Traveling can be a whirlwind of emotions – feelings of excitement, nervousness, admiration, sadness, and fernweh. Have you ever felt an emotion while traveling that words just couldn’t describe? Or you try to explain an experience to a friend from your latest trip, but words and photos just don’t do it justice?
Other cultures have words to explain these unique phenomenas that only a wanderluster would understand. Yet, English often doesn’t have an equivalent. Here’s a list of my 23 creative travel words from around that world that you’ve probably never heard of. I hope these educate and inspire you next time you experience one of those beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Can you relate to any of these? Let me know in the comments!
Table of Contents
Merak
Definition: (n.) The feeling of oneness with the universe that comes from the simplest of pleasures (Serbian)
When do you feel most at peace and connected with the world around you? For me, it’s when I’m surrounded by nature – in a forest or near the ocean. With the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks and birds chirping in the distance, it’s easy to find a special connection to the earth. It’s moments like these when you realize that pure joy is found from the simplest, innate treasures over purchasing material goods.
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Onism
Definition: (n.) A realization of how little of the world you’ll ever witness
I don’t know about you, but I actually think about this quite often. I’ve traveled a lot in my 30 years on this planet, yet there are countless places that I’ll never have the chance to visit in my lifetime. There are countless stories that will go untold, and countless people that I’ll never meet.
This word was coined by John Koenig in his Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, which seeks to explain emotions that currently lack words. Its etymology comes from the word monism, which is the view that many different things can be explained by a single reality or substance. Onism follows this meaning as we are limited to one reality because we only have one body.
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Nefelibata
Definition: (n.) Cloud walker (Portuguese)
This word describes an individual who doesn’t want to conform to society norms. This is a person whose head is in the clouds as their imagination runs wild. When I think of this word, the first thought that comes to mind is a nomad or a van lifer. This is someone who has decided that living in an apartment in a city for extended periods of time just doesn’t fit their future trajectory.
This word describes an individual who doesn’t want to conform to society norms. This is a person whose head is in the clouds as their imagination runs wild. When I think of this word, the first thought that comes to mind is a nomad or a van lifer. This is someone who has decided that living in an apartment in a city for extended periods of time just doesn’t fit their future trajectory.
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Fernweh
Definition: (n.) Feeling homesick for a place far away (German)
Although there’s no direct translation into English, this word pretty much means “far sickness.” This is similar to the word wanderlust, as it instills a desire to escape your current environment for a far away place.
Know that feeling when you’re scrolling through Instagram looking at all the beautiful destinations you could be traveling to instead of stuck in front of a work computer? That feeling isn’t one of jealousy as much as it is a “far sickness” to explore the great unknown.
Eleutheromania
Definition: (n.) An irresistible desire for freedom (Greek)
For me, traveling is the ultimate freedom. Even if there are 1000’s of strangers surrounding me, I still have this indescribable sense of calm and freedom. The original meaning of eleutheromania wasn’t directly travel-related. It was used in a medical context to describe irrational behavior. Overtime, it has been developed by travelers to explain their desire to break away from societal norms and explore the world.
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Livsnjutare
Definition: (n.) A person who truly enjoys life and lives it to the extreme (Swedish)
Try pronouncing that one! Of all the words on this list, I’d have to say this one is my favorite. My motto in life is to be thankful for everyday and live life to its fullest as you never know when it could be over. There’s nothing wrong with living in the safe zone. But, by taking chances every once in a while, you’ll push yourself to limits you never thought possible.
Trouvaille
Definition: (n.) Something wonderful found by chance (French)
One of my favorite activities while traveling is to wander down random streets. I always hope to find something unique that I wouldn’t have found in a tourist book. Some of my fondest traveling memories have been when least expected.
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Oleh-oleh
Definition: (n.) The gift that a traveler brings back for friends and family (Indonesian)
This is ultimately a cute word for saying “souvenirs,” but the importance goes far beyond a material value. Bringing back an oleh-oleh to your friends and family shows that you are thinking of them even when you’re far apart.
