travel noun usage

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English Grammar

TRAVEL - TRIP - JOURNEY - TOUR - VOYAGE

Meaning and use of the words 'trip', 'travel', 'journey', 'tour', and 'voyage'..

The explanation below should help clarify the meaning and use of vocabulary related to travel.

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travel noun

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What does the noun travel mean?

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun travel , one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun travel ?

How is the noun travel pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun travel come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun travel is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for travel is from before 1400, in Cursor Mundi: a Northumbrian poem of the 14th century .

It is also recorded as a verb from the Middle English period (1150—1500).

travel is a variant or alteration of another lexical item.

Etymons: travail n. 1

Nearby entries

• travailous, adj. a1382–
• travailously, adv. a1382–1881
• travail pain, n. 1662–
• travail pang, n. 1652–
• travailsome, adj. 1549–
• travale, n. 1798–1876
• travature, n. 1730
• travaux préparatoires, n. 1880–
• trave, n. c1405–
• trave harness, n. 1839
• travel, n. a1400–
• travel, v. c1300–
• travel agency, n. 1898–
• travel agent, n. 1885–
• travel allowance, n. 1835–
• travelator, n. 1955–
• travel brochure, n. 1908–
• travel bug, n. 1907–
• travel bureau, n. 1884–
• travel card, n. 1916–
• travel centre | travel center, n. 1883–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for travel, n..

travel, n. was revised in March 2020.

travel, n. was last modified in March 2024.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into travel, n. in March 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1914)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View travel, n. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for travel, n., browse entry.

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[ trav - uh l ]

verb (used without object)

to travel for pleasure.

• to move or go from one place or point to another.
• to proceed or advance in any way.
• to go from place to place as a representative of a business firm.

He travels in a wealthy crowd.

• Informal. to move with speed.
• to pass, or be transmitted, as light or sound.
• Basketball. (of a player in possession of the ball) to take more than two steps without dribbling or passing the ball.
• to move in a fixed course, as a piece of mechanism.

verb (used with object)

• to travel, journey, or pass through or over, as a country or road.

We traveled a hundred miles.

to travel logs downriver.

to travel to other planets.

to set out on one's travels.

a book of travels.

• such an account or work.

an increase in travel on state roads.

• Basketball. an instance of traveling with the ball.
• the complete movement of a moving part, especially a reciprocating part, in one direction, or the distance traversed; stroke.
• length of stroke.

to reduce the travel of food from kitchen to table.

a travel alarm clock.

/ ˈtrævəl /

she travelled across France

he travels to improve his mind

he travelled the country

• to go, move, or cover a specified or unspecified distance

to travel in textiles

• (esp of perishable goods) to withstand a journey

the sound travelled for miles

• to progress or advance
• basketball to take an excessive number of steps while holding the ball
• (of part of a mechanism) to move in a fixed predetermined path

that car certainly travels

• informal. often foll by with to be in the company (of); associate
• the act of travelling

a travel brochure

• usually plural a tour or journey
• the distance moved by a mechanical part, such as the stroke of a piston
• movement or passage

Discover More

Spelling note, other words from.

• travel·a·ble adjective
• non·travel·ing adjective
• non·travel·ling adjective
• outtravel verb (used with object) outtraveled outtraveling or (especially British) outtravelled outtravelling
• pre·travel noun verb pretraveled pretraveling or (especially British) pretravelled pretravelling
• un·travel·ing adjective
• un·travel·ling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of travel 1

Example Sentences

López said she could not travel to Mexico because she is undocumented.

Sound waves traveling thousands of kilometers through the ocean may help scientists monitor climate change.

Biden traveled to the state days later, meeting with the Blake family and calling for unity and healing in the community, though he, too, denounced the violence that followed the shooting.

TripActions says it has added nearly 500 new corporate customers since March, a surprising achievement at a time when most employees are still not traveling freely.

The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, which was first identified in China in December, has had sweeping effects in the public health, business, and travel sectors, among others.

You just travel light with carry-on luggage, go to cities that you love, and get to hang out with all your friends.

He did travel to China and Australia while the story was unfolding.

