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Travelogue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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travelogue

[ˈtrævəˌlɔɡ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

written account

A travelogue is a detailed narrative or account of a person's travels, often in the form of a written book or article. It can include descriptions of the places visited, cultures experienced, and personal reflections on the journey. Travelogues are often enriched with illustrations, photographs, and maps that enhance the storytelling experience. They aim to inform and entertain readers about different regions around the world while providing insights into the traveler's experiences.

Synonyms

journey account, travel journal, travel narrative, voyage log.

Examples of usage

  • He published a travelogue about his trip to South America.
  • Her latest travelogue, set in Europe, captivated many readers.
  • The travelogue provided vivid descriptions of the exotic locations.
  • In his travelogue, he shared tips for backpacking through Asia.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous travelogues, like 'The Innocents Abroad' by Mark Twain, blend humor with observations about different cultures.
  • They often include vivid descriptions that help readers feel as if they are traveling alongside the author.
  • This genre has inspired many writers to explore and document their adventures in unique ways.

Pop Culture

  • Many travel shows on television serve as modern travelogues, showcasing destinations with personal narratives.
  • Social media platforms like Instagram create digital travelogues through photos and stories shared by travelers.
  • Podcasts about travel serve as auditory travelogues, allowing listeners to experience adventures through storytelling.

History

  • Historically, travelogues were crucial for sharing knowledge about unknown lands and cultures, often encouraging exploration.
  • Marco Polo's accounts are early examples of travelogues, influencing generations of explorers and traders.
  • In the Victorian era, travel books became popular among the wealthy, inspiring a culture of travel and tourism.

Education

  • Travelogues can be valuable educational tools, offering insights into geography, cultures, and history.
  • They often stimulate interest in language learning as readers encounter new words and phrases relevant to the places mentioned.
  • In classrooms, travelogues can inspire creative writing by encouraging students to express their own travel experiences.

Origin of 'travelogue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'travel' from Middle English, meaning to journey, and 'logue' from Greek 'logos', meaning speech or writing.
  • The term first gained popularity in the 19th century as people began to explore new parts of the world more widely.
  • It's related to similar words like 'dialogue', highlighting how travel stories often involve sharing experiences with others.

The word 'travelogue' combines 'travel' and the suffix '-logue,' which comes from the Greek 'logia,' meaning 'the study of' or 'discourse.' The term emerged in the late 19th century as a way to categorize writings that focused on travel experiences. Initially, travelogues served educational purposes, providing readers with knowledge about unfamiliar places and cultures. Over time, the genre evolved, incorporating personal stories and a more subjective viewpoint, reflecting the traveler's emotions and thoughts. With advancements in transportation and rising global tourism in the 20th century, popular interest in travelogues grew, leading to a proliferation of books, documentaries, and online blogs that continue to capture the essence of travel.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,955 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.