When I studied abroad in Paris, I was wandering through the 12th Arrondissement and came across a museum of antique carnival rides from the 1800’s that you can actually still ride. It’s called Musée des Arts Forains and it’s truly trouvaille.
Coddiwomple
Definition: (v.) To travel with purpose towards an unclear destination (Old English)
Coddiwomple is a funny sounding word, but it has a powerful meaning. Have you ever been on a road trip with no clear destination but the road ahead? This is an example of coddiwomple.
I have yet to do this, but it’s definitely on my bucketlist! When I travel, I’m a planner so I usually have a full itinerary of where to be and at what time. But, as I’ve mentioned before, some of your fondest memories will be found when just wandering down random roads with no plans ahead.
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Shinrinyoku
Definition: (v.) The act of going into a forest to unwind and breathe in some fresh air (Japanese)
Ever attended, or at least heard of, a forest bathing ceremony? Well, that’s exactly what this word stands for and where this natural therapy began. It’s a therapeutic technique that is said to improve mental and physical well-being.
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Sonder
Definition: (n.) The realization that everyone you pass is living a life just as complex as yours
Sonder was also coined by John Koenig in 2012 in Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows; however, his inspiration was a blend of cultures. In German, sonder is an adjective that means “special”; in French, it’s a verb meaning “to plumb.” In Afrikaans it means “without.” Using a mix of these, Koenig came up his own definition, which fills a gap in our language.
I experienced this feeling more than ever when I was in Cuba!
Duyen
Definition: (n.) Everything that happens in one’s life is predestined (Vietnamese)
I like this word because it’s very different than a lot of the other creative travel words that speak to having no destination. This word is saying that anywhere we go in life, including travels, is already predetermined for us. There is a purpose behind every person you meet and destination you visit as they’ve already been planned for you by a higher power. This is similar to our saying that “everything happens for a reason,” and timing truly is everything.
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Solivagant
Definition: (n.) A solo traveler (Latin)
Do you revel in the thought of wandering along? If so, you were born to be a solivagant! I don’t think this one needs much explaining.
Personally, I just love traveling alone, for two main reasons. 1. You get to decide what you want to do and when. You don’t have to barter on activities to pacify all parties. 2. It’s easy to just hang out with those whom you’re traveling with when you travel in groups. When you’re a solivagant, you’re forced to meet new people and fully immerse yourself in local culture. Most of my travels are with my boyfriend or a friend, but I make an effort to go on 1-2 solo trips per year.
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Uitwaaien
Definition: (v.) Going for a walk or run, especially in the winter, in order to clear one’s mind (Dutch)
Similar to shinrinyoku, if you uitwaaien, you are hoping to find healing from your natural environment. When I’ve had a stressful day, there’s nothing like going for a walk or run outdoors to help clear my mind and focus my breathing.
Yakamoz
Definition: (n.) sea sparkle (Turkish)
This word refers to the glittering of moonlight on the sea at night. It can also refer to the stunning blue bioluminescent plankton that can be found in the ocean a few times a year. If you’ve never heard of bioluminescence, it’s an incredible phenomena where the ocean will be sparkling blue at night. Check out this site to see its effects.
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Resfeber
Definition: (n.) The restless feeling you get before your travels begin (Swedish)
Ever experience those pre-trip jitters? Worried that you didn’t pack an essential item? Worried that something will go wrong while you’re in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language? Worried because this is your first solo trip and you don’t know what to expect?
But at the same time, the anticipation of the trip is killing you. You’re just so excited you can’t fall asleep? These mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety are called resfeber.
Saudade
Definition: (n.) A nostalgic desire to be close to someone or something far away (Portuguese)
As great as it is to travel and escape the daily routine at home, there are also feelings of missing people back home. Right now, I’ve temporarily moved to Colorado to live with my parents and save money for a few months while working remotely. My boyfriend and friends are all back home so there are a lot of times that I deeply miss seeing them. This is the feeling of saudade.
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Sisu
Definition: (n.) Inner strength to achieve one’s physical goal (Finnish)
We all have that inner sisu, that inner strength and perseverance! Although not directly travel-related, many activities that one would participate in during a vacation require sisu. Examples include learning to scuba dive, trekking up a mountain, skiing, or even walking on your feet for 10 hours a day while exploring a city!
