Vacations are special times when we take a break from school or work. It’s when we relax, explore new places, or just have fun with family and friends. People use idioms to talk about these happy and exciting moments in fun ways. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say, but they help us understand ideas better.
In this article, we’ll look at idioms that describe vacation, travel, and taking a break. These expressions can help you talk about summer trips, family holidays, and those moments when you just need time off. Let’s explore 30 idioms that make vacation stories more interesting and fun to tell.
Idioms for Vacation
1. Hit the road
Meaning: To begin a trip.
Samples: We hit the road early to beat traffic. / Let’s hit the road before it gets dark.
To Put it Another Way: We started the trip. / We began our journey.
2. Get away from it all
Meaning: To take a break from daily life.
Samples: We went camping to get away from it all. / A beach trip helped us get away from it all.
To Put it Another Way: We needed a break. / We wanted peace.
3. Travel light
Meaning: To take only a few things on a trip.
Samples: I like to travel light just one bag. / We traveled light for the weekend.
To Put it Another Way: We packed only the basics. / I brought just a little.
4. On the road
Meaning: Traveling somewhere.
Samples: We were on the road for hours. / She called while they were on the road.
To Put it Another Way: We were driving. / They were traveling.
5. A change of scenery
Meaning: Going to a new place for a break.
Samples: We needed a change of scenery after staying home all week. / The lake trip gave us a nice change of scenery.
To Put it Another Way: We went somewhere different. / It was a new view.
6. Off the beaten path
Meaning: A place that’s not crowded or well known.
Samples: We found a quiet cabin off the beaten path. / Their vacation was off the beaten path.
To Put it Another Way: It wasn’t a popular place. / It was peaceful and hidden.
7. Just what the doctor ordered
Meaning: Something that is needed and makes you feel better.
Samples: That beach trip was just what the doctor ordered. / A weekend at the lake was just what the doctor ordered.
To Put it Another Way: It was the perfect break. / It helped me feel good.
8. Take a breather
Meaning: To take a short rest.
Samples: Let’s take a breather before our next stop. / We took a breather on the trail.
To Put it Another Way: We took a quick rest. / We paused for a bit.
9. Pack your bags
Meaning: To get ready to leave for a trip.
Samples: Time to pack your bags we’re going to Grandma’s! / We packed our bags for Florida.
To Put it Another Way: We got ready to leave. / We filled our suitcases.
10. Raring to go
Meaning: Very excited to start a trip.
Samples: The kids were raring to go to the beach. / We were raring to go as soon as school ended.
To Put it Another Way: We were super excited. / We couldn’t wait.
11. Fun in the sun
Meaning: Having a good time outdoors in warm weather.
Samples: We had fun in the sun at the beach. / Nothing beats fun in the sun during summer break.
To Put it Another Way: We played outside in the sunshine. / We enjoyed the warm weather.
12. Soak up the sun
Meaning: To relax in the sunshine.
Samples: We soaked up the sun by the pool. / Mom loves to soak up the sun on vacation.
To Put it Another Way: We relaxed in the sun. / We enjoyed the warmth.
13. Rest and relaxation
Meaning: Time to rest and feel better.
Samples: This trip is all about rest and relaxation. / The weekend gave us some much-needed rest and relaxation.
To Put it Another Way: We got to relax. / It was peaceful and quiet.
14. Travel bug
Meaning: A strong desire to travel.
Samples: I caught the travel bug after our trip to Colorado. / She has the travel bug and wants to go everywhere.
To Put it Another Way: I love traveling. / She wants to see more places.
15. Live out of a suitcase
Meaning: To travel so much that you never fully unpack.
Samples: We lived out of our suitcase for a week. / He’s been living out of a suitcase all summer.
To Put it Another Way: We stayed in many places. / We kept moving from one place to another.
16. Home away from home
Meaning: A place that feels like home even when you’re away.
Samples: Grandma’s house feels like a home away from home. / That cabin was our home away from home.
To Put it Another Way: We felt comfortable there. / It felt like being at home.
17. In the middle of nowhere
Meaning: A place far away from everything.
Samples: The campsite was in the middle of nowhere. / We were stuck in the middle of nowhere without Wi-Fi.
