your comfort zone and try new things together. This will ultimately bring you closer together too!

24. Travel is inspiring.

Written by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

One of the reasons I enjoy traveling is because of the many ways it inspires me.

Traveling inspires me to better myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I’m inspired physically when I’ve committed to a trip that involves physical effort. One example would be hiking the Inca Trail in Peru.

When I learned that the trail involved miles of steady incline at high altitudes I felt motivated to prepare for that physically. This resulted in healthier eating habits and weeks of exercising leading up to my trip.

I’m inspired mentally by the way traveling increases my desire to do even more of it. This usually prompts me to tighten my budget to save for my next trip.

It also helps put into perspective the things I need vs. want and how that plays into not only my budget but also my overall happiness.

Emotionally, traveling inspires me to be a better person. When I see the way people in other parts of the world live, many times with very little, I feel humbled.

I feel inclined to be more grateful for the things I have and the experiences I’m afforded. It contributes to my overall well-being when I’m reminded of how little I need to truly be happy.

There are many reasons why I love traveling; but, the way it inspires me is definitely high on the list.

25. Travel turns kids into global citizens.

Written by Brodi from Our Offbeat Life

As full-time digital nomads, my family has seen so many places and experienced so much that I never thought possible when I was younger.

My son is learning about different cultures, languages, and ways of life that he would have never been exposed to if we had stayed in one place.

Traveling as a family has allowed him to gain a greater appreciation for the world around him.

He’s able to see how people live differently in different parts of the world and understand why those differences exist.

He is also learning valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving as he navigates through unfamiliar places and situations.

Most importantly, traveling has given him the opportunity to explore his own identity as a global citizen.

He is developing an understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than himself – a global community – and how he can contribute positively to it.

26. Traveling helps you find new opportunities in life.

Written by Min from Amsterdam Travel Blog

Traveling is not just visiting new places, experiencing new cultures, and trying local food. It can mean much more than that; it allowed me to find new opportunities and has changed my life forever.

When traveling to Europe for the first time at 18 years old, I noticed how big the world was, and life was so different on the other side of the world.

Because of that, I became more motivated to embrace the world. I decided to travel and meet more people.

While traveling in Amsterdam , luckily, I met some friendly people, including international students from Paraguay and South Africa. They studied in the Netherlands with a full scholarship.

They told me that the Netherlands was their first choice since they could have more connections with people around the world quickly while studying, and easier to find a job here after graduation as a non-European.

I came from Taiwan and grew up there all my life. After working for a few years, I quit my job and studied in the Netherlands. Now, I finally moved to The Netherlands permanently on my own, and if I didn’t travel, I would not know that it was possible to move here.

I encourage you to travel more and be open to meeting new people. The world is so big – people you meet can help you see the world from a different perspective and get valuable information about your life.

27. Travel can help you create change in your own community.

Written by Annie from Your Friend the Nomad

Travel is not just about the place you visit, but the transformation you experience and how you transform your community in response.

I learned this when I spent a few months volunteering with a reconciliation organization in the Middle East.

Despite decades of violence between their communities, I saw ordinary people working together to build bridges across social divides.

As an outsider looking in, I only saw the tip of the iceberg of the challenges locals were facing—yet I could see that peacemaking was not an easy or quick task.

After a few months, I returned to the US completely changed. The framework for reconciliation that I learned abroad guided how I navigated the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, conversations about immigration, and even interpersonal conflicts.

Personal transformation is available to you as you travel whether you’re traversing war zones or relaxing on  tranquil tropical beaches . You just have to lean in and allow your biases to be broken.

28. Travel lets you see the vast landscapes of the world.

Written by Jessica from Uprooted Travel

As an outdoor adventure lover, one of the primary reasons I love to travel is to experience the vast array of landscapes the world has to offer.

This can take shape in so many different ways, from exploring the lush rainforests and rugged beaches of my own backyard in the Pacific Northwest to checking out any of the best hikes in Arches National Park in Utah, with unique sandstone fins and dramatic natural arches.

Of course, this takes me beyond my home country of the United States—there’s endless natural beauty to explore, like the turquoise waterfalls of Costa Rica , the luscious highlands of Iceland, or the sweeping grasslands of the Serengeti.

Along the way, of course, I get to enjoy all of the other aspects of travel, like trying new cuisines, befriending locals, and seeing the world through a new perspective.

But for me, getting to step foot in a uniquely stunning landscape propels me to keep traveling and seeing this big, beautiful world.

29. Travel helps you make the world a better place.

Written by Chloe from Passport Down Under

Traveling has allowed me to positively impact the world by leaving the country in a better position than when I entered it, which is what I love most about traveling.

Traveling has allowed me to give back by supporting local businesses and economies.

By choosing to buy locally-made products and using local services, I have helped to create jobs and support the growth of small businesses. This can contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Furthermore, traveling has allowed me to give back through volunteering and community service.

I have participated in activities such as clean-up projects on the beaches of Byron Bay, wildlife conservation projects in Cambodia, and teaching English to local children in Thailand.

These experiences not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of the local people, especially in counties such as Cambodia.

Overall, traveling has allowed me to leave the world a better place by positively impacting the communities I visit.

30. Travel is great for learning a new language.

Written by Diana from Avagu Press

Learning a language is a huge reason to travel. While textbooks and classrooms might work for math and literature, learning a foreign language requires a bit of independent study and a lot of practice time.

The best way to get that practice time?

Immersion — spending hours, days, weeks, and even longer completely immersed in a foreign language, using it to live.

Unless you happen to live somewhere where multiple languages are spoken, travel is key to immersing yourself in a foreign language.

For the most effective language-learning, language-learning resources that specifically target your travel plans (like a Swahili-learning guide specifically for safari ) will help you make the most out of your experience.

Focus on communication, and don’t worry too much about mistakes.

The beautiful thing about being a novice in a foreign language is that nobody expects too much, so the pressure is off! Enjoy your trip, and enjoy your language learning.

31. Travel brings adventure.

Written by Melissa from My Beautiful Passport

One of the reasons I love to travel is for adventure and trying adventurous activities.

When traveling to new destinations, not only do you get to immerse yourself in different cultures and try new foods, but you have the chance to participate in exhilarating adventure sports that will leave you breathless.

From snorkeling with turtles to parasailing over beautiful coastlines, and volcano boarding down an active volcano, the rush of excitement is unmatched.

For adventure-seekers like myself, traveling to participate in activities like these create memories that last a lifetime.

I have chosen many of my vacation locations specifically for the fun adventure sports I can try there, and often, it is the first time I’m trying each activity.

The thrill of adventure travel is hard to beat, and the rush of excitement that comes with it is truly unforgettable.

32. Travel inspires me to write about and share my experiences.

Written by Wayne from Always On The Shore

The biggest reason that I love to travel is because it inspires me to write about places I’ve visited and my experiences, so I can motivate others to travel and do the same.

I have always liked traveling but I never had the money to travel until my mid-30s.  Once I started traveling more consistently, I fell in love with the idea of warm-weather locations, such as Florida.

Since I’m from Minnesota and half the year is snowy, cold weather, beach vacations became something that I became obsessed with. Later, that became writing about all things Florida and even the Caribbean.

I know that other people can relate and have similar reasons for wanting to get away, but maybe there’s something stopping them. Like maybe they’re too nervous to fly, which I also experienced, until I did research on flying, and learned ways to cope with flight anxiety.

The main takeaway is that if you’re passionate about seeing amazing places and the world like I am, don’t let anything stop you. If I can inspire others to do the same by sharing my experiences, then I’m happy.

33. Traveling gives me a creative outlet.

As I was growing up, I always assumed that I wasn’t creative. I couldn’t draw, didn’t play an instrument, and I certainly couldn’t sing or dance.

I always did great in English class, but I never enjoyed the creative writing assignments. Coming up with fictional stories just wasn’t my strong suit.

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I had studied abroad four times in four different countries. I had also gone on several independently-planned trips, both international and domestic. At that same time, I also discovered a new creative outlet: travel blogging.

In school, I was always great at writing research papers and writing travel guides was a fun way to use my strengths. Plus, I had always enjoyed giving travel advice to friends and family, so why not share my stories and tips with the world?

Since starting A World in Reach in 2018, I’ve learned and grown so much. I’m so glad that I have a creative outlet where I can share about one of the most important aspects of my life – travel – and help others explore the world on a budget.

Reasons Why People Love to Travel: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are SO MANY reasons why people love to travel.

For some, traveling sparks creativity, brings personal growth, and helps them escape the routine. For others, traveling brings bucket-list-worthy experiences, delicious food, and adventure.

The question “Why do you love to travel?” has no right or wrong answer. Traveling is a deeply personal experience that can bring happiness to different people in many different ways.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling in the future, I hope this post and the stories told within have shown you all of the positivity that travel can bring to your life.

If you were asked, “Why do you love to travel?”, what would your answer be?

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

50 Unusual Travel Words with Interesting and Inspiring Meanings

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Have you ever tried to explain a travel experience or feeling and you found yourself at a loss for words? (Unusual travel words) .

Well much like you, there are events and moments wherein I feel like I couldn’t fully express myself — which is probably why I’ve turned to other languages and unusual travel words to help expand my vocabulary… and yes, to satisfy that gnawing feeling.

The more I started researching and looking up these unique words, the more I fell in love with them because somehow, they could perfectly convey certain feelings and emotions where the English language just doesn’t cut it. Inspired by the success of my popular best travel quotes article, here is my top list of the most unusual words with cool and beautiful meanings!

100 Best Travel Quotes & Captions

Check out these best travel quotes that will help inspire you to travel!

