Traveling or Travelling: A Simple Guide for Confused Travelers

Ever spent an embarrassing amount of time debating traveling or travelling? This simple guide clears up the confusion once and for all, so you can confidently book that trip to…wherever your heart desires.

Here’s the itinerary for this quick grammar trip:

• Firstly, we’ll uncover the difference between “traveling” and “travelling.”
• Then, we’ll show you how to pick the right spelling every time.
• Plus, we’ve got a handy trick to help you remember this grammar rule forever.

Ready to become a spelling superstar? Let’s go.

Traveling vs. Travelling: What’s the Deal?

The difference between “traveling” and “travelling” is simpler than you might think. It all comes down to where you are in the world. In the United States, we prefer “traveling” with one “l.” However, in many other parts of the world, like the UK, Canada, and Australia, “travelling” with two “l”s is the way to go.

Think of it like this: different countries, different spellings. It’s like how Americans say “elevator” and Brits say “lift”—same thing, different word.

But why the difference? Well, it mostly boils down to those rebellious Americans and their love for simplifying things. Back in the day, Noah Webster, the dictionary guy, decided to streamline American English. As a result, we ended up with “color” instead of “colour” and “traveling” instead of “travelling.” Thanks, Noah!

So, which spelling should you use? It depends. If you’re writing for an American audience, stick with “traveling.” But if you’re writing for an international audience, “travelling” might be the better choice.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, check the publication or website’s style guide. They usually have a preference.

Picking the Right Spelling Every Time

Now that you know the traveling or travelling lowdown, how do you make sure you always pick the right spelling? Don’t worry. It’s easier than remembering your passport number.

Firstly, think about your audience. Who are you writing for? If it’s primarily folks in the US, “traveling” is your go-to. Similarly, if you’re targeting a more international crowd or a specific region like the UK, “travelling” is likely the preferred choice.

Secondly, consider the context. Are you writing a formal document or a casual social media post? Formal writing often leans towards traditional spellings, so “travelling” might be more appropriate. But for casual writing, “traveling” is perfectly acceptable.

If you’re still not sure, use a grammar checker tool like the one in Arvin. It can instantly analyze your text and flag any spelling errors, including those pesky “l” situations. Plus, Arvin can help with other grammar issues, reword sentences, and even generate different text options.

Traveling or Travelling in Action

Let’s see these spellings in their natural habitat.

“Traveling” (One “l”)

• “I’m traveling to Hawaii next week!” (Said by your friend from California)
• “The traveling circus is coming to town!” (Read in a US newspaper)
• “Traveling solo can be an amazing experience.” (Written in a blog post by an American travel writer)

“Travelling” (Two “l”s)

• “We’re travelling around Europe this summer.” (Said by your friend from London)
• “The travelling exhibition is a must-see.” (Read in a UK magazine)
• “Travelling with children can be challenging.” (Written in a parenting book published in Australia)

See? It’s all about who’s doing the writing (or talking) and where they’re from.

Pay attention to the spelling used in different publications and websites. For example, the BBC website uses “travelling” while the New York Times uses “traveling.” This can give you a clue about their target audience and preferred spelling conventions.

The Memory Trick That Works Like a Charm

Remembering which spelling to use can be tricky. We’ve got a mnemonic device that’s as easy as pie.

Here it is:

America has one “l”, just like “traveling.”

Think of it this way: America is a single country, and “traveling” has a single “l.”

And since most other English-speaking countries use “travelling,” you can automatically assume it has two “l”s, just like they often have two countries (like England and Scotland, or Australia and New Zealand). Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but you get the idea.

Repeat this mnemonic device a few times to really cement it in your memory. You can even write it down on a sticky note and put it on your computer monitor. Or, better yet, use Arvin to create a flashcard with the rule. That way, you can quiz yourself whenever you need a quick refresher.

Spell Like a Pro (and Travel with Confidence) With Arvin

Now you know the difference or traveling or travelling and how to pick the right spelling every time. No more grammar anxieties holding you back from writing those epic travel blogs or Instagram captions.

Here are the key takeaways to remember on traveling or travelling:

• Firstly, Americans use “traveling” (one “l”).
• Then, most other English-speaking countries use “travelling” (two “l”s).
• And when in doubt, consider your audience and the context.
• Lastly, don’t forget our handy mnemonic device: America has one “l”, just like “traveling.”

Speaking of handy tools, Arvin can be your ultimate travel companion for spelling and all your writing needs. Whether you’re crafting a witty tweet about your latest adventure or composing a heartfelt email to a friend you met on your travels.

Arvin can help you write with clarity and confidence. Plus, with its instant grammar checker. This can help you say goodbye to embarrassing typos and hello to polished prose.

FAQs

Which is correct: travelling or traveling?

The answer depends on your audience and location. In the US, “traveling” is the preferred spelling. However, in many other English-speaking countries. For example, the UK, Canada, and Australia, “travelling” is the more common spelling.

Is Canadian spelling traveling or travelling?

Canadians typically use “travelling” with two “l”s. However, due to the influence of American English, you might sometimes see “traveling” used in Canadian writing as well.

Is it travelled or traveled in India?

In India, “travelled” with two “l”s is generally the preferred spelling. This is because Indian English is heavily influenced by British English.

How do you spell travelling in the UK?

In the UK, it’s always “travelling” with two “l”s. No exceptions.