Travel idioms & expressions

Get off to a flying start with holiday vocabulary!

Get holiday inspiration with travel idioms

Welcome to our blog exploring the fascinating world of travel idioms and expressions.

As avid travellers ourselves, we understand the excitement of embarking on new adventures. English is often the universal language that unites travellers worldwide, and we focus on holiday and travel vocabulary that is commonly used by native speakers.

Start your next holiday plans with these unique idioms and expressions.

travel bug

Meaning
a strong desire to travel and explore new places.

Example
After their trip through Europe, Sarah and Tom caught the travel bug and began planning their next adventure.

hit the road

Meaning
to begin a journey or trip.

Example
We need to hit the road early tomorrow morning if we want to reach our destination by noon.

off the beaten path

Meaning
going to a less travelled or unconventional destination.

Example
Instead of visiting the main tourist spots, we decided to venture off the beaten path and explore smaller villages in the countryside.

take the scenic route

Meaning
to choose a longer route for the enjoyment of the view or experience.

Example
Rather than driving along the motorway, we decided to take the scenic route through the mountains. It added a few extra hours to our journey, but the views were amazing.

off the grid

Meaning
to be disconnected from technology or society, often experienced during remote or adventurous travel.

Example
During our camping trip in the wilderness, we were completely off the grid with no phone or internet access. It was a great experience, but next time, I’ll stay in a hotel!

living out of a suitcase

Meaning
to be constantly travelling or moving from one place to another.

Example
I went travelling with friends after graduating university. After living out of a suitcase for a few months, it was refreshing to be back at home.

get off to a flying start

Meaning
to begin something with great energy and enthusiasm, like a trip or adventure.

Example
Our holiday got off to a flying start with perfect weather and exciting activities planned for the week.

travel light

Meaning
to pack minimally and carry only essential items while travelling.

Example
We’re only going for the weekend, so remember to travel light and bring just what you need.

a change of scenery

Meaning
a different environment or setting.

Example
After weeks of working indoors, Anne decided to take a few days off and enjoy a change of scenery in the mountains.

at the crack of dawn

Meaning
very early in the morning.

Example
We had to get up at the crack of dawn to catch the first train to the airport.

get away from it all

Meaning
to escape from the pressures and routine of daily life by going on a vacation or retreat.

Example
We booked a secluded cabin in the mountains to get away from it all and relax for the weekend.

a home from home

Meaning
a place where you feel comfortable and at ease, similar to your own home.

Example
We love staying at my aunt’s house in the holidays. It feels like a home from home, with its cosy atmosphere and familiar surroundings.

soak up the sun

Meaning
to enjoy the warmth and light of the sun while relaxing outdoors.

Example
While on holiday in Spain, we spent our days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea.

in the middle of nowhere

Meaning
in a remote or isolated location.

Example
On the way to our hotel, we took a wrong turn and ended up in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal. Thankfully, a local farmer spoke a little English and gave us directions.

travel on a shoestring

Meaning
to travel with a very limited budget.

Example
As college students, we travelled on a shoestring in Asia, staying in hostels and cooking our own meals to save money.

travel far and wide

Meaning
to travel to many different places, often covering long distances.

Example
Over the years, Andrew has travelled far and wide, exploring every continent except Antarctica.

make a pit stop

Meaning
to briefly stop during a journey for a break or to refuel.

Example
On our road trip to California, we made a pit stop at a roadside diner to grab a quick bite to eat.

packed like sardines

Meaning
to be in a crowded or cramped space, often used to describe public transportation.

Example
We were packed like sardines on the train, with barely enough room to move.

have itchy feet

Meaning
to have a strong desire to travel or move from place to place.

Example
Ever since he returned from his backpacking trip, David has had itchy feet and is already planning his next adventure.

travel in style

Meaning
to travel with comfort and luxury.

Example
To celebrate their retirement, our grandparents decided to travel in style on a luxury cruise around the world.

Have a great travel experience!

We have flown through 20 travel idioms and expressions that are frequently used by native English speakers. Let these idioms and expressions inspire your next adventure and serve as a reminder of the wonderful memories created along the way.

Tip: We recommend learning new vocabulary by topic, and to create examples that help you to remember new words and expressions. For English idioms about other topics, please visit our free vocabulary lessons.

Enjoy your travels and journey learning English too!