Idioms for travelling capture the essence of exploration, adventure, and the experiences that come with it. They enrich our language, allowing us to express the excitement and challenges of journeying to new places. these idioms can enhance your conversations about travel and adventure.
As you explore these idioms, you’ll uncover vivid expressions that perfectly encapsulate the joys and perils of travelling. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first trip, these idioms will inspire you and add flair to your travel discussions.
Idioms for travelling
1. Hit the road
- Meaning: To begin a journey or start travelling.
- In a Sentence: “Let’s hit the road early tomorrow to avoid traffic.”
- Other Ways to Say: Set off, hit the trail, start the journey.
2. Off the beaten path
- Meaning: Refers to places that are not well-known or popular, often leading to unique experiences.
- In a Sentence: “We decided to explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations during our vacation.”
- Other Ways to Say: Hidden gems, lesser-known spots, uncharted territory.
3. Travel light
- Meaning: To pack only the essentials and avoid bringing too much luggage.
- In a Sentence: “When backpacking, it’s best to travel light to make your journey easier.”
- Other Ways to Say: Pack minimally, go with the essentials, carry less.
4. Take the scenic route
- Meaning: To choose a longer path that offers beautiful views instead of the quickest route.
- In a Sentence: “We decided to take the scenic route to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.”
- Other Ways to Say: Go the roundabout way, enjoy the view, meander through.
5. Wanderlust
- Meaning: A strong desire or impulse to travel and explore the world.
- In a Sentence: “Her wanderlust drives her to visit a new country every year.”
- Other Ways to Say: Travel cravings, adventurous spirit, desire to explore.
6. On the same page
- Meaning: To share the same understanding or opinion, especially when planning a trip.
- In a Sentence: “Before booking the tickets, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about the itinerary.”
- Other Ways to Say: In agreement, in sync, aligned in thought.
7. Go the extra mile
- Meaning: To make an additional effort to achieve something, often in the context of planning or preparing for a trip.
- In a Sentence: “The travel agent went the extra mile to ensure we had the best accommodations.”
- Other Ways to Say: Go above and beyond, make an extra effort, go out of your way.
8. Jump on the bandwagon
- Meaning: To join others in a popular trend or activity, often related to travel destinations or experiences.
- In a Sentence: “After hearing about the amazing reviews, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and visit that new city.”
- Other Ways to Say: Join the crowd, follow the trend, hop on the train.
9. At a crossroads
- Meaning: A point where a decision must be made, especially about travel plans or directions.
- In a Sentence: “I was at a crossroads, deciding whether to visit Paris or Rome for my vacation.”
- Other Ways to Say: Facing a choice, at a turning point, in a dilemma.
10. The world is your oyster
- Meaning: The idea that you have the opportunity to go anywhere and do anything you desire.
- In a Sentence: “With your savings, the world is your oyster—where do you want to go first?”
- Other Ways to Say: Endless possibilities, unlimited choices, open to exploration.
11. idioms for travelling In the same boat
- Meaning: To be in the same situation or facing similar challenges, especially when travelling.
- In a Sentence: “We were all in the same boat, dealing with flight delays at the airport.”
- Other Ways to Say: Sharing the same experience, in a similar situation, on the same journey.
12. Pack your bags
- Meaning: To prepare for a journey or trip by gathering your belongings.
- In a Sentence: “It’s time to pack your bags; we’re leaving for the airport in an hour!”
- Other Ways to Say: Get ready to go, gather your things, prepare for departure.
13. A world of possibilities
- Meaning: Refers to the many opportunities and experiences available when travelling.
- In a Sentence: “Travelling opens up a world of possibilities for exploration and growth.”
- Other Ways to Say: Endless options, infinite opportunities, a realm of adventure.
14. Hit the ground running
- Meaning: To start something quickly and with enthusiasm, especially when arriving at a new destination.
- In a Sentence: “Once we landed, we hit the ground running and explored the city immediately.”