To Put it Another Way: It was far from town. / There wasn’t much around.
18. Take a hike
Meaning: Go on a walk outdoors or in nature.
Samples: We took a hike up the mountain. / Let’s take a hike after breakfast.
To Put it Another Way: We went for a nature walk. / We explored the outdoors.
19. Travel broadens the mind
Meaning: Seeing new places helps you learn and grow.
Samples: They say travel broadens the mind and it really does. / Visiting different places shows you new things.
To Put it Another Way: Travel helps you learn. / You see the world differently.
20. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop and rest after doing something.
Samples: After our hike, we called it a day. / We called it a day and went back to the hotel.
To Put it Another Way: We stopped for the day. / We were done and ready to rest.
21. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To do more than expected.
Samples: The hotel went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. / She always goes the extra mile when planning trips.
To Put it Another Way: They did something extra nice. / She worked hard to make it great.
22. It’s a small world
Meaning: Meeting someone far from home or having a strange coincidence.
Samples: We met our neighbor at the beach it’s a small world! / Running into my teacher on vacation? Small world!
To Put it Another Way: What a surprise! / What are the chances?
23. Off to a flying start
Meaning: Starting a trip really well.
Samples: Our trip was off to a flying start with perfect weather. / The vacation got off to a flying start.
To Put it Another Way: It started great. / Everything went well from the beginning.
24. Keep it low-key
Meaning: To do something calmly or simply.
Samples: We kept it low-key with a movie night on vacation. / A picnic was a nice low-key day.
To Put it Another Way: We took it easy. / It was a simple plan.
25. Make memories
Meaning: To have fun times you’ll always remember.
Samples: We made memories on our camping trip. / Vacations help us make great memories.
To Put it Another Way: We had special moments. / We won’t forget this.
26. In vacation mode
Meaning: Relaxed and thinking only about fun.
Samples: I’m in vacation mode no stress today! / The whole family was in vacation mode.
To Put it Another Way: We were relaxed. / We were thinking only about fun.
27. Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: Very excited to see many fun things.
Samples: At the theme park, she was like a kid in a candy store. / I was like a kid in a candy store at the gift shop.
To Put it Another Way: Super excited. / Everything looked fun.
28. Let your hair down
Meaning: To relax and be yourself.
Samples: We let our hair down at the beach party. / Vacation is a time to let your hair down.
To Put it Another Way: We relaxed and had fun. / We didn’t worry.
29. Take the scenic route
Meaning: To enjoy a longer path with better views.
Samples: We took the scenic route through the hills. / Let’s take the scenic route to the beach.
To Put it Another Way: We chose a prettier way. / It took longer, but was more fun.
30. Break the routine
Meaning: Do something different from your normal day.
Samples: Vacation helped us break the routine. / Going to the lake was a nice break from routine.
To Put it Another Way: We did something new. / It wasn’t the same old thing.
Find the Topics: Idioms for Vacation
Reading Passage: “Family Road Trip”
The Thompsons were finally ready to hit the road for their summer vacation. Everyone was raring to go even Dad, who usually kept it low-key. They had packed the car early to travel light, planning to visit quiet places off the beaten path.
After hours on the road, they reached a peaceful cabin by the lake. “This is just what the doctor ordered,” Mom smiled. The kids ran outside to soak up the sun and have fun in the sun. That night, they cooked marshmallows and made memories by the campfire.
The next morning, they decided to take the scenic route through the hills. “It’s nice to break the routine,” said Dad. “Feels like we’re really in vacation mode.”
Your Task:
Can you find and list all 8 idioms about vacation used in the story?
Answer Key
- Hit the road
- Raring to go
- Low-key
- Travel light
- Off the beaten path
- On the road
- Just what the doctor ordered
- Soak up the sun
Conclusion
Vacations are a time to relax, explore, and enjoy life. Idioms like “hit the road” and “fun in the sun” help us describe these happy moments in simple and exciting ways. They make stories sound more fun and help people feel the joy of taking a break.
By using idioms about vacation, you can explain your trips and days off with more feeling. Try using some of the next time you write about summer, travel, or just relaxing at home.