In doing so he exposed the failure of other airlines in the region to see the huge pent-up demand for cheap travel.

“The tribe is really made of people who put travel as a priority in their entire lifestyle,” says Evita.

Brands like Lo & Sons and Delsey are already tapping Travel Noire to connect with black travelers.

One thing was certain: Grandfather Mole could travel much faster through the water than he could underground.

The mothers know better than any one else how hard a way the little girl will have to travel through life.

He could lie in bed and string himself tales of travel and adventure while Harry was downstairs.

Under ordinary circumstances these men can travel with their burden from twenty to thirty miles a day.

The rules regulating travel on highways in this country are called, "the law of the road."

Related Words

• sightseeing

Travel trip and journey video transcript

Kathy! How are you? Fine. We wanted to speak to you about our business trip. You know we’re travelling to California next month? Yes. Can we travel business class? Absolutely not! But it’s a six hour flight. It’s such a long journey. Business class is far too expensive. I think that was a ‘no’.

Here are three words my students often muddle up. They have similar meanings. In this video we’ll learn how to use them correctly and fix some common mistakes.

Wow! Look at that view. Isn’t that beautiful? Yeah! Let’s go up to the top of that mountain, Jay. That’s a long walk. I think we can travel by cable car. Really? Yeah. Wow!

The word ‘travel’ is usually a verb – an action – and it means to go from one place to another.

Riding a bike is a great way to travel around the city. I can slip through all the traffic.

You know we’re travelling to California next month? Yes. Can we travel business class? Absolutely not.

We spell the word ‘traveling’ with one ‘L’ in American English and two ‘Ls’ in British English. And we call people who travel, travellers. In American English we spell that with one ‘L’. And in British English it has two ‘L’s.

I’m traveling to New York today and then on to Boston. It’s a business trip.

Travel’ is normally a verb, but not always. Let’s look at another example. Is ‘travel’ a verb here?

My job involves a lot of travel. I’m often away from home. My job involves a lot of travel. I’m often away from home.

In this sentence, travel is a noun – a thing. And here’s where it get tricky. If ‘travel’ is a noun, we use it to talk about travel in general. So we might talk about air travel, rail travel, space travel or time travel.

The rising price of jet fuel is pushing up the price of air travel for business travelers.

When ‘travel’ is a noun, it’s normally uncountable. That means we can’t talk about ‘a’ travel. This is wrong. We use it to talk about travel in general, so this question is wrong too. If you’re talking about a specific piece of travelling, you need to use other words instead, like journey or trip.

But it’s a six hour flight. It’s such a long journey. Business class is far too expensive.

We use ‘journey’ when places are a long way apart, so there’s a big distance or a lot of time involved. We might talk about a journey acrosss the Sahara, or a journey to outer space.

How long does it take you to commute to work, Jay? Two hours. Wow! That’s a long journey! Umm. I guess that’s why you’re always tired when you get to work. Ummm.

So a journey involves a long distance or a lot of time. Trips are similar.

We can take trips for business or trips for pleasure. Tourists in Paris like to take boat trips for fun. When you know someone is going to travel somewhere, you can say, ‘Have a nice trip’.

Have a nice trip, Frank. Sure Kitty. See you when I get back. Bon voyage.

Now be careful with this word. If it’s a verb, it means something different. If you catch your foot on something and almost fall, you trip. Jay nearly tripped over there. But when trip is a noun, it means a journey to a place and then back again.

So how was your trip? It was great. I think we got the contract. Oh well done! And what about your journey? How was that? There were a lot of delays.

Trip and journey are both nouns here and they mean slightly different things. Journey refers to the travelling, but trip is the travelling and everything that happens on the way, so the whole visit as well as the journey.

So let’s review. There’s travel. It’s normally a verb. We travel from place to place and sometimes it’s a noun – an uncountable noun. When we’re talking about a specific piece of travelling, we use journey and trip. Journeys are often longer than trips. Also journey is just the travelling and trip is the travelling and everything that happens on the way. And that’s it. Now you know how to use these words.

