Travel expressions: Idioms, phrases, and collocations

Traveling and exploring new places can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of vocabulary. In this article, we’ll dive into some key idioms, phrases, and collocations related to travel and adventure. These travel expressions will help you describe your experiences more vividly and understand others when they talk about their travels.

Get itchy feet (of travel expressions)

• Meaning: To have a strong desire to travel.
• Example: “Every summer, he gets itchy feet and starts planning his next trip.”

If you feel restless and eager to explore new places, you might say you’ve got “itchy feet.”

Set out on a journey

• Meaning: To start or begin a journey.
• Example: “Early in the morning, they set out on a journey to explore the mountains.”

This phrasal verb is perfect for describing the start of an adventure.  

  Read more: Learn about the most common traveling phrasal verbs in English

 

Types of journeys

• Pleasant Journey: A journey that is enjoyable and free from trouble.
  • Example: “I hope you have a pleasant journey this summer.”
• Arduous Journey: A journey that is difficult and requires a lot of effort.
  • Example: “The explorers faced an arduous journey through the mountains.”

Whether your journey is relaxing or challenging, these adjectives will help you describe it accurately.  

Break the journey (of travel expressions)

• Meaning: To stop or pause during a long trip to rest.
• Example: “We decided to break the journey with a stop in a small town to rest before continuing.”

Similar expressions include “have a stopover” or “make a pit stop,” both of which imply taking a short break during a trip.

Experience the local culture

• Try the Local Cuisine: To enjoy the local food.
  • Example: “When we visited Italy, we made sure to try the local cuisine, including authentic pizza and pasta.”
• Take a Guided Tour: To join a tour led by an experienced guide.
  • Example: “We decided to take a guided tour of the ancient ruins to learn more about their history.”
• Go Sightseeing: To visit and explore famous or interesting places.
  • Example: “On our first day in London, we went sightseeing and visited Big Ben.”
• Go Off the Beaten Track: To explore places that are not well-known or are away from usual tourist spots.
  • Example: “We decided to go off the beaten track and found a peaceful hidden lake.”

These activities are common among travelers looking to immerse themselves in the culture and sights of their destination.  

Types of travelers (of travel expressions)

• Intrepid Traveler: A brave and adventurous traveler.
  • Example: “The intrepid traveler explored areas of the Amazon rainforest.”
• Seasoned Traveler: An experienced traveler who is familiar with the ins and outs of traveling.
  • Example: “As a seasoned traveler, she knew how to find the best local restaurants.”
• Adventurous Traveler: A traveler who loves adventure and trying new things.
  • Example: “The adventurous traveler decided to try skydiving during his trip to Japan.”

These terms help describe the different attitudes and approaches people have towards travel and adventure.  

Managing travel budgets

• Budget Doesn’t Stretch To: To not have enough money to afford something.
  • Example: “Our budget doesn’t stretch to dining at a fancy restaurant every night.”
• Travel on a Shoestring: To travel with very little money.
  • Example: “They managed to travel on a shoestring by staying in hostels.”
• Stick to Your Budget: To carefully follow your planned spending.
  • Example: “They had to stick to their budget, so they avoided expensive attractions.”
• Go Over Budget: To spend more money than originally planned.
  • Example: “They went over budget on their vacation by staying in a more expensive hotel.”

These phrases are crucial for anyone trying to manage their finances while traveling. Conclusion Understanding and using travel-related idioms and phrases can greatly enhance your ability to communicate and share your experiences. Whether you’re an intrepid traveler or someone who prefers a more relaxed journey, these travel expressions will help you describe your adventures more vividly.  

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