travel explore synonyms

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.

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.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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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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100+ Synonyms for “Explore” with Examples | Another Word for “Explore”

In our daily communication, we often seek out various ways to express ourselves more vividly and accurately. Finding synonyms for words is one way we enrich our language and avoid repetition. Take the word “explore,” for instance. It’s a verb that conjures up images of adventure, investigation, and discovery. Such a dynamic verb can be pivotal in contexts ranging from scientific research to casual travel.

Explore Synonyms

What Is “Explore”?

“Explore” refers to examining or investigating something thoroughly in order to learn more about it or to discover new information. It implies a careful and sometimes creative process of looking into an unfamiliar area or subject.

List of Synonyms for Explore

• Investigate
• Sift through
• Reconnoiter
• Contemplate
• Experiment with
• Break new ground
• Blaze a trail
• Enquire into
• Root around
• Fish around
• Nose around
• Check up on
• Look around
• Look up and down
• Take stock of
• Get the measure of
• Take a look at
• Reconnaissance
• Leave no stone unturned
• Go off the beaten track
• Make a survey of
• Make a reconnaissance of
• Do research on
• Cut a track
• Follow the trail of
• Follow the footsteps of
• Cast around for
• Cast about for
• Cast round for
• Hunt through
• Look high and low
• Quest after
• Ruminate on
• Run reconnaissance
• Give something a once-over
• Give something a going-over
• Give the once-over
• Have a look-see
• Take a gander
• Take a shufti
• Go on a tour of
• Go on an expedition
• Go on an exploration
• Go on a trip through
• Go on a voyage
• Make a journey
• Make a pilgrimage
• Pack one’s bag
• Pack one’s bags
• Take a trip
• Take a voyage
• Travel through
• Trek through
• Walk the tracks
• Wander through

Types of Synonyms for Explore

In investigation.

• Investigate:  We use this when we’re describing a more formal or systematic approach to exploration, often with a hint of officialdom or research.
• Examine:  This synonym suggests a detailed and thorough look into something.

When Referring to Physical Exploration

• Travel:  This evokes the idea of going from one place to another and is often used for geographic or physical exploration.
• Tour:  Touring implies a journey with the purpose of experiencing or seeing different places.

In Academic or Conceptual Exploration

• Research:  Research is the systematic study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• Study: This involves the application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection.

In Casual Inquiry

• Browse:  Browsing is a more casual, leisurely form of exploration, often used in the context of looking through books or shopping.
• Scout:  To scout is to explore in order to obtain information, generally used in a more strategic sense.

Common Synonyms for Explore

Explore vs. investigate.

When we use  investigate , it suggests a careful and detailed search to uncover facts.  Explore , in contrast, often has a broader connotation implying a sense of adventure or discovery.

• After the mysterious noise in the attic, we decided to investigate  and find out the cause.
• We spent our vacation exploring  the hidden coves of the island.

Explore vs. Examine

Examine  means to inspect something in detail to assess it.  Explore  carries a more open-ended implication, involving a search that could lead to discovery.

• The team of scientists examined  the artifact carefully to determine its origin.
• She explored  different career options before settling on graphic design.

Explore vs. Research

Research  is a systematic investigation with the aim of establishing facts and reaching new conclusions.  Explore  is a more general term involving looking into something or traveling through it to learn or experience.

• Our medical team is researching  the long-term effects of the new drug.
• The new software allows users to explore  virtual worlds seamlessly.

Explore vs. Study

To  study  is to spend time learning about a subject, often through careful observation or analysis.  Explore , while it can imply learning, is usually less structured and more experiential.

• He studied  the language for years before becoming fluent.
• They bought a one-way ticket to explore  Asia with no set itinerary.

Synonyms for Explore in Different Contexts

In research and investigation.

• Examine: We will  examine the ancient texts for hidden meanings.
• Investigate: We plan to  investigate the series of events leading up to the discovery.
• Probe: Our team tends to  probe i nto the causes of this phenomenon.

