Have you ever felt confused when English phrases related to vacation don’t sound like what you learned in books? A literal translation is often not enough to grasp their true meaning, making communication feel unnatural.
This article will introduce you to a unique and common set of Idioms for Vacation, helping you enrich your vocabulary and feel more confident in every conversation.
1. Off the Beaten Path
Meaning: Exploring unusual or less-traveled vacation destinations.
In a Sentence:
They went off the beaten path to a remote island.
Her vacation was off the beaten path, avoiding tourist traps.
Other Ways to Say: Uncharted territory, Less traveled, Out of the way
2. Hit the Road
Meaning: To begin a journey or vacation trip.
In a Sentence:
Let’s hit the road for our vacation adventure!
They hit the road early for their beach getaway.
Other Ways to Say: Start the journey, Take off, Get going
3. Travel Light
Meaning: To pack minimally for a vacation or trip.
In a Sentence:
She likes to travel light for her vacations.
He traveled light, making the vacation stress-free.
Other Ways to Say: Pack lightly, Minimalist travel, Keep it simple
4. Break the Ice
Meaning: To start a conversation or ease tension, often during a group vacation.
In a Sentence:
A fun game helped break the ice on their vacation.
She broke the ice with fellow travelers on the tour.
Other Ways to Say: Warm up, Get acquainted, Start talking
5. Live Out of a Suitcase
Meaning: To constantly travel, often with minimal belongings.
In a Sentence:
He’s living out of a suitcase during his long vacation.
She lived out of a suitcase while exploring Europe.
Other Ways to Say: Nomadic lifestyle, Always on the move, Traveling light
6. On a Shoestring
Meaning: Traveling or vacationing with a limited budget.
In a Sentence:
They planned a vacation on a shoestring, staying in hostels.
He explored Asia on a shoestring budget.
Other Ways to Say: Budget travel, Cheaply, With little money
7. Get Away from It All
Meaning: To escape daily life for a relaