Travelling

The concept of travelling

To some people, travelling is a great luxury, and for others, it is an essential part of their job. Therefore, a distinction should always be drawn between travelling for recreation and for commercial purposes, such as business trips, for example. Ultimately, travelling can include moving a mile or two from your home once in a while to constant globe-trotting. As such, travelling tends to be defined more by the motivation behind it. For example, travel is often conducted for trade as well as intercultural reasons. In addition, personal motivations include pleasure, relaxation and convalescence, exploration, pilgrimages, adventure and for building or maintaining personal relationships. Travel by individuals, rather than the nomadic movement of entire tribes of people, has been recorded in history since ancient times. Travel and tourism are now one of the globe's biggest service industries.

For some people, travelling is not something they do once in a while, but it is a fundamental part of their sense of identity. Travelling communities exist all over Europe, drawn from groups like Roma, for example. Such travellers often have their own distinct cultures and traditions. In North America, some people choose to travel constantly as part of their lifestyle, commonly living in recreational vehicles.

For some people, usually refugees, travelling is not so much important as essential. For others, taking a year out to travel the world will help them to gain a much better understanding of the different cultures that exist in foreign parts. It is common for western young adults to take a so-called gap year before they embark on higher education to travel the world. This has historical roots in the grand tours that many noblemen – and some women – would take part in during the 18th and 19th centuries. Such travelling and the documentation of it helps people all over the globe to understand one another more.

There can be little doubt that travelling the world has lost some of its allure now so much more is understood about climate change. Air travel is, without a doubt, a big polluter even though it is possible to fly and offset the carbon involved. These days, ethical travellers are more likely to seek more environmentally forms of crisscrossing the planet, such as rail travel, for example. Cycling is also becoming increasingly popular among Europeans as a means of exploring the continent.

One of the main methods travellers have of remaining safe is to travel in pairs or small groups with friends. Taking the latest advice about where it is safe to go, usually issued by home governments, is always advisable. There are numerous safety and security products aimed specifically at travellers, such as belt wallets and anti-tamper backpacks that help to prevent theft.