Category: Travel > Etymology
The word "travel" has its roots in the Old French term "travailler," which means "to work." This connection highlights the historical perspective of travel as a challenging and labor-intensive endeavor. In medieval times, journeys were often arduous, fraught with dangers such as bandits, disease, and harsh weather. The original sense of the word implied that to travel was to undertake a difficult task, akin to working hard. This etymology reflects how travel has evolved from a strenuous necessity for survival and trade to a popular leisure activity in modern times, where people explore the globe not just for trade but for enjoyment, adventure, and cultural exchange.