Some people travel once in a while. Others plan trips all year, save money for it, and feel most alive on the road. So where does travelling fit — is it just an interest, or can it truly be a hobby?
Clear answer first
Travelling can be both a hobby and an interest.
It becomes a hobby when you do it regularly, plan for it, and enjoy the whole process. It stays an interest when you like the idea of travel but only do it occasionally.
What is an interest, in simple words?
An interest is something you like or enjoy learning about.
You may:
- Watch travel videos
- Follow travel pages on social media
- Read blogs about places
- Dream about future trips
You enjoy travel, but you are not actively doing it often.
👉 Example: You love watching vlogs about Japan but haven’t planned a trip yet. Travel is your interest.
What makes something a hobby?
A hobby is something you:
- Do regularly
- Make time for
- Spend money or effort on
- Feel excited doing
It’s more hands-on.
👉 Example: You plan trips every year, look for cheap flights, make itineraries, and enjoy exploring new places. That’s a hobby.
When does travelling become a hobby?
Travelling becomes a hobby when it’s more than a one-time vacation.
Signs travel is your hobby:
- You travel often, even on short trips
- You enjoy planning routes, stays, and food
- You try new places instead of repeating the same one
- You learn from each trip and want more
It’s not about money or distance. Even nearby trips count.
Can travelling be both at the same time?
Yes, absolutely.
Many people start with travel as an interest and later turn it into a hobby.
- Interest = liking travel
- Hobby = doing travel
Both are valid, and one can grow into the other.
Pros & Cons of Travelling as a Hobby
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates real-life memories | Can be expensive |
| Reduces stress and burnout | Needs time and planning |
| Helps you learn new cultures | Can be tiring |
| Improves confidence | Not always easy to travel often |
Real-world examples
Example 1:
Sara travels once every two years on family vacations. She enjoys it but doesn’t plan much. For her, travelling is an interest.
Example 2:
Ali takes short trips every few months, keeps a travel journal, and loves exploring local food. Travelling is clearly his hobby.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Is travelling considered a hobby?
Yes. If you travel regularly and enjoy planning and exploring, travelling is considered a hobby.
Why do people call travelling a hobby?
Because it involves active participation, learning, and enjoyment — just like photography, cooking, or sports.
Can travelling be a passion instead of a hobby?
Yes. For some people, travelling becomes a passion when it deeply shapes their lifestyle and choices.
Is travelling an expensive hobby?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Budget trips, local travel, and short getaways still count.
Final verdict
Travelling is an interest when you love the idea of it. It becomes a hobby when you actually do it regularly.
You don’t need to travel far or spend a lot. If exploring new places makes you happy and you keep coming back for more, travelling is more than an interest — it’s your hobby.