Travel is the moving exchange of individuals between different distant geographic locations. Travel can usually be done by car, bike, foot, plane, train, bus, boat or other modes, with or without gear, and is one way or another. It used to be that travel was mostly about business-to-business travel but today, more people are choosing to travel for fun. Travel can be domestic or international; it can also involve crossing state lines, and it can even be a combination of national and international travel. The types of travel covered include caravanning, air tours, road tours, and cruises, although there are many other kinds of travel as well.
The travel experience is so varied that it can refer to any one of these modes of travel. Nevertheless, travel is often associated with a specific event or occasion, be it a journey to attend a conference, a family get-together, a work retreat, a school outing, a sporting event or a vacation. For instance, if you are in the process of obtaining a driving license in New York, and you want to take a cross-country trip, you could say that you are going on a cross-country trip (or journey) to obtain your license. The journey itself would be the travel, and the license would represent the end of that travel. So, when we speak of travel, we generally refer to any and all travel. The verb “to travel” therefore denotes both a destination and a route, though the specific route involved may be somewhat varied.
When the United States Congress passed the Interstate Highway Act, which contained some tax, transportation, and tourism provisions, it created the first official federal highway system in the country. The system, now known as the interstate system, extends from Maine up the Canadian border to Texas. Interstate highways include interstates and extensions of the transcontinental railroad. Although not all the states on this list have highways, a few do, such as West Virginia Beach. Therefore, November 30, you are driving on a state’s Interstate highway when you drive from New York up to Canada.
Probably the most common verbs for travel in the English language includes traveling, which refers to both traveling within the United States and across it, as in the case of a road trip. But the verb can also refer to moving across to, while the United Kingdom has the phrase across the United Kingdom, meaning literally, to go across the borders. One might assume, therefore, that the term “travel” in the United States simply refers to the act of going from one state to another. That interpretation would be incorrect, however, as the term “travel” also includes movement across international borders.
In our present times, the travel restrictions that once existed are mostly gone. But even when they still do exist, the United States government has consistently shown an interest in keeping these restrictions to a minimum so that people and businesses can enjoy the benefits of travel throughout the world without being restricted in their movements or finances in any way. For example, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 restricts the transfer of citizens of certain countries from one country to another. But the law does not specifically mention the term “highway”. And, unlike the passport laws that often restrict citizens from taking trips across international borders, the highway laws protect travelers from spending or using funds obtained in other countries, regardless of where they may be located. This protects American citizens who travel internationally and helps maintain the integrity of the American financial system by making it easier for individuals to pay for their travel abroad, regardless of the cost of travel or the status of their passports.
In today’s uncertain global climate, travel should be safe and secure for all travelers. Travelers should exercise due diligence in investigating any travel options they may consider, examining the travel restrictions that each country may impose, and, if necessary, seeking the advice of travel conciliators or travel lawyers. While novetmber 30th is a holiday, it is no longer a reason to put your life at risk or to compromise your health. Take the proper precautions now to avoid a disastrous November 30th experience.