Oh hi Kathy! So how was California? Awful! Fantastic! The journey was terrible. The airline lost my luggage. I hate traveling. My journey was wonderful. I got upgraded to first class for free. Oh that’s nice. But what happened in your meetings? Nothing! My trip was a waste of time. I didn’t sell anything. I got three new clients. Oh well done Vicki. What a successful trip!

Are you travelling anywhere soon? Have a safe journey and enjoy your trip.

Click here to see an earlier version of this video with a clickable transcript Click here to see our video on how to check in at an airport Click here to learn the lyrics of the beautiful Doris day song ‘Sentimental Journey’ Click here to learn about a road trip Jay and Vicki took And click here to see lots more videos on tricky English words and vocabulary

4 thoughts on “Travel, Trip and Journey (countable and uncountable nouns)”

Thanks for this amazing information. I had learned a lot.

So glad you liked it Deepak Thanks for writing.

It has been written: “In this videos you’ll learn that travel is usually an uncountable noun and that we don’t usually use it as a verb” and then we learn this:”The word ‘travel’ is usually a verb – an action – and it means to go from one place to another.”.

Hi Ciesielski! I’m not sure I understand this because I don’t know where you’ve read ‘travel’ is usually a verb. It would have to depend on context. In scientific texts it’s often a verb. For example light travels at a speed of 299 792 458 m/s. In everyday speech though, it’s generally an (uncountable) noun. Hope this helps.

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Meaning of travel in Essential American English Dictionary

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(Definition of travel from the Webster's Essential Mini Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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"Travel" as a noun

• Thread starter emmi55
• Start date Apr 18, 2020

• Apr 18, 2020

I read that "travel" is a non countable noun, hence I couldn't say "a travel" or "the travel", and also that I can't use "travel" in the singular form to describe a single movement to one place to another. I can use just "travels" as a countable noun. I don't put the link of the sources because apparently I can't. So I can say:"I enjoy music, sport and travel" which indicates the act of traveling. But I can't say, for example: "the travel from home to work has been exhausting"; "the travel from Paris to Nizza went really good"; "Today, with the low-cost flights, the travel is the least part of the cost of the holiday."; "The study stated that the graduates found that «the hours worked were longer, the travel is more onerous, and the time at home more limited"; "During a travel is essential to have a camera to keep the beautiful moments with you." "A travel from here to New York could be fun" Last three are from reverso-context. They make sense to me. Maybe "a travel" is more problematic. I wouldn't use "trip" or "journeys" in these examples. The former seems too long and also there's some "adventure" in It. Trip is a temporary shift, similar to "vacation" but shorter in duration. Does this means that they are correct, or that they are incorrect and if I want to use "travel" I have to change the whole sentence and using It, for example, as a verb?  

Senior Member

emmi55 said: "The study stated that the graduates found that «the hours worked were longer, the travel is more onerous, and the time at home more limited" Click to expand...

Thank you. I didn't know that "the trip" could be used in reference to a specific trip, I didn't found It anywere, thay all say just that the singular form of travel is wrong and shouldn't be used and that's It. So, as you said, "trip" is not just a sort of smaller vacation, on which you stay for a while on your destination and after which you come back again to where you come from. In the Cambridge dictionary It says "a journey in which you go somewhere , usually for a short time , and come back again." Because, in the example I didn't specify if that It was temporary or not, in fact I was trying to avoid that meaning, meaning the opposite, just a simple movement. If I say "during a trip is essential..." I feel that It implies the meaning above, a sort of short vacation from which you come back, while I did not mean that (by the way, I took most of the examples from reverso-context). Same with "a trip to New york could be fun". But, according to you, "trip" can mean also a more general movement, long or short, and therefore It sort of take the meaning of the singular countable form of "travel" (because you can use the plural "travels" in some cases). Am I getting It right?  

• Apr 19, 2020

emmi55 said: "a journey in which you go somewhere , usually for a short time , and come back again." Click to expand...

emmi55 said: "during a trip it is essential..." Click to expand...

london calling

emmi55 said: "The study stated that the graduates found that «the hours worked were longer, the travel is more onerous, and the time at home more limited"; "During a travel is essential to have a camera to keep the beautiful moments with you." "A travel from here to New York could be fun" Last three are from reverso-context. Click to expand...

