Is travelling 1 l or 2?

Is it “Traveling” or “Travelling”? The Great Spelling Divide (and My Mild Obsession)

Okay, let’s talk about something that’s been mildly bugging me for years: the spelling of “traveling.” Or should I say, “travelling”? Because honestly, the inconsistency drives me a little bonkers. I’m firmly in the “travelling” camp – two “l”s, all the way. It just feels right. It feels…complete. Like the word has properly stretched its legs and arrived at its destination, instead of breathlessly stumbling in with a single “l.”

Now, I know, I know. The single “l” – “traveling” – is the standard American English spelling. And I get that. Consistency within a linguistic region is important. But for me, that double “l” just adds a certain…je ne sais quoi. It’s a touch of elegance, a hint of extra journey. It’s as if the extra “l” represents the accumulated miles, the experiences packed into the trip itself. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but that’s how I feel!

The Oxford English Dictionary, the big kahuna of dictionaries, lists both spellings as acceptable. They even note that the double “l” spelling is more common in British English, and that’s where my preference likely stems from. I grew up reading a lot of British authors, and the double “l” version felt natural to me from a young age. It’s ingrained.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just some whimsical personal preference. It touches upon a broader issue: the inherent inconsistencies of English spelling. Why is “colour” spelled with a “u” in British English, but “color” without it in American English? Why are there so many silent letters? Why is “though” pronounced so differently from “through”? It’s frustrating! And the “traveling/travelling” debate is just a tiny, but irritating, example of this larger problem.

While it’s unlikely we’ll ever reach a global consensus on spelling – and maybe that’s not necessarily a bad thing – I do wish there was a bit more uniformity. The internet age has, in theory, made global communication easier. Yet, this seemingly minor difference in spelling creates a tiny but noticeable friction. It’s the equivalent of a small pebble in your shoe on a long hike – annoying, not crippling, but definitely present.

So, yeah, I’ll probably keep writing “travelling.” It’s my small rebellion against the chaotic beauty of English orthography. And honestly, if you prefer “traveling,” I won’t judge you. Just…don’t tell me it feels better than the double “l” version. We can agree to disagree on this one, okay? And maybe, just maybe, one day we’ll all magically agree on one spelling! Until then, onward, and travel well (however you spell it)!