Table of Contents

. Best Unusual Travel Words

1. Exulansis

The tendency to give up trying to talk about an experience because people are unable to relate to it (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / exu·lan·sis)

“…whether through envy or pity or simple foreignness, which allows it to drift away from the rest of your life story, until the memory itself feels out of place, almost mythical, wandering restlessly in the fog, no longer even looking for a place to land.”

FYI : In case you don’t know, the ‘Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows’ is written by John Koenig and it has become so famous that he even went on to do a TED show. Basically, the dictionary presents neologisms (up and coming words) for powerful feelings that you likely don’t have a proper term for, and indeed ‘exulansis’ is one of the beautiful unusual travel words that you must know!

The desire to capture a fleeting moment (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / mo·rii)

“ With every click of the shutter, you’re trying to press pause on your life. If only so you can feel a little more comfortable moving on living in a world stuck on play.”

I’m sure that we all have felt this, not only when we’re traveling but in all the meaningful moments of our lives! We all have this kind of desire given the fact that cameras together with social media will — and always — be on the rise. After all, we simply don’t want to miss a thing. We just want to capture moments before they slip through our fingers so that we can hopefully relive and relish on it later on. But then again.. it is a constant struggle of balance between ‘capturing’ and being there and savoring those moments.

The awareness of how little of the world you’ll experience (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / o·ni·sm)

“The frustration of being stuck in just one body, that inhabits only one place at a time, which is like standing in front of the departures screen at an airport, flickering over with strange city names like other people’s passwords, each representing one more thing you’ll never get to see before you die.”

ETYMOLOGY : Portmanteau of monism (the philosophical view that a variety of things can be explained in terms of a single reality) + onanism (alternative word for self-pleasure).

Raise your hand if you’ve ever encountered this thought — yep, I knew it, you’ve felt this too! This sentiment is often the reason why I like the idea of immortality… because yes, I am selfish: I would really like to see and experience EVERYTHING. But as it is, I’ll make most of my time — and you should too!

4. Photophile

A person who loves photography (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / pho·to·phile)

This is an obscure word but supposedly, this came about after deriving it off from the word “photophilic” which is an organism that loves or seeks light — which is related in a way to how cameras function.

The realization that each random passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / son·der)

“The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own — populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness.”

ETYMOLOGY : Related to the German word ‘sonder’ (special) and French ‘sonder’ (to probe). If you ask me, this is one of my favorites on all of these unusual travel words especially because I personally love people-watching when I travel abroad. It’s just simply the kind of realization you gain as you witness more of the world.

6. Rückkehrunruhe

The feeling of returning home after a trip only to find it fading rapidly from your awareness (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / rück·keh·run·ru·he)

This is exactly why I learned how to create a travel blog as well as build a travel vlog . Both of them help me record the fleeting memories that I’ve had for as much as I could!

7. Vemödalen

The frustration of photographing something amazing when thousands of identical photos already exist ( Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / ve·mö·da·len)

“The frustration of photographing something amazing when thousands of identical photos already exist — the same sunset, the same waterfall — which can turn a unique subject into something hollow and pulpy and cheap.”

ETYMOLOGY : From the Swedish word vemod which means “tender sadness, pensive melancholy” and then combined with Vemdalen, the name of a Swedish town. Swedish place names are the source of IKEA’s product names — the original metaphor for this idea was that these clichéd photos are a kind of prefabricated furniture that you happen to have built yourself.

So, I never actually felt this… because though there are tons of ‘duplicates’, I still like to make my own and say that “Ah, I shot this!” . BUT of course, I have a lot of friends — most especially the avid photographers — who go through vemodalen ! Let me know if you also have the same sentiments.

8. Absquatulate

To flee or leave abruptly without saying goodbye (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / ve·mö·da·len)

I once reached a point where I just wanted to leave everything and go. I can still vividly recall that memory because it’s how my travel lifestyle started !

9. Cockaigne

An imaginary place of extreme luxury and ease (Noun / Origin: English / cock·aigne)

This is one of the many uncommon English words and this term is derived from the Middle French phrase pais de cocaigne , which literally means “the land of plenty.”

10. Coddiwomple

To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination (Verb / Origin: English / cod·di·wom·ple)

I gotta admit, the first time I saw this word (which was when I was around 15), I honestly thought that it meant cuddling or something of that sort. It’s just such a unique word! When I finally saw the correct definition, I was floored at how deep it was so I just had to put it up in this list of unusual travel words.

11. Ecophobia

A fear or dislike of one’s home (Noun / Origin: English / e·co·pho·bia)

— and so you leave, to find where home is for you. *wink*

This word is based from Ancient Greek in whick ‘eco’ is derived from oîkos or “house”, and then of course ‘phobia’ from phóbos or “fear”.

12. Gadabout

A person who travels often or to many different places, especially for pleasure (Noun / Origin: English / gad·about)

Tracing back to the Middle English verb ‘gadden’ which means ‘to wander without a specific aim or purpose’. Speaking of, I’m definitely a gadabout as I find pleasure in going on adventures all over the world !

13. Nemophilist

A person who is fond of forests or forest scenery (Noun / Origin: English / ne·mo·phi·list)

As far as unusual travel words go, I have added yet another term on my arsenal to describe not only my friends but myself as well!

14. Numinous

Feeling both fearful and awed by what is before you. (Adjective / Origin: Latin / nu·​mi·​nous)

This word can mean a lot of things and it especially leans more towards depicting something supernatural or mysterious that is almost as if it’s by some divine power.

You can take this word the way you want it, but the way I see it, this perfectly describes several travel experiences that I have had.

I’m not exactly a spiritual person but I recognize some strong connection to nature and you bet that I felt a numinous presence in amazing places like Antarctica and Iceland . You just gotta be there to experience the emotion yourself!

15. Selcouth

Something unfamiliar, unusual or wondrous (Adjective / Origin: Old English / sel·couth)

This is the perfect adjective to use when defining a place you have traveled to that just feels foreign or novel — which is in itself a good thing and an inevitability.

16. Serendipity

The natural ability of making desirable discoveries by accident (Noun / Origin: English / ser·en·dip·i·ty)

A term in the 1750s to describe those who ‘ were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things they were not in quest of’ . This usually happens to me in moments where I least expect it and it’s such a wonderful thing!

17. Wayfarer

A person who travels on foot (Noun / Origin: English / way·far·er)

This is from the Middle English word weyfarere which is equivalent to way +‎ farer (‘to journey).

Spontaneous journey, led only by the spirit of the landscape (Noun / Origin: French / de·ʁiv)

This is a French word that originally refers to a strategy whereing participants “drop their everyday relations and let themselves be drawn by the attractions of the terrain and the encounters they find there”.

In this list of unusual travel words, don’t you think that this perfectly describes a lot of traveling and digital nomads today?

19. Flâneur

A person of leisure who strolls aimlessly, observing life and society (Noun / Origin: French / flâ·neur)

The flâneur was, in some way, essential to any picture of the streets of Paris . The word carried a set of rich associations: the man of leisure, the idler, the urban explorer, the connoisseur of the street.

20. Dépaysement

The good or bad feeling that comes from being in a foreign country (Noun / Origin: French / de·pɛ·iz·mɑ̃)

This word could literally mean something like: ‘to be uncountried’ and it could either be due to disorientation or gladness — depends on you, and you bet that I’ll be using this word from now on!

21. Trouvaille

A lucky find (Noun / Origin: French / trü·ˈvī’)

There’s something about the French language that is romantic and melodic, and this has got to be one of my favorite unusual travel words!

22. Acatalepsy

The impossibility to truly comprehend anything find (Noun / Origin: Greek / acat·​a·​lep·​sy)

This is clearly an overwhelming feeling, but don’t you think that it humbles us in some way? The more I travel, the more I feel a sense of acatalepsy and though it might seem daunting at first, I think that’s just what makes our world and life itself an incredibly beautiful thing.

23. Novaturient

A desire for powerful change in one’s life or situation (Adjective / Origin: Latin / nO·va·’tUr·E·ent)

ETYMOLOGY : The word “nova” originates from the Latin novus meaning ‘new’.

24. Peregrinate

To travel or wander around from place to place (Adjective / Origin: Latin / per·​e·​gri·​nate·​e·​gri·​nate)

The best way to plan for such an adventure? By checking out these top travel resources and planning tips!

25. Solivagant

A solitary wanderer (Noun / Origin: Latin / so·liv·a·gant)

ETYMOLOGY : Latin word of solivagus meaning wandering alone + English – ant

26. Eleutheromania

An irresistible yearning for freedom (Noun / Greek / el·u·ther·o·man·ea)

ETYMOLOGY : From Ancient Greek ἐλευθερία (eleuthería, ‘freedom’) +‎ -mania.

27. Hodophile

One who loves to travel (Noun / Origin: Greek / hodo·phile)

ETYMOLOGY : From Ancient Greek ὁδός (hodós) which means travel.

Putting a part of yourself into what you’re doing (Noun / Origin: Greek / me·ra·ki)

This is a modern Greek word that’s often used to describe the instance wherein you leave a part of yourself (your soul, creativity, or love) in your work — so it’s like when you intensely love to do something or just about anything that you put something of yourself into it.

29. Peripatetic

A person who travels from place to place (Noun / Origin: Greek / peri·pa·tet·ic)

We can trace back the origin of this word to Aristotle and his followers. They often walked around peripatos (covered walk in the Lyceum) while Aristotle does his lectures, given that the former loves walking. As such, the Greek word peripatētikos (from peripatein, meaning “to walk up and down”) came about because of them.