• Apr 30, 2020

london calling said: Really? The only possible sentence here is the first one. The other two were clearly not written by native speakers of English. Can you provide a link to reverso-context? In any case I think your native language is interfering with your reasoning (I know, I'm bilingual). Click to expand...

That's why there is a division between "natural" language and "constructed" languages. No one set down grammar rules and then invented words to fit those rules in any natural language, especially English. That's only been done and only been possible in constructed languages. People have been speaking using constantly evolving languages for tens of thousands of years that were never written down. It is only at the end that writing and grammarians have come along. They decided to make rules to fit usage, as best they could, not the other way around. But since the system was not constructed around codified rules it's not something that can be done perfectly. Language evolved outside of hard rules. The rules have to try keep up. It reminds me of the prior belief that all living things were plants or animals. You could say that was a rule. Then organisms were discovered that did not fit neatly into one of those two categories. It was human understanding that had to change, not Mother Nature. She can do whatever she wants. She doesn't care if her work fits in neat categories. It also reminds me of the idea of planets and continents. There is really no such thing as an objective definition of a planet or a continent. There are just chunks of land on the earth and chunks of stuff in space. It was man's idea to try to fit them in neat categories, called continents and planets. It doesn't always work very well. Pluto can tell you about that.  

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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Cite this entry.

“Travel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/travel. Accessed 1 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on travel

Nglish: Translation of travel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of travel for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about travel

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equilibrium \ ikwɪˈlɪbriəm \ noun

1. a stable situation in which forces cancel one another 2. equality of distribution 3. a sensory system located in structures of the inner ear that registers the orientation of the head 4. the state in which a chemical reaction and its reverse proceed at equal rates

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The word equilibrium has appeared in 102 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on April 7 in the Opinion essay “ My Faith Forbade Eclipse Gazing. Now It Inspires My Art ” by Balarama Heller:

Many ideas in Vedic cosmology (which seeks explanations for both human and nonhuman affairs throughout the universe) depict the physical universe as profoundly animate and vibrant. Some explanations for the mechanics of the observable world mirror modern understandings of concepts like the atom, the cyclic nature of time at scale and quantum mechanics’ “many worlds” theory. But it is still an ancient set of beliefs where planets possess their own personalities, akin to living deities or demons. I am no longer religious, and do not believe in god nor superstition. But growing up, I regarded existence as a grand stage where conflicting energies of chaos and order perpetually and cyclically clash, each vying for supremacy before gradually reconciling and reaching a delicate equilibrium where they coexist in a harmonious, unified balance.

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The newer, the better: How wheelchair users can travel smoothly

Chris Ricci can walk only short distances at a time, but he has traveled the world on his scooter.

The 57-year-old U.S. Army veteran has limited mobility stemming from a foot injury he sustained in the 1980s and related complications has found cruises an accessible way to explore destinations like Alaska or the Caribbean. Just this month, he, his wife and friends took a week-long Royal Caribbean International cruise to Belize, Honduras and Mexico.

Ricci, who is based in Lakeland, Florida, simply had to drive to Tampa to board the Enchantment of the Seas. “I think it’s pretty easy,” he told USA TODAY. They booked an accessible stateroom for the first time, too.

“It was really big,” said Ricci, who chronicles his cruises and other travels on his YouTube channel, Scootin Around the World.  “I had no problem getting the scooter into the room.”

Cruise ships can offer guests who use mobility devices an accessible, streamlined way to travel. But some extra planning can go a long way toward ensuring the trip goes smoothly. Here’s what to know.

How this adult-only cruise line integrated accessibility into its experiences

Do cruise ships have accessible staterooms for mobility devices?

Cruise lines do offer accessible staterooms, but they’re not all the same. “Make sure that you have the accessible room that's best for you,” said Joy Burns, organization and PR manager at accessible travel booking platform Wheel the World .