When Discussing Physical Exploration

• Traverse:   To reach the summit, they had to traverse a treacherous glacier covered in deep crevasses.
• Tour: She decided to tour the national parks across the country, experiencing the natural beauty of each one.
• Travel:   The documentary crew will travel to the Arctic Circle to film the migration patterns of polar bears.

In Analyzing or Inspecting

• Analyze:  Economists are analyzing market trends to predict the next big shift in the stock market.
• Inspect:   Health inspectors regularly inspect restaurants to ensure they comply with safety and hygiene standards.

In Conceptual Examination

• Consider: Before making a decision, she took time to consider all the potential outcomes of her choice.
• Contemplate:  Contemplating the complexities of the universe often leads to more questions than answers.

Absolute and Near Synonyms of Explore

Absolute synonyms for explore, near synonyms for explore, frequently asked questions.

What are some alternative words to describe the act of discovering new environments?

To articulate the act of discovering new environments, we might use words like ‘investigate’, ‘survey’, or ‘scout’. These terms convey the idea of traversing unknown areas with a sense of curiosity and examination.

Can you provide a term that captures the essence of wanting to investigate?

Certainly. When we want to describe the desire to investigate, ‘probe’ or ‘examine’ are fitting choices. These words suggest a thorough and careful inquiry into a subject or area.

What phrase could I use as a substitute for ‘explore’ in the context of research or inquiry?

In the context of research or inquiry, phrases like ‘conduct a study’ or ‘carry out an investigation’ work well as substitutes for ‘explore’. They precisely imply a systematic approach to gaining knowledge.

Which word conveys a similar meaning to ‘explore’ when referring to traveling?

When we talk about traveling, ‘journey’ or ‘trek’ closely align with the term ‘explore’. These evoke the sense of an adventure or voyage with the aim of discovery.

What’s an equivalent word that signifies the act of learning or seeking out new information?

An equivalent word that signifies learning or seeking new information is ‘research’. This term denotes the process of gathering data and gaining insights into a particular field or topic.

What is a synonymous expression for revisiting or exploring something again?

When revisiting or exploring something again, the phrase ‘re-examine’ is synonymous. It implies a fresh perspective on a previously studied subject or place.

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Synonyms for explore

• travel around
• reconnoitre
• have or take a look around
• investigate

inquire into

To go into or through for the purpose of making discoveries or acquiring information.

• reconnoiter

Related Words

• cast around

travel to or penetrate into

Examine minutely, examine (organs) for diagnostic purposes.

• practice of medicine
• put out feelers
• explicandum
• explication
• explication de texte
• explicative
• explicit definition
• explicitness
• explode a bombshell
• exploding cucumber
• exploitable
• exploitation
• exploitative
• exploitatory
• exploration
• explorative
• exploratory
• exploratory survey
• explorer's gentian
• explosive charge
• explosive compound
• explosive detection system
• explosive device
• explosive mixture
• explosive trace detection
• explosive unit
• exponential
• exponential curve
• exponential decay
• exponential equation
• exponential expression
• exponential function
• exponential return
• exponential series
• exponentiation
• export credit
• export duty
• Exploratory research
• Exploratory Research and Development Center
• Exploratory Research and Development Initiative
• Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology Office
• Exploratory Shaft
• Exploratory Shaft - Phase I
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• Exploratory Shaft Facility
• Exploratory Shaft Test Facility
• Exploratory Shaft Test Plan
• exploratory spatial data analysis
• Exploratory Spatio-Temporal Analysis Toolkit
• exploratory stroke
• exploratory stroke action
• exploratory study
• Exploratory surgery
• Exploratory Tendencies in Consumer Behavior Scales
• exploratory well
• Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants
• Explore Action Québec
• explore all avenues
• explore all avenues, to
• explore every avenue
• explore every avenue, to
• Explore Knowledge Academy
• Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance
• Explore virus
• Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate
• Explore-Acknowledge-Respond
• explored all avenues
• explored every avenue
• explored for
• Explorement
• Exploremos el Derecho Humanitario
• Explorer (disambiguation)
• Explorer 71
• Explorer 78
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Other Words For Travel: 57 Creative Words That Inspire The Wanderer In You

The crystal clear waters of Antigua, the rich greenery of the Cliffs of Moher , and the vibrant blues in Morocco, our words can truly paint a picture of the world’s most incredible places .

