These four words are commonly used when speaking about holidays and vacations. They are also often confused. Here is a guide to the use of these four critical words.
As a noun, 'travel' refers to the activity in general and is generally used as an uncountable noun.
I enjoy travel and playing golf.
Travel and music are two of my favorite activities.
'Travel' can also be used as a verb and refers to the activity of moving from one place to another. Generally, 'travel' is used as a general verb and is rather formal. People often use the mode of transport to express this activity.
I travelled by plane to Madrid. = I flew to Madrid.
She travelled more than three hundred miles to get to the meeting. = She drove more than three hundred miles to get to the meeting.
Sometimes, 'travel' is also used as a countable noun in the plural form. In this case, it is often used in the sense that someone has been to many different places during one longer journey. This usage is also rather formal, and isn't likely to be used much in everyday speech.
His travels took to the far corners of the globe.
Ms Bancroft sketched extensively during her travels around Europe.
'Trip' is a countable noun which indicates travel to and from a place. It is often used together with the reason for the return journey.
I took a trip to the coast last weekend to relax.
Frank needs to take some time off and maybe take a trip to some exotic location.
Journey refers to the actual time spent travelling. It tends to be used in British English more often than in American English.
How was your journey from Oxford?
The journey to Rome was long and tiring.
'Voyage' refers specifically to long distance travel by sea.
The voyage to Japan takes about two weeks from San Francisco.
Many voyages were made to the Indian Ocean during that period.
Other Common Travel Expressions
A 'flight' is a noun which refers to travel by air. It is similar to the verb 'fly' which means to travel by air.
My flight was delayed in Chicago.
She needs to book a flight to San Diego next week.
She flew to London last weekend.
They might fly a jet next weekend.
'Drive' is both a verb and a countable noun. It refers to travel by car or other four wheeled vehicle.
The drive to the coast is beautiful.
She drove for six hours non-stop.
Let's take a drive in the countryside.
Would you like to drive, or should I?
'Ride' is generally used as a verb, but can also be used as a noun. It refers to travel by bicycle or motorcycle.
Janet rode her bicycle to the grocery store.
Can I ride your motorcycle?
Let's take a ride on our bikes through the countryside.
Walk, Jog, Run and Sprint
'Walk', 'jog', and 'run' are also used as both verbs and countable nouns. They refer to travel on foot. Walking is the slowest, jogging faster, running still faster and sprinting the fastest. Here are some examples that show the different speed:
I walk through the park on a sunny summer's day.
I jogged three miles last week.
Peter ran the last quarter mile to his home.
He sprinted the final fifty meters to the finish line.
'Hike' is used as a verb and as a countable noun and refers specifically to walking in the mountains or countryside.
We went on a hike in Mount Rainier National Park last weekend.
She hiked 10 miles in six hours.