For instance, some staterooms may be better suited to motorized wheelchair users, but the setup may not be conducive for passengers who use other kinds of devices, according to her husband, Bert, who has been paralyzed since 1982 and has taken more than 20 cruises.

“If I got a wheelchair-accessible room that's made for a power wheelchair with a Hoyer lift, the bed’s up real high,” he said. “I can’t transfer with a high bed. I use a manual wheelchair, so I’m down low.”

Standard staterooms may also be able to accommodate mobility devices, but guests should familiarize themselves with cruise lines’ requirements.

Passengers booking a standard cabin on Carnival Cruise Line ships must have devices that can fit through a 22-inch-wide doorway, according to its website . The devices must also fold and collapse to allow for safe exit from the room (passengers cannot store mobility devices in corridors or public spaces).

“Guests who bring scooters that are larger than 21" (53.34 cm) wide, or travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, must purchase a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway (32”, 81.3 cm), or rent a smaller scooter appropriately suited for their stateroom,” the line said on its website. “Guests may be required to have their scooters sized at the time of check-in to ensure it fits in the stateroom.”

Major cruise lines typically have accessibility departments that can help guests navigate the process, according to Sylvia Longmire, an accessible travel writer who runs the blog and travel brand Spin the Globe .

“Talk to the accessibility department to ask the questions and let them know what kind of equipment you're bringing if you're bringing your own stuff,” said Longmire, who has multiple sclerosis and has taken over 30 cruises, most of which have been with a scooter or wheelchair. “Let them know what your ability or disability is, what your level is, what your accessibility requirements are. And that way, they can tell you what kind of cabin you might need, what location, (information) about the ship, and everything before you even call to make the reservation.”

For those booking through a travel agent, she said she “highly” recommends working with someone who has a disability or is an expert in accessible travel.

What cruises are best for guests with mobility devices?

Some destinations may also be better suited to guests with mobility devices than others. 

Once, during a New Zealand cruise, the Burnses’ ship hit some rough water, causing Bert to roll out of the casino and crash into the bar (though no one was hurt). Joy recommended researching the conditions of the seas. ( Click here for USA TODAY’S guide to the best times to cruise by region.)

She added that expedition cruises , which often feature activities that require guests to get on and off Zodiac boats, may not be as accessible.

What cruise ship is best for guests with mobility devices?

New ships tend to have more features that can make a trip easier for guests with mobility devices, said the Burnses and Longmire. Those include automatic sliding doors in public spaces, stateroom locks that allow passengers to wave their key to open the door and pool lifts.

“The newer the ship, the better the accessibility,” said Longmire.

Can I get a mobility device through a cruise line?

Guests can arrange to rent mobility devices through vendors like Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea (Longmire is a contract employee for Scootaround).

Rentals may also be available at the cruise terminal, and some lines have a limited number of scooters and wheelchairs available on the ship, according to Longmire. She estimated rentals can run from roughly $80 to $250 depending on the type of equipment, the length of time guests need it and other factors.

Do cruise lines have accessible excursions?

Yes, but options may be limited. Joy said accessible shore excursions available through cruise lines are “few and far between,” and she and Bert have taken cruises where there were none available through the cruise line at all.

Longmire noted that “cruise lines are entirely dependent on the availability of excursions with whoever they're contracting with.” If a given destination doesn’t have wheelchair taxis, for example, that limits cruise lines’ offerings.

Are there blind scuba divers? Here's the accessible way anyone can explore the ocean

When they are available through the line, Longmire said many of them are what she calls windshield tours – bus tours with a group of other passengers that might include one or two 15-minute stops to take photos. “And the rest of it is just seeing everything out the window,” she said.

However, she added that cruise lines “get a little bit better” each year about offering those.

Joy said passengers can also book accessible shore excursions through companies like Wheel the World. Longmire has had luck booking shuttles and tours directly through providers in various ports as well, though guests should take care to be back in time before the ship leaves.

Are tender ports accessible?

When it comes to accessibility at tender ports – where guests have to take a small vessel from the ship to shore – Longmire said it’s “not very black and white.” Cruise ships may let guests board tenders and some have technology to help passengers with wheelchairs do so, but the port’s capabilities may be different.

