English Idioms for Travelling with Examples

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Idioms for Travelling

Travel Idioms: Do you call yourself a wanderlust? Then you should definitely know these idioms for travelling that you can use to express yourself in a creative way. So, before you pack your bag for another adventure, make sure you have the right English vocabulary. Mentioned below are some idioms for travelling that you should know.

1. Itchy Feet

People who have itchy feet are bored of where they are and have a desire to travel, do something new, or explore. This idiom implies a sense of restlessness or eagerness to go somewhere new, similar to how feet might feel itchy when they are stuck in one place for too long. It’s often used to describe the urge to break free from routine.

Example: I was getting itchy feet so I moved to London.

2. The Travel Bug

The meaning of the travel bug is to have a strong desire to travel. It describes a feeling of restlessness or excitement that compels someone to go on trips or vacations. Once someone catches the “travel bug,” they often develop an urge to visit different countries or experience new cultures.

Example: I caught the travel bug when I first explored Europe over 20 years ago.

Also Read: Idioms for Food

3. Live Out Of A Suitcase

Individuals who live a nomadic lifestyle frequently travel to different locations and do not often return to their homes. As they only stay in each location for a short period of time, they prefer to keep their clothes stored in their suitcase rather than taking the time to unpack and settle.

Example: Guys, we have a busy itinerary, so get ready to live out of your suitcases for the next month or so!

Also Read: Understanding Idioms: Examples and Meanings

4. Hit the Road

Hit the Road Jack is a widely known travel expression that’s often referenced in songs like “Hit the Road Jack”. This idiom means to leave or begin a journey, especially by car or on a trip. It’s often used when someone is ready to start travelling or when they are leaving a place to go somewhere else. It’s commonly used informally and can be used in a variety of contexts, whether it’s embarking on a long road trip or just going out for the day.

Example: What time are we hitting the road tomorrow?

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

5. A Country Mile

A “country mile” is a colloquial way of saying a long distance, often farther than expected. It can also describe a distance in rural or open areas where measurements might not be as precise. The phrase is typically used to suggest that something feels much farther away than it actually is.

Example: She beat the other swimmers by a country mile.

Also Read: Go the Extra Mile Meaning, Examples and Synonyms

6. To See the World

This idiom means to travel to various places, often to explore new countries, cultures, and experiences. It’s commonly used to describe the act of broadening one’s horizons by traveling internationally or to different regions. People often use it when discussing their dreams or aspirations of experiencing life beyond their local surroundings.

Example:After graduation, she decided to take a year off to see the world, visiting countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

7. Get Away from It All

To escape from the stress, pressures, or routine of everyday life, usually by travelling to a quiet or secluded place. It is often used when someone wants to relax and recharge, away from the hustle and bustle.

Example: After months of work, we decided to get away from it all with a peaceful retreat in the mountains.

8. To Travel on a Shoestring

This idiom means to travel with a very limited budget, spending as little money as possible. It refers to travelling frugally, often staying in inexpensive accommodations, eating simple meals, and avoiding unnecessary expenses. It’s typically used by backpackers, students, or those looking to explore while keeping costs low.

Example: We traveled through Southeast Asia on a shoestring budget, staying in hostels and eating street food.

Quick Read: Bag and Baggage Meaning, Example, Synonyms

9. Catch the Sun

This idiomatic phrase idiom means to spend time outdoors in the sunshine, usually to get a tan or simply relax. The idiom emphasises the act of basking in the warmth of the sun, often for pleasure. It’s associated with leisure activities and is commonly used when talking about beach trips or outdoor vacations. So, whenever you see someone with a tan after sunbathing, you can use this phrase.

Example: Be careful not to catch the Sun in the excitement of a Beach trip.

10. Pack Light

Pack light is one of the most common idioms for travelling, which means to travel with only essential items, keeping luggage minimal. The phrase suggests prioritizing practicality over luxury, avoiding the burden of carrying too many things. It can be a choice for convenience, especially for shorter trips or those with limited space.

Example: Boys the tracking trip is going to be rough, so make sure to pack light.

11. In the Same Boat

This idiom refers to people who are in the same situation or share the same problems. It emphasises solidarity or mutual experience, often in challenging or difficult circumstances. It’s often used to show empathy and understanding between people who are facing a common issue.

Example: Don’t feel sad brother, given my financial situation at this point, I think we both are sailing in the same boat.

12. Off the Beaten Track

The expression “off the beaten track” refers to places or routes that are not commonly visited by people, either because they are remote or simply less popular. It can also apply to activities or experiences that are uncommon or unconventional. People use this idiom when they want to describe a location or a path less explored, which offers more peace, natural beauty, or authenticity.

Example: We rented a cabin off the beaten track for a peaceful getaway.

13. A Redeye Flight

A flight that departs late at night and arrives early the next morning. It’s typically used for flights that cross time zones, making the traveller’s body adjust to new schedules. The flight is often a quick and direct option but can be tiring due to the late hours.


Example: I had to catch a redeye flight to New York for a business meeting the next day.

14. Highways and Byways

Highways and byways is among the list of common idioms for travelling. It refers to all types of roads, from major highways to small, lesser-known routes. The phrase is used to emphasize the variety of paths one might take during travel, representing both the well-traveled and the less explored paths.


Example: We travelled across the country, exploring both highways and byways to discover hidden gems in small towns.

15. Set Sail

This idiom refers to the act of starting a sea voyage or embarking on a journey. It’s commonly associated with ships or boats and is often used metaphorically to describe the beginning of any kind of journey or adventure. It evokes a sense of exploration and excitement.

Example: After months of preparation, we finally set sail for the Caribbean, eager for the adventure ahead.

IdiomsSynonymsAntonyms
Idioms to Express SadnessSynonyms of EphemeralAntonyms of Misogyny
Idioms to Express SurpriseSynonyms of WelcomeAntonyms of Brave
Idioms to Express FriendshipSynonyms of CryAntonyms of Selfish
Idioms to Express ExcitementSynonyms of HugeAntonyms of Victim
No Pain No Gain MeaningSynonyms of JovialAntonyms of Lazy

FAQs

What are idioms for travelling?

Here are some common idioms to describe a traveller or travel:
1. Live out of a suitcase
2. Itchy feet
3. Hit the road
4. Set sail
5. Take the road less travelled

What does “hit the road” mean in relation to travel?

“Hit the road” means to begin a journey, typically by car, or to leave a place and start traveling to another destination.

What does it mean to “live out of a suitcase”?

“Live out of a suitcase” means to travel frequently and have a transient lifestyle, often staying in hotels or different locations without a permanent home.

What does “catch some rays” mean?

“Catch some rays” means to spend time in the sun, typically to get a tan or relax outdoors under the sun.

What is the meaning of “a country mile”?

“A country mile” refers to a long distance, often farther than expected, especially in rural area where the distance might feel longer due to open landscapes.

What is travelling for fun called?

Travelling for fun is called “leisure travel” or “vacation travel”.

What is another word for fond of Travelling?

Another word for fond of travelling is “travel-loving” or “travel-inclined”. You could also say someone is “avid” or “enthusiastic” about travel.

What is idiom for journey?

An idiom for journey is “a long haul”. This implies a challenging or lengthy trip.

What is the idiomatic expression for travel?

An idiomatic expression for travel is “to see the world”.

What is the idiom for time flying?

The idiom for time flying is “time flies when you’re having fun”.

We hope this blog has provided all the necessary information on ‘Idioms For Travelling.’ To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.

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