meaning of you travel a lot

8 Words To Describe A Person Who Loves To Travel

Someone who loves to travel often enjoys introducing themselves to a wide range of cultures and countries. We might want to come up with a good synonym to describe people like that, and this article is the place for that.

Which Words Can Describe A Person Who Loves To Travel?

There are plenty of options to describe a person who loves to travel. Some of the best ones that we’ll cover in this article include:

Globetrotter

• Travel freak

Peripatetic

The preferred version is “globetrotter” because it refers to somebody who is happy to spend their days traveling around the globe. They like to immerse themselves in their travels, and it’s the only word on the list that specifically plays into someone ’s love of traveling.

Let’s start with “globetrotter,” which is by far the best word we can use on this list.

A globetrotter is somebody who enjoys traveling and will do so more often than most people. They’ll usually be the first person to book plane tickets out of the country, and they usually won’t care much about the time they come back.

Making holiday or vacation plans for a globetrotter is easy. Since they love traveling so much, they’re more than happy to invest a lot of their time and money into their next big trip.

The definition of “globetrotter,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “someone who often travels to a lot of different countries.”

You might see “globetrotter” in the following ways:

• He’s such a globetrotter! I wish I could visit as many countries as he has.
• I like to think of myself as a globetrotter, and I never stay in one country for more than two weeks.
• We’re a family of globetrotters, and we can’t wait to explore more of the world as we adventure.

Travel Freak

“Travel freak” is a slang phrase, where “freak” is a positive word to talk about someone’s obsession with something.

A travel freak is somebody who is completely obsessed with traveling. They’re more than happy to explore the world, and they don’t care what people might think about their freedom or love to explore new cultures and countries.

While “freak” is usually a negative slang phrase, we use it here in a positive way to show that we’re amazed by someone’s obsession with traveling.

You could see the slang phrase “travel freak” work as follows :

• You’re such a travel freak! I wish I was as confident as you at getting out and seeing the world.
• I’m a travel freak! I can’t get enough of all the wonderful adventures I get to have.
• I’m a travel freak, and I’m more than happy to admit it! I don’t know where my next adventure will be.

“Wanderlust” is a noun and not an adjective. However, it’s still a great way to describe somebody’s feeling of the love they get from traveling around.

Someone who has wanderlust will often dream about new adventures and places to go. We combine “wander,” meaning to explore, and “lust,” meaning “to long for.”

Wanderlust is an emotion that people can feel, which is why it’s not a descriptive word and doesn’t rank higher on this list. Still, we can describe someone’s emotions with “wanderlust” as a noun, which makes it a good choice nonetheless.

The definition of “wanderlust,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “the wish to travel far away and to many different places.”

While “wanderlust” is a noun, we can still use it in the following ways:

• I’ve got wanderlust, and it won’t go away until I get abroad!
• Wanderlust is such a powerful emotion that I feel nearly every day.
• He’s got plenty of wanderlust to go around, and I’m sure you can ask him where he’ll be traveling to next!

Now we come to some of the more specific words. “Rover” doesn’t strictly apply to someone who loves travel, but it can still work well.

A rover is somebody who spends a lot of time traveling. While the exact definition doesn’t mean they love traveling, it’s heavily implied that somebody who calls themselves a rover is more than happy to explore the world and everything in it.

The definition of “rover,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “a person who spends their time traveling from place to place.”

“Rover” works in the following examples:

• I’m a rover, meaning that I never like to spend too much time in one place.
• He loves to travel so much that he refers to himself as Roger the Rover!
• She’s a rover, and she’ll always be looking for the next best adventure on her laptop!

A “nomad” isn’t always a person who loves traveling and sometimes refers to someone who travels out of necessity. That’s why we didn’t include it higher, but it also belongs on this list.

Nomads are people who travel and never live in one place. They’ll have plenty of options outside of their original housing or settlement to move to. It is used to refer to a group of people but can also work to describe a singular person.

While there’s no direct reason for nomads to love traveling, it’s still implied when we use it to describe somebody.

The definition of “nomad,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “a member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time.”

“Nomads” are more specific, but the following examples demonstrate how we can use the word:

• You’re a bunch of nomads, which explains why you’re all more than happy to up and leave at a moment’s notice.
• He’s a nomad, making it much harder for him to settle down and find a family.
• I’m just a nomad, and I don’t like to hang around for longer than I’m welcome.

“Peripatetic” is an uncommon word with Greek origins, but it works really well as a member on this list.

A peripatetic person or lifestyle is someone who travels around to different places. The most common reason for this is because of their work, which might require them to travel out to new lands.

While the word is heavily linked to working abroad or in distant cities, that doesn’t mean a peripatetic person can’t have fun traveling. We use it to mean that somebody is constantly on the move, and they’ll often have plenty of stories to share about the things they’ve done.

The definition of “peripatetic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “traveling around to different places, usually because you work in more than one place.”

We might use “peripatetic” as follows:

• My work gives me a peripatetic life, making it hard to make any friends.
• I live a peripatetic lifestyle thanks to all the chances and fun I get to have with work.
• We’re both quite peripatetic, which I suppose helps us to stay in such a healthy relationship.

A wanderer is somewhat similar to a rover, but the two people have different aims with their travel.

Wanderers often travel from place to place, but they rarely have a clear reason for doing so. Wandering refers to an aimless or mindless attempt to travel and doesn’t always mean that someone is in love with traveling.

Usually, wanderers are hippy-types, where they’re happy to let the universe or other signs tell them where to go and what to do. It’s a very free way to live your life, which is why it works well in this list.

The definition of “wanderer,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “someone who often travels from place to place, especially without any clear aim or purpose.”

“Wanderer” works in the following ways:

• I suppose you could call me a wanderer because I like adventure, but I rarely plan it out.
• He’s just a wanderer, and we’re sure he’ll be passing through this town just like every other town out there.
• You’re not a very good wanderer if you end up staying in the same place for longer than three months!

Finally, we’ll talk about a vagabond. It’s the furthest away from the original meaning of someone who loves to travel, but we can still use it as such.

A vagabond is someone who has to travel, usually because they don’t have a home or a job to tie them down. While this doesn’t always mean that they love the process of traveling, they’ll usually have a good time once they reach their new destination.

Vagabonds don’t often want to travel, but sometimes they are forced to if the conditions of their original life become too poor.

The definition of “vagabond,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “a person who has no home and usually no job, and who travels from place to place.”

We can use “vagabond” in the following ways:

• I’m a vagabond, which makes it hard for me to keep up with my own lifestyle.
• Because of my work schedule and business trips, you might as well call me a vagabond!
• Everyone in this city seems to be a vagabond because nobody works and everybody leaves.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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7 Personal Benefits of Travel

Forget milling around in your finest evening wear, Singapore Sling in hand: You'll be lucky to get peanuts. Flying isn't quite the party it was in Sinatra's days, and lots of time, energy, and money are expended to leave home, so why travel? How long do the  personal benefits of travel last?

Getting away from home and stepping outside of your usual routine is beneficial for both mind and body. The long-lasting personal benefits of visiting a foreign country far outweigh the costs and time to get there.

The great travel writer Pico Lyer said: "Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits." Here are seven ways that travel, especially  international travel, will enhance your life.

Travel Sharpens the Mind

You've done your old routine for so many years that you could run through it on autopilot. Being dropped into a new environment engages a dormant part of your mind and gets those synapses firing again.

Suddenly, you'll be required to navigate unfamiliar places, read foreign languages , try new things, make quick decisions, and choose your new eating and sleeping schedule.

Unlike at home, all the new sights, sounds, and places will require mental processing and filing. Your brain will welcome the workout! Once you return home, you'll be sharper than ever for better organizing and sprucing up your daily routine.

A Shift in Perspective

"Nobody comes back from a journey the way they started it." — Unknown

Being exposed to new cultures and people will greatly shift your paradigm and create a healthier perspective once you return back home. Seeing different social classes creates compassion and really makes you feel more blessed and content. Large portions of the world's population have to deal with daily threats such as hunger, disease , and landmines .

A hard day at work suddenly doesn't seem so bad when you see people in developing countries toiling in sun-scorched fields from morning to dark, or begging for a drink of water.

A Chance to Try New Things

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

While you may branch out at home from time to time by trying new restaurants or splurging on expenditures, traveling kicks you out of the comfort zone and forces you, for better or worse, to try new things!

Even if you don't enjoy your first attempt at scuba diving , at least you'll be able to relate in a new way the next time you see it in a movie or hear someone talking about it.

Becoming a well-rounded individual enhances self-confidence and will help you find new material for conversation in social settings with a wider variety of people.

Who knows, you may accidentally discover your new favorite food or find out that you want to pursue a new career in karaoke!

Meet New People

"A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles." — Tim Cahill

You'll meet far more friendly people on the road than you will under ordinary circumstances at home.

Other travelers are always looking to share experiences, give tips on places to go, and meet people from all over. Striking up a conversation with other travelers is extraordinarily easy.

A polite "so where are you from?" breaks the ice quite easily and may lead to lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

See the Real Deal

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." — Aldous Huxley

Until you visit a place and form your own opinions, your understanding only comes from what you were taught in school, read in books, or saw on media, which may or may not be a complete truth.

Don't over-research your upcoming destination in guidebooks. Do your best to avoid building a bias toward a place or installing mental filters before you visit. Wait to form your own opinion, remaining objective until you can make up your own mind.