30. Eudaimonia

A contented state of being happy, healthy and prosperous (Adjective / Origin: Greek / U·de·‘mOn·E·a)

Leave a comment below if you’ve felt eudaimonia while traveling!

31. Fernweh

Wanderlust; an ache for distant places or a strong desire to travel (Noun / Origin: German / feirn·veyh)

ETYMOLOGY : From the word fern (“far”) and weh (“pain”). It can be literally translated as farsickness or longing for far-off places.

32. Heimweh

A longing for home (Noun / Origin: German / heim·veyh)

As contrasted with Fernweh, this is a German word for homesickness.

33. Kopfkino

The act of playing out an entire scenario in your mind (Noun / Origin: German / kopf·ki·no)

Hard translation is “head cinema” and as the definition goes, these are for those times where you start daydreaming or imagining scenarios about how a situation will unravel.

34. Schwellenangst

Fear of crossing a threshold to embark on something new (Noun / Origin: German / shwel·en·ahngst)

ETYMOLOGY : From the German words Schwelle (threshold) + Angst (anxiety).

35. Sehnsucht

An intense yearning for something far-off and indefinable (Noun / German / zEn·‘zUkt)

ETYMOLOGY : From German words sehnen (to long) and Sucht (anxiety; sickness; addiction).

The origin of the word doesn’t sound too good but as a whole it simply means that it’s an indescribable yearning for far off places and indescribable goals.

36. Sprachgefühl

A person who has the feel for a language (Noun / Origin: German / shpräḵ-gə-ˌfᵫl)

This literally translates as ‘language feeling’ from compound nouns combining Sprache (language) and Gefühl (feeling). Basically, this does not only refer to a person who has a good understanding of foreign languages but also to a person who has intuitiveness for what is linguistically appropriate.

37. Sturmfrei

The freedom of being alone (Noun / Origin: German / shtUrm·frI)

A German word that translates literally to “storm free” — but the real meaning has nothing to do with the weather. As a slang, it means having the house or place to one’s self; but if we put a romantic twist to it then it’s about having the freedom or of having some alone time.

38. Vorfreude

The joyful anticipation that comes from imagining future pleasures (Noun / Origin: German / FOR·frI)

ETYMOLOGY : Combination of German words vor (pre) and Freude (happiness). This is one of the rare words that I’ve come to love!

39. Waldeinsamkeit

The feeling of solitude in the woods (Adjective / Origin: German / vahyd-ahyn-zahm-kahyt)

ETYMOLOGY : Combination of Wald (forest) and Einsamkeit (loneliness)

40. Livsnjutare

A person who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme (Adjective / Origin: Swedish / lives·noo·tuhreh)

Yet another word discovery that I loved since it’s something that I want to refer to myself as!

41. Mångata

The reflection of the moon on the water (Noun / Origin: Swedish / mo-an-gaa-tah)

ETYMOLOGY : Combination of Swedish words måne (moon) and‎ gata (street, road). If you ask me, this is one of the best aesthetic words!

42. Resfeber

The tangled feelings of fear and excitement before a journey begins (Noun / Origin: Swedish / reece·FEE·ber)

I always experience this, especially when I’m about to board a flight — and it’s not just because I have a fear of flying , but it’s simply because there are just far too many mixed emotions swirling inside me (which is a great and surreal thing!)

43. Smultronställe

A special place discovered for solace and relaxation (Noun / Origin: Swedish / smUl·tron·’stel·e)

This Swedish word literally translates to “place of wild strawberries” and it’s a place where you feel most at home that’s away from any stress or sadness.

44. Komorebi

The sunlight that filters though the trees (Noun / Origin: Japanese / 木漏れ日 ko·mo·RE·bee)

The Japanese truly have a way of coming up with the most interesting words and this is such a poetic addition to this list of unusual travel words!

45. Natsukashii

A happy recollection of an event or memory in the past (Adjective / Origin: Japan / 懐かしい nat·su·ka·shii)

The adjective originally described wanting to keep something close or wanting to express fondness for something. Over time, this term was used more to describe happy reminiscences, leading to the modern meaning. Take note that this is different from a nostalgic longing, but more of joyous remembrance of a past memory.

46. Shinrin-yoku

Forest bath; a visit to the forest to take in it’s atmosphere (Noun / Origin: Japan / 森林浴 shin·rin·yo·ku)

This is actually a form of nature therapy that is practiced in Japan ever since the 80s.

“The floating world” — living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life (Noun / Origin: Japan / 浮世 ooh-ki-yo)

A hard translation of this word dates back to Japan’s Edo-period as it describes the urban lifestyle, and a famous related word is ukiyo-e or Japanese art paintings of the ‘Floating World’ or of our fleeting life and transient world.

48. Y oko Meshi

The stress caused by speaking a foreign language (Noun / Origin: Japan / 横飯 yo·ko·me·shi)

Its hard translation is ‘boiled rice’ ( meshi ) and ‘horizontal ( yoko ) which will sort of mean as ‘a meal that’s eaten sideways’ — this metaphor actually refers to the fact that the Japanese write vertically instead of horizontally. Hence, the word yoko-meshi has a nice spin to it, doesn’t it?

A profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe that triggers a deep emotional response (Noun / Origin: Japan / 幽玄 yu·gen)

TRIVIA : Yugen is an important concept in the study of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

50. Wabi-sabi

The discovery of beauty within the imperfections of life (Noun / Origin: Japan / 侘寂 wabe·sabe )

This yet another Japanese aesthetic that has a very deep meaning in which life and art are viewed as beautiful not because they are perfect and eternal but because they are imperfect and fleeting. Isn’t this truly one of the best unusual travel words with a beautiful meaning?

. Bonus Unusual Words

Ballagàrraidh

The awareness that you are not at home in the wilderneess (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows / bal·la·ga·rye)

ETYMOLOGY : From Gaelic balla gàrraidh , “garden wall”

This is a word with a very deep meaning — so don’t let that simple definition fool you. To better understand it, I implore you to watch this video .

In fact, I gotta say that this is one of the unusual travel words that I often always feel most especially when I’m doing nature trips . Of course, there have been times when I’ve felt the opposite, but it’s more common to feel and be aware of how highly domesticated we all are. It’s not an entirely bad thing because advancement is a blessing; however, sometimes, it just makes you think how the olden times were truly far simpler and pristine. * sigh * I can’t really put it into words well, but let me know your thoughts once you get to watch the video above!

The awareness that this will become a memory (Noun / Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows)

ETYMOLOGY : From the French word dès vu, “seen as soon as” or “seen from this point forward”

“ Once in a while you look up, and watch as the present turns into a memory, as if some future you is already looking back on it. “

A feeling of warmth and cosiness as you enjoy life’s simple pleasures (Noun / Origin: Danish / hoo·gah)

This is a well-loved word in Denmark with Norwegian origins and you can even basically call it a way of life and it’s basically all about creating a warm atmosphere with other people.

To stir, to touch, to move to tears (Verb / Origin: Italian / ko’mːwɔvere)

A homesickness for a place which you can’t return to or never was (Noun / Origin: Welsh / HEER-eyeth)

This is a Welsh concept of longing for home — but more than just missing something, it implies the meaning of having a bittersweet memory of missing a time, era or person.

Thalassophile

Someone who loves the sea (Adjective / Origin: Greek / THəˈlasəˌfīl)

From the Greek words θάλασσα / thalasso- (sea) and -phile.

I hope you enjoyed discovering these unusual travel words — as much as I had a lot of fun discovering them too!

I’m sure there are still a lot of other unique words out there that could perfectly capture an emotion that we can’t easily express with our own language; so if you have something in mind that’s not already listed here, do let me know in the comments section below!

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I really really enjoyed this ! And esp the way it was presented. I am crazy about words. Yhanks. Pardis Kavousi

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8 Words To Describe A Person Who Loves To Travel

Someone who loves to travel often enjoys introducing themselves to a wide range of cultures and countries. We might want to come up with a good synonym to describe people like that, and this article is the place for that.

Which Words Can Describe A Person Who Loves To Travel?

There are plenty of options to describe a person who loves to travel. Some of the best ones that we’ll cover in this article include:

Globetrotter

• Travel freak

Peripatetic

The preferred version is “globetrotter” because it refers to somebody who is happy to spend their days traveling around the globe. They like to immerse themselves in their travels, and it’s the only word on the list that specifically plays into someone ’s love of traveling.

Let’s start with “globetrotter,” which is by far the best word we can use on this list.

A globetrotter is somebody who enjoys traveling and will do so more often than most people. They’ll usually be the first person to book plane tickets out of the country, and they usually won’t care much about the time they come back.

Making holiday or vacation plans for a globetrotter is easy. Since they love traveling so much, they’re more than happy to invest a lot of their time and money into their next big trip.

The definition of “globetrotter,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “someone who often travels to a lot of different countries.”

You might see “globetrotter” in the following ways:

• He’s such a globetrotter! I wish I could visit as many countries as he has.
• I like to think of myself as a globetrotter, and I never stay in one country for more than two weeks.
• We’re a family of globetrotters, and we can’t wait to explore more of the world as we adventure.

Travel Freak

“Travel freak” is a slang phrase, where “freak” is a positive word to talk about someone’s obsession with something.

A travel freak is somebody who is completely obsessed with traveling. They’re more than happy to explore the world, and they don’t care what people might think about their freedom or love to explore new cultures and countries.

While “freak” is usually a negative slang phrase, we use it here in a positive way to show that we’re amazed by someone’s obsession with traveling.