“Just because you're able to get from the ship to the tender doesn't mean that you'll be able to get from the tender to the dock,” said Longmire.

Rules may differ as well, with some lines allowing guests in manual wheelchairs to use tenders but prohibiting motorized devices. She recommended checking with the accessibility department about those policies.

The Burnses, for their part, have generally found tender ports to be inaccessible, and Joy suggested travelers review itineraries to see how many they include. 

Overall, Longmire said her experience on cruises has been “really good,” both for their accessibility and convenience (you can visit multiple places but unpack once, for instance). “I always recommend to wheelchair users for their first travel experience, like, if you don't get seasick and you’re okay with cruises, a cruise is the way to go.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The 24 Best Travel Tote Bags for Your Next Big Trip

Whether it's your only bag or a carry-on supplement, a travel tote will take your packing game to the next level.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

T&C Tried and True

Medium metro tote deluxe.

Separate Compartment for Organization

Lo & sons catalina deluxe tote.

Luxurious Essential

Cuyana easy travel tote.

Folds Small for Easy Packing

Lululemon packable tote bag.

Classic Tote

Longchamp large le pliage tote.

Everyday to Travel Tote

Etronik travel duffel bag with usb charging port.

Minimalist and Functional

The renew transit weekender.

Bargain Bag

Bluboon travel tote bag.

Madewell The Shopper Tote

Heavy Lifter

Boat and tote.

Whatever your travel needs for the season ahead, odds are that a good tote can make your packing life more organized, and less stressful—honestly, what more could you hope for? With that in mind, we've scoured the internet for the more durable, functional travel totes for every type of traveler, from the serial overpacker to the organization fiend. Here, our favorite finds for all of your journeys.

Perpetually trying to find space in your carry-on for one last thing? Meet what one T&C editor calls, "the personal item of every overpacker's dream." Featuring five exterior pockets, plus six on the interior and an detachably pouch, it will keep all of your travel essentials organized while it's sturdy-yet-lightweight construction makes it easy to tuck in "just in case" items to your hearts desire without overwhelming your arms.

The cushy, reinforced straps are easy on the shoulders, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap and a built-in sleeve to slip over the handle of your luggage if you don't feel like toting. It also comes in four sizes (we're fond of the medium for it's ability to hold oodles of stuff while still slipping neatly beneath the seat in front of you on a plane) and a seasonally-refreshed roster of more than a dozen shades, making it as stylish as it is functional.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

For the "a place for everything and everything in its place" traveler, this tote has you covered with a zippered bottom pocket that's perfect for separating out toiletries or dirty shoes from the rest of your haul (an interior panel also allows you to open the bottom compartment fully, if you're craving a deeper bag.)

Available in recycled poly or sturdy canvas, at 15" x 14" x 7", it qualifies as a personal item for most airlines and has a handy luggage sleeve to pair with your suitcase. For those looking for larger options, it comes in four additional sizes as well.

Cuyana bags are a favorite of T&C editors and royals alike ( Meghan Markle is a big fan ) for their timelessly stylish silhouettes, buttery soft leather, and effortless functionality. This, their latest launch, is made specifically with travel in mind.

Crafted with lightweight, durable pebbled leather (currently available in four colorways) it offers ample interior space (a 37L volume, to be precise) plus two large pockets, a phone slip, and a key clip, as well as snaps for Cuyana devotees who want to mix in their System Flap Bag or System Zipper Pouch .

If you're more of a "shop when you get there" traveler, this bag brings the souvenir space without taking up lots of room in your primary bag. Water-repellant and roomy (it holds 32L by volume) it features rugged shoulder straps, plus an extra strap that lets it slip over the handle of roller luggage, and can fold into its own exterior pouch when not in use to make a tidy, handheld bundle.

Some things are classic for a reason. Case in point: this timeless Longchamp tote; just ask T&C 's associate shopping editor, Sophie Dweck, who's been carrying hers for over a decade . Made from sleek, easy-to-clean nylon that comes in a cornucopia of colors, it features a simple, spacious interior and strong leather straps that ensure it can stand up to anything your travels throw at it, and look good doing it.