Exercise and Sunshine

Sure, you could just go sweat in the gym under fluorescent lighting, but chances are that you'll be much more active from day to day while on the road, regardless of whether your trip is an adventurous one or simply a relaxing beach trip .

You could be exploring new cities on foot, hiking , swimming, walking between places, and hopefully soaking up some needed sunshine while doing so. And it's guaranteed to smell better than the gym.

Come Home Renewed

After stepping away from home for a while, you'll return with renewed energy, a new set of mental filters, and ready to take on the next big project or challenge. Call it a life reboot.

Getting away for some time, even though it requires effort, will greatly enhance your attitude and productivity once you return home. Sure, you may have some mail piled up and matters to attend, but those are simple challenges easily knocked out.

Breaking up the monotony for a while is a great way to reduce stress and give your life an injection of excitement. Don't be surprised if shortly after your return, you're already counting down days until the next trip!

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• THE BIG IDEA

Why travel should be considered an essential human activity

Travel is not rational, but it’s in our genes. Here’s why you should start planning a trip now.

In 1961, legendary National Geographic photographer Volkmar Wentzel captured two women gazing at the surf off Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. This and all the other images in this story come from the National Geographic image collection.

I’ve been putting my passport to good use lately. I use it as a coaster and to level wobbly table legs. It makes an excellent cat toy.

Welcome to the pandemic of disappointments. Canceled trips, or ones never planned lest they be canceled. Family reunions, study-abroad years, lazy beach vacations. Poof. Gone. Obliterated by a tiny virus, and the long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome.

Only a third of Americans say they have traveled overnight for leisure since March, and only slightly more, 38 percent, say they are likely to do so by the end of the year, according to one report. Only a quarter of us plan on leaving home for Thanksgiving, typically the busiest travel time. The numbers paint a grim picture of our stilled lives.

It is not natural for us to be this sedentary. Travel is in our genes. For most of the time our species has existed, “we’ve lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers moving about in small bands of 150 or fewer people,” writes Christopher Ryan in Civilized to Death . This nomadic life was no accident. It was useful. “Moving to a neighboring band is always an option to avoid brewing conflict or just for a change in social scenery,” says Ryan. Robert Louis Stevenson put it more succinctly: “The great affair is to move.”

What if we can’t move, though? What if we’re unable to hunt or gather? What’s a traveler to do? There are many ways to answer that question. “Despair,” though, is not one of them.

In this aerial view from 1967, wall-to-wall seaside sunbathers relax under umbrellas or on beach towels in Ocean City, Maryland .

A 1967 fall festival in Guadalajara, Mexico , starred traditionally costumed musicians and dancers.

We are an adaptive species. We can tolerate brief periods of forced sedentariness. A dash of self-delusion helps. We’re not grounded, we tell ourselves. We’re merely between trips, like the unemployed salesman in between opportunities. We pass the days thumbing though old travel journals and Instagram feeds. We gaze at souvenirs. All this helps. For a while.

We put on brave faces. “Staycation Nation,” the cover of the current issue of Canadian Traveller magazine declares cheerfully, as if it were a choice, not a consolation.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association, the industry trade organization, is launching a national recovery campaign called “ Let’s Go There .” Backed by a coalition of businesses related to tourism—hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines—the initiative’s goal is to encourage Americans to turn idle wanderlust into actual itineraries.

The travel industry is hurting. So are travelers. “I dwelled so much on my disappointment that it almost physically hurt,” Paris -based journalist Joelle Diderich told me recently, after canceling five trips last spring.

(Related: How hard has the coronavirus hit the travel industry? These charts tell us.)

My friend James Hopkins is a Buddhist living in Kathmandu . You’d think he’d thrive during the lockdown, a sort-of mandatory meditation retreat. For a while he did.

But during a recent Skype call, James looked haggard and dejected. He was growing restless, he confessed, and longed “for the old 10-countries-a-year schedule.” Nothing seemed to help, he told me. “No matter how many candles I lit, or how much incense I burned, and in spite of living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, I just couldn’t change my habits.”

When we ended our call, I felt relieved, my grumpiness validated. It’s not me; it’s the pandemic. But I also worried. If a Buddhist in Kathmandu is going nuts, what hope do the rest of us stilled souls have?

I think hope lies in the very nature of travel. Travel entails wishful thinking. It demands a leap of faith, and of imagination, to board a plane for some faraway land, hoping, wishing, for a taste of the ineffable. Travel is one of the few activities we engage in not knowing the outcome and reveling in that uncertainty. Nothing is more forgettable than the trip that goes exactly as planned.

Related: Vintage photos of the glamour of travel

Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. Yet we do.

That’s one reason why I’m bullish on travel’s future. In fact, I’d argue travel is an essential industry, an essential activity. It’s not essential the way hospitals and grocery stores are essential. Travel is essential the way books and hugs are essential. Food for the soul. Right now, we’re between courses, savoring where we’ve been, anticipating where we’ll go. Maybe it’s Zanzibar and maybe it’s the campground down the road that you’ve always wanted to visit.

(Related: Going camping this fall? Here’s how to get started.)

James Oglethorpe, a seasoned traveler, is happy to sit still for a while, and gaze at “the slow change of light and clouds on the Blue Ridge Mountains” in Virginia, where he lives. “My mind can take me the rest of the way around this world and beyond it.”

It’s not the place that is special but what we bring to it and, crucially, how we interact with it. Travel is not about the destination, or the journey. It is about stumbling across “a new way of looking at things,” as writer Henry Miller observed. We need not travel far to gain a fresh perspective.

No one knew this better than Henry David Thoreau , who lived nearly all of his too-short life in Concord, Massachusetts. There he observed Walden Pond from every conceivable vantage point: from a hilltop, on its shores, underwater. Sometimes he’d even bend over and peer through his legs, marveling at the inverted world. “From the right point of view, every storm and every drop in it is a rainbow,” he wrote.

Thoreau never tired of gazing at his beloved pond, nor have we outgrown the quiet beauty of our frumpy, analog world. If anything, the pandemic has rekindled our affection for it. We’ve seen what an atomized, digital existence looks like, and we (most of us anyway) don’t care for it. The bleachers at Chicago ’s Wrigley Field; the orchestra section at New York City ’s Lincoln Center; the alleyways of Tokyo . We miss these places. We are creatures of place, and always will be.

After the attacks of September 11, many predicted the end of air travel, or at least a dramatic reduction. Yet the airlines rebounded steadily and by 2017 flew a record four billion passengers. Briefly deprived of the miracle of flight, we appreciated it more and today tolerate the inconvenience of body scans and pat-downs for the privilege of transporting our flesh-and-bone selves to far-flung locations, where we break bread with other incarnate beings.

Landscape architects work in their Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , studio in 1955.

A tourist photographs a towering century plant in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1956.

In our rush to return to the world, we should be mindful of the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Now is the time to embrace the fundamental values of sustainable tourism and let them guide your future journeys. Go off the beaten path. Linger longer in destinations. Travel in the off-season. Connect with communities and spend your money in ways that support locals. Consider purchasing carbon offsets. And remember that the whole point of getting out there is to embrace the differences that make the world so colorful.

“One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view,” says Pauline Frommer, travel expert and radio host.

So go ahead and plan that trip. It’s good for you, scientists say . Plotting a trip is nearly as enjoyable as actually taking one. Merely thinking about a pleasurable experience is itself pleasurable. Anticipation is its own reward.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the frisson of anticipatory travel. My wife, not usually a fan of travel photography, now spends hours on Instagram, gazing longingly at photos of Alpine lodges and Balinese rice fields. “What’s going on?” I asked one day. “They’re just absolutely captivating,” she replied. “They make me remember that there is a big, beautiful world out there.”

Many of us, myself included, have taken travel for granted. We grew lazy and entitled, and that is never good. Tom Swick, a friend and travel writer, tells me he used to view travel as a given. Now, he says, “I look forward to experiencing it as a gift.”

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

What Does Travel Mean to You?

A few years ago, I went around the world and asked people what travel meant to them. As I travel the country on my current book tour and hear everyone’s reasons for travel, I’m reminded of that experience.

Travel means something different to every single person in the world.

There are a million and one reasons to travel. Many people travel the world to get the bug out of their system, or to check things off a list to say they’ve been there and done that. Some run to escape their problems. Some people travel simply to get drunk around the world.

For me, travel means many things. Travel is freedom . It’s about being able to do what I want and fill my day with excitement. Travel was an escape. Travel was “elsewhere”. That place where exciting things and people resided. It was escaping the Matrix to learn about the world, why people do what they do, and how they act. It’s about pushing myself to the limit and getting more comfortable in my own skin.

But I wondered what motivates other people to do the same.

I have my theories of course.

But I wanted to hear it from people directly.

So, during an extended trip, I asked people I met on the road one question:

“What does travel mean to you?”

And here is what they said:

I loved hearing everyone’s answers because it so accurately describes all the various reasons that push us to travel the world, learn about the people in it, and ourselves.

Now, tell me in the comments below:

What does travel mean to you?

Share what drives you.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Travel idioms: Fun ways to talk about traveling and adventures

Are you in the mood for an adventure? Before you pack your bags and grab your passport, make sure you have the right vocabulary to talk about it.

These English travel idioms will not only inspire you to see the world but can also be used on your journey. We have included lots of fun and useful expressions about travel and transport, all with examples and definitions. Idioms can be hard to understand , after all.

Travel idioms

A country mile.

