The word originates from the Middle English word, travailen (to toil), which itself comes from the French word, 'travailler' (travail). A common definition of travel is 'To go from one place to another, as on a trip; journey,' and so it is no wonder that the origins of the word seem arduous.

Some of the most common historical reasons to travel have been: migration, pilgrimage and exploration. The nature of these three has been a cause for much personal and cultural sacrifice, as in the cases of Aboriginals, pilgrims to Mecca and Captain James Cook. Trade on the other hand has often allowed the exchange and blending of cultures and brought innovations to people.

It is only within these last few hundred years that we have begun to think of travel synonymously with the idea of a holiday or vacation; in other words, an escape from our daily 'toil' and 'travails'.

Travel agencies have been organized mostly since the start of commercial aviation although Thomas Cook was an early, pre-flight pioneer. Some travel agent companies operate with a chain of stores, such as Carlton Wagonlit; others are one store operations. Travel agencies do not sell airline tickets only; their services vary, and many of them sell more cruise ship packages than airline tickets.