Travel Facts for Kids

A statue dedicated to a traveler in Oviedo, Spain

Travel is when you go from one place to another. It could be a short trip, like going to school or work every day, which is called "commuting." Some people travel for their jobs, which is "business travel." When many people move to a new, faraway place to live, it's known as "human migration."

Many people travel for fun during their holidays. This is called tourism. They visit different towns, cities, or even other countries. When they travel, they might stay in hotels, hostels, or apartments. Some people enjoy camping outdoors. Over time, the ways people travel have changed a lot. Some writers even share their travel stories in books.

Here are some ways people travel:

Hiking (walking long distances)
Cruise ship vacations (traveling on a big ship)
Pilgrimage (traveling for religious reasons)
Train journeys
Hitchhiking (getting free rides from strangers)
Driving a car
Flight (traveling by airplane)

Why Do People Travel?
Types of Travel by Location
Famous Explorers and Travelers
Cool Facts About Travel
Related pages
Images for kids
See also

Why Do People Travel?

A traveler's motorcycle with a large storage box.

People travel for many different reasons. Some travel for fun and relaxation, like going on a vacation. Others travel to learn new things or do research. Visiting friends and family is another common reason. Some people even travel to help others through volunteer travel or for religious trips.

Business trips are for work, and some travel for trade. People also travel for health care or to escape from war. Sometimes, people just love the feeling of traveling itself!

Travelers can use many different ways to get around. They might use their own power, like walking or bicycling. Or they might use vehicles like buses, automobiles, trains, ferries, boats, cruise ships, and airplanes.

Here are some main reasons why people travel:

To have fun and enjoy themselves
To relax and unwind
To discover and explore new places
To have an Adventure
To learn about other cultures and meet new people
To spend time with loved ones
To avoid stress
To make lasting memories
To experience different cultures
To do volunteer work
To attend Festivals and special events

Types of Travel by Location

Travel can happen close to home, like within your town or region. It can also be national, meaning you travel within your own country. Or it can be international, which means you go to another country.

In some countries, you might need a special document called an internal passport to travel far inside your own country. For international travel, you usually need a passport and sometimes a visa. A visa is a special stamp or document that allows you to enter another country.

Tours are a popular way to travel. Examples include expedition cruises, small group tours, and river cruises.

Famous Explorers and Travelers

Throughout history, many people have become famous for their travels. Here are a few:

Cool Facts About Travel

Air travel is very common today. One woman named Alexis Alford visited all 196 countries in the world before she turned 21!
Many countries do not accept driver's licenses from other countries. However, most countries will accept an international driving permit.
The exact origin of the word "travel" is not fully known. It might come from an old French word, travail, which means 'work'.
The word "travel" was first used in the 1300s, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
In the late 1500s, rich young men in Europe often traveled to big cities like London, Paris, and Rome. This trip was called the Grand Tour. It was part of their education to learn about art and literature.