As a passionate traveler, it’s essential to know how to express the concept of “travelling” in different languages. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “travelling” in Spanish, whether formally or informally. Additionally, we’ll provide tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations. So, let’s get started and embark on this linguistic journey!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Travelling” in Spanish
When it comes to formal contexts, such as professional conversations or academic settings, it’s important to use more polite and sophisticated language. Here are some ways to say “travelling” formally in Spanish:
1. Viajar
“Viajar” is the most common and widely used verb to express “travelling” in Spanish. It’s a versatile term that encompasses all aspects of the travel experience.
Example:
Me encanta viajar a lugares exóticos todos los veranos. (I love traveling to exotic places every summer.)
2. Desplazarse
Another formal way to say “travelling” is “desplazarse.” This verb emphasizes the movement from one place to another.
Example:
Necesito desplazarme a diferentes ciudades por motivos de trabajo. (I need to travel to different cities for work reasons.)
3. Recorrer
“Recorrer” is an elegant way to describe the act of traveling, especially when exploring or touring a specific place.
Example:
Planeo recorrer Europa en un mes y visitar sus principales capitales. (I plan to travel around Europe in one month and visit its main capitals.)
Informal Ways to Say “Travelling” in Spanish
When chatting with friends or in casual situations, you can opt for more relaxed and colloquial language. Here are some informal ways to say “travelling” in Spanish:
1. Irse de viaje
A popular phrase among Spanish speakers to express “travelling” in an informal way is “irse de viaje.” It conveys the idea of “going on a trip.”
Example:
¿Te gustaría irte de viaje a la playa con nosotros este fin de semana? (Would you like to go on a trip to the beach with us this weekend?)
2. Salir de paseo
If you want to communicate a more relaxed type of travel, particularly for leisure or sightseeing purposes, you can use the phrase “salir de paseo.”
Example:
Vamos a salir de paseo por el centro histórico de la ciudad. (Let’s go for a stroll around the city’s historic center.)
3. Escaparse
An informal and playful term for “travelling” is “escaparse.” It implies a sense of escaping from daily routine or responsibilities.
Example:
¡Me muero por escaparme unos días a la montaña y desconectar de todo! (I’m dying to escape to the mountains for a few days and disconnect from everything!)
Regional Variations
Although the majority of Spanish-speaking countries use the above terms universally, it’s worth noting some regional variations that exist. Here are a few examples:
1. Latin America
In some Latin American countries, they use the verb “viajar” commonly to express both formal and informal “travelling.” However, you might come across the word “mochilear” (to backpack) or “turistear” (to tour as a tourist) in certain contexts.
2. Spain
In Spain, besides using “viajar” in both formal and informal conversations, you may also encounter the verb “viajar de ocio” (to travel for leisure) or the phrase “hacer turismo” (to do tourism). These alternatives are often used to specify the purpose of the trip.
A cultural tip: When referring to travel in Spain, it’s common to mention the “Camino de Santiago,” a famous pilgrimage route, as it holds great historical and spiritual significance.
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now learned various ways to say “travelling” in Spanish. Whether you’re looking for a formal or informal expression, this guide has covered the essentials. Remember to adjust your language based on the situation and the region you find yourself in. So, next time you plan a trip or engage in a conversation about travel, show off your Spanish skills confidently! ¡Buen viaje!