When you’re itching to travel again, check out a few other words for travel used to describe what you’re feeling and write it in your travel journal .

Here are 57 creative travel words that will inspire the wanderer in you.

Wanderlust [won-der-​lust] Noun | German A strong longing for or impulse toward wandering.

Eleutheromania [ell-uth-ero-may-nia] Noun | Greek A mania or frantic zeal for freedom.

Fernweh [feirn-veyh] Noun | German A deep desire to get away to a foreign place . Direct translation: “distance-sickness.”

Cockaigne [ko-keyn] Noun | French An imaginary land of luxury and idleness. This term comes from the French phrase pais de cocaigne , which means “the land of plenty.”

Quaquaversal [kwah-kwuh-VUR-sal] Adjective | Latin Everything is moving or happening in every direction, wanting to do and see all the things at once in a new place.

Dérive [derry-vay] Noun |  French An unplanned journey where a traveler allows themselves to be guided by the landscape. Dérive means “drift,” so even if one drifts, they will end up on the right path.

Sonder [son-der] Verb | Unknown The realization that each person that passes through your life is living a life as complex as your own.

Heimweh [hime-vay] Noun | German A longing for home or a homesickness for foreign lands.

Hygge [hoo-ga] Noun | Danish A quality of coziness and comfortable friendliness that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.

Serendipity [ser-en-dip-ity] Noun | English The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Resfeber [race-fay-ber] Noun | Swedish The restless race of the traveler’s heart before the journey begins when anxiety and anticipation come together. Most often just before buying plane tickets, a mix between excitement and sickness.

Strikhedonia [strick-a-donia] Noun | Greek The joy of being able to say, “to hell with it”.

Musafir [myou-sa-fur] Noun | Urdu A traveler.

Vuslat [voos-lot] Noun | Turkish A reunion after being apart for some time, between oneself and one’s beloved.

Yūgen [you-gen] Noun | Japanese A profound awareness of the Universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and powerful for words.

Dépaysement [dé-pé-i-ze-man] Adjective | French The feeling of not being in one’s own country, like a fish out of water.

Gadabout [ga-du-bowt] Noun | English A person who travels often or to many different places.

Hireath [he-rith] Noun | Welsh A homesickness for a home which you cannot return, maybe one that never existed.

Sturmfrei [sh-turm-fry] Adjective | German The freedom of being alone and having the ability to do what you want.

Ecophobia [eco-phobia] Noun | English A fear or disliking of one’s home, wanting to be somewhere else.

Numinous [noo-muh-nuhs] Adjective | Latin The feeling of being in awe, a combination of both fear and fascination, by what is before you. Also refers to having a strong religious or spiritual quality, but can be used to describe feeling in awe for what is before you.

Schwellenangst [Sch-vell-enn-ong-st] Noun | German Schwelle (threshold) and angst (anxiety), come together to explain the feeling of crossing a threshold to start a new chapter. The feeling before you decide to set out on a new journey, of whether or not you are making the right decision.

Vagary [vay-ga-ree] Verb | Latin A whimsical or roaming journey. In Latin, vagārī means “to roam.”

Trouvaille [troo-vy] Noun | French A chance encounter on a journey, with something wonderful or unexpected.

Saudade [sou-dod] Noun | Portugese The state of nostalgia or longing for someone or someplace far away. Described as “The love that remains” after someone is gone.

Solivagant [soh-LIH-va-ghent] Adjective | Latin Hopeless wanderer. An adventurer who travels or wanders the globe solo. The Latin word solivagus , means lonely or solitary.

Sehnsucht [zane-zoo-kt] Noun | German A wistful longing and yearning in the heart for travels past and future, or a longing for a far-off place, but not one which one can identify at the moment.