A country mile is not an exact measurement but refers to a deceptively long distance. Country roads usually meander, so a destination a mile away can take much more than a mile to reach.

“It was suposed to be a 5 mile run but it felt like 5 country miles!”

People who have itchy feet are bored of where they are and have a desire to travel, do something new, or explore.

“She only came back from her camping trip last week but she got itchy feet and is setting off on a road trip tomorrow.’

Feet and other body parts are featured in idioms a lot, so they are always useful to know.

The travel bug

Be careful: if you catch the travel bug, it may turn your plans upside down! The travel bug refers to a strong urge, passion or desire to travel the world.

“I caught the travel bug when I first explored Europe over 20 years ago.”

At a crossroads / a fork in the road

You will surely come across a crossroads or a fork in the road when you are traveling. These expressions relate to any place where the road splits or meets another road, and you must decide which way to go.

However, we have put these on our list of travel idioms because they can also be used figuratively as choice idioms . You can say someone is at a crossroads or at a fork in the road if they have an important decision to make in any area of their life.

“I’m at a bit of a crossroads and I’m not sure what I should do.” “We get along fine, until we hit a fork in the road.”

At the crack of dawn

At the crack of dawn is a simple but fun way of describing any time very early in the morning.

“We’re going to have to get up at the crack of dawn to make our flight.”

There are many other time idioms you may find useful for planning a travel itinerary.

Bad news travels fast

Bad news travels fast , or at least that is how it often seems. Most bad news is scandalous or a great topic for gossip, so people are more likely to talk about it with their friends or colleagues.

“I can’t believe I got fired and that my wife knew about it before I even got home. I guess bad news really does travel fast!”

Live out of a suitcase

People who live out of a suitcase travel a lot from place to place, not returning home often. Since they normally stay for a short period of time in each place, they keep all their clothes in their suitcase rather than bothering to unpack and settle in.

“Guys, we have a busy interary, so get ready to live out of your suitcases for the next week or so!”

On a shoestring

Although this is a good travel idiom, it can actually apply to all situations. Anything that happens on a shoestring is done with a very small budget, keeping costs as low as possible.

“I’m backpacking around Asia next year but I’m traveling on a shoestring.”

Find some more money-related idioms here .

Hit a roadblock

This is a saying with two meanings. An actual roadblock is something used by the police to stop the illegal activity of a driver. As a travel-related idiom, to hit a roadblock refers to something getting in the way and stopping you from making progress in a project.

“The new contract negotiations were going well but we’ve hit a bit of a roadblock now.”

This is not to be confused with the one below.

Hit the road

Here’s a very popular travel idiom; so popular, in fact, that you’ll hear it in many songs like “ Hit the Road Jack “. To hit the road simply means to depart on a journey.

“Well, it’s getting late, so I think it’s time we hit the road.” “The car is all packed; let’s hit the road!”

You normally say this phrase when referring to traveling by car or going home, but it could be used in other circumstances.

Catch the sun

A lot of these travel idioms focus on going on vacation. For most people, a vacation means time in the sun. To catch the sun is to spend enough time in the sun that your skin burns or develops a tan.

“Won’t be long until I’m catching the sun in Spain.” “Looks like you have caught the sun today.”

You may also hear catch some rays , which means to sunbathe.

If you’re heading off for a summer vacation, make sure you check out some idioms about summer before you go. There are expressions to suit every season, in fact: winter , fall (autumn) and spring .

Pack light / travel light

People who travel light or pack light are careful not to bring unnecessary items. They keep their luggage to a minimum, whether for convenience or to avoid paying extra airfares for it.

“I always travel light.” “Much as I try to travel light, I always seem to need a huge suitcase.”

Travel on a full / empty stomach

Part of the joy of traveling is deciding what to eat! To travel on a full stomach means you have just eaten a lot and have no room for any more food. On the other hand, an empty stomach means you are very hungry as there is no food in you!

“I can’t have you traveling on an empty stomach. Let me make you a snack.” “I mustn’t travel on a full stomach. I get car sick.”

A mile a minute

Travel idioms can be a fun way to exaggerate your point. When you need to highlight that someone was traveling very fast, you could say they were moving a mile a minute . This saying comes from when cars had a top speed of 60 miles per hour and it was considered very fast.

“You must have gone a mile a minute to get here so fast!”

This fast idiom can also be used more generally to refer to anything done very quickly.

“She had the whole family to cook for and was chopping and mixing a mile a minute to get it all done!” “I could tell he was excited because he was talking a mile a minute. I couldn’t keep up.”

Off the beaten track / path

A beaten path or track is one that is well-used by other people. So, to get off the beaten track is to go somewhere unknown or more isolated.

“When we visit Thailand we like to get off the beaten track so we’re not just following the other tourists!”

Although it may seem similar to the next expression, this saying is more about a physical place than a direction in life.

Take the road less traveled

Here’s a travel idiom that may just change your life!

When you have a choice to make, people may advise you to take the road (or path) less traveled . This is an encouragement to think independently or unconventionally, rather than conforming to the norm and picking the option that everyone else would pick.

“I’ve decided to take the path less travelled and decline the job offer.”

Just to be very clear: this doesn’t have to be a decision related to travel. It could be about the type of job you choose, family options, education path, etc.

If you enjoy an adventure like this, also check out some action and adventure idioms .

Travel broadens the mind

Here is a little proverb that’s sneaked onto our list of travel idioms. A great reason people may give for seeing the world is that travel broadens the mind . You learn about different cultures, beliefs, and customs. You learn first-hand about history and taste new foods. Travel gives you a greater understanding and a new perspective on life.

“I’m so glad you’re taking a year to backpack Africa. Travel really broadens the mind.”

Spread your wings and fly/soar

Here is another travel expression that describes the freedom and liberty that comes with being able to wherever you like. We can liken this feeling to a bird spreading its wings to fly or soar above the world.

“You’re still young! It’s the best time to spread your wings and fly.”

This expression about freedom can relate to things other than travel, such as moving to a new place or beginning a new season of life.

Travel idioms featuring different modes of transport

We’re not done yet! Here are some more travel idioms, this time featuring or about different modes of transport.

In the driver’s seat

The person in charge of a situation and making the choices is the person in the driver’s seat .

“Mary took the week off, so Sam is in the driver’s seat.”

If you specifically need driving-related idioms more than travel idioms, there are plenty to refer to.

Catch a red-eye

Due to the size of America, it’s common to have long domestic flights. This is why this phrase is more of an American English idiom than British. A red-eye is a flight that departs late at night and/or arrives early in the morning, disrupting your natural sleep pattern and perhaps giving you red or bloodshot eyes.

“To make it to the wedding on time, we’ll have to catch the red-eye tomorrow.”

In the same boat

Normally, you’d use this saying in the context of a negative situation. To be in the same boat means that you and the people around you are all in a similar situation or experiencing the same thing.

“I know you’re cold, but we’re all in the same boat.” “The recent tax increases have hit us hard, but everyone is in the same boat.”

Here are some more idioms to use in bad situations .

Fly under the radar

Radars are used to detect things like planes or submarines. Someone or something that flies under the radar goes unnoticed or undetected, usually by people in authority.

“Let’s keep our heads down and hope we fly under the radar.”

As the crow flies

The straight-line distance from one location to another is measured as the crow flies . This is different from the distance needed to actually travel from one place to the other, since you usually need to navigate around roads, buildings, rivers, and other geographical features.

“The beach is only 2 miles away as the crow flies, but it’s more like 4 on the winding country roads.”

Find some more interesting bird idioms here.

Don’t forget to write

If you’re going to be traveling for a while, you’ll probably want to write to your friends and family back home. Traditionally this was done via letters or postcards, but now you’re more likely to email or use social media.

You can say don’t forget to write as a farewell, reminding the person to keep in touch while they are away.

“Have a fantastic trip, and don’t forget to write!”

It’s surprising how many idioms about writing are becoming obsolete as we turn to electronic methods of communication.

Float your boat

If you find something appealing, you can say that it floats your boat . It’s often used in negative constructions about things you don’t like.

“I think I’ll pass on the spring rolls, thanks. They don’t really float my boat.”

You can also use the expression whatever floats your boat to mean ‘whatever you like’ or ‘whatever makes you happy’.

“Listen, whatever floats your boat is ok by me.” “Peanut butter and tomato sandwiches sound a bit weird to me, but… whatever floats your boat.”

Occasionally, you may hear people use this in relation to a person, meaning that they find that person attractive. This could be considered rather sleazy, and there are better idioms about love and attraction that you could use.

Just the ticket

Here’s a travel idiom that can actually be used as a sentence on its own. Just the ticket is a way of expressing that something is exactly what is needed or wanted; a perfect solution to a problem.

“Brilliant! That’s just the ticket. Thanks.”

Be aware that this expression might sound a little old-fashioned nowadays. Find some other ways to describe good things here.

There really are plenty of boat and ship-related travel idioms. When you jump ship you move from one group, cause, or situation to join another.

“We heard the company was struggling, so Martha jumped ship as soon as she could.”

That ship has sailed

Sadly, when you hear the saying that ship has sailed , it means you’ve missed an opportunity. Perhaps something or someone is no longer available, or the situation has changed.

“Sorry son, that ship has sailed.”

Here are some more idioms about change that you can use.

Train of thought

If you didn’t know the meaning of the phrase train of thought , you’d struggle to work it out or make a logical guess! It’s the process by which someone reaches their decision; their line of reasoning to make a choice.

