Travel Vocabulary

An itinerary is a detailed plan or route for a journey, including destinations, dates, times, and activities. The word comes from the Latin 'itinerarium,' meaning 'a road' or 'journey.'

A passport is an official government-issued document that certifies a person's identity and nationality, allowing them to travel to and from foreign countries. The word may derive from French 'passer' (to pass) and 'porte' (gate or port).

Departure refers to the act of leaving a place, especially at the start of a journey. In airports and train stations, the departure area is where travelers go to board their flights or trains. It is the opposite of 'arrival.'

A layover is a period of time a traveler must wait at an intermediate stop between connecting flights. Layovers can range from a short wait of an hour or two to an overnight stay, depending on flight schedules.

A souvenir is an item purchased or kept as a reminder of a place visited, an event, or an experience. The word comes directly from French, where it means 'to remember.'

Customs is the government authority responsible for regulating the flow of goods in and out of a country. When traveling internationally, you pass through customs where officials may inspect your luggage and collect duties on imported items.

An excursion is a short journey or trip, usually made for pleasure, often as a side trip during a larger vacation. The word comes from the Latin 'excurrere,' meaning 'to run out.'

Jet lag is a temporary sleep and fatigue disorder that occurs when a person travels rapidly across multiple time zones, disrupting their body's internal clock (circadian rhythm). Symptoms include tiredness, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.

To embark means to go aboard a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle to begin a journey. It can also mean to begin an undertaking. The word comes from the French 'embarquer,' from 'en-' (on) and 'barque' (boat). Its opposite is 'disembark.'

A round trip is a journey to a destination and back to the starting point, as opposed to a one-way trip. Round-trip tickets typically cover both the outbound and return portions of a journey and are often less expensive than buying two one-way tickets.

A concierge is a hotel employee who assists guests with various services such as making restaurant reservations, arranging transportation, booking tours, and providing local recommendations. The word comes from French and originally referred to a doorkeeper.

A visa is an official authorization, typically stamped or attached to a passport, that permits a person to enter, leave, or stay in a particular country for a specified period. The word comes from the Latin 'charta visa,' meaning 'document that has been seen.'

'Bon voyage' is a French expression meaning 'good journey' or 'have a good trip.' It is commonly used in English to wish someone well as they set off on a trip or journey.

A redeye flight (or red-eye) is an overnight flight that departs late at night and arrives early the next morning. The name refers to the tired, bloodshot (red) eyes passengers typically have after trying to sleep on the plane.

'Wanderlust' is a strong, innate desire to travel and explore the world. The word comes from German: 'wandern' (to hike or wander) and 'Lust' (desire or pleasure). It entered English in the early 20th century.