What is the future tense of travel?

Beyond the Horizon: The Future Tense of Travel and the Journeys Yet to Come

The human spirit is restless. We are drawn to explore, to discover, and to experience the world beyond our current boundaries. This innate wanderlust is often expressed through dreams of future travel, fueled by glossy brochures, captivating documentaries, and the whispered stories of seasoned explorers. But how do we articulate these future adventures, these voyages that exist only in our imaginations… for now? That’s where the future tense of “travel” comes in.

More than just a grammatical tool, the future tense of “travel” is a window into our aspirations, a declaration of our intent to break free and embrace the unknown. The most common and widely accepted form is the simple future: will travel. It’s a straightforward statement of future action, a promise whispered to ourselves and shared with the world. Think of it this way: “Next year, I will travel to Japan to experience the cherry blossoms.” It’s declarative, confident, and full of anticipation.

Then there’s its slightly more formal cousin: shall travel. While “shall” has become less prevalent in modern English, particularly in American English, it still holds a certain weight, a sense of determined commitment. You might say, “We shall travel the ancient Inca Trail, come what may!” The use of “shall” often suggests a stronger sense of purpose, a deliberate choice that elevates the journey beyond a mere vacation.

But the future tense of travel extends beyond just “will travel” and “shall travel.” We can paint vivid pictures of our upcoming adventures using other constructions:

• Going to travel: “I am going to travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.” This implies a planned trip, one that is already in motion.
• Travelling (future continuous): “This time next year, I will be travelling through Southeast Asia.” This highlights the duration and ongoing nature of the future trip.
• Might/May travel: “I might travel to the Galapagos Islands someday.” This expresses a possibility, a dream that hasn’t yet solidified into concrete plans.

The beauty of the future tense of travel lies in its versatility. It allows us to express the entire spectrum of emotions associated with future journeys: from the firm conviction of “will travel” to the wistful hope of “might travel.” It allows us to plan itineraries, dream of exotic landscapes, and share our wanderlust with others.

So, the next time you find yourself daydreaming of distant shores or planning your next great adventure, remember the power of the future tense. Use it to articulate your desires, to commit to your goals, and to bring your travel dreams closer to reality. For within the simple act of saying, “I will travel,” lies the potential for extraordinary experiences and unforgettable memories. The horizon awaits. Go forth and conquer it – in your thoughts, and then in reality.