“I really don’t understand her train of thought, but she’s the boss, so we’ll do as she says.”

Have these idioms about travel inspired you to start planning your next adventure? Can you think of any others that should be on this list? Leave a comment to let us know!

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17 Signs You Travel A Lot

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Tips

Updated On: January 17, 2021

Dave and I have been running a travel blog a long time now and we travel a lot. Sometimes too much!

The other night while huddled in a tent on the shores of the Mediterranean, we talked about how life has changed a lot through our years of travel.

We are actually more comfortable with the strange things that occur when traveling than we are at home trying to be a part of regular society.

We realized that life is different when you travel a lot. We’re a little bit weird but lucky for us, we like each other, just the way we are. (Yes, I’m referencing Bridgette Jones ) When you’re a couple, that’s a good thing.

This list was easier to come up with than you would think. We had so many ideas pop into our head all night long and could have made 100 reasons and signs you travel a lot.

But we decided that nobody would want to read a list of 100 signs, so we whittled it down to a mere 17. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Signs you Travel A lot

You Know you Travel A Lot When…

1 – You feel the need to entertain your guide for fear that he’ll get bored.

2 – You Have Money in your pocket and you don’t know what country it’s from.

3 – Your first aid kit is made up of drugs from every country but your own and you have no idea what each pill does or what they’re for.

4 – You actually start to use those bidets in Europe.

5 – Your passport resembles the thickness of War and Peace.

6- You stop buying souvenirs from each country you visit, not because your are too cool, but because you simply forgot.

7 – You actually enjoy getting the chance to cook and clean.

8 – You forget what you have in storage

9 – You don’t remember what it’s like to have ice water.

10 – When your shower has cool water coming out instead of ice cold you yell “Honey, we’ve got hot water!”

11 – You cut your own hair, and sadly even when you visit home, you still cut your own hair.

12 – Two sugars in your coffee or tea isn’t near enough

13 – You have no idea who is hot on TV right now.

14 – Have a collection of SIM cards from all around the world and have no idea which country each is from so even when you do return, you can’t use it again, because you don’t know which is which!

15 – You look at your photographs and see that you are still wearing the same shirt from four years ago.

16 – Stay in your hotel room all day long to relax and watch T.V and feel no guilt about not taking in the sights or going to the beach!

17 – You write a travel blog post and realize that you wrote the exact same thing years. (We have since deleted that post:)

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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36 thoughts on “17 Signs You Travel A Lot”

A tip for not having the same clothes in EVERY single picture is to buy new clothes from locals and give away your old ones. I’ve ended up with several new styles and it’s fun to have some kind of memory that isn’t a typical souvenier!

ticking 16 boxes.. addiction?? 🙂

Haha! That’s awesome. I’m glad to hear that you have the same ‘problem’ ;-)

Love this list; it’s interesting and entertaining! And I really relate to it–especially to 1 and 2. And 14, which actually drives me crazy. I sometimes just pack up several SIMs and hope for the best!

Ha, I know. It’s so frustrating because we end up in a country, know we have a SIM card for it, but have to go buy another anyway. We need better organization.

Guilty of just about all of them.However, I still must have hot water, I do not use sugar. Yes, my sim card collection is out of hand. I look at bills and try to remember if they are worth anything. My souvenir collecting has stopped because I have no more shelf space and my fridge is covered. Love the post. See ya in Porto???

Good for you for not using sugar. We have become sugar addicts in our coffee and tea. It’s terrible. And yes, great point. We have receipts all over the place that we keep collecting and don’t know what they are for. We need to just purge them all. Yes, we will be seeing you in Porto! Cheers.

Guilty of #15. I have a “travel wardrobe” and there’s a sleeveless fuschia floral dress that as shown up in Panama in 2010, Guatemala in 2011, and Tenerife in 2012!

Very funny. My addition is that if your weight sometimes fluctuates you look at pictures from a few years ago and say “who’s that? Oh wait it’s me…but where was I?”

#2 reminds me I can probably take the dollars out of my wallet now…I’ve only been back in Chile for 2 weeks already!

According to the the list we have many years ahead. Could only check off 2 things from it!

Hahaha nice post! Although I can’t agree with the souvenirs thing – my mum would have some very strong words if I didn’t pick her up a fridge magnet from every country I go to. I think she’s in silent competition with herself. I was figuring out how long I’ve had some clothes for the other day and there’s definitely a few things from 2008 (and maybe even before) in there!

#10 is classic! I do find when I return home I appreciate the little daily things like cooking, cleaning, and my shower. Traveling is so humbling. It teaches you to live happier with much less – I too haven’t bought new clothes in a really LONG time!

Oh my how I could add to this list! This is great, and totally hits home. It really is an alternate reality. (and one I love!) Thanks for a great post. 🙂

OMG! I love number 15. Cameron and I NEVER buy new clothes and it’s because we prefer to save money to travel instead. So wearing clothes from 2008, yup, we still do. Baby B is the only member of our household who gets new things. Great post.

I dont know about cleaning but its easy to miss being able to cook some fresh vegetables and buy some fruit to put in the fridge. Nice list.

Ha, #12 (2 sugars in your tea isn’t enough) is SO TRUE. We were just talking about that and couldn’t stop laughing about it — and now that we’re back in the States for a bit everyone is making fun of us!

Clearly we haven’t traveled enough yet – we still complain about cold showers and hardly ever spend the day in a hotel room! Great post though guys!

Very funny and oh so true! Nos. 1, 6, 14 and 16 really made me smile. Good to know I’m not the only one to forget to buy souvenirs or languish in an air-conditioned hotel room (actually for me it’s usually a stateroom, but same difference!)without guilt. Thanks for posting – it was a fun read.

9 – You don’t remember what it’s like to have ice water. — I so miss ice cubes and really cold drinks! Also air conditioner! 🙂

This is great – I’m just sorting through my first-aid kit (such as it is). It’s full of scary pills with instructions in Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese and one language I don’t even recognise. Matching the language with the previous trip and illness is the only way I can guess what they might be…

Haha a great post which made me laugh out loud. We do the SIM card one and were only saying yesterday how I need to give Matt a hair cut. So nice to hear it’s not just us.

Love it! Thanks

I can relate to some of these. Ja ja!!! The other days I found some bahts in the kitchen floor. I wonder how those got there.

I don’t buy souvenirs anymore. If I find something I can use or eat, then I will bring it back.

Sorry but I can’t resist to have ice water everywhere I go. I haven’t gotten sick yet.

The Kardashian mention was really funny. Good post. It really made me laugh.

Great post! Each number put a smile on my face 🙂 But I’m not sure if I’ll ever experience number 7… at least not the cleaning part, haha. And knowing things like number 13 seems to apply to me even if I’m not traveling.

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Haha this is great. I love that you already wrote it, too! I can relate to many of these but I will say I haven’t gotten to the point of trying the bidet yet, haha!

Very clever! I can relate to all! I definitely travel too much!

Hahah, cooking and cleaning is definitely a novelty for me.

Haha. I’ve spent a miniscule amount of time travelling compared to you guys, but I definitely relate to these!

I totally use the bidet! Mostly for washing my feet. We also carry a little blue elephant with us on our travels, and he gets pretty dirty, so sometimes he takes baths in there. Haha. Is that gross?

I don’t know if I have committed 17 yet… but I worry about it every time I start writing… but I don’t check before posting 🙂

LOL…..my fav is #10. So funny 😀

nice one..i love this post..thanks for sharing with us.. praveen mytravelo.com

Love the list, especially number 10, it made me smile. Thanks! 🙂

Thank you for #16. I am in a nice hotel right now with AC & a good WiFi connection… and I have no desire at all to even look up what is in this town or even see the beach. I know that is sad, but India is breaking my travel soul.

Don’t fel bad Jaime. Sometimes you just need an escape and break from traveling. When we were in India we did the same thing on 3 different occasions. Once we styled in our hotel for 4 days watching movies on the Internet. Whenever we did venture out during those days we went to the mall. I remember the hotel doorman being confused… You don’t want to go to the market? No we said, just tell me where the mall is. We needed a big break.

HAHA…a good one, this 😀 I think I have not traveled THAT much yet….LOL, but I do agree with the last one, I do that sometimes…then realize that the post seemed familiar and searched to see my own link coming up! *slaps forehead* 😛

Haha, that’s a good one. Had you ever gone to look up information on a destination for an article and it’s your own post that comes up? When that happens I always say to myself, ‘well that wasn’t much help was it?’

Why philosophy is an ideal travel companion for adventurous minds

Associate Professor of Philosophy, Durham University

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Emily Thomas receives funding from the AHRC.

Durham University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.

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In 2019, there were 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals globally – and, given that the planet only holds 7.7 billion humans , this figure alone suggests that a lot of us are travelling. The World Tourism Organization reports two major motivations for this – “travel to change”: the quest for local experiences, authenticity, transformation and “travel to show”: the desire for Instagramable moments and destinations.

I think both trends are fuelled by curiosity about the unknown, the unfamiliar. Humans have always looked for new experiences, ways to live, things to show to others. Travel magazines are strewn with articles about visiting “ overlooked ” and “ unknown ” places – and this curiosity has a long history.

