As you travel the world, you’ll hear common travel expressions or travel idioms.
An idiom is basically a common expression that means something different from the literal meaning of the individual words.
As a non-native English speaker, I didn’t know a lot of idioms about travel, but the more I traveled, the more I heard different English phrases about travel.
In this post, you’ll find the most popular travel idioms and expressions, as well as their meaning.
Bump in the road
Meaning: When there’s a problem or a setback.
Example: We hit a bump in the road when we realized we needed a special license to drive there.
Break the journey
Meaning: To stop somewhere for a short period of time during a long trip.
Example: We made a stopover in Dubai to break the journey.
Hit the road
Meaning: To start the journey or to leave.
Example: I’m getting bored here, it’s time to hit the road.
Hit the beach
Meaning: To go to the beach
Example: It’s sunny today; should we hit the beach?
Jet set
Meaning: Refers to a fashionable and luxurious way of traveling.
Example: We spent two weeks jet-setting around resorts in the Maldives.
To be on track
Meaning: When something goes as scheduled or planned.
Example: We landed 20 minutes earlier than expected, so we’re on track for the next flight.
To have itchy feet
Meaning: When someone has a strong desire to travel.
Example: I’ve been here too long, it gives me itchy feet.
Travel light
Meaning: When someone travels with a small bag and doesn’t bring many things with them.
Example: I didn’t pay for extra luggage, so I’ll travel light.
To miss the boat
Meaning: Missing out on an opportunity.
Example: We wanted to join, but we got here too late. We missed the boat on that one.
To hitch a ride
Meaning: To get a free ride in someone’s car.
Example: I’m on a budget, so I’ll just hitch a ride to get there.
To part ways
Meaning: When people go in different directions and split.
Example: We traveled together for a month, and then we had to part ways.
To set up camp
Meaning: To prepare for sleeping outside. (Like camping)
Example: This seems like a good spot to set up camp tonight.
Off the beaten track
Meaning: Visiting a remote location or a place where most people don’t go.
Example: I don’t like the tourist crowds, so I’m heading to visit the tribes up north because it’s off the beaten track.
On a shoestring
Meaning: When someone travels on a budget and doesn’t spend much money.
Example: I’m traveling on a shoestring, so I’m volunteering on farms to travel longer.
On the fly
Meaning: Doing something quickly.
Example: I’m tired, I’ll just cook something on the fly.
Pit stop
Meaning: Taking a short break during a road trip so you can put more fuel in the car, get food, or rest.
Example: We’ve been driving for three hours; let’s take a pit stop at the next exit.
Road rage
Meaning: Angry behavior when driving.
Example: There was too much traffic, and the driver had a severe case of road rage.
Make your way back
Meaning: Returning home or to the starting point.
Example: It’s getting dark; it’s time to make our way back.
Rocky road
Meaning: Having a difficult time.
Example: We had a long rocky road ahead of us when we moved to Bulgaria.
Smooth sailing
Meaning: Having an easy time with no difficulty.
Example: It was relatively smooth sailing when we went through customs.
Jump ship
Meaning: To abandon something while in the middle of it.
Example: It started raining halfway through our trek, so we decided to jump ship.
To live out of a suitcase
Meaning: When someone travels to different places and only has a suitcase with them.
Example: Before living in Bulgaria, I was living out of a suitcase for years.
Final Thoughts On Travel Idioms And Expressions
And there you go – you finally know the most popular English travel expressions and idioms.
Don’t be surprised if you hear them during your travels!
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