The Many Uses of Travel

Travel is the conveyance of individuals between various distant geographical locations, with or no personal baggage. Travel can take place by land, sea, or air, with or without personal luggage, and may be one-way or round trip, and may be either short or long journey. The conveyance of individuals has become so widespread that an airplane and a train are not deemed the boundaries of the earth, and even bodies of water have become common travel routes. From ancient times until now, the history of travel is primarily recorded in books, such as traveler’s tales, chronicles and travels, travel guides and maps, which usually served to describe locations rather than the individuals making the journeys.

The modern manifestations of travel differ greatly from those records of the past. For instance, while journeys occurred by canoe and horseback in days gone by, today’s travel by car, train, plane and bus is becoming increasingly commonplace and quick. Today’s non-routine modes of travel mean that we frequently move from one place to another. We also regularly meet other people in places where we travel, as well as maintaining regular friendships through various social media networks and online sharing of culture and travel experiences. So the modern travel means of today are far more varied and detailed than any means of travel in the past.

Tourism is the creation of a defined number of attractions, activities or entertainment opportunities that create a significant increase in the value of the property and services of a destination, and /or enhance the tourism of the area. In terms of the modern usage of the term, travel and tourism in a broader sense is tourism’s contribution to the enhancement of the quality of life in a specific location, including the provision of recreational facilities for the enjoyment of travellers. Common examples of tourism can include sightseeing, scientific research, art and architecture, cultural events and activities, sporting activities and recreation. Different destinations will also attract different types of visitors, including leisure tourism, business travel and the more mixed forms of visitor, depending on the location and industry.