Throughout his Antarctic explorations , Apsley Cherry-Garrard yearns for “unknown” places. Mary Kingsley describes the “sheer good pleasure” of canoeing down an “unknown” West African river by moonlight, and delights in places “not down” on maps. A character in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness describes how “inviting” the “blank spaces on the earth” seem and tells us about his hankering for “the biggest, the most blank”.

Philosophy can also be about exploring the unknown. In one of his groundbreaking books on idealism, 18th-century Irish philosopher George Berkeley likened his investigations to a “long Voyage”, involving difficult travel across “wild Mazes of Philosophy”. Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume offers similar reflections halfway through his most radical sceptical work A Treatise of Human Nature .

He imagines himself as a sailor who has struck shallow water, narrowly escaping shipwreck. Safety tempts him to remain perched on the rocks, rather than venturing out onto “that boundless ocean, which runs out into immensity”. Yet Hume decides he will put out to sea again, in the same “leaky weather-beaten vessel”.

Wild mazes of thought

The “philosophy of travel” isn’t a thing. It isn’t the subject of lecture courses, or conferences – there are no lists of great philosophical travellers. But, as I argue in my new book The Meaning of Travel: Philosophers Abroad , travel and philosophy have enjoyed a quiet love affair for centuries.

Travellers and philosophers can both aim at pushing the limits of their knowledge – at seeing how the world is. Adventurous travellers covet new places – even Earth’s unexplored oceans and planets around distant stars. Radical philosophers crafts new questions and shake old assumptions. What is time? Or matter? Or goodness?

You might think wishing for the unknown is the only thing philosophy and travel have in common. Travel involves trains, passports, luggage. Philosophy involves books, ethics, bearded Greeks. But despite their differences, travel and philosophy are tangled together. Travel has affected philosophy, and philosophy has affected travel.

Travel can help philosophers develop new questions. For example, 17th-century European travellers began bringing home, en masse, reports of foreign customs and beliefs. John Locke, the “father of liberalism” – and a voracious reader of travel books – discussed practices that Europeans found shocking. His Essay Concerning Human Understanding describes cannibalism among peoples in Georgia, the Caribbean and Peru; the immodest sex lives of Turkish saints; and atheism running rampant throughout China and Thailand.

Some of these reports were erroneous: reports of cannibalism were exaggerated , while – even then – China and Thailand had long religious traditions. But it was becoming clear that people across the planet disagree about ethics and religion. Locke used these disagreements to raise a philosophical question. Are there any innate ideas that all humans are born knowing? (For Locke, the answer was “no”.)

New questions

Travel is still prompting new questions today. What are the ethics of doom tourism, to places affected by climate change? Can we imagine what other, non-human minds are like? How might space travel affect us?

Just as travel has moved philosophy forward, philosophy has sometimes pushed travel practices in new directions. Every so often, a new philosophical idea impels travel to particular places, or in particular ways. For example, American literary scholar Marjorie Hope Nicolson’s Mountain Gloom, Mountain Glory argues that, from the late 17th century, a new theory of space incited tourists to visit mountains. On this “ Absolute ” theory, space is God’s immensity or infinite presence.

Nicolson argues this led to people perceiving big, infinite landscapes such as mountains as divine. “Great cathedrals of the earth” – as the Victorian thinker John Ruskin wrote of the Alps – “altars of snow”. Once mountains had become cathedrals, everybody wanted to visit them.

Similarly, the philosophy of wilderness set out in American philosopher Henry Thoreau’s Walden started a craze for solitary wilderness travel – and cabin porn .

What counts as unknown depends on your starting point. For British sailor James Cook, Alaska and Australia were “new” lands – but their indigenous inhabitants knew them well. Roman Syria would have been unfamiliar to Chinese explorer Gan Ying, but not to the Syrians. Sometimes journeys explore places unknown to all human beings: the depths of Son Doong caves , the under-snow mountains of Antarctica , the Moon and Mars .

Philosophers can also venture into areas of thought that are new to them but familiar to others. I would have this experience if I began researching medieval German philosophy, or contemporary Chinese philosophy. And philosophers can attempt to strike out into wholly new areas of thought. I think this is when philosophy and travel are at their most fascinating: when they look to the borders of what humans do not know.

• Joseph Conrad
• Travel writing
• Philosophers

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How to Answer “Are You Willing to Travel?” (Interview Question)

By Biron Clark

Published: December 5, 2023

If a job involves any travel, you’re likely to hear interview questions like, “Are you willing to travel?” “How much are you willing to travel?” etc.

So in this article, I’m going to walk you through how to answer all of these interview questions. And we’ll look at how to understand the meaning of “travel percentage,” so you’ll know what the job is really going to require before you say “yes” or “no.”

And finally, I’m going to share multiple word-for-word example answers to help you get confident and comfortable with this type of question.  So make sure you read until the end. 

Let’s get started…

Answers to “How Much Are You Willing to Travel?”

If they ask an open-ended interview question like this about your willingness to travel, you should state your answer as a percentage.

For example, you could say:

“I’m willing to travel up to 30% of the time. That’s what I did in my last job, and I know I’m comfortable with that amount.”

They may ask you directly for a percentage, with a question like, “what percentage are you willing to travel?” and you’d answer that in the same way. What does travel percentage mean, though? If you’re not sure, it’s essential to understand. So let’s discuss the meaning of “travel percentage.”

Travel percentage meaning: What is travel percentage?

So what does 70 percent travel mean? It means that the employer expects you to be traveling or in cities other than your home city for 70 percent of your working days. So you would expect to spend seven days traveling or away from home for every three days in your home town/office.

This is a very high amount of travel. In my experience working as a recruiter , most travel jobs are 50% or below, because this is less stressful and more sustainable for the worker. So, this is something to keep in mind when deciding how much you’re willing to travel, and whether you’ll take or decline the job offer . 

How to Answer, “Are You Willing to Travel X Amount?” – Examples

The hiring manager may also come out and tell you how much travel is involved, and then ask an interview question to determine if this is an acceptable travel amount. In this case, if it’s acceptable to you, then you can indicate that you are on-board with what they’re proposing. For example, you could say:

“That amount of travel will work for me. In my last company, I traveled that same amount, and it worked out fine.”

(It’s always good to show you’ve done something successfully in the past. This is the best way to improve to a new employer that you’ll be successful with them, too!)

No worries if you haven’t traveled for a job before, though…

Here’s an example of how you could still answer this question:

“That amount of travel sounds acceptable to me. I have no problem doing that for this role.”

Here’s another example:

“That sounds acceptable to me. I’d love to hear more about the role, and if it’s a good fit, then I am able to travel.”

Make Sure You Know What You’re Agreeing To

Another thing to keep in mind is the actual travel schedule. Two jobs could both have the same travel percentage – let’s say 50%. But one could have you spending two weeks away and then two weeks at home, while the other could have you traveling for 2-3 days at a time, returning, and doing it all again a few days later.

Depending on your family, children, etc., you may be able to handle one of these travel requirements but not the other. So the travel duration and schedule are two factors you should clarify before answering. You can say, “I would like to understand the company travel schedule a bit better. Can you give me an example of how long each trip would be, or what a typical month looks like?” This will help you get a clear picture of what your work schedule would look like before you answer the interview question. So don’t be afraid to ask questions of your own. You can’t answer interview questions like, “Are you willing to travel for this job?” without knowing what the company expects! For example, if they ask, “Can you travel if the job requires it?” you’d want to respond by saying, “How much travel is expected in the role?” You can’t give a good answer without knowing what they’re proposing or asking, so clarify that first. Once you know what the company expects, then it’s time to directly answer their question and indicate whether you can travel the amount they require.

You Can Also Try to Negotiate Your Travel Percentage/Willingness to Travel

If you’re interested in the job but can’t travel quite as much as they’re proposing, you can say:

“I don’t think I can travel quite that amount. The job and work sound interesting, and I’d love to consider the position if the travel requirements can be reduced to 30%”.

This may work, or it may not (depending on the role and company’s flexibility), but it’s worth asking! This way, you’ll find out the best they can do! You never know if they’re asking, “How much are you willing to travel?” because it’s a hard requirement, or if they’re just wondering how much you’re willing to do So give an honest answer and don’t be afraid to make a counter-proposal.

A lot of job seekers are afraid to set limits or “push back” in a job interview, but this can actually make you more attractive to the company. It shows confidence! However, you also don’t want to rule yourself out in an interview. So if you’re not quite sure, but think it’s possible to travel the amount that the company would like, just say “yes” for now. You’re not accepting the job or signing a contract. You’re just indicating whether this might be possible for you. And your goal in any interview is to get invited to the next step in the process… or get a job offer. So if you think it’s even remotely possible to travel the amount they want, then yes “Yes” and keep interviewing!

You can always go home and talk to friends and family and make a better decision about whether this is right for you! You do NOT need to decide this in the interview!

How to Answer, “Are You Willing to Travel or Relocate?” – Examples

This is a slightly different question. But just like with the questions and sample answers above, you should give an honest, upfront answer. There’s no sense in wasting their time if you absolutely cannot relocate. But if it’s even slightly possible, say “Yes” when an employer asks if you’re willing to relocate. Don’t rule yourself out. 

Remember: Your goal in the interview is to impress them and get invited back to the next round – so keep going with the job interview, and ask questions to learn more as you go! You’re NOT wasting the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s time by exploring the opportunity, as long as there’s a tiny chance you’d be willing to travel or relocate for the job. They want the opportunity to sell you on their position! I can’t stress this enough: You’re not wasting their time. I hear a lot of job seekers bring up concerns about this, so I just wanted to set the record straight!