You could see the slang phrase “travel freak” work as follows :

• You’re such a travel freak! I wish I was as confident as you at getting out and seeing the world.
• I’m a travel freak! I can’t get enough of all the wonderful adventures I get to have.
• I’m a travel freak, and I’m more than happy to admit it! I don’t know where my next adventure will be.

“Wanderlust” is a noun and not an adjective. However, it’s still a great way to describe somebody’s feeling of the love they get from traveling around.

Someone who has wanderlust will often dream about new adventures and places to go. We combine “wander,” meaning to explore, and “lust,” meaning “to long for.”

Wanderlust is an emotion that people can feel, which is why it’s not a descriptive word and doesn’t rank higher on this list. Still, we can describe someone’s emotions with “wanderlust” as a noun, which makes it a good choice nonetheless.

The definition of “wanderlust,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “the wish to travel far away and to many different places.”

While “wanderlust” is a noun, we can still use it in the following ways:

• I’ve got wanderlust, and it won’t go away until I get abroad!
• Wanderlust is such a powerful emotion that I feel nearly every day.
• He’s got plenty of wanderlust to go around, and I’m sure you can ask him where he’ll be traveling to next!

Now we come to some of the more specific words. “Rover” doesn’t strictly apply to someone who loves travel, but it can still work well.

A rover is somebody who spends a lot of time traveling. While the exact definition doesn’t mean they love traveling, it’s heavily implied that somebody who calls themselves a rover is more than happy to explore the world and everything in it.

The definition of “rover,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “a person who spends their time traveling from place to place.”

“Rover” works in the following examples:

• I’m a rover, meaning that I never like to spend too much time in one place.
• He loves to travel so much that he refers to himself as Roger the Rover!
• She’s a rover, and she’ll always be looking for the next best adventure on her laptop!

A “nomad” isn’t always a person who loves traveling and sometimes refers to someone who travels out of necessity. That’s why we didn’t include it higher, but it also belongs on this list.

Nomads are people who travel and never live in one place. They’ll have plenty of options outside of their original housing or settlement to move to. It is used to refer to a group of people but can also work to describe a singular person.

While there’s no direct reason for nomads to love traveling, it’s still implied when we use it to describe somebody.

The definition of “nomad,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “a member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time.”

“Nomads” are more specific, but the following examples demonstrate how we can use the word:

• You’re a bunch of nomads, which explains why you’re all more than happy to up and leave at a moment’s notice.
• He’s a nomad, making it much harder for him to settle down and find a family.
• I’m just a nomad, and I don’t like to hang around for longer than I’m welcome.

“Peripatetic” is an uncommon word with Greek origins, but it works really well as a member on this list.

A peripatetic person or lifestyle is someone who travels around to different places. The most common reason for this is because of their work, which might require them to travel out to new lands.

While the word is heavily linked to working abroad or in distant cities, that doesn’t mean a peripatetic person can’t have fun traveling. We use it to mean that somebody is constantly on the move, and they’ll often have plenty of stories to share about the things they’ve done.

The definition of “peripatetic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “traveling around to different places, usually because you work in more than one place.”

We might use “peripatetic” as follows:

• My work gives me a peripatetic life, making it hard to make any friends.
• I live a peripatetic lifestyle thanks to all the chances and fun I get to have with work.
• We’re both quite peripatetic, which I suppose helps us to stay in such a healthy relationship.

A wanderer is somewhat similar to a rover, but the two people have different aims with their travel.

Wanderers often travel from place to place, but they rarely have a clear reason for doing so. Wandering refers to an aimless or mindless attempt to travel and doesn’t always mean that someone is in love with traveling.

Usually, wanderers are hippy-types, where they’re happy to let the universe or other signs tell them where to go and what to do. It’s a very free way to live your life, which is why it works well in this list.

The definition of “wanderer,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “someone who often travels from place to place, especially without any clear aim or purpose.”

“Wanderer” works in the following ways:

• I suppose you could call me a wanderer because I like adventure, but I rarely plan it out.
• He’s just a wanderer, and we’re sure he’ll be passing through this town just like every other town out there.
• You’re not a very good wanderer if you end up staying in the same place for longer than three months!

Finally, we’ll talk about a vagabond. It’s the furthest away from the original meaning of someone who loves to travel, but we can still use it as such.

A vagabond is someone who has to travel, usually because they don’t have a home or a job to tie them down. While this doesn’t always mean that they love the process of traveling, they’ll usually have a good time once they reach their new destination.

Vagabonds don’t often want to travel, but sometimes they are forced to if the conditions of their original life become too poor.

The definition of “vagabond,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “a person who has no home and usually no job, and who travels from place to place.”

We can use “vagabond” in the following ways:

• I’m a vagabond, which makes it hard for me to keep up with my own lifestyle.
• Because of my work schedule and business trips, you might as well call me a vagabond!
• Everyone in this city seems to be a vagabond because nobody works and everybody leaves.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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33 Beautifully Romantic Travel Quotes for your “Love”

by Jeanine | Feb 11, 2022 | 20 comments

Beautifully Romantic Travel Quotes, just for the one you “Love”

I must admit I love a good quote, if it has a travel connotation well you have me hooked. Furthermore, letting you in on a little secret. I’m an absolute sucker for a beautifully romantic travel quote. Where someone’s words just sing to me & reflect my thoughts and feelings. This is why I put together this list of 35 of my all-time favourite beautifully romantic travel quotes.

There are many instances where travel quotes are somewhat inspirational. Furthermore, there are occasions they can be used as affirmations to your travel hungry soul. Which is what these 33 Beautifully Romantic Travel Quotes for your “Love” are to me.

There are numerous places you can find all sorts of quotes & plenty that are travel related. Though there are only 33 here as they were most significant to me when finding those that were beautifully romantic travel quotes. To find those that can sing to your soul I recommend BrainyQuote or GoodReads . You can do a search for your chosen topic & I am sure you find some.

Travel Quotes just for the one you Love

The first 15 of our beautifully romantic travel quotes are specifically relating to the one you love.

• “Happiness is planning a trip to somewhere new, with someone you love.” – Marie Cribaillet

This first one is my song I am filled with so much joy when we are planning trips together. Especially looking for the  things we both love to do.

• “Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.” – Ernest Hemingway

Now I don’t know about you but for me this could be partner, family & friends. For me personally its a must as they are the only ones that would put up with my weirdness. Ha Ha

• “I’m in love with you and the world.” – Anonymous

What a beautifully romantic travel quote, see just sings…the words just say it all.

• “In life, it’s not where you go. It’s who you travel with.” – Charles Schulz
• “I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” – William Shakespeare
• “I would like to travel the world with you twice. Once, to see the world. Twice to see the way you see the world.”-Author Unknown
• “Be careful who you make memories with. Those things can last a lifetime.” – Ugo Eze
• “I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m going. Are you coming with me?” – Anonymous

I truly believe your travel companions especially those you love can make a trip so full…

To expand if traveling as a couple, family, or group you have each other. Although, even if you are a solo traveller, you meet those companions along your road. They have great capacity to contribute richness to your travels as you do to theirs.

• “I just want to hold your hand and wander the streets with you.” – Anonymous
• “I want to travel the world with two things in my hands: your hand in one and a camera in the other.” – Anonymous

These are so us, we wander the streets of every city we go to hand in hand. Never caring about any comments or wolf whistle & we’ve had a few.

To travel as a couple for us, make our trip more exciting & rewarding. Yes, I know I believe I am an incurable romantic, who knew…

• “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.”— John Steinbeck
• “Travel keeps you young and free, even when you’re an old married couple.” – Anonymous

Oh wow are these two so correct, whilst travel does keep you young and free. As soon as you think you are in control the wheels fall off & go rolling down the road at break neck speed…

Though as we add in our article 6 steps to create your perfect itinerary … Number 5. is ‘Just Breathe’.

• “I would gladly live out of a suitcase if it meant I could see the world with you.” – Anonymous
• “When you love someone, you even love them when your luggage is lost.” – Anonymous
• “Take me anywhere; just take me with you.” – Anonymous

The last in this section of our beautifully romantic travel quotes & I do love these. You are probably going to read that again. Though, I can honestly say every quote in our collection I love & chose because of that.

These last three of this section, especially have special meaning.  Where we have stood together waiting for luggage. I am always saying I don’t care where you go ‘just take me’. Finally, I would gladly live out of a suitcase if we were doing it together.

Travel quotes for your Adventure love

The next section of our beautifully romantic travel quotes are for your Adventure love. Now you may ask how does adventure travel & love quotes fit together? I have to ask how does it not? But let e show you.

Here we have 7 that are specifically relating to your adventure love.

• “Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” – Lewis Carroll

I have to say what girl wouldn’t be happy with a lifetime of adventures, I know I wouldn’t be.

• “I’ve fallen in love with adventures, so I begin to wonder, if that’s why I’ve fallen for you.” – E. Grin
• “Here’s to road trips, red eyes, and a lifetime of adventure together.” – Anonymous

How could anyone deny number 17 doesn’t belong in our beautifully romantic travel quotes… ‘sigh’

I also have to add many of our road trip, red eyes are due to late nights sitting chatting. Though, it may also have a little to do with what’s consumed, whilst chatting. But adventures together are the very best.

• “Oh darling, let’s be adventurers.” – Anonymous

How could anyone refuse an invitation like that I ask… I think this is one that goes into the ‘favourites’ box… It just make me tingly.

• “Find someone who is a home and an adventure all at once.”— Anonymous

Now this one has a fine quality in it, who doesn’t want to find that one person. That has the ability to ignite the adventurer in them, whilst being their home base or lodestone.

