Difference Between Excursion and Expedition

Key Difference – Excursion vs Expedition

游览and expedition both refer to a trip or journey. However, these two words cannot be used as synonyms since there is a difference in their meaning. Thekey difference在游览和探险之间是他们的目的和持续时间。an excursion is a short journey for pleasure whereas an expedition is a longer journey that is undertaken for a specific purpose such as research or exploration.

What is an Expedition?

An expedition is a journey undertaken for a particular reason. Expedition is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as

“A journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, research, or war”.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as

“以明确的目标进行的郊游”。

As these two definitions imply, expedition always refers to a journey with a specific purpose. It can sometimes also refer to an arduous or hazardous one, which is planned extensively. For example, an expedition to the South Pole can be an arduous journey, which needs to be well-planned. Read the following sentences to understand the meaning of expedition in different contexts.

这位年轻的科学家很高兴第一次参加他将研究天气模式的南极。

当王储在一次狩猎探险中被杀时，王国被陷入混乱。

Such an arderous expedition requires enormous bravery and courage.

In the past ten years, there have been six research expeditions to that area.

The team of researchers isorganizing a research expedition into the heart of the Sahara desert.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is a short trip for pleasure. Excursion is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as

“a short journey or trip, especially one taken as a leisure activity”.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as

“usually short journey made for pleasure; an outing”.

Thus, the purpose and the duration are the main features that make excursion different from an expedition. The following sentences will help to clarify the meaning and usage of this word.

I went on a brief excursion to the beach with my friends.

我们之前已经进行了郊游和短途旅行，但是这次我们不知道我们要待多久了。

Mariam and her children went on a short excursion to Paris; they only spent one night there.

The teacher announced that their excursion would be called off if they didn’t behave well.

Some of us are going on an excursion to beach this weekend; why don’t you join us?

What is the difference between Excursion and Expedition?

Definition:

游览:An excursion is a short journey or trip, especially one taken as a leisure activity

游览:An expedition is a journey undertaken for a specific purpose.

Purpose:

游览:An excursion is a journey made for pleasure, or as a leisure time activity.

远征:远征具有特定目的，例如研究，探索等。

Duration:

游览:An excursion is typically brief; it may end in few hours.

远征:An expedition takes a longer time period than an excursion; it may take several days, weeks, months, or even years.

Difficulty:

游览:An excursion is not a difficult or arduous journey.

远征:An expedition may be an arduous or hazardous journey.

规划：

游览:An excursion doesn’t need detailed planning.

远征:An expedition is usually extensively planned.

Image Courtesy:

“北极探险。“寻找new information about the rocks.” March 20, 2015. 04″ By Graytreees – Own work(CC BY-SA 4.0)viaCommons Wikimedia

“Family enjoys a perfect day at the beach”By Hillebrand Steve, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – (Public Domain) viaCommons Wikimedia