- Other Ways to Say: Get off to a fast start, dive right in, begin with energy.
15. Know the ropes
- Meaning: To understand the details or procedures involved in a situation, particularly while travelling.
- In a Sentence: “Having travelled there before, I knew the ropes and guided my friends easily.”
- Other Ways to Say: Be familiar with the process, understand the ins and outs, be well-informed.
16. A little bird told me
- Meaning: Used to indicate that someone heard a piece of information from a secretive or unknown source.
- In a Sentence: “A little bird told me that there’s a hidden waterfall nearby we should visit.”
- Other Ways to Say: I heard through the grapevine, a secret source hinted, a whisper in my ear.
17. Off to a flying start
- Meaning: To begin a journey or project with great success or enthusiasm.
- In a Sentence: “Our road trip was off to a flying start with beautiful weather and great music.”
- Other Ways to Say: Start strong, launch successfully, begin with momentum.
18. Go places
- Meaning: To have the potential for success or adventure, often used in the context of travel.
- In a Sentence: “With your talent and determination, you’re going to go places in life.”
- Other Ways to Say: Achieve success, experience new things, explore opportunities.
19. On cloud nine
- Meaning: To feel extremely happy or elated, often after a wonderful travel experience.
- In a Sentence: “After that amazing vacation, I was on cloud nine for weeks.”
- Other Ways to Say: In seventh heaven, over the moon, in blissful joy.
20. Throw caution to the wind
- Meaning: To act in a reckless or carefree manner, often when making spontaneous travel decisions.
- In a Sentence: “We decided to throw caution to the wind and book a last-minute trip.”
- Other Ways to Say: Take a risk, be adventurous, act without restraint.
21. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
- Meaning: Great achievements often start with a small action or decision, especially in travel.
- In a Sentence: “Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; just book that ticket!”
- Other Ways to Say: Every adventure starts small, take the first move, all great things start with one action.
22. idioms for travelling Get your feet wet
- Meaning: To try something for the first time, especially in a travel context.
- In a Sentence: “I decided to get my feet wet by joining a group tour on my first trip abroad.”
- Other Ways to Say: Dip your toes in, start small, take a trial run.
23. Break the ice
- Meaning: To initiate conversation or interaction, often in a new or unfamiliar setting.
- In a Sentence: “To break the ice, I suggested we share our favorite travel stories.”
- Other Ways to Say: Start a conversation, ease the tension, initiate interaction.
24. The grass is always greener on the other side
- Meaning: The belief that other places or situations often seem better than one’s own, especially when travelling.
- In a Sentence: “Although I love my home, sometimes I feel like the grass is always greener on the other side.”
- Other Ways to Say: Other places seem better, a longing for something different, envy of others’ situations.
25. A breath of fresh air
- Meaning: A refreshing change or new experience, especially when travelling.
- In a Sentence: “Visiting the countryside was a breath of fresh air after the bustling city life.”
- Other Ways to Say: A new perspective, a refreshing experience, a welcome change.
26. Let the cat out of the bag
- Meaning: To reveal a secret or surprise, often related to travel plans.
- In a Sentence: “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise trip for her birthday.”
- Other Ways to Say: Spill the beans, reveal the secret, let the secret slip.
27. Idioms for Travelling A rolling stone gathers no moss
- Meaning: Someone who keeps moving and exploring does not become stagnant or stuck in one place.
- In a Sentence: “He’s a rolling stone, always traveling and discovering new places without settling down.”
- Other Ways to Say: Always on the move, constantly exploring, never stagnant.
28. Under the weather
- Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell, often when travelling.
- In a Sentence: “I wasn’t able to enjoy the trip because I was feeling under the weather.”
- Other Ways to Say: Feeling unwell, not at my best, a bit sick.
29. Follow in someone’s footsteps
- Meaning: To take a similar path or approach as someone else, often in travel experiences.
