How and why did people travel in the years between AD 150 and 1500?

Between AD 150 and 1500, people traveled primarily for trade, exploration, pilgrimage, and conquest. Trade routes like the Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between East and West, while maritime routes expanded with advancements in navigation. Pilgrimage to religious sites, such as Jerusalem and Mecca, also drove travel. Political expansion and military campaigns, particularly during the Crusades, encouraged movement across regions.