• “As soon as I saw you, I knew you would be an adventure of a lifetime.” – Winnie the Pooh

Now who could doubt the Pooh Bear in this, he is obviously a visionary with his sage words of wisdom. But truly have you ever met someone & just thought ‘I would follow them anywhere’ .

• “You’d be surprised who the love of your life turns out to be. After all, adventure fell in love with lost.” – Mary Oliver

Travel quotes for your Love Together

These last sections are of our beautifully romantic travel quotes are for your Love Together. In addition to some that just didn’t fit above, but I liked them so they were added.

So 11 left in our set of beautifully romantic travel quotes for your love.

• “The only baggage in this relationship is our suitcases.” – Anonymous

Everytime I read this I smile as it’s true we just don’t have any other baggage, we got new bags…haha.

• “Escape and breathe the air of new places together.” – Anonymous
• “I don’t want to be tied down to someone. I want to be set free with someone.” – Anonymous

We love to just wandering about soaking in whatever atmosphere is surrounding us. Sitting in a café watching the world pass by even for just a moment. It always so freeing to be together & be free to be YOU…

This next one makes it to my favourites list & I seriously couldn’t leave it out. It fits in perfectly with this selection of beautifully romantic travel quotes.

• “Let’s find some beautiful places to get lost together.” – Anonymous

• “A couple who travel together grow together.” – Ahmad Fuadi
• “Long drives feel shorter when they’re done in love.” – Anonymous
• “Here’s to all the places we went. And here’s to all the places we’ll go. And here’s to me, whispering again and again and again and again: I love you.” – John Green

Many can relate to travelling & growing together, learning each others passions for a place or area. I do love 29 I feel it should be in an old film in a smokey bar…

• “Love is the food of life, travel is dessert.” — Anonymous

We do love finding local foods in our travels & it really is the icing on the cake. Being able to explore the globe, trying different foods & seeing all the marvels they have to offer.

• “I have found out there is no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”— Mark Twain
• “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”– Tim Cahill
• “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” – Anonymous

It truly is, travelling together for us that makes it the grand bold adventure it is. I had to end with the last as it doesn’t matter if you travael for 1 year or 50yrs. The memories last a lifetime.

I do hope you enjoyed our beautifully romantic travel quotes, as much as I did putting them together. If you have a have a favourite pop it in the comments I would love to hear it. Alternatively you can find us on social meadia, we’d love for you to find us.

20 Comments

Your 30th is my favourite and it couldn’t be more true! Travel is the sweetness of life:). And the 8th would be applied all the time in an ideal world…

I love them all, but yes it is especially sweet that one

Great romantic quotes! I loved “a couple who travels together goes together”. I couldn’t agree more. It opens your eyes to so many new things about your partner when you experience new things together in a different location.

It’s one of my very favourite quotes and I agree it’s very illuminating…ha ha

Great collection of quotes! Looking forward to travel again for sure.

Aren’t we all I can’t wait to get on my first plane overseas…

I am so loving these travel quotes! I just wished my husband will say some of these lines to me. Never too old for romance.

No you aren’t but then never to old to take the lead also… says some to him…

Great quotes, I love reading them and I will keep these in the collection. Thank you for sharing!

You are welcome…I love quotes so will plan more as sometimes life needs a bit of light reading… thank you for reading..

Be careful who you make memories with, those can last a lifetime! WOW! I’m really going to think on that awhile!

Ha Ha…it’s deep but true memories last a lifetime

“Travel keeps you young and free, even when you’re an old married couple.” – love this one!

They are all favourites.. but this one made me think of my grandmother at 67 she was still taking off to Japan with my Grandad…I hope to be travelling well past that …

I’m saving this for our family vacation this fall 😉

ha ha… you can print some out and post them around the place….

“Travel keeps you young and free,” But I’m LAAAAZYYYYYY 😅🤣Haha

Ha Ha … and I’m old but still love travelling… it is freeing you should try it ha ha

These quotes are so inspiring! Who we choose as our travel companion is as important as the destination. I love travelling and I love desserts so the one saying “Love is the food of life, travel is dessert” sounded like home.

It is even when travelling in a group…I love that one also it’s quite fitting I think

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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 14 May. 2024.

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High Seas Romance: Shore Excursions for Every Love Language

Thinking of a cruise for your honeymoon, anniversary celebration, or simply to rekindle romance with your beloved? Taking a cruise — or any type of vacation, really — is a great option, as it takes you away from the worries and obligations of everyday life, and allows you to more fully focus on each other. Additionally, indulging in shore excursions during your cruise enhances the adventure and creates unforgettable moments to look back on together.

Elevating Your Romantic Getaway

Shore excursions are especially important in elevating the romance of vacations by providing you with unique experiences to bond and create lasting memories.

Whether it’s strolling hand in hand along a pristine beach, exploring ancient ruins nestled amidst lush jungles, or indulging in a candlelit dinner overlooking a serene harbor, the best romantic shore excursions create the perfect opportunities for intimate moments and shared adventures.

The beauty of shore excursions lies in their ability to foster a deeper connection between partners as they embark on new experiences together. They encourage communication, collaboration, and mutual discovery, strengthening the bonds of love and reigniting the flames of passion.

Romantic Hotspots

Some of the world’s most romantic vacation spots have a few things in common: stunning coastal vistas, secluded beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, making them ideal settings for cozy adventures.

Santorini , with its iconic whitewashed buildings perched along the cliffside is undoubtedly one of the world’s most romantic destinations. The breathtaking sunsets over the caldera and leisurely walks through charming villages like Oia create an atmosphere of unparalleled romance. 

Venice , often referred to as the “ City of Love ,” exudes romance at every turn with its winding canals, ornate bridges, and timeless architecture. Couples can enjoy serenaded gondola rides along the Grand Canal, or stroll hand in hand through narrow cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old palaces and quaint cafes. World-class art galleries and historic landmarks add depth and intrigue to enchanting escapades in this marvelous city. 

Bora Bora , nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, is a paradise for lovers seeking seclusion and serenity amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Couples can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, enjoy private picnics on secluded beaches, or simply bask in the warmth of the tropical sun while sipping cocktails with panoramic views of Mount Otemanu.  

The Amalfi Coast , with its dramatic cliffside villages, vibrant lemon groves, and azure Mediterranean waters, oozes romantic vibes along the Italian coastline. Couples can meander through charming towns like Positano and Ravello, hand in hand, indulge in fresh seafood at seaside trattorias, or explore ancient ruins in Pompeii. 

The Caribbean Islands are a perennially popular romantic getaway, thanks to the abundance of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. From secluded shores and candlelit dinners to hidden coves and luxury resort days, every moment is filled with intimacy and enchantment — perfect for couples seeking tranquility and connection. 

Alaska offers a unique setting for romance with its vast wilderness, towering mountains, and pristine glaciers. Couples can bond over unforgettable adventures, from scenic hikes through rugged landscapes to breathtaking wildlife encounters. The enchanting Northern Lights create a magical backdrop for stargazing and intimate moments. 

What’s Your Love Language?

The five love languages , introduced by Gary Chapman in his groundbreaking book, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate , categorize how individuals express and experience love.

These languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. Words of affirmation involve verbal expressions of love, acts of service entail doing things for your partner, r eceiving gifts is about tangible symbols of affection, quality time emphasizes undivided attention, and physical touch involves physical affection. Chapman suggests that understanding and speaking your partner’s primary love language is essential for nurturing a strong and satisfying relationship.

Matching Love Languages to Onshore Experiences

When deciding on excursions, why not look for those that meet you and your partner’s love languages? Here are some ideas (and corresponding excursions) to get you started:

Words of Affirmation: Sunset cruises, personalized messages, and beach picnics with love notes

Whisk your significant other away on an exclusive sunset cruise that will have you both mesmerized by the vivid red and orange hues of the setting sun over the mountainous island of Moorea in Tahiti . Bask in the soft glow, drinks in hand, in this intimate setting with a limited number of passengers.

Enjoy picnicking in paradise with this private tour at a secluded beach haven in tropical Philipsburg, St. Maarten . Indulge in a sumptuous selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, pastries, and more, all paired with the perfect wine. Take this opportunity to form a heartfelt conversation, or just cherish the moment as you spread out on comfy cushions before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters.

Acts of Service: Spa days, private dinners, and personalized service experiences

Explore stunning landscapes together on this serene evening hike up the famous Fira-Oia hiking path, the setting sun as your backdrop on this mostly crowd less Santorini experience. Pop into a few illuminated villages along the way to Fira, where you’ll feast on authentic Greek food and sample a variety of volcanic wines.

Wine tastings combine intimate settings, sensory exploration, and shared discoveries that foster connection and create special moments for couples to enjoy together. This half-day tour of New Zealand’s Kumeu wine country takes you around to boutique wineries to explore the region’s burgeoning wine scene. Enjoy sipping on premium wines against Insta-worthy backdrops including the Tasman coastline.

Receiving Gifts: Local artisan shopping and customized souvenir hunts

Visit the Jade Factory and Museum in Antigua to discover the enchanting world of jade, exploring its diverse varieties and the reverence it holds in ancient cultures. Then it’s your turn to select the perfect piece , one that will not only connect you to the spirit of this land but also serve as a cherished memento of your unforgettable time spent together in Antigua.

Explore Hamilton, the capital city of Bermuda , on this adventure that takes you to idyllic beaches as well as beautiful Front Street with its pastel colonial buildings and upscale shops. You’ll have some free time here to wander arm-in-arm , hunting for the perfect souvenirs as you learn more about each other’s likes and dislikes. Afterward, relax in one of the waterside pubs with a drink while you gaze into each other’s eyes. 