Acatalepsy [Akk-at-a-lepsy] Noun | Greek In philosophy, it is incomprehensibility or the impossibility of comprehending or conceiving a thing.

Livsnjutare [livs-new-tara] Noun | Swedish A person who loves life deeply and lives it to the fullest. In Swedish, this word translates to “enjoyer of life.”

Commuovere [como-vary] Verb | Italian The ability to touch or move something to tears.

Yoko meshi [Yo-ko-meh-she] Noun | Japanese The stress of speaking a foreign language . In Japanese, “meshi” means “boiled rice” and “yoko” means “horizontal,” altogether it means “a meal eaten sideways.” “Yoko” also references the fact that Japanese is often written vertically when most languages are written horizontally.

Onism [own-ism] Noun | Danish Refers to the understanding and frustration that one will never be able to see it all, that one can only occupy one space at a time.

Flâneur [flan-air] Noun | French A person who strolls aimlessly, simply wandering to explore a new place and observe the life that is there.

Wayfarer [way-fair-er] Noun | English A traveler. Someone who lets the wind blow them wherever they are meant to go.

Hodophile [Ho-dough-phile] Adjective | Greek  Someone who loves to travel, or “lover of the road.”

Novaturient [no-va-tur-ee-ent-a] Adjective | Latin A desire to change your life.

Coddiwomple [codd-ee-womp-el] Verb | English To travel with purpose to a destination, not concerned about how long the journey takes.

Selcouth [sell-cuth] Adjective | English Finding beauty in the unfamiliar or strange. Experiencing a new culture and place that feels different, but still fascinating and beautiful.

Eudaimoni [u-day-mon-ee-a] Noun | Greek The state of happiness one experiences while traveling.

Nefelibata [Neh-fell-ee-ba-ta] Noun | Portugese “Cloud-walker,” or an unconventional person. One who lives with their head in the clouds.

Vorfreude [for-fr-oy-da] Noun | German The excited feeling before you journey off somewhere new. Joyful, intense anticipation of all the exciting things to come.

Nemophilist [nee-mo-fil-ist] Noun | English A person who loves the forest in all its beauty and solitude.

Querencia [kay-ren-see-ya] Noun | Spanish The place where you feel the most at home.

Komorebi [ko-mo-reh-be] Noun | Japanese The sunlight that filters through the leaves of the trees.

Smultronställe [smul-trons-tell-ah] Noun | Swedish A special place that’s been discovered and returned to for relaxation or solace, “place of wild strawberries.”

Thalassophile [Thal-ass-o-feel] Noun | Greek A lover of the ocean.

Mångata [mon-ga-ta] Noun | Swedish The reflection of the moon on water.

Yu yi [you-yee] Noun | Mandarin The desire to see with fresh eyes and feel things just as intensely as you did when you were younger — before expectations, before memory, before words.

Photophile [fo-tow-feel] Noun | English or Greek A person who loves photography and light.

Waldeinsamkeit [Vall-d-on-zom-kite] Noun | German The feeling of being alone in the woods, in a positive, peaceful, relaxing way.

Meraki [meh-rah-kee] Adjective | Greek Doing something with soul, creativity, and love. Putting a part of yourself into what you’re doing.

Forelsket [fur-ell-skit] Adjective | Danish The euphoria you experience when you are first falling in love with a person or a place.

Peripatetic [perr-a-puh-tet-ik] Adjective | Greek Traveling from place to place, in particular working or based in various places for relatively short periods.

Sprachgefühl [sh-prock-guh-foo-l] Noun | German A person who has the ‘feel’ for a language.

Natsukashii [not-soo-ka-she] Adjective | Japanese A happy recollection of an event or memory in the past, but still missing it. Derived from the verb, natsuku , “to get used to and keep close; to become fond of.” The word used to describe wanting to keep something close, wanting to express fondness for something.

Ukiyo [oh-kee-yo] Adjective | Japanese “The floating world,” is a state of mind emphasizing living in the moment, detached from the difficulties of life.

Wabi-sabi [wah-be-sah-bee] Noun | Japanese In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Appreciating beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete” in nature.