Visiting Paris? Check out my guide to the best running trails!
Flâneur
Definition: (n.) A person who deliberately aimlessly wanders for leisure (French)
This term is very similar to a couple others we’ve discussed. There’s a flâneur in all of us as we’ve all wandered aimlessly before just because we can. It’s no surprise that this is a French word as one of the most popular hobbies in France is to walk and enjoy the beautiful sights of your city.
I love being a flaneur in Point Reyes, California!
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Tîeow
Definition: (v.) To wander or roam around in a carefree way (Thai)
A flâneur would tîeow around a new city. See what I did there? 😉 I don’t think this word needs anymore explanation.
Jijivisha
Definition: (n.) A strong desire to live and continue living (Hindi)
Anyone who loves traveling can probably relate to this word. Traveling provides purpose and intention for your future self. The time I feel most alive is when I’m exploring a new place, whether it be just outside of my hometown or on the other side of the globe. The second I finish one trip, I’m already searching every travel deal website for where I can visit next. The thought that I can explore a place I’ve never been gives me that strong desire to continue living!
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Ré nao
Definition: (adj.) Lively and bustling (Chinese)
The Chinese word ré nao is usually meant to describe a place (like New York City) that is always “lively and bustling,” but its true meaning goes beyond these adjectives. It’s a place that has a unique vibe that makes everyone want to be there. Think of the most happening bar in town, or a beach with the most incredible sunsets that everyone on the island wants to be there.
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Sof Ha’olam Smola
Definition: (n.) A place in the middle of nowhere (Hebrew)
Although this is more of a phrase than a word, I really love its meaning, so I included it. Its literal translation is “at the end of the world, turn left” and it’s used as slang in Hebrew. This is the way Israelis describe being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no idea for which way to head. This was also the name of a popular Israeli film released in 2004.
RECAP: 23 Creative Travel Words
- Merak: The feeling of oneness with the universe that comes from the simplest of pleasures
- Onism: A realization of how little of the world you’ll ever witness
- Nefelibata: Cloud walker
- Fernweh: Feeling homesick for a place far away
- Eleutheromania: An irresistible desire for freedom
- Livsnjutare: A person who truly enjoys life and lives it to the extreme
- Trouvaille: Something wonderful found my chance
- Oleh-oleh: The gift that a traveler brings back for friends and family
- Coddiwomple: To travel with purpose towards an unclear destination
- Shinrinyoku: The act of going into a forest to unwind and breathe in some fresh air
- Sonder: The realization that everyone you pass is living a life just as complex as yours
- Duyen: Everything that happens in one’s life is predestined
- Solivagant: A solo traveler
- Uitwaaien: Going for a walk or run, especially in the winter, in order to clear one’s mind
- Yakamoz: Sea sparkle
- Resfeber: The restless feeling you get before your travels begin
- Saudade: A nostalgic desire to be close to someone or something far away
- Sisu: Inner strength to achieve one’s physical goal
- Flâneur: A person who deliberately aimlessly wanders for leisure
- Tîeow: To wander or roam around in a carefree way
- Jijivisha: A strong desire to live and continue living
- Ré nao: Lively and bustling
- Sof Ha’olam Smola: A place in the middle of nowhere
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Oh my gosh I love this post so much. So many beautiful words what I’ve never heard of before but really describe feelings I’ve had. I love learning things like this
This was such an interesting read! I’ve only heard a couple of these before.
What a lovely post! I have not heard of most of these – it’s so cool when learning new words teach you new concepts as well.
I love the sound of Trouvaille – I love it when you find something wonderful by chance. đ
What a fun blog post! I really enjoyed reading about different words and what they meant. I definitely love to flaneur.
What an awesome idea for a blog post! I only knew one before, âFernwehâ because German is my mother tongue đ I loved reading all the others too.
I love these and have felt most of them at some point or another!
Such a creative post. Would never have thought of it myself. Lovely read!