Quality Time: Adventure excursions and cultural explorations

Bring out the animal (lover) in you with this thrilling helicopter and dog-sledding tour across the arctic wilderness. Take your love to new heights as you view Juneau by helicopter, then land on a glacier and hop onto a dog sled, a pack of energetic huskies pulling you over the ice. This breathtaking adventure will give you and your loved one the ride of a lifetime, in more ways than one!

Explore the Eternal City of Rome in a small group setting limited to eight participants for a more intimate experience. You’ll connect through the shared exploration of the ancient ruins and the sense of awe they evoke. See the magnificent Roman Colosseum and Trevi Fountain , then head over to Vatican City to visit the iconic St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica .

Set sail from Aruba to the largely intact Antilla shipwreck , considered to be one of the best in the Caribbean. You’ll be able to put your teamwork and support to good use as you banish any fears and slip below the waters together to snorkel and e xamine this wreck up close . The adventure continues as you sail to a nearby reef to snorkel amongst the vibrant corals and colorful marine life.

Physical Touch: Couples massages and dance lessons

Dancing the tango is one of the most romantic things to do as it fosters intimacy and passion between partners through close physical contact, synchronized movements, and emotional expression. Learn to become a “tanguero” with this fiery tango lesson in the heart of Buenos Aires under the guidance of skilled dancers. Grab your lover’s hand and learn the intricate steps of the tango, improving your communication with your partner as you go along.

Dive into a hot mud bath in Nha Trang and experience the mud’s therapeutic properties to soothe your mind and body. Next, relax as skilled technicians massage your tension away, making you more receptive to intimacy and connection with your partner. Cap off your experience with a delightful lunch, indulging in the myriad flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Tips for Couples Planning a Romantic Vacation

Planning and booking shore excursions in advance can be the secret ingredient to taking an intimate getaway from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s face it — dealing with logistical hassles or the disappointment that your favorite excursion is now full, does not exactly make for a fun outing.

When you can find and reserve curated experiences that align with your shared interests and love languages, you set the stage for unforgettable moments of connection and collaboration. By taking the time to do a little research and book your preferences, you can ensure that every moment of your trip is filled with meaningful experiences that deepen the bond between you.

Travel Checklist

Here is a quick checklist for as worry-free a trip as possible:

Passports/IDs:

• Ensure your have your passport or ID (or a copy) on you at all times
• Consider carrying a digital copy on your phone or accessible by email

Health and Medications:

• Bring along any necessary medications and prescriptions in their original containers

Money and Banking:

•  Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage
•  Carry some local currency and a credit card for emergencies
• Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly
• Remember to include outfits for special occasions or romantic dinners

Travel Accessories:

• Pack a travel-sized umbrella or poncho for unexpected rain
• Consider bringing a portable speaker for romantic music on the go

Safety and Security:

• Keep valuables like passports, cash, and electronics secure in a wearable travel pouch
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid risky areas, particularly at night
• Bring items like reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm
• A basic first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and antacids is handy, especially if you will be in a remote location
• Consider bringing a power bank for extra juice on the go (vital if you plan on taking a lot of photos or video)
• Pack snacks for the journey and hydration items like reusable water bottles
• Bring a camera or smartphone for capturing romantic moments

Remember to tailor this checklist to your specific needs and preferences.

What’s Next?

Shore excursions play a pivotal role in transforming romantic cruise vacations into unforgettable journeys of love and connection. They offer you the chance to bond with each other on a deeper level as you share moments of joy and adventure.

By venturing beyond the confines of your resort or cruise ship, you and your partner can immerse yourselves in new cultures, landscapes, and experiences, igniting a sense of wonder and discovery that enriches your relationship.

At Shore Excursions Group, we excel at private and small group excursions that allow you and your loved one the privacy and intimacy to more fully experience an activity or destination apart from the large cruise line crowds.

Call us today and let us set you up with a romantic shore excursion or two (or more) that will make your special getaway one that the both of you will fondly cherish for years to come.

The 10 Best British Phrases All Americans Love to Use

Posted: March 26, 2024 | Last updated: March 26, 2024

10 Bloody Brilliant British English Phrases

Ahh good ol’ Blighty — or Britain, as you might know it — the little island anchored in the North Atlantic that is renowned for its great comedy and  rich tapestry of accents . British English is much like the people of Britain themselves: down-to-earth and full of character. And nothing shows off the country’s character better than the kooky phrases which can be heard all across the land.

To give you a flavor of how Brits genuinely speak, I’ve collected some British phrases that visitors to our shores should first learn in order to understand the locals (and win their hearts in the process). These phrases aren’t just handy for holding a conversation though — they’ll also give you an insight into just how the Brits tick!

1. Fancy a cuppa?

Meaning: “Would you like a cup of tea?”

Everyone knows that Brits love tea, but nothing can prepare you for the ferocity of their addiction to the drink. Tea is more than a beverage. It’s a way of life. Whether you’re at work, visiting friends or simply spending a relaxing day at home, if a British person is around, it won’t take long until you’re posed the question: “Fancy a cuppa?”

The act of brewing and drinking tea brings British people together, and they like nothing more than to pop the kettle on and enjoy a nice “cuppa” (a cup of) tea while putting the world to rights or sharing some juicy gossip. Brits like to think that tea possesses magical qualities that can help solve any problem. No matter how grave the situation, anything can be conquered with a cup of tea in hand!

2. Alright?

Meaning: “Hey, how are you?”

Sure, Shakespeare was British, but modern-day Brits are decidedly less wordy. Long gone are the days where we would greet each other in the street with a formal “How do you do, Sir?” (while tipping our hats and waving our handkerchiefs in the air). Nowadays, your average Brit under the age of 40 is far more likely to greet their friends or loved ones with a curt “Alright?”

But don’t get your knickers in a twist. This greeting is simply an expeditious, modern version of “Hello!” The greeter is  not  asking you for an in-depth explanation of your well-being. An authentic “Alright?” can only  truly  be achieved if the greeter gives a slight nod of the head, while the word itself is to be voiced as a short groan — none of this “top-of-the-morning” chirpiness!

Not sure how to pronounce it yourself? Then listen to the master: Karl Pilkington.

3. I’m knackered!

Meaning: “I’m tired.”

This is a great one to break out when you’re catching your breath after a serious amount of physical exercise. Nothing could be  more  British than running for the bus while holding multiple bags of shopping in your hands. Once you’ve made it aboard, sit down next to the little old Granny in the front row, exhale loudly, turn to her, roll your eyes and exclaim, “I’m  knackered! ”

Meaning: playful; mischievous

Brits are famous for their sense of humour, and we like to take life a little less seriously than other nations do. We take pleasure in being playful, so we often use the word “cheeky” to describe small, fun, frivolous activities that make us smile.

For example:

• British person : “Do you want to join us for a  cheeky  pint?”
• Translation : “Would you like to come to the pub to have a pint of beer with us?”

“Cheeky” can also be used as an adjective, of course, and as Brits are always trying to inject our upbeat outlook on everything we do, you’ll often hear optimistic individuals described as “cheeky,” or “having a cheeky smile” that suggests they’re up to a bit of mischief.

5. I’m chuffed to bits!

Meaning: I’m very pleased.

This is the perfect phrase to use when describing a great deal of pleasure about something, or displaying immense pride in one’s own efforts. For example, if you’re about to tuck into a delicious full English breakfast, then you could say that you’re feeling “chuffed to bits.” Or, perhaps you’ve just won over someone’s heart by introducing them to your favorite cider. Boom! You could now say that you’re “chuffed to bits with yourself.”

Meaning: very

There are no two ways about it: If you want to sound quintessentially British while emphasising a certain characteristic or quality of an object, location or person, then you have  got  to use the word “bloody.” Have you just finished eating an exquisite portion of Fish n’ Chips? Then smack your lips and exclaim that they were “ bloody  delicious!” Have you just had the misfortune of seeing a terrible performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet? Then you’ll have to turn to your fellow theatre aficionado, tut  loudly , and say, “Well that was  bloody  awful, wasn’t it?”

7. To bodge something

Meaning: to mend, or repair something clumsily

In the past, Britain bequeathed onto the world the steam train, the telephone and, most importantly, the chocolate bar. So it’s fair to say that modern-day Brits have got a pretty impressive standard to live up to when it comes to the world of inventions and mechanics. Most Brits are therefore mortified by the thought of hiring an expensive expert to mend an item in need of repair, and we take pride in giving the repair job a go ourselves. But what if this repair job is of a low-quality, and doesn’t  really  get the job done? That’s what we call “to bodge something.”

This verb perfectly describes the clumsy and invariably futile attempt to mend a broken item. For example, if the tape has come off the handlebars on your bike, don’t go to a professional bike repair shop and pay through the nose for the application of expensive “bike tape” by a man who knows what he’s doing — perish the thought! Instead, grab some cheap sellotape from the newsagent’s and affix it to your handlebars yourself! Who cares if the end bits continue to flap in the wind?

You’ve just perfected the British art of “bodging it,” and that’s far more important right now.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel would be proud of your inventiveness.

Meaning: beautiful; attractive

Spend more than five minutes around any British woman over the age of 40, and you are very likely to hear the word “lovely.” This extremely popular word conveys a feeling of affection or approval on behalf of the speaker towards an object or person, and it’s perhaps best summed up in the phrase, “that’s a  lovely  cup of tea.” However, the word is more popular amongst older generations, and even more so amongst older women. For instance, the following exchange is  definitely  happening right now on the streets of Oxford:

• Woman #1: “Ohhh look at that  lovely  young man by the bus stop!”
• Woman #2: “Right! And look how  lovely  his shoes are!”
• Woman #1: “Yes! They’re  lovely !”