Now that you’ve seen our list of other travel words that will inspire wanderlust , what did you think? Did we miss any? Leave us a comment below!

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Synonyms and antonyms of explore in English

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noun as in odyssey

Strongest matches

• exploration

Strong matches

noun as in peregrination

noun as in voyage

Example Sentences

And it often travels so lightly that you can forget you are clothed in its benefits.

Wherever he travels, Václav Klaus can be assured a welcome reception from likeminded free marketers.

Today, as president, he constantly praises Fidel and Raúl in his speeches and frequently travels to the island.

In the course of her remarkable travels Thecla baptizes herself by diving into a pool of “man-eating seals.”

When booking your next travels, think Rila, Kanazawa, and Saba.

Lionel Wafer in his travels upon the Isthmus of Darien in 1699 saw the plant growing and cultivated by the natives.

Edmund Chishull, an English traveler, died; author of a book of travels in Turkey.

His scholarly and linguistic attainments and his varied travels, fitted him well for the task.

He who travels should be proof against such minor annoyances.

Soon the Commissioners were to start on their travels, and were at that time holding public sittings and taking evidence.

Related Words

Words related to travels are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word travels . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

noun as in journey

noun as in traversing

noun as in journey, often by water

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

Travel Synonyms And What They Reveal About Travel

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The word “travel” has a very broad definition, and there are many travel synonyms that help encapsulate what travel is all about.

The Oxford Dictionary defines travel as, “Make a journey, typically of some length.” But, if travel is simply to “make a journey”, then why do we love and crave the word? After all, we make journeys and travel every day. We travel to work, we travel back home from work, etc.

So what is it about the word “travel” that carries such excitement when the word itself can describe so much of our mundane activities?

A Code Word

In reality, there is little doubt that “travel” is actually a code word for adventure, exploration, discovery, escapism, new experiences, and more. Hidden away in the small word “travel” is a vast ocean of possibilities, dreams and fulfillment.

But then what happens if our travels provide none of these sensations? What happens when our vacations, travels or escapes from the mundanity of life are, in actual fact, a real let down? Then what is “travel”?

Perhaps some travel synonyms, in this case, could be presumption, wishful thinking, or even misplaced hope? We as humans often feel like we’re missing out and that the grass is greener on the other side, so perhaps “travel” simply hides and covers our own self-deficiencies and dupes us into thinking the problem is external rather than internal?

After all, if I could just be somewhere else, change my city and start over, then everything would be fine and dandy…right? This idea is explored more here . And what about inward travel? If one contemplates life are they “traveling”? If, as the Oxford Dictionary puts it, travel is just to ”make a journey”, then can you travel into yourself? And more on that idea here .

And why is it that some of us yearn for “more” out of life? What is it that we’re actually looking for? What is it about travel that seems to tap into that vein of longing? And why can’t I shake off the wanderlust? Why is it that, with Bono, I’m left saying (or singing when in the shower), “But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for!”

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But let’s just brush aside all the artsy fartsy rhetoric for one moment, is travel simply just for “fun”? Perhaps I’m overcomplicating it?

But then what is travel when we, as tourists, spoil the “fun” for locals, make fools of ourselves and bring discredit to our home countries by acting like idiots? And what about the loved ones we leave behind? Is it “fun” for them hardly ever seeing us?

Moreover, perhaps “travel” is to learn and grow as an individual. But how do we know if we’re “growing” in the right direction? In short, my friends, what IS travel? What is it, really? And why do we ACTUALLY do it?

Well, sorry to disappoint, but I don’t attempt to answer all those questions. However, at the very least, here is the etymology of word travel and a few travel synonyms I’ve taken from a Thesaurus that may help us understand a bit more about what this travel business really is all about.

The Etymology Of Travel

Our English word “travel” comes from the 14 th Century ye olde French word “travailen”. This word means, in essence, to make a difficult journey.

This word is also closely linked to our modern word “travail”, which means “work, labor, toil, suffer”.  The word “travailen” emphasized the difficulty and danger that often accompanied travel in the Middle Ages.

