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Synonyms for ‘travel’

journey expedition voyage passage  roam wander venture travels

move pilgrimage trip excursion   wayfaring fly trek step

Can you think of any others?

What is a journey?

A journey is a term that implies travel, which can offer up new sights, experiences, cultures and perspectives. The passage between places or circumstances can be positive or negative in nature, physical or emotional, active or intellectual.

Regardless of the form that this journey make take, it tends to consist of many challenges or barriers that have to be met before the final goal is reached. A journey can be internal or external.

Some journeys have repercussions that last long after the journey itself has been completed, providing a benchmark for what life was like before the journey and what it was like afterwards. Some journeys, especially if they are spiritual or intellectual in nature, may last a very long time, if not a lifetime. The concept can often mean a change or transition of some kind that leaves its mark on the traveller. 

Imagery of the physical journey

1. Physical journeys involve different types of obstacles and movement to new places. 

2. They provide opportunities for travellers to extend themselves physically, intellectually and emotionally as they respond to challenges and learn more about themselves and the world around them.

3. Physical journeys have  the power to challenge your thinking and, in this way, a  journey can lead to greater understanding.

The ‘physical journey’ - imagery

Common symbols of travel

Boots or shoes

Boots or shoes are a symbol of the traveler. The might of the Roman army was built on walking power, symbolized by the soldier’s boot.

Winged sandals

Hermes, the Greek god of travel, wore winged sandals which enabled him to cover great distances without becoming tired. In many cultures, the traveler is wished ‘God speed’ or ‘good speed’.

The horse

The horse is the most archetypal symbol of travel. It also symbolizes power and strength.

The chariot

Chariots or ‘triumphant vehicles’ are the carriers of rulers and gods. They are also a solar symbol, connected to the sun traveling across the sky.

Sailing ships, boats and canoes

Sailing ships, boats and canoes are all used to symbolize the journey through life. In ancient Egypt, sails symbolized wind and breath, representing the fickle ‘winds of fate’ that can blow a traveller off course.

The crossroads

A crossroads marks an important point of decision. They are a place of transition, risk, opportunity, change choice and transformation. (See Why traveling is good for you?)

The winding road

A winding road symbolizes the twists and turns of the pathway through life.

Cars

Driving a car can be seen as a metaphor for an individual travelling through life in control of their direction.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are a modern-day replacement for horses but have retained the same symbolism – freedom of movement, strength and power.

Aeroplanes

Aeroplanes are a symbol of long-distance travel and freedom, much like birds whose wings can take them anywhere they want.

Traveling bag / suitcase

A hanky tied to a stick is an often-recurring symbol of picking up all a person has and leaving. Modern traveling bags are also symbols of long distance travels.

Trains

Trains are the modern symbol for distant travel and a major change in life. As they operate according to fixed rules, being late can be interpreted in terms of a person’s relationship to the world. (See Why Vacation are Important?)

Public transport

A bus or a tram is a symbol of travel and also a symbol of a person’s connection to society.

A Traditional Compass

The compass is a classic symbol of travel and transportation. Even though we now live in a world of cell phones and GPS, just about everyone will recognize the rose of a compass.

A Globe of the World

A map of the world

A passport stamp

A city skyline