You should now know what travel percentage is, and how to answer any time an employer asks about what percentage you’re willing to travel.

Remember – you’re not signing a contract or agreeing to anything in writing; you’re merely indicating whether this could potentially work (for the right opportunity). So stay calm, use the sample answers above, and be direct/concise when responding in a job interview.

This isn’t one of those interview questions where the hiring manager needs to hear a long-winded answer. So once you’ve answered the question, stop and let the interviewer move on!

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"You lot" is a phrase commonly used in British English as a colloquial and informal way of referring to a group of people. It's equivalent to saying "you guys" or "you all" in American English. The term is used to address or mention a group collectively without specifying each individual. For example, a teacher might say to a group of students, "You lot need to quiet down and focus on your work."

In short: It refers to a group of people, often used informally or colloquially.

What Does "You Lot" Mean?

"You lot" is a phrase used to refer to a group of people collectively in a casual or informal context. It is often employed when addressing a group directly or talking about them in the third person. The phrase is particularly prevalent in British English and is synonymous with terms like "you guys" or "y'all," found in different dialects of English. The use of "you lot" implies a sense of familiarity or informality and is rarely used in formal situations.

Let's delve into its different interpretations:

• Informal Group Reference: Primarily, "you lot" is used to informally address a group of people. It's akin to saying "you guys" or "you all."
• Tone-Dependent Meaning: The tone of the speaker can change the meaning. In a friendly tone, it's simply casual. But in a stern tone, it might imply annoyance or frustration.
• Cultural Nuances: In some cultures, using "you lot" can be seen as impolite or too casual, especially in formal settings.

Where Does "You Lot" Come From?

The origin of "you lot" is rooted in the English language, evolving with cultural and regional influences over time.

Its history offers insight into how language adapts to social changes:

• British English Origins: "You lot" is predominantly found in British English and is used colloquially to refer to a group of people.
• Evolution: The phrase has evolved, maintaining its group-referencing meaning while adapting to different social and regional dialects.
• Global Spread: With the spread of the English language and culture, "you lot" has found its way into various forms of media, further popularizing it globally.

10 Examples of You Lot in Sentences

To grasp the versatility of "you lot", let's look at how it's used in different sentences:

• Are you lot planning to join us for the movie night, or do you have other plans?
• Oh my gosh , I can't believe you lot managed to finish the entire project in just one week; that's quite impressive!
• You lot always come up with the most interesting and captivating stories whenever we meet.
• What exactly are you lot arguing about this time? Quite frankly , it seems like a heated discussion.
• In all my years of coaching, you lot are easily the best team I've had the pleasure of working with; keep up the good work !
• Can you lot lend me a hand in moving these heavy boxes to the storage room?
• It's entirely up to you lot to decide where we should go for our team lunch this Friday.
• Keep in mind if you lot put in a bit more effort, our group project could be the highlight of the class.
• Have you lot ever considered starting your own business, given your remarkable talent and synergy?
• You lot should definitely visit the new art exhibition downtown; it's absolutely your kind of place.

Examples of You Lot in Pop Culture

This idiom has made its way into various forms of media, reflecting its colloquial and versatile nature, especially in British media.

Here are some notable instances:

• In the British mini series " The Second Coming ", the main character is quoted as saying: "Do you think you are ready for that much power? You lot? You lot? Cheeky bastards. You're running around science like kids with guns, creating a new world, while the world you've got is stinking, but, hands up, hands up anyone who thinks you've got it right."
• The British duo Orbital sampled the above song for their song " You Lot ".
• The idiom can also be found in British literature. For example, the idiom is used in the Harry Potter series in a conversation between characters: “So...you lot got dates for the ball yet?"

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "You Lot"

Here are some alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning:

• The lot of you

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "You Lot":

• What is the basic meaning of "you lot"?

"You lot" is an informal term used to refer to a group of people, often implying a sense of camaraderie or familiarity.

• Where did the idiom "you lot" originate?

It originated in British English and is commonly used in informal settings to address a group of people.

• Can "you lot" be considered rude or disrespectful?

Depending on the context and tone, "you lot" can be seen as casual or, in some cases, impolite, especially in formal situations.

• Is "you lot" used in American English?

While it's primarily a British English term, "you lot" can be understood and is occasionally used in American English.

• How does "you lot" differ from "y'all" or "you guys"?

While all these phrases address a group, "you lot" is more common in British English, whereas "y'all" and "you guys" are more prevalent in American English.

• Can "you lot" be used in formal writing?

It's generally not recommended for formal writing due to its informal nature.

• Are there any synonyms for "you lot"?

Yes, phrases like "you guys," "you all," and "y'all" serve as synonyms, especially in American English.

• How has "you lot" evolved in modern language?

The phrase has maintained its informal group-referencing meaning while becoming more globally recognized due to media and cultural exchanges.

• Is "you lot" commonly used in British media?

Yes, it's frequently used in British TV shows, movies, and music, reflecting its colloquial nature in British culture.

• Does the use of "you lot" vary across different regions in the UK?

Yes, its usage and connotations can vary slightly depending on the region and local dialects within the UK.

Final Thoughts About "You Lot"

The idiom "you lot" is a fascinating way to refer to a group of people, often used informally or colloquially. It is an example of how language evolves and adapts to cultural contexts.

• It primarily serves as an informal way to address a group of people in British English.
• The phrase can convey different tones and implications based on the speaker's intent and the context of the conversation.
• While "you lot" is deeply rooted in British culture, its usage has spread globally, partly due to media and cultural exchanges.
• Understanding the nuances of "you lot" is essential for non-native speakers to grasp its colloquial and informal nature.

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10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to build a fulfilling career while traveling domestically or internationally.

Getty Images |

Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

Getting a 9-to-5 job doesn't mean you have to put your dream of traveling the world on hold. Many professions nowadays not only provide financial stability but offer the exciting perk of frequent travel. Let's explore some of the best jobs that allow you to build a fulfilling career while satiating your wanderlust.

We've taken the top travel jobs from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs rankings. These jobs are described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having a travel component.

10. Cartographer

Median salary: $71,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Cartographers collect data to create detailed geographic maps. They use advanced tools like geographic information systems, or GIS, for spatial analysis, ensuring accuracy in representing terrain, features and other information. Although cartographers spend much of their time in offices, specific jobs may require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.

Learn more about cartographers .

(Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury

9. Public Relations Specialist

Median salary: $67,440 Expected job growth by 2032: 6%

Public relations specialists' main job is to generate positive publicity for their clients and help them maintain a good reputation. They can work in various industries, including corporate, government, nonprofit or agency settings. As a public relations specialist, you may travel often to engage with the media, attend events and build relationships with stakeholders.

Learn more about public relations specialists .

8. Construction Manager

Median salary: $101,480 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, collaborating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects adhere to budgets, timelines and quality standards. Since construction managers often manage several projects simultaneously, they may need to frequently travel among sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

7. Sports Coach

Median salary: $44,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 9%

Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance. The travel frequency for sports coaches, especially in major leagues like the NFL and NBA, is high. These coaches often accompany their teams to away games in different states, which means they spend lots of time on the road.

Learn more about sports coaches .

6. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and cabin conditions.

Flight attendants' travel frequency depends on factors such as their seniority and the airline's scheduling policies. Junior flight attendants often have less control over their schedules and may work more weekends and holidays.

Learn more about flight attendants .

(Getty Images) |

5. Sales Manager

Median salary: $130,600 Expected job growth by 2032: 4%

Sales managers are responsible for directing an organization’s sales team. Some of their duties may include setting sales goals, analyzing data, developing training programs for sales representative and addressing any changes necessary to meet customer needs. Depending on the company, sales managers may have to travel to national, regional or local offices and attend in-person customer meetings.

Learn more about sales managers .

4. Operations Research Analyst

Median salary: $85,720 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Operations research analysts use advanced techniques, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They help businesses solve a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning and inventory management.

Although operations research analysts typically spend their time in offices, they may travel occasionally to meet with clients.

Learn more about operations research analysts .

3. Management Analyst

Median salary: $95,290 Expected job growth by 2032: 10%

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are experts who specialize in helping companies improve efficiency and increase profits. How often management analysts travel depends on the company they work for and their current projects. However, those who pursue a career in management consulting can expect to travel quite frequently to meet with clients.

Learn more about management analysts .

2. Marketing Manager

Median salary: $140,040 Expected job growth by 2032: 7%

Marketing managers gauge the demand for a product and help develop a marketing strategy that fits. Depending on their company’s needs, marketing managers may travel throughout the country or worldwide to meet with clients and attend conferences.

Learn more about marketing managers .

Median salary: $113,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical and statistical models. They often work in industries such as insurance, finance and retirement planning, determining the likelihood of events and their financial impacts.

Travel frequency for actuaries varies depending on the employer and their specific job role, but some may travel occasionally to attend meetings or meet with clients.

Learn more about actuaries .

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Definition of a lot

Examples of a lot in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'a lot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Cite this entry.

“A lot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20lot. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.

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Meaning of a lot (of) in English

• It costs a lot to feed and clothe five children .
• Try to avoid foods which contain a lot of fat .
• We did a lot of cycling in France last year .
• This is a very difficult piece of music to play - it demands a lot of concentration .
• I can get through a lot more work when I'm on my own.