In short, for our great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents, “travel” was a bit of a pain. It was difficult and arduous.

Sure, it had positives such as fleeing danger, finding work, or escaping to find a new promising, hopeful and better life, but, in our modern day and age, how many of us actually travel to start a new, promising life or to escape any real danger? And, if we do, are our reasons as justifiable as our great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents?

In reality, probably not for the majority of us.

I cannot help but think that, in actual fact, our travel can often be quite selfish and consumeristic in comparison to these travelers of old.

That’s not to knock travel at all (I’m writing in a TRAVEL magazine after all!)

But I just wonder if, perhaps, we can sometimes be so consumeristic in our traveling that the very traditional notions of “work, labor, toil, suffer” never enter our minds. Perhaps “travel” is supposed to be hard and arduous to some degree? To include a bit of work among the joy? And, if we never find our travels difficult, demanding or stretching, can we really even call it “travel”?

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Travel synonyms.

I know, I know. I’ve just asked even more questions rather than provide answers—I promise I’ll stop. And so, taken from the Oxford Dictionary, here are a few travel synonyms alongside a few personal reflections (and a few more questions…yes, I lied):

1. “go on an excursion” (that certainly has the travailing vibe mentioned above!)

2. “roam” (that interestingly sounds a bit aimless, I suspect a few of my “travels” were more accurately “roams”)

3. “wend one’s way” (so perhaps “My Way” by Frank Sinatra should be on every traveler’s playlist?)

4. “gallivant” (that certainly encapsulates the consumeristic thinking I mentioned above)

5. “odyssey” (now I feel like Captain Kirk from Star Trek)

6. “go” (fair enough, this one at least makes sense to me)

7. “trek” (had to include that for our namesake)

8. “progress” (what if you get lost and go the wrong direction? Can negative progress be a thing? Anyway, I thought travel was supposed to be a break from all these performance markers?!)

9. “roll” (I personally opt to walk rather than roll, but each to their own…)

10. “backpack” (that’s an interesting one, more on that here )

11.  “go round“ (I’m sure Genghis Khan told the Chinese they were just on their innocent travels when he and his Mongol horde decided to “go round” the Great Wall of China)

12.  “go rapidly” (semi-true: although airplanes are getting faster, airports are DEFINITELY getting slower)

13. “pilgrimage” (as a Catholic, I like this one. Surely shows the otherworldly side to travel and how, in going somewhere new, one can learn more about their old predictable selves, while even traveling into the very depths of God—if one has faith, that is. PS. I really, REALLY want to go on a Joan of Arc pilgrimage. Just throwing that out there)

14.  “exploration” (we begin life curious, so is it any wonder that we find ourselves curious of other cultures and people later in life too?)

15. “jaunt” (as an Englishmen I would use this word if I wanted to take a stroll to the pub for tea—and by “tea” I mean dinner)

So many questions, so little answers. However, just like me, I hope you found some of these travel synonyms interesting and mildly helpful in coming to terms with this whole “travel” business!

Thanks for reading and comment below if you have any more interesting travel synonyms or your own thoughts on why we’re all acting like irresponsible adults by avoiding life with travel! 😉

Suggested next reading:  Why You Need To Ditch The Noise & Escape Into Silence ASAP

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Published by Chris Newton

Hi, I'm Chris - a web developer who likes to travel. My favourite travel destinations are Italy and France; Italy because I loved seeing all the religious history in Rome, and France because I met my beautiful wife there! While becoming a dad has kept me from travelling lately, I still enjoy learning French and learning from different cultures. If you'd like to know more, you can read more about me here . View all posts by Chris Newton

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Synonyms of 'explore' in American English

Synonyms of 'explore' in british english, additional synonyms.

