What Do You Call a Person Who Loves to Travel? (15+ Accurate Names)
Let me guess—you’ve got the travel bug, haven’t you? Or maybe you’re trying to describe your friend who’s always hopping on a plane like it’s a city bus. Either way, you’re asking the right question: What do you call a person who loves to travel?
I’ve been there. Backpack stuffed, passport in hand, running to catch that last-minute train in a foreign country where I barely speak the language. If that’s not the essence of wanderlust, I don’t know what is 🙂
Let’s break it down and explore all the fun, quirky, and accurate words you can use to describe someone who’s obsessed with seeing the world.
1. The Obvious Choice: Wanderlust
What It Means
“Wanderlust” is probably the first word that comes to mind—and for good reason. It’s not just a pretty word; it literally means a strong desire to travel.
Why It Works
- It captures the emotion behind travel obsession
- It sounds poetic and adventurous
- It’s Instagram caption gold
Example: “She’s got a serious case of wanderlust—her suitcase is always half-packed.”
But FYI, it’s a noun, not an adjective. So you don’t “feel wanderlusty,” even if you really, really want to 😉
2. Globetrotter: The Classy Jetsetter
What It Means
A globetrotter is someone who travels frequently and widely around the world.
Why It Works
- Sounds sophisticated AF
- Implies experience, not just fantasy
- Great for people who’ve actually filled a passport (or three)
Example: “My uncle’s a total globetrotter—he’s been to over 60 countries and counting.”
Bonus points if they casually name-drop countries like Kyrgyzstan or Bhutan.
3. Vagabond: The Edgy Nomad
What It Means
“Vagabond” refers to someone who travels from place to place without a permanent home.
Why It Works
- Feels rebellious, almost poetic
- Think Jack Kerouac vibes
- Best for the backpacker with zero itinerary
Example: “After quitting her 9-to-5, she embraced the vagabond lifestyle—no fixed address, just vibes.”
Okay, it used to have a negative connotation, but in 2025, it’s basically romantic.
4. Nomad: The Minimalist Explorer
What It Means
A nomad is someone who moves from place to place, usually to find better living conditions or experiences.
Modern Nomadism = Digital Nomad
What’s a digital nomad? Someone who travels while working remotely. Yup, sipping lattes in Bali while managing spreadsheets. Not jealous at all. 🙃
Example: “She’s a digital nomad who codes by day and surfs by sunset.”
Why It Works:
- Popular with millennials and Gen Z
- Has a sleek, minimalist vibe
- Doesn’t sound pretentious
5. Explorer: The Old-School Classic
What It Means
Historically, explorers discovered new lands. Nowadays, it’s anyone who treats the world like one big scavenger hunt.
Why It Still Slaps
- Feels adventurous and curious
- Works for all ages
- Isn’t tied to income or lifestyle
Example: “He’s more of an explorer than a tourist—he’d rather find a hidden alley than hit the main square.”
Perfect for that friend who always veers off the tour route.
6. Wayfarer: The Poetic Dreamer
What It Means
Wayfarer sounds like something out of a fantasy novel. It refers to a person who travels on foot.
Why It Works
- Gives Tolkien energy
- Ideal for hikers, walkers, or spiritual journeyers
- Feels whimsical and wise
Example: “She’s a true wayfarer—her boots have seen more countries than most people’s passports.”
Also? It makes you sound like you own a leather-bound journal.
7. Jetsetter: The Fancy Frequent Flyer
What It Means
Jetsetters travel in style—think airport lounges, cocktails at 30,000 feet, and way too many designer suitcases.
Why It Slaps (If You Can Afford It)
- Screams luxury
- Great for social media flexes
- Pairs well with travel influencers
Example: “She’s a jetsetter—Dubai today, Paris tomorrow.”
Let’s be real: we’re all just pretending to be one on Instagram.
8. Adventurer: The Risk-Taking Roamer
What It Means
An adventurer isn’t just about location—it’s about mindset. It’s for people who crave new experiences, not just new places.
Why It’s Awesome
- Emphasizes boldness
- Not tied to luxury or budget
- Perfect for adrenaline junkies
Example: “He’s not just traveling—he’s adventuring. Like, cliff diving and jungle camping kind of stuff.”
Translation: Your average weekend looks way different from theirs.
9. Travel Buff: The Knowledgeable Enthusiast
What It Means
A travel buff knows everything about travel—best flight hacks, visa tips, local cuisine secrets. They’re basically a walking Lonely Planet.
Why It Works
- Shows obsession in the best way
- Great for travel bloggers or planners
- Slightly nerdy, but proudly so
Example: “She’s a total travel buff—planned our entire Europe trip in one night.”
You want this person in your group chat.
10. Roamer: The Chill Drifter
What It Means
A roamer is someone who moves about freely, not tied to one place or agenda.
Why It Feels Zen
- Low-key and peaceful
- Works for spontaneous travelers
- No rules, just roads
Example: “He’s a roamer—never books ahead, just shows up and figures it out.”
Terrifying to some, liberating to others.
11. Traveler vs Tourist: There’s a Difference
Let’s address the elephant in the hostel—traveler and tourist are not the same thing.
Tourist:
- Guided tours
- Photo ops
- Matching T-shirts (yikes)
Traveler:
- Authentic experiences
- Cultural immersion
- Sketchy hostels and unforgettable stories
Example: “She’s not a tourist—she’s a traveler. The kind who actually eats the street food.”
No shade to tourists… okay, maybe a little.
12. Other Fun & Creative Nicknames
Need some playful names for your travel-obsessed friend (or yourself)? Here are some ideas:
- Miles Addict
- Stamp Hunter
- Plane Hopper
- The Itinerary Slayer
- Global Nom Nom (for foodies, duh)
You’re welcome 😉
13. Signs You’re That Person Who Loves to Travel
Let’s see if this sounds familiar:
- You check Google Flights for fun
- You follow more travel influencers than friends
- Your suitcase lives under your bed… packed
- You own more plug adapters than socks
Yep, you’re one of us.
14. Why People Fall in Love With Travel
Hint: It’s Not Just the Food (But Also… the Food)
- Freedom: No desk, no clock, just vibes
- Discovery: New places, new faces, new versions of you
- Connection: Shared smiles in unfamiliar places
- Perspective: You come home changed (and probably tanner)
Real talk? Travel teaches you more about life than any textbook ever could.
15. Final Thoughts: Embrace the Label
Whatever you call it—wanderlust soul, digital nomad, explorer extraordinaire—own it. The world’s too big (and flight deals too tempting) to stay put for long.
So go ahead. Book that flight. Eat that weird street food. Get lost on purpose.
Because if you’re the kind of person who lights up at the thought of a new passport stamp, there’s only one word that truly fits:
Traveler.
And we’re so glad you’re one of us.