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singing or playing notes that are at the right pitch (= level) or that agree with others being sung or played

Alike and analogous (Talking about similarities, Part 1)

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How I handled my nerves about travelling in a body that's different to other people's

By Eliza Hull

• X (formerly Twitter)

Holidays are often met with a mix of fear and excitement for me.

While there's nothing like enjoying the sun, holidays involving pool time often mean I must push through some big mental barriers. The ones that tell me that my body is broken and that I look too different to show my feet and legs.

I have a condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, which I've had since I was five years old. It means I walk differently, have muscle loss, and can't get upstairs without a railing.

It also means my feet look different. I have toes that claw instead of sitting straight, scars all over my feet, and my feet fall differently as I walk.

When my family was invited to Thailand for a wedding at the start of the year, I was torn. While it would be a chance to take an overseas holiday, I worried about the possibility of swimming.

Why swimming makes me nervous

Over the years I have proudly shared my story of being disabled and advocated for disabled people, but I still fear showing my feet.

Going for a swim in public makes my stomach queasy, partly because I can't get out of the pool due to their inaccessibility and mainly because of the way people stare at my feet.

Often, I avoid swimming altogether. I am a mother of two who watches their kids during swimming lessons.

I generally don't get in the water when my partner takes my kids for a swim, even when I'm boiling on the sidelines. I've found it especially hard if we’re with other people or visiting friends with a pool.

As the trip to Thailand got closer, I found out the hen's party was going to involve a group swim. I automatically decided it would be too hard.

What if I slipped? What if the people I hadn't met before looked at my legs and feet? Would they give me that look like they felt sorry for me?

Then I started to doubt my decision. How beautiful would it be to experience something like this overseas and with new people? I am a live-life-to-the-full kind of person! And we were going away with good, kind people — people who I know well and trust. I knew deep in my heart they wouldn't judge me or want me to feel worried.

Two questions that helped

Feelings of dread were starting to ruin my excitement for the trip. So, I decided to try and calm my nerves by catching up with my good friend Jacob Darkin, who is a disability advocate and wheelchair user.

I told him my fears about going to Thailand and suggested that perhaps I just pretend I'd forgotten my bathing suit. He laughed.

"Ask yourself this, Eliza, 'Will this matter in six weeks' time? Or six years' time?' Everybody thinks about their own bodies; they won't even notice! And the most beautiful outfit someone can wear is their confidence," he said.

Maybe he was right. What if it was in my head how much people notice? And who cares what they think? It was ableist to believe that everybody needed to look a certain way to be seen as 'beautiful.'

I packed my bathing suit and set off for Thailand. It was an extremely inaccessible country, with multiple stairs without railings. It meant I had to rely on my partner to get me around, who helped me tackle stairs by lifting and carrying me.

Taking the plunge

At the resort, the way in and out of the pool involved steps, but I still went swimming. In fact, I decided to celebrate who I was and walked around without shoes on. Yes, I got stares, but they didn't hurt me.

During our stay, I decided to treat myself to a foot scrub, which is something I normally stay clear of for fear of stigma. It made me feel like I was finally celebrating and loving myself, scars, and all.

Am I completely wholeheartedly self-accepting now? No, not quite. Maybe I never will be. It's going to take a lot more undoing of internalised ableism that I have been taught over the years through negative perceptions of disability than one trip away.

But I'm a work in progress, and I know going away was one step closer to me seeing my body as resilient, beautiful, and strong.

Eliza Hull is a musician, writer and disability advocate based in Victoria. In 2018, she was the ABC’s Regional Storyteller Scholar. She edited We’ve Got This: Stories by Disabled Parents, an anthology published in 2022.

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• Dear Prudence

I Lost a Lot of Weight and Now I Enjoy Being a Mean Girl. Help!

Jenée Desmond-Harris is joined by the host of Death Sex and Money, Anna Sale.

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Episode Notes

In this episode, Anna Sale (host of Death Sex and Money ) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about how to navigate being the friend who always initiates plans, how to handle entitled stepdaughters moving into your home, and how to stop being a mean girl to other moms.

If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members.

Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first three months.

This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, and Jenée Desmond-Harris, with help from Maura Currie.

• Dating and Relationships

About the Show

Anna Sale is the creator and host of Death, Sex & Money, the podcast about “the things we think about a lot and need to talk about more.” After debuting at the top of the iTunes chart in 2014, Death, Sex & Money was named the #1 podcast of the year by New York Magazine in 2015. Anna won a Gracie for best podcast host in 2016 and the show won the 2018 Webby and 2021 Ambie for best interview show.

Jenée Desmond-Harris is a Slate staff writer and editor. She writes the Dear Prudence advice column and previously worked at the New York Times, Vox.com and the Root.

Hundreds of people bypassed parts of airport security in last year

More passengers are sneaking past id checkpoints and going the wrong way through one-way exit lanes.

An earlier version of this article misquoted TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston. He said lapses in airport security are a "larger number" than the agency realized, not a "larger problem." The article has been corrected.

Hundreds of people have bypassed some Transportation Security Administration measures at airports in the past 12 months, the agency told The Washington Post, revealing a vulnerability in air travel that has been reflected in a series of incidents.

In November, for instance, two women were arrested at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for breaching a secured exit when they were running late to their flight. Then there was a ticketed traveler at Palm Springs International Airport who walked through an unstaffed body scanner on Feb. 22, leading authorities to evacuate post-security areas as a precaution.

Also in February, a woman at the Nashville International Airport bypassed TSA officers who check IDs and sneaked into the bag-screening line. After her belongings passed through the X-ray, she boarded an American Airlines flight without a ticket. She flew to Los Angeles International, where she was detained by the FBI. She has not been charged; the FBI said it could not comment on a pending investigation.

“It is a larger number than we realized,” said TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston.

Since March 2023, there have been at least 300 instances of people bypassing parts of airport security, Langston said. He described security lapses as a “trend” that has caught TSA’s attention — and an issue the agency is attempting to mitigate. Security experts say airports and airplanes remain some of the safest public spaces in the United States. But a rise in passengers bypassing security increases the chances, no matter how small, of someone dangerous sneaking through.

TSA declined to share documents that show annual statistics for security lapses or detail individual incidents due to the sensitive nature of information about law enforcement. After this article published, TSA said they don’t consider these incidents to be full security breaches because passengers underwent some checks by airport security or were stopped after getting through.

Since March 2023, TSA reported more than 200 people bypassed “ exit lanes ” that direct passengers to leave “sterile,” post-security terminals so they can get to pre-security areas like baggage claim and passenger pickup zones. These areas are often marked with “no reentry” signs.

Another 80 people evaded the travel document checker, or TDC podium, where TSA agents review travelers’ IDs and boarding passes. Langston said that amounts to about one person in 10 million. Of that 80, Langston said about 85 percent were stopped in the checkpoint area; all people who were caught skipping TDC podiums were still screened by metal detector or body scanner, he said. TSA said there were 29 lapses in 2019, the last full year of air travel before the pandemic. In 2022, there were 72.

From the incidents TSA reviewed, the agency offered different motives for passengers who bypassed security. Langston said the “vast majority do not seem to have evil intent.” Some travelers bypass checkpoints on accident. Some, like the woman in Nashville, want to sneak onto flights. Others may be tired of waiting.

“A lot of people lose their patience with the line regardless of how long or what the wait time might be,” Langston said.

Thomas Carter, TSA’s federal security director for New Jersey, said unhoused people and people with mental disabilities are among those breaching exit lanes, often because they’re confused. But, he said, most unlawful entries through exit lanes are attributed to absent-mindedness or passengers going back for forgotten items.

“Many times it’s left-behind property; people get very upset, it’s almost like they lose their minds. ‘I have to get my cellphone. I have to get my laptop,’” Carter said.

Carter noted a rise in security lapses in Newark before TSA acknowledged a wider trend. He isn’t sure why more people are sneaking through security but said a “change in behavior” among travelers in the aftermath of the pandemic may be a contributing factor.

Tom Mockaitis, a counterterrorism expert and DePaul University professor, agreed with Carter’s assessment of security breaches. “But if it happens at all,” he said, “it’s a concern.”

Mockaitis said since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the United States has gotten “pretty good at hardening airports and aircrafts,” reducing the risk of a terrorist attack. Between TSA and airport law enforcement, which may be affiliated with local sheriff or police departments, airports are equipped to deter or quickly shut down attackers. From the moment you’re dropped off at departures, “you’re under a lot of surveillance when you’re there,” Mockaitis said.

TSA provides the first layer of defense at the airport, screening travelers, luggage and cargo, and deploying air marshals . TSA agents aren’t law enforcement, however, so they don’t physically stop someone in a breach. Their protocol is to call in an incident and direct authorities to the scene. These type of “controlled incidents” make up the vast majority of exit lane breaches, Carter said.

In cases when TSA loses track of a trespasser, or didn’t know about the incident right away, they have to shut down airport operations and evacuate the terminal for screening.

When the traveler in Palm Springs walked through an unmanned body scanner in February, a TSA officer reported the incident to a supervisor. TSA told KESQ News that the airport stopped flights, and travelers in the terminal were required to go through security a second time. The concourses and post-security areas were cleared and searched. The trespasser was not arrested, but local law enforcement referred the case to federal authorities.

Travelers caught intentionally evading security procedures can be arrested and fined anywhere from $140 to thousands of dollars, among other punishments. Entering a sterile area without undergoing screening is a violation that carries up to $4,480 in civil penalties. The two women late to their Phoenix flight were booked with felony charges. Marilyn Jean Hartman, the “serial stowaway” who’s flown illegally at least 22 times, has been given prison sentences for her repeated offenses.