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Synonyms of traveling

• as in roaming
• as in touring
• as in traversing
• as in flying
• as in running
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Thesaurus Definition of traveling

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• peripatetic
• galavanting
• gallivanting
• fiddle - footed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonmigratory
• established

Thesaurus Definition of traveling  (Entry 2 of 2)

• pilgrimaging
• peregrinating
• knocking (about)
• perambulating
• road - tripping
• barnstorming
• cutting (across)
• passing (over)
• proceeding (along)
• crisscrossing
• cannonballing
• accelerating
• cracking (on)
• highballing
• stepping on it
• getting a move on
• making tracks
• shaking a leg
• hotfooting (it)
• stepping out
• outstripping
• catching up
• fast - forwarding
• hanging (around or out)
• decelerating
• slowing (down or up)
• dillydallying
• associating
• collaborating
• fraternizing
• rubbing elbows (with)
• keeping company (with)
• messing around
• rubbing shoulders (with)
• befriending
• taking up with
• falling in with
• socializing
• consociating
• being friends with
• cooperating
• palling (around)
• getting along
• affiliating
• interrelating
• confederating
• splitting (up)
• breaking up
• cold - shouldering
• dissociating

Examples of traveling in a Sentence

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

Phrases Containing traveling

traveling bag

Articles Related to traveling

Is it ‘traveling’ or...

Is it ‘traveling’ or ‘travelling’?

A tale of two variants

Thesaurus Entries Near traveling

Cite this entry.

“Traveling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traveling. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on traveling

Nglish: Translation of traveling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of traveling for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about traveling

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A Travel Synonym Guide: Definition and Examples

Table of Contents

Synonyms are similar-sounding words that express the same idea as a key phrase. There are numerous synonyms in the English language. Different prefixes, suffixes, or roots give them similar shades of meaning, and often, they share an equivalent length.

We’ll examine some “travel” synonyms, their root words, and some examples. Let’s get started!

What Does Travel Mean?

Travel is characterized by movement from one place to another. The definition of travel is pretty broad, as people often move from one place to another for business, treat, or personal reasons. Travel usually involves a method of transportation, like a plane, boat, bus, or train. 

On a light note, traveling allows us to see new places in the world and experience something different.  Nature! Food! 

Sentence examples of Travel

• I want to travel just to change my environment.
• Take a ride with me; let’s travel around the world.
• I am always free to travel as a freelancer.

Travel Synonym: Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

It’s often easy to trace the travel-related roots in common synonyms . So we take a word, trace its meanings, and give sentence examples for clarity. Here we go!

Tour refers to a trip to a particular location, especially one that includes time spent exploring the area and gathering information about it. 

Taking a tour is a journey that includes multiple stops and ends back where it began. Taking a tour can be for business, pleasure, or education purposes. The term first appeared in 1746 to mean “make a tour, travel about.”

Examples of sentences with tour

• The major work we did today was to tour the city.
•  They were taken on a tour around Jerusalem. 
• We went on a guided tour of ancient historical sites. 

The word “transit” is the process of relocating from one location to another for personal or business reasons. Transit means transporting people or products from one location to another, especially by public trains or buses.

It originated in mid-15c to mean “an act or fact of passing across or through,” from Latin  transitus.

Examples of sentences with transit

• We will transit at night.
• During the economic summit, council members discussed the free transit of goods and people without encumbrances.
• Improving the mass transit system would reduce traffic and alleviate suffering.

A voyage is a route or transit involving a long trip to a far-off location on the water. A voyage is undertaken in a ship or a canoe to a destination, with or without the explicit aim of discovering things. 

In another vein, a voyage can also be a voyage of self-discovery, even a spiritual or religious journey, or an exploration of another culture. 

It originated in c. 1300, from Old French  voiage  meaning “travel, journey, movement, course, errand, mission, crusade.”

Examples of sentences with voyage

• We had an exhilarating, fun-filled, and smooth voyage .
• The voyage took about 18 months.
• This is going to be our ship’s maiden voyage pass.

Travelling is a way of life for some people. It allows people to explore other surroundings and be part of unique customs, cultures, and traditions.  Just ensure not to make any faux pas!  

Because not all closely similar terms may properly fit in as alternatives to the keywords, using a thesaurus and dictionary to find synonyms and related words in English is always a good idea.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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