Looking for a tote that's as useful in your day-to-day as it is when you're far away? This multi-use tote has racked up thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for its versatility. A separate, vented shoe compartment makes it as friendly to gym sessions as beach trips, while its multiple pockets keep essentials organized. It also includes a luggage strap and a USB charging port so you can plug in your tech without rummaging through your bag for your battery pack, and comes in two sizes and almost 30 shades so it will match your travel style.

One reviewer writes: "I must say, it exceeded my expectations in every way! This bag is the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a must-have for any woman on the go."

Type-A packers, take note: this 100% recycled polyester is all about options. Its four colorways can be worn crossbody, carried in hand, or over the shoulder, and include a zippered exterior pocket, a luggage sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a padded laptop sleeve—all with Everlane's signature modern minimalist vibe.

Available in 20 colorways and textures, this canvas tote features a luggage sleeve that also doubles as a tech pouch so your gadgets will always be at the ready. The sturdy construction and bargain price tag have made it a hit with reviewers, who site its roomy 16.5" x 9" x 14" size and comfort.

One reviewer writes: "I am so happy with this purchase! Reasonable price, large main compartment, and a few zip compartments to organize smaller items. Bag fits perfectly under airline seat, even when stuffed FULL. It stayed in place when I had it on top of my roller bag, and I noticed the shape of it kept it from making everything tip forward (which happened with my previous bag)."

For a travel bag that you can use as a purse all trip, this simple Madewell leather tote brings a perfect mix of style and space (12.75" x 12.75" x 7.5".) It even comes with an interior strap that allows you to change the shape, and doubles as a keyring.

True L.L. Bean lovers know that the brand's classic Boat and Tote bag is hard to beat—after all, it's been one of their signature styles since 1944. Crafted from rugged cotton canvas, it's tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so no matter how much you manage to overpack, this bag is guaranteed to take it on. And with four sizes and two interior lengths to choose from, as well as a dozen colors, there's a perfect one for all your needs.

Caraa Studio Tote

Whether you prefer a classic tote style or a backpack, this Italian leather bag gives you the best of both worlds. Along with the usual amenities (a slew of pockets, adjustable straps) it also has a collapsible waterproof shoe pocket for those days your travel plans call for a quick change.

More: The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

Béis The Convertible Weekend Bag

This tote brings two-for-one power with a removable bottom compartment that can be used as is, or as a separate packing cube. Easy to clean polyester and polyurethane make it a cinch to keep looking like new, with a built-in luggage sleeve and removable laptop sleeve give it plenty of function for that rush through TSA.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Some people pack an extra suitcase when traveling abroad. We propose this packable Tumi tote instead. It folds out to an impressive 8" x 14" x 8 size when fully opened and weighs less than a pound, so you can shop to your heart's content while getting those passport stamps.

More: The 13 Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Built to work hard, this water-repelling polyester Carhartt bag is tough enough to handle all of your travel adventures. It includes two exterior pockets as well as an interior divider and pockets, so it's and functional on the inside as it is on the outside.

One reviewer writes: "Even better than expected! I used it as my personal item for a trip to Mexico…placed my purse, tablet, magazines, etc inside…lots of pockets! Hides dirt, wipes off easily, very well made."

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Available in five-shades, this nylon tote (made with fabric crafted from 27 recycled water bottles with recycled leather trim) has jumbo exterior slip pockets (plus three interior pockets and a keyring) and a built-in padded laptop sleeve to match its roomy interior with organization.

One reviewer writes: "Great color, roomy, lots of pockets to keep things organized and easy to locate. Perfect for work and travel. Very happy with it."

Dagne Dover Jemi Tote

Want a travel tote that makes a style statement? Bring your puffer coat style to your bag with this versatile, vegan tote made from recycled plastic water bottles. At less than a pound and half (it holds 16.2 L volume), it's super lightweight, and has two sets of comfy handles—one for hand-held use and one for shoulder use—plus a luggage sleeve, so it's great no matter your travel style.