In addition to TSA officers, air marshals and airport law enforcement, airline workers provide another layer of vigilance, including ticket-checking gate agents and watchful flight attendants.

A flight crew caught a George, Tex., man who took a photo of a female minor’s boarding pass to get on a Delta flight . The 26-year-old legally cleared TSA’s security checkpoint with a Southwest Airlines buddy pass. The crew caught him on the plane after noticing he was spending “a significant amount of time” in the bathroom, then checking his name against the plane’s reservations.

The private screening service Clear, which provides an expedited alternative to TSA queues, has also come under scrutiny following breaches in the past two years. Last year, a person passed Clear security after using a boarding pass they found in an airport garbage can. In 2022, TSA officers flagged ammunition in a man’s luggage before realizing he had used false identification to pass through Clear.

The company has since upgraded its screening process; instead of confirming identity using a customer’s iris and fingerprints, Clear will now use technology that screens the entire face. All Clear members are required to update to the new system .

Even with the recent rise of security incidents, Mockaitis says the overall number of breaches is “not a lot” given the millions who fly each year.

“It’s a cause for concern but not alarm,” he said. “I think it should be said [TSA does] a good job performing a challenging task and they’re constantly working to improve it.”

A recent visit to Newark Liberty International Airport illustrated one beefed-up — if low-tech — security measure TSA has introduced: installing solid plastic or glass barriers in place of stanchions with nylon retractable belts. Carter explained the most vulnerable moment of the security process is when a TSA officer is engaged with another passenger.

Mark Howell, a regional spokesman for TSA, told the New York Times that the Nashville stowaway got past TDC by going under a stanchion.

In New Jersey, Carter said these new plastic barriers have “been very effective in helping us prevent any access control events or attempted breach past the TDC.” He said they’ve added even more of barriers to other terminals in the past six months.

TSA says adding more mitigation efforts like physical barriers could bring down the number of security lapses. But Langston said there is no clear plan on how many to add or when, because every airport is different.

“Every single airport knows that this is an issue and it has some mitigation effort employed,” he said.

There are also automated deterrents, like one-way gates that prevent “back flow” through exit lanes. These glass passageways close behind travelers as they move through. They can be found across the country, from the D.C. area to Tulsa to Las Vegas.

However, adding such gates is complicated. In Newark’s terminal B, for example, Carter said exit lanes are too small to accommodate the technology. There’s also the issue of budgets.

“If you look at it from a TSA perspective, if we went to Congress and said ‘We want to put these in every 450 airports in America,’ you’d have a pretty big price tag,” Carter said.

According to a TSA study , in fiscal year 2023 the Department of Homeland Security allocated $94.1 million for roughly 1,300 airport security officers to staff exit lanes. The study found that the money saved from relying on electronic gates would cover the cost of installation within three to five years. TSA also notes in the study that “periods of low activity” around exit lanes can lull security officers into inattentiveness, “increasing the likelihood of human error.”

Some airports have found the funding to build automated exit gates, while others have not, said Christopher R. Bidwell, senior vice president of security for the trade group Airports Council International — North America (ACI-NA).

“We have long been an advocate of Congress providing the funding to TSA to purchase and deploy technology, because at the end of the day, it would save TSA manpower if that technology was deployed,” Bidwell said.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

How strong is a 4.8 earthquake? Quake magnitudes explained.

The 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck New Jersey on Friday generated shaking that could be felt from Washington, D.C., to north of Boston.

About 55 earthquakes a day – 20,000 a year – are recorded by the National Earthquake Information Center . Most are tiny and barely noticed by people living where they happen. Click here to see the USDA shake map for the most recent earthquakes.

Worldwide, there are on average about 16 major earthquakes in any given year, 15 in the magnitude 7.0 range and one 8.0 or greater, according to records going back to 1900.

The United States typically has around 63 earthquakes between magnitude 5.0 and 5.9 each year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey , about five between 6.0 and 6.9 and fewer than one between 7.0 and 7.9.

A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning , killing 12 people and injuring over 1,000. The strongest earthquake there in a quarter century was followed by a series of aftershocks, reaching up to 6.4 magnitude.

More earthquakes are being recorded around the globe, but that doesn’t mean there are more earthquakes happening , according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Instead, it’s because there are more measurement devices, called seismometers, that record vibrations and they have been deployed in more places.

Earthquakes are a natural part of life on Earth, a geologically active planet with seven major tectonic plates. These are continent-size slabs of rock that glide over the planet’s mantle, constantly but very slowly reshaping Earth’s landscape.

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the moment magnitude scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is 10 times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate, while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

• Below 2.5: Generally not felt
• 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage
• 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
• 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage
• 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. An intensity of IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to an X, where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

You might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, but it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

Why does an earthquake's depth matter?

Magnitude measures how strong a quake is. That said, how much the ground shakes depends on an earthquake's intensity, which in turn depends on two things: how far away the actual site of the temblor was and the kind of soil it which it occurs.

This is why an earthquake's depth is often given. The epicenter of the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles in 1994 was in the San Fernando Valley, the point where the quake was strongest. But the hypocenter , the location where the quake actually occurred, was more than 11 miles underground. If it had been closer to the surface, the 6.7 magnitude quake would have been even more devastating.

The type of ground matters , too. Bedrock shakes least, sand and gravel as much as two times more, and mud and landfill as much as five times more. This was a major factor in why some areas of San Francisco suffered more than others in the Loma Prieta quake of 1989 .

Why real earthquakes aren't like in the movies

Though movies like " San Andreas" and "Earthquake" show entire coastlines dropping into the ocean, it's not going to happen.

According to the U.S. Geological Service, while a "mega-quake" with a magnitude of 10 or larger is "theoretically possible," it's very unlikely .

The magnitude of an earthquake depends in part on the length of the geological fault on which the quake occurs. Longer faults result in stronger earthquakes.

There are no known faults capable of generating a magnitude 10 or larger. The San Andreas fault of movie fame couldn't produce a quake larger than about 8.3 given its length, according to the USGS.

The largest earthquake in U.S. history was the 1964 Good Friday quake in Alaska , a 9.2 magnitude temblor that killed 131 people. It lasted four and a half minutes and ran along the Aleutian fault.

What's the chance of an aftershock?

Any time there's an earthquake, one concern is that it was merely a foreshock to a bigger quake that's coming.

Globally, the probability that one earthquake will be followed by a large earthquake within three days is somewhere just over 6%, according to the USGS .

That means whenever there's an earthquake, there's about a 94% chance that it wasn't a foreshock and there won't be any more quakes linked to it.

The numbers are a little different for California, which is very seismically active. There, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks, according to the USGS. But that means half were not.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to know if any one quake is a foreshock.

Aftershocks  are defined as smaller earthquakes that happen in days after a larger quake. As the USGS puts it, they represent "minor readjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the mainshock."

Watch CBS News

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:54 AM EDT / CBS News

The solar eclipse will be visible for millions of Americans on April 8, 2024, making many excited to see it — but how you watch it matters, since it can be dangerous for your eyes. 

A  solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light . When the moon blocks some of the sun, it's a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs,  NASA explains . Either way, you need eye protection when viewing.

"The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

Here's what to know to stay safe.

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous?

Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

Some say that during a total eclipse, it's safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it. 

"Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move," notes an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA , adding, "even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse" can temporarily or permanently damage your vision. 

Do I need special glasses for eclipse viewing?

Yes.  Eclipse glasses are needed to protect your eyes if you want to look at the eclipse.

Regular sunglasses aren't protective enough for eclipse viewing — even if you stack more than one. 

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," Brinton said.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the  ISO 12312-2 international safety standard , according to NASA, and should have an "ISO" label printed on them to show they comply. The American Astronomical Society  has a list  of approved solar viewers.

Can't find these, or they're sold out near you? You can also  make homemade viewers ,   which allow you to observe the eclipse indirectly — just don't accidentally look at the sun while using one.

How to keep kids safe during the solar eclipse

Since this eclipse is expected to occur around the time of dismissal for many schools across the country, it may be tempting for students to view it without the proper safety precautions while getting to and from their buses. That's why some school districts are  canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.

Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, vitreoretinal surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, said parents should also be careful because it can be difficult for children to listen or keep solar eclipse glasses on. 

"You want to actually, in my opinion, kind of avoid them even looking at the eclipse, if possible," he said. "Never look directly at the sun, always wear the right eclipse sunglasses if you are going to look at the sun and make sure that those are coming from a reliable source."

Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse "viewing" early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium. 

That way, you "have an idea of what to expect," he said. 

He also recommends the foundation  Prevent Blindness , which has resources for families about eclipse safety.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

While your eyes likely won't hurt in the moment if you look at the eclipse without protection, due to lowered brightness and where damage occurs in the eye, beware: The rays can still cause damage .

The harm may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes trouble starts to appear one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said. 

How long do you have to look at the eclipse to damage your eyes?

Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say. 

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. He said he's had patients who have suffered from solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

Deobhakta treated a patient who watched the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without proper eye protection. She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision. 

"The crescent that is burned into the retina, the patient sees as black in her visual field," he said. "The visual deficit that she has will never go away."

How to know if you've damaged your eyes from looking at the eclipse

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said, but added, "right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

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