However, be careful because British people are famously over-polite, and the innate fear of being rude is so ingrained within our national psyche that most Brits are terribly afraid of registering their dislike at  anything . So whether it’s bad service, undercooked food or crap weather, if we want to keep up appearances and not offend the company we’re with, then rather than expressing our disappointment or disgust at something we’re far more likely to say “Oh it’s  lovely !” when asked for our opinion. If you want to blend in and “do as the British do,” then you’ve also got to master the art of hiding your disappointment like a true Brit.

• Excited child returning home from school : “Look mummy, I drew a picture of the family!”
• Mum : “Oh that’s  lovely  dear. Let’s hang it on the fridge  right away .”

Meaning: friend

Brits are always thought of as being formal and stiff, but modern-day Brits are casual, cheery and honest folk who will stick by those they hold dear. Take for instance the word “mate.” Yes, you could use the word “friend” to describe someone you’re close to, but the British word “mate” suggests a more nuanced relationship shaped by trust, loyalty and lots of laughs.

Yup, Brits are far more likely to describe friends as “mates” because the word “friend” seems… a bit  naff  (tacky). A “mate” will share a pint with you down the pub, help you move flats, tell you if your bum’s too big for that pair of jeans and  definitely  give you an earful when you make the silly decision go back to your old ex for what must be the sixth time already. Seriously  mate , stop doing this to yourself!

10. That’s rubbish!

Meaning: I don’t believe you!

“Rubbish” is the British word for “garbage,” so if you want to point out that an idea or suggestion has no quality or is blatantly false, this is the British phrase you’ll need. You’ve just heard someone describe Oasis as “the greatest band who ever walked this Earth”? There’s only one recourse for you: Stop them dead in their tracks by exclaiming, “That’s rubbish!”

This article originally appeared on Babbel.com  and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org .

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110 Inspiring Buddha Quotes to Bring You Peace, Love, and Positivity in Life

These short thoughts on beauty, karma, and success are both moving and profound.

This can be done by accepting the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path and Buddha’s teachings, which is why many followers use these Buddha quotes as a guide in their spiritual journey. Buddha offers insightful quotes about happiness , strength, anger, and spirituality , which can all be used to navigate the ups and downs of daily life while working toward enlightenment.

Even if you don’t follow the Buddhist religion or dharma, many of Buddha’s teachings are still applicable. He preaches about the importance of suffering and mindfulness, peace and meditation , as well as patience and tenacity. At the very least, Buddha’s quotes can offer a new perspective on life, and at their very best, they can be used as learning tools on the path of enlightenment.

No matter what you hope to gain from these Buddha quotes, there are sure to be useful nuggets of wisdom.

Famous Buddha Quotes

• "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world."
• "The root of suffering is attachment."
• "Nothing is forever except change."
• "Do not look for a sanctuary in anyone except yourself."
• "If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone."
• "All that we are is the result of what we have thought."
• "Radiate boundless love towards the entire world."
• "May all beings have happy minds."
• "True love is born from understanding."
• “Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life.”

Motivational Buddha Quotes

• "What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now."
• "Irrigators channel waters; fletchers straighten arrows; carpenters bend wood; the wise master themselves."
• "An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea."
• "To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life. Foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent."
• "Being deeply learned and skilled, being well trained and using well-spoken words: this is good luck."
• "Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes."
• "As a water bead on a lotus leaf, as water on a red lily, does not adhere, so the sage does not adhere to the seen, the heard, or the sensed."
• “Ceasing to do evil, Cultivating the good, Purifying the heart: This is the teaching of the Buddhas.”
• “A disciplined mind brings happiness.”
• “All experiences are preceded by mind, having mind as their master, created by mind.”

Short Buddha Quotes

• "If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart."
• “A wise person should be urgently moved on occasions that make for urgency.”
• "I am the miracle."
• "Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely."
• "Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded."
• "Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."
• "It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways."
• "Everything in moderation, including moderation."
• "There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires."
• "Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others."
• “Pain is certain; suffering is optional.”

Buddha Quotes on Love

• "The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart."
• “Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let them resolutely pursue a solitary course.”
• "Love is a gift of one’s innermost soul to another so both can be whole."
• "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
• "Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it."
• "Understanding is the heartwood of well-spoken words."
• "Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings."
• "Let all-embracing thoughts for all beings be yours."
• “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.”
• “We will develop and cultivate the liberation of mind by lovingkindness, make it our vehicle, make it our basis, stabilize it, exercise ourselves in it, and fully perfect it.”
• “Speak only endearing speech, speech that is welcomed. Speech, when it brings no evil to others, is a pleasant thing.”

Buddha Quotes on Life

• "She who knows life flows, feels no wear or tear, needs no mending or repair."
• “‘As I am, so are these. As are these, so am I.’ Drawing the parallel to yourself, neither kill nor get others to kill.”
• “See them, floundering in their sense of mine, like fish in the puddles of a dried-up stream — and, seeing this, live with no mine, not forming attachment for states of becoming.”
• "One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world."
• "Live every act fully, as if it were your last."
• "Offend in neither word nor deed. Eat with moderation. Live in your heart. Seek the highest consciousness. Master yourself according to the law. This is the simple teaching of the awakened."
• "Everything is based on mind, is led by mind, is fashioned by mind. If you speak and act with a polluted mind, suffering will follow you, as the wheels of the oxcart follow the footsteps of the ox."
• "Better it is to live one day seeing the rise and fall of things than to live a hundred years without ever seeing the rise and fall of things."
• "Should you find a wise critic to point out your faults, follow him as you would a guide to hidden treasure."
• "In separateness lies the world’s greatest misery; in compassion lies the world’s true strength."
• “Don’t rush anything. When the time is right, it’ll happen.”
• “The world is afflicted by death and decay. But the wise do not grieve, having realized the nature of the world.”

Buddha Quotes on Anger

• "There is no fire like passion. There is no shark like hatred. There is no snare like folly. There is no torrent like greed."
• “The thing that is disliked by me is also disliked by others. Since I dislike this thing, how can I inflict it on someone else?”
• “Whoever doesn’t flare up at someone who’s angry wins a battle hard to win.”
• "Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten."
• "The instant we feel anger, we have already ceased striving for the truth and have begun striving for ourselves."
• "Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal."
• "Know from the rivers in clefts and in crevices: those in small channels flow noisily, the great flow silent. Whatever’s not full makes noise. Whatever is full is quiet."
• "Not by rituals and resolutions, nor by much learning, nor by celibacy, nor even by meditation can you find the supreme, immortal joy of nirvana until you extinguish your self-will."
• "All tremble at violence; all fear death. Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill."
• “Conquer anger with non-anger. Conquer badness with goodness. Conquer meanness with generosity.”
• “To be angry is to let others' mistakes punish yourself.”
• “He who can curb his wrath as soon as it arises, as a timely antidote will check snake’s venom that so quickly spreads — such a monk gives up the here and the beyond, just as a serpent sheds its worn-out skin.”

Buddha Quotes on Happiness

• "There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path."
• "One who acts on truth is happy in this world and beyond."
• "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."
• "If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows him like his never-departing shadow."
• "Our life is shaped by our mind. We become what we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves."
• "Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”
• "Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good."
• “‘All conditioned things are impermanent’ — when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering.”
• “Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.”
• “Whatever is not yours: let go of it. Your letting go of it will be for your long-term happiness & benefit.”

Buddha Quotes on Peace

• “Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.”
• “Some do not understand that we must die. But those who do realize this settle their quarrels.”
• “Let none find fault with others; let none see the omissions and commissions of others. But let one see one’s own acts, done and undone.”
• "Delight in meditation and solitude. Compose yourself, be happy. You are a seeker."
• "Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace."
• "Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind."
• "He who sits alone, sleeps alone, and walks alone, who is strenuous and subdues himself alone, will find delight in the solitude of the forest."
• "Don’t run after pleasure and neglect the practice of meditation. If you forget the goal of life and get caught in the pleasures of the world, you will come to envy those who put meditation first."
• "A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again. But if he is peaceful, loving, and fearless, then he is in truth called wise."
• "A mind unruffled by the vagaries of fortune, from sorrow freed, from defilements cleansed, from fear liberated — this is the greatest blessing."
• "Meditate. Do not delay, lest you later regret it."
• “Resolutely train yourself to attain peace.”

Buddha Quotes on Giving

• "Give, even if you only have a little."
• “Should someone do good, let them do it again and again. They should develop this habit, for the accumulation of goodness brings joy.”
• "If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way."
• "To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance."
• "The greatest gift is to give people your enlightenment, to share it. It has to be the greatest."
• "Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity."
• "If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?"
• "Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill."
• “True charity occurs only when there are no notions of giving, giver, or gift.”
• “Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy; while giving, the mind of the giver is made peaceful; and having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted.”
• “To support mother and father, to cherish wife and children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupation — this is the greatest blessing.”
• “When watching after yourself, you watch after others. When watching after others, you watch after yourself.”

Buddha Quotes on Strength

• "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."
• "Just as a solid rock is not shaken by the storm, even so the wise are not affected by praise or blame."
• "Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes."
• "The one who has conquered himself is a far greater hero than he who has defeated a thousand times a thousand men."
• "Be a lamp for yourselves. Be your own refuge. Seek for no other. All things must pass. Strive on diligently. Don’t give up."
• "Wear your ego like a loose-fitting garment."
• "What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind."
• "Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom."
• “You yourself must strive. The Buddhas only point the way.”
• “As an elephant in the battlefield withstands arrows shot from bows all around, even so shall I endure abuse.”

Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape , What To Expect , Cafe Mom , TODAY , CBS News , HuffPo , The Bump , Health , Ask Men , and Best Gifts . A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life. 

Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day . She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine , The Pioneer Woman Magazine , Better Homes & Gardens , Modern Farmhouse Style , Beautiful Kitchens & Baths , and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

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100 Sweet "Happy Anniversary" Quotes to Write in a Card

Wish your husband or wife — or another special couple — all the best with these sentimental messages.

Funny Anniversary Quotes

Cute anniversary quotes for couples and friends, famous anniversary quotes, anniversary quotes for parents, anniversary wishes for milestones.

These anniversary quotes, wishes and messages encompass all that and more, and are inspirational enough for when you need a sweet message to write inside an anniversary card or something thoughtful to share face-to-face with the couple ringing in another year together. And if you’re one half of the couple celebrating said anniversary, share one of these sentiments with a more personalized touch by including personal anecdote about the night you met, a funny story that’ll make you both laugh or even reflect on a hard time that really tested the both of you but inevitably showed how strong your bond really is.

Romantic Anniversary Quotes for Husband or Wife

• "You're my best friend, my partner in crime, my better half, my everything. Happy anniversary, my love."
• "Even after all of these years, my love for you grows more and more each day."
• "Thank you for picking me. I don't know how I got so lucky."
• "You're my sun and moon, and all of my stars. I love you so much. Happy anniversary!"
• "You're everything I've ever wanted and needed in a partner. Thank you for loving me. Happy anniversary."
• "I’m pretty confident that no one on earth is as lucky as me. Why? Because I get to wake up to you every day. Happy anniversary, baby!"
• "You can read my mind without me uttering a single word. We’re soulmates, and I’m eternally grateful that the universe brought us together. Cheers to a lifetime together. Happy anniversary."
• "Our deep, unbreakable connection is something I’ve always dreamed of. I’ll never take our bond for granted. Wishing us a blissful lifetime together. Happy anniversary!"
• "You’re the person who I can count on unconditionally. Without your unwavering love and support, I don’t think I’d be the person I am today. Happy anniversary, honey."
• "Walking alongside you is the greatest journey of my life. I’ll cherish you always. Happy anniversary."
• "Your face brings a smile to my face every day and for that I’m forever grateful. Happy anniversary to the person who makes my heart sing."
• "It’s a privilege to be in your presence. You’re not only a loving partner, but you’re also just an overall amazing person. Happy anniversary!"
• “I am so blessed that I get to spend the rest of my life with you. Happy anniversary, baby!”
• “I couldn’t survive a day without you. I’m so glad we’ve lived to see another year together.”
• “Marrying you was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
• “Our wedding day may not have been perfect, but it was the happiest day of my life. Thank you for being by my side for all these years.”
• “This is our first year together, but we have an eternity to go!”
• “Happy anniversary, honey. You make my life sweeter.”
• “I can’t believe that I’m married to my best friend. Thank you for making each year together better than the last.”
• “Nothing on earth compares to my love for you. Happy anniversary to my better half.”
• “You’re the most wonderful person I’ve ever met. I can’t believe I get to be by your side for the rest of my life.”
• “Saying ‘I do’ was the best decision of my life. After all these years, I’m so grateful that you said it too!”
• “When I wake up to you every day, I’m reminded of hitting the love jackpot. You’re the best. Happy anniversary, sweetheart.”
• “When I think of all the blessings in my life, you’re the first to come to mind. Thank you for being my person. I love you.”
• “You’re my air and I can’t imagine life without you. I love you today and forever. Happy anniversary.”
• “My love for you is everlasting. Cheers to another year with my favorite person.”
• “I’ll always be your #1 fan. No matter what we’re going through, I’ll always cheer you on. Wishing us a lifetime together.”
• “When I look into your eyes, I see the most wonderful person in the world.”
• “Still in this together. Thanks for going on this lifetime journey with me. Love you forever.”
• “I never dreamed that I would find a love like yours. I’m the luckiest person in the world.”

• "We’ve made another trip around the sun together, and I still can’t believe you’re still willing to take these trips with me!"
• "We’re on the crazy journey of life together, and I can’t think of a wackier co-pilot. Thanks for always being you in all your wacky glory. Happy anniversary, sweetie."
• "You’re the cream to my coffee — I’ll always have the hots for you! Happy anniversary, babe!"
• "At times, we may be like fire and ice, it’s a wonder we haven’t combusted!'
• "We go together like peanut butter and jelly. With your big belly, you’re clearly the jelly! Happy anniversary, sweetie."
• "Nobody understands me the way that you do. I wonder why? Maybe we’re really the same person just in two very different bodies! Happy birthday, my handsome better half!"
• "As we grow old together, just remember that I’ll always be the young, hot one! To many more years together. I love you!"
• “Happy anniversary. You’re the perfect choice for my first spouse!”
• “A wedding band is the smallest handcuff ever made. I’m glad I chose my cellmate wisely.”
• “Thank you for growing old with me. It’s a good thing I find wrinkles adorable!”
• “Happy anniversary – I can’t believe you’re still with me!”
• “I’ve always wanted the best for you – which is obviously me!”
• “A good marriage is like a casserole—only those responsible for it really know what goes in it.”
• “Morning breath and all, you’re still the one I want to wake up to. Happy anniversary, my love.”
• “A marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.”

• "I’ve never seen a couple so right for each other. You two are a beautiful example of what it means to be happily married. Wishing you many more years together!"
• "Separately you’re both powerful individuals, but together as a pair — you’re unstoppable! Happy anniversary to one of my favorite couples!"
• "You’re such a beautiful couple who complement each other in enviable ways. Stay true to one another and you’ll be together for a lifetime! Happy anniversary."
• "You do a remarkable job of making marriage look easy. You should teach a class! Happy anniversary to a special couple."
• "May God continue to cover and bless you as a couple. Happy anniversary!"
• "Cheers to a couple who exemplify a good and healthy partnership. Happy anniversary."
• “I admire your union. Happy anniversary.”
• “What a beautiful and loving couple. Wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss.”
• “Family gatherings wouldn’t be the same without you guys. Happy anniversary to one of my favorite couples!”
• “You two are so great to know and be around. Can you adopt me?”
• “I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law. Thank you for taking my sister off of my hands! Just kidding, happy anniversary!”
• “You two are the most adorable love birds I’ve ever known. Wishing you a lifetime of love.”
• “No other couple complements each other the way that you do. Happy anniversary to the beautiful pair who makes marriage look so easy!”
• “Spending time with you guys is one of my favorite pastimes. You make life more enjoyable. Happy anniversary!”
• “No marriage is perfect, but you guys come really close. Happy anniversary.”
• “May God continue to cover and bless you in your union.”
• “Who said marriage was hard? Not you guys because you make it seem absolutely effortless. Happy anniversary.”
• “I marvel at the wonderful life you’ve built together. You guys could teach a class on how to do marriage right. Congratulations!”
• “Wow, another year in the books! You guys work so well together. Happy anniversary.”

• “A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.” — Paul Sweeney
• “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” — Aristotle
• “I wouldn't change a thing, as happiness you bring. You are my soulmate. A marriage made by fate.” — Catherine Pulsifer
• “Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” — Robert Heinlein
• "Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years." — Simone Signoret
• “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”— Maya Angelou
• “You know you are in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” — Dr. Seuss
• “I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect, and I loved you even more.” — Angelita Lim
• “The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.” — Julia Child
• “Love grows more tremendously full, swift, poignant, as the years multiply.”— Zane Grey
• “All that you are is all that I’ll ever need.” — Ed Sheeran
• “You are my today and all of my tomorrows.” — Lee Christopher
• “You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known and even that is an understatement.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
• “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever.” — Nicholas Sparks
• “Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.”— Barnette R. Brickner

• "You two were made for each other. I'm living proof! Happy anniversary, mom and dad."
• "To the couple whose love I get to watch grow stronger and stronger everyday, happy anniversary."
• "You two are the reason I know what love is. Happy anniversary to the best parents."
• "The best thing to come out of your relationship? Me, of course! I mean, the best, most loving parents."
• "You’re the parents all kids hope to have, and I’m so lucky to call you my role models. Happy anniversary!"
• "I’ve grown up watching what it meant to be a loving and caring couple. Thank you for being the blueprint for a healthy marriage. Happy anniversary!"
• "You both show me what real love looks like. To the imperfectly perfect couple I call my parents, happy anniversary!"
• "Love isn’t easy, but loving you two is. Happy anniversary to the best parents!"
• "To my best friends, role models and most importantly, parents, happy anniversary!"
• "Your love is what keeps this family rooted. Celebrating you two today and every day. Happy anniversary!"
• "It’s the perfect day to celebrate the most special people. Happy anniversary, parents!"

• "Hope the next [10] years are even happier than your [first decade] together!"
• "It started with a dream of a life together, and the dream only gets better. Cheers to [insert number] year of marriage!"
• "High-five to your [insert number]-year milestone."
• "Five years, 60 months, 260 weeks, or 1,825 days—however you count it, it all adds up to love."
• "One decade down; forever to go."
• "A quarter may not sound like a lot in money, but in marriage centuries, you two prove it's worth a fortune."
• "For your 25th year in marriage, may you receive more silver gifts than you have silver in your hair."
• "Even though the years continue to pass, my love for you only grows stronger. Happy [30th] anniversary!"
• "Fifty years later and all that glitters is still gold."
• "Congratulations on a love story that has stood the test of time — 70 years and counting!"

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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