All learners of English love idioms.  They are often the same in many languages, but equally and wonderfully they are often different!  Below are some travel idioms.  Are they the same in your first language?

Read these questions below.  Without looking at the definitions, can you guess what they mean?

1. When you go on a long journey, do you hit the road early?
2. Do you catch the sun easily?
3. Have you ever travelled on a shoestring?
4. Do you prefer touristy places or an off the beaten track destination?
5. Did you have itchy feet when you were younger?
6. Do you know anyone who has their head in the clouds?
7. If you were bored on an expensive tour, would you call it a day or would you stay until the end?

Now read on and check your ideas.  💡

Let’s start!

✅  Hit the road

To start a journey

“I’m going to wake up early and hit the road before breakfast!”

✅  Catch the sun

To get sunburnt

“Remember to wear sun cream when you are at the beach.  You don’t want to catch the sun!”

✅  On a shoestring

Do something cheaply, without spending too much money

“When I was younger, I used to travel on a shoestring.  Now I only stay in the best hotels!”

✅  Call it a day

To stop an activity

“We’ve been sightseeing all morning.  Let’s call it a day and go back to the hotel for lunch.”

✅  Off the beaten track

In a remote location

“I love visiting places which are off the beaten track, away from the crowds of tourists.”

✅  Have itchy feet

Want to travel and or do something new

“She loves travelling around the world and never stays in the same place for more than a few weeks!  She has itchy feet.”

✅  Have your head in the clouds

To have impractical /unrealistic ideas or dreams

“He thinks he’ll be a millionaire by the time he is 21.  He’s got his head in the clouds!”

Practice

Find someone who speaks English.  Ask them these questions and show off your new idioms!  be prepared for:  “What does that mean?” and be ready to teach your conversational partner what the idioms mean.  Good luck!

1. When you go on a long journey, do you hit the road early?
2. Do you catch the sun easily?
3. Have you ever travelled on a shoestring?
4. Do you prefer touristy places or an off the beaten track destination?
5. Did you have itchy feet when you were younger?
6. Do you know anyone who has their head in the clouds?
7. If you were bored on an expensive tour, would you call it a day or would you stay until the end?