- In a Sentence: “After hearing about her amazing trip, I decided to follow in her footsteps and visit the same places.”
- Other Ways to Say: Walk the same path, emulate someone, take inspiration from.
30. A change of scenery
- Meaning: A shift in environment or surroundings, often refreshing and rejuvenating.
- In a Sentence: “I needed a change of scenery, so I booked a weekend getaway to the mountains.”
- Other Ways to Say: A different environment, a new location, a fresh perspective.
31. idioms for travelling Go off the rails
- Meaning: To deviate from a planned route or itinerary, often leading to unexpected adventures.
- In a Sentence: “Our trip went off the rails when we missed our train, but we ended up discovering a charming little town.”
- Other Ways to Say: Stray from the plan, take an unplanned detour, go astray.
32. A safe harbor
- Meaning: A place of refuge or safety, especially after a long journey.
- In a Sentence: “After a hectic week of travel, I found my home to be a safe harbor.”
- Other Ways to Say: A place of comfort, a refuge, a sanctuary.
33. In the driver’s seat
- Meaning: To be in control of a situation, often used in travel planning.
- In a Sentence: “As the trip planner, I felt I was in the driver’s seat, making all the decisions.”
- Other Ways to Say: In control, at the helm, calling the shots.
34. Travel at your own pace
- Meaning: To move or progress according to one’s own speed and comfort level.
- In a Sentence: “On this trip, you can travel at your own pace, no rush to see everything.”
- Other Ways to Say: Go slow, take your time, move at your speed.
35. Cross that bridge when you come to it
- Meaning: To deal with a problem only when it arises, rather than worrying about it beforehand.
- In a Sentence: “If the weather turns bad, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
- Other Ways to Say: Deal with it later, tackle problems as they arise, focus on the present.
36. A long way to go
- Meaning: To have a significant distance left to travel or a lot to accomplish.
- In a Sentence: “We’ve made progress, but we still have a long way to go before we reach our destination.”
- Other Ways to Say: A considerable distance left, much more to cover, significant journey ahead.
37. The road less travelled
- Meaning: To choose a less popular or conventional path, often leading to unique experiences.
- In a Sentence: “She decided to take the road less travelled and explore the hidden gems of the countryside.”
- Other Ways to Say: An unconventional path, an uncharted route, a unique journey.
38. Idioms for Travelling Get lost
- Meaning: To lose one’s way, often leading to unexpected adventures or discoveries.
- In a Sentence: “Sometimes it’s fun to get lost in a new city and see what you can find.”
- Other Ways to Say: Wander aimlessly, explore without a map, find your way by chance.
Quiz: idioms for travelling!
1. What does the idiom “hit the road” mean?
- A. To stop travelling
- B. To begin a journey
- C. To travel in reverse
- Answer: B. To begin a journey
2. Which idiom refers to exploring unique or lesser-known places?
- A. Off the beaten path
- B. On cloud nine
- C. Go the extra mile
- Answer: A. Off the beaten path
3. “Travel light” encourages you to:
- A. Bring as much luggage as possible
- B. Pack only the essentials
- C. Carry heavy equipment
- Answer: B. Pack only the essentials
4. What does “the world is your oyster” imply?
- A. Limited choices
- B. Endless opportunities
- C. A boring journey
- Answer: B. Endless opportunities
5. Which idiom suggests making a decision at a crucial moment?
- A. At a crossroads
- B. A safe harbor
- C. A breath of fresh air
- Answer: A. At a crossroads
Conclusion
Idioms for travelling enrich our language and capture the spirit of exploration and adventure. From expressing the excitement of starting a journey to the challenges of unexpected detours, these idioms provide colorful ways to describe our travel experiences. Incorporating them into conversations can make your travel discussions more engaging and relatable.
Carla Jones is an expert blogger in English Language Teaching, sharing innovative strategies and insights to empower educators and enhance language learning experiences for students worldwide.