"Traveling" Vs "Travelling" - Which One Is Correct?
English spelling can be tricky, especially with words like traveling and travelling. They look almost identical, but the difference comes down to regional spelling rules.
Midoo AI will help you understand which form to use depending on your audience.
Traveling – American English
In American English, the word is spelled with a single “l”: traveling. This is the standard spelling for both the verb (present participle) and adjective forms.
Examples of “traveling”
- I am traveling to New York next week.
- She enjoys traveling alone.
- They are traveling for work this month.
- Traveling can be exhausting but exciting.
- He wrote a book about traveling in Europe.
💡 Tip: US English = single “l” → traveling.
Travelling – British English
In British English, the word is spelled with a double “l”: travelling. This applies to the same verb and adjective forms as in American English.
Examples of “travelling”
- I am travelling to London next month.
- She enjoys travelling with her family.
- They are travelling around Asia.
- Travelling by train is very convenient.
- He wrote a book about travelling in Europe.
💡 Tip: UK English = double “l” → travelling.
Quick Comparison Table
| Spelling | Region | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Traveling | American English | I am traveling to New York. |
| Travelling | British English | I am travelling to London. |
Common Mistakes
❌ I am travelling to New York. (American English) ✅ I am traveling to New York.
❌ She enjoys traveling in the UK. (British English) ✅ She enjoys travelling in the UK.
❌ He is traveling by train in England. (British English) ✅ He is travelling by train in England.
FAQs
Can I use either spelling anywhere?
Yes, but it’s best to match the spelling to your audience: traveling for US readers, travelling for UK readers.
Does the double “l” change pronunciation?
No, both are pronounced the same: /ˈtrævəlɪŋ/.
What about related words like “traveled” or “travelled”?
Same rule applies: US English → traveled, UK English → travelled.
Is one version more “correct”?
Both are correct in their respective regions. Neither is wrong.
Does this rule apply to other words ending in -l?
Yes, words like canceling/cancelling follow the same American vs. British English pattern.
Final Thoughts
When writing about journeys:
- Use traveling in American English.
- Use travelling in British English.
Knowing your audience is the key — otherwise, your spelling could look out of place.