What is considered long-distance travelling?

Unveiling the Boundaries of Long-Distance Travel: A Voyage Beyond the Horizon

In the ethereal realm of human mobility, distance serves as a ubiquitous compass, guiding our journeys and shaping our experiences. Among the myriad types of travel, long-distance travel stands out as a transformative odyssey, spanning vast swathes of land and sea, blurring the lines between the familiar and the unknown.

Within the European research landscape, a defining threshold emerges: journeys exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles) often delineate the realm of long-distance travel. This demarcation holds profound implications, shaping infrastructure planning and influencing our understanding of travel behavior.

Long-distance travel transcends the realm of mere commuting, venturing beyond the confines of our immediate surroundings. It becomes an expedition, a pilgrimage to distant lands, a quest for new horizons. With each mile accumulated, the allure of the unknown beckons, pulling us inexorably towards the brink of adventure.

The threshold of 100 kilometers serves as a pivotal boundary, distinguishing between regional commutes and epic excursions. For infrastructure planners, this distinction guides the allocation of resources, ensuring that roads, railways, and airports can accommodate the distinct demands of long-distance travelers.

Travel behavior studies, too, are profoundly influenced by this threshold. By focusing on journeys of substantial geographical displacement, researchers can delve into the factors that motivate and shape long-distance travel. They can explore the impact of distance on travel frequency, duration, and mode choice, revealing the behavioral patterns that drive our wanderlust.

Long-distance travel is not merely a matter of distance covered; it is a transformative experience that expands our horizons and enriches our lives. It is a testament to our innate curiosity, our longing to explore the world beyond our doorstep.

So, as we embark on our next long-distance journey, let us revel in the threshold of possibility that lies before us. Let us embrace the transformative power of distance, knowing that it is in the far-flung realms that we truly discover ourselves and the boundless wonders that await us.