Traveling has become more accessible than ever before, thanks to the rise of budget airlines and the ongoing popularity of global tourism. People now travel more frequently, exploring different countries, cultures, and landscapes. With this increase in travel, you may encounter various expressions or idioms, some of which could be unfamiliar or intriguing. Understanding these idioms for visiting a place can help you connect better with locals, expand your vocabulary, or even impress your travel companions.
In this article on idioms for visiting a place, we’ll delve into some of the most popular English idioms for visiting a place. By the end, you’ll not only learn the meanings of these idioms but also know how to incorporate them naturally into your conversations during your travels. Whether you’re headed to a remote island or a bustling city, knowing these idioms will enrich your experience and broaden your understanding of the English language.
1. To Travel Light
One of the most practical idioms for visiting a place that you’ll likely encounter when preparing for a trip is “to travel light.” This phrase refers to traveling with minimal luggage or belongings. It emphasizes simplicity and practicality, particularly when you’re aiming to avoid heavy bags and unnecessary items while on the go.
Example:
“I’m only going to the south for the weekend, so I have to travel light and pack only the essentials.”
2. To Hit the Road
When someone says, “Let’s hit the road,” they mean it’s time to begin a journey or leave for a destination. This idiom can also be used in casual settings when you’re ready to leave a place or home.
Example:
“The concert starts at 8 PM, so we need to hit the road by 7 to avoid missing it.”
3. To Catch the Sun
While this phrase may sound like something related to traveling to tropical destinations, it specifically refers to the act of getting a sunburn. It’s often used when someone spends too much time under the sun without protection.
Example:
“Remember to put on sunscreen before you head to the beach. You don’t want to catch the sun like last time!”
4. To Live It Up
When you’re enjoying your vacation to the fullest, without worries or restrictions, you’re said to be “living it up.” This idiom suggests carefree enjoyment, often in a place known for its luxury or excitement.
Example:
“We’re going to live it up in Las Vegas this weekend! Everything’s booked, and we plan on having an unforgettable time!”
5. On a Shoestring / On the Cheap
These two idioms describe a type of travel experience where one is careful with their spending. Traveling on a shoestring or on the cheap means doing so with a small budget, often by staying in affordable accommodations or choosing low-cost transportation options.
Example:
“I’m traveling through Europe on a shoestring budget. I’ll be staying in hostels and cooking my meals to save money.”
6. At the Crack of Dawn
“At the crack of dawn” refers to the earliest possible time in the morning, right when the sun rises. It suggests the idea of starting your day early to make the most out of it, often to catch a flight or explore new places before the crowds arrive.
Example:
“We have a full day of sightseeing in Paris, so we’re waking up at the crack of dawn to get a head start.”
7. To Call It a Day / Night
When you’ve had enough of an activity or you’re too tired to continue, you might “call it a day” or “call it a night.” This idiom means stopping an activity because you’ve either finished for the day or you’re simply too tired to keep going.
Example:
“We toured the museums all afternoon, but we were so exhausted we decided to call it a day and go back to the hotel.”
8. Off the Beaten Track
If you’re visiting a place that’s far from popular tourist destinations, you might refer to it as being “off the beaten track.” It indicates that the place is remote or not commonly visited by tourists, often offering a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Example:
“The island we stayed on was off the beaten track, which made it so peaceful. There were only a few people, and it was the perfect escape from the crowds.”
9. To Catch the Red-Eye
This phrase is commonly used in the context of flying, particularly for those who have to catch a flight late at night. “Catching the red-eye” means boarding a flight that departs late in the evening and arrives the following morning.
Example:
“I have to catch the red-eye tonight, so I’m going to sleep during the day to prepare.”
10. Live Out of a Suitcase
Traveling frequently and staying in different places for short periods of time is described by the idiom “living out of a suitcase.” It implies a lifestyle where a person carries only the bare essentials, often for business or extended trips.
Example:
“My brother has been living out of a suitcase for the past year, traveling around the world for his job.”
11. To Break the Journey
Sometimes, long journeys require a stopover to rest or explore a different place along the way. “Breaking the journey” means stopping at a location to take a break during a longer trip.
Example:
“We had a 10-hour drive ahead of us, so we decided to break the journey by staying in a small town for a night.”
12. To Go the Extra Mile
When you “go the extra mile,” you do more than what is expected, going above and beyond to achieve something. This idiom is particularly useful when talking about someone who is making an effort to ensure a trip or experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Example:
“The tour guide really went the extra mile to make sure we saw all the hidden spots in the city!”
13. To Take in the Sights
“Taking in the sights” refers to exploring the popular or significant landmarks and attractions of a place. It’s often used when visiting famous monuments, natural wonders, or any other notable sites during your travels.
Example:
“We spent the day taking in the sights of New York, from Central Park to the Empire State Building.”
14. To Be on the Road
If you hear someone say, “I’m on the road,” they typically mean they’re traveling, often for an extended period. It can also be used to describe the experience of being away from home due to travel, business, or leisure.
Example:
“He’s been on the road for weeks, attending conferences across the country.”
15. To Be in the Driver’s Seat
Being “in the driver’s seat” means being in control or in charge of a situation. While traveling, this could refer to making decisions about the trip’s itinerary or choosing the best route.
Example:
“We were in the driver’s seat during the road trip, and we decided to make an impromptu stop at the beach.”
16. To Hit the Tourist Trail
The phrase “hitting the tourist trail” is used when someone follows the usual or popular routes taken by tourists. It suggests visiting well-known attractions that are often crowded but still essential to experience.
Example:
“Our first day in Paris was spent hitting the tourist trail, with stops at the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.”
17. To Go for a Spin
“Going for a spin” means taking a short trip, often just for fun or leisure. It’s used when you want to describe a casual, often spontaneous journey.
Example:
“We decided to go for a spin around the city on the rented scooters.”
18. To Stay Put
While traveling, sometimes it’s best to “stay put” for a while, meaning staying in one location and not moving around. It implies not traveling or exploring further for a certain period of time.
Example:
“After a long flight, we decided to stay put at the hotel and just relax before exploring the city.”
19. To Be a Globetrotter
A “globetrotter” is a person who travels frequently and all around the world. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is always on the move, exploring new countries and experiencing different cultures.
Example:
“My friend is a true globetrotter—she’s already visited over 50 countries!”
20. To Hit a Snag
This phrase refers to encountering an unexpected problem or obstacle during your travels. It could be anything from a delayed flight to a lost passport. When something doesn’t go as planned, you might say you’ve “hit a snag.”
Example:
“We hit a snag when our flight was canceled, and we had to find an alternative way to get to our destination.”
Conclusion on English Idioms for Visiting a Place
Understanding idioms for visiting a place can greatly enhance your travel experiences. Whether you’re packing light, hitting the road, or taking in the sights, these idioms provide a colorful and engaging way to communicate your adventures. By learning and using these expressions, you’ll not only improve your vocabulary but also connect with fellow travelers and locals on a deeper level.
Next time you’re on a journey, try using some of these idioms to sound like a native speaker and to better express your travel experiences. From “living it up” in a vibrant city to “staying put” in a peaceful destination, idioms make your travels more exciting and memorable. So, pack your bags, get ready to explore, and let these idioms guide you along the way!