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Fully lined, basket-woven neoprene brings beautiful texture to this travel tote, making it ideal for those situations when you have to go straight from the plane to an event. It also has a zip closure and zippered interior pocket to ensure that your stuff stays in place even on the wildest travel days.

Scout Travel Bag Large

You want all of the weight in your travel bag to be from your must-haves, not from the bag itself. This colorful version from Scout (it comes in half a dozen colors and patterns) is a featherlight 1 pound, yet can hold up to 65 pounds of your gear, and can fold flat when not in use. It also comes with a zipper pocket and reinforced bottom so everything you pack stays comfortable where you want it.

Barbour Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

The biggest name in waxed cotton jackets brings their British heritage sensibility to travel with this luxe 100% leather tote. Measuring 17.72'' x 14.96'', it comes with sturdy top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

More: The 13 Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style

WONHOX Large Travel Tote Bag

This waterproof travel tote features a luggage sleeve, three interior pockets, including a special compartment to separate wet and dry items (looking at you, still-damp swimsuit) and four external pockets, as well as a zip-open expansion on the bottom so your bag can be as big, or small, as you need.

One reviewer writes : "Schlepped this bag all over Europe and it holds a surprising amount of stuff! The little expander area on the bottom really helped me squeeze in a few extra souvenirs. The trolley sleeve is a MUST from now on. It hooks on to your roller suitcase so easily and is sturdy! I was throwing my baggage up on the train, in and out of taxis and through many airports easy peasy."

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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Definition of travel agent noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

travel agent

• have/​take (British English) a holiday/ (North American English) a vacation/​a break/​a day off/ (British English) a gap year
• go on/​be on holiday/​vacation/​leave/​honeymoon/​safari/​a trip/​a tour/​a cruise/​a pilgrimage
• go backpacking/​camping/​hitchhiking/​sightseeing
• plan a trip/​a holiday/​a vacation/​your itinerary
• book accommodation/​a hotel room/​a flight/​tickets
• have/​make/​cancel a reservation/ (especially British English) booking
• rent a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a holiday cottage
• (especially British English) hire/ (especially North American English) rent a car/​bicycle/​moped
• stay in a hotel/​a bed and breakfast/​a youth hostel/​a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a caravan
• cost/​charge $100 a/​per night for a single/​double/​twin/​standard/ (British English) en suite room
• check into/​out of a hotel/​a motel/​your room
• pack/​unpack your suitcase/​bags
• call/​order room service
• cancel/​cut short a trip/​holiday/​vacation
• apply for/​get/​renew a/​your passport
• take out/​buy/​get travel insurance
• catch/​miss your plane/​train/​ferry/​connecting flight
• fly (in)/travel in business/​economy class
• make/​have a brief/​two-day/​twelve-hour stopover/ (North American English also) layover in Hong Kong
• experience/​cause/​lead to delays
• check (in)/collect/​get/​lose (your) (especially British English) luggage/ (especially North American English) baggage
• be charged for/​pay excess baggage
• board/​get on/​leave/​get off the aircraft/​plane/​ship/​ferry
• taxi down/​leave/​approach/​hit/​overshoot the runway
• experience/​hit/​encounter severe turbulence
• suffer from/​recover from/​get over your jet lag/​travel sickness
• attract/​draw/​bring tourists/​visitors
• encourage/​promote/​hurt tourism
• promote/​develop ecotourism
• build/​develop/​visit a tourist/​holiday/ (especially British English) seaside/​beach/​ski resort
• work for/​be operated by a major hotel chain
• be served by/​compete with low-cost/ (especially North American English) low-fare/​budget airlines
• book something through/​make a booking through/​use a travel agent
• contact/​check with your travel agent/​tour operator
• book/​be on/​go on a package deal/​holiday/​tour
• buy/​bring back (tacky/​overpriced) souvenirs

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• He works in a travel agent's.
• fishmonger’s
• greengrocer’s
• hairdresser’s
• ironmonger’s
• newsagent’s
• stationer’s
• tobacconist’s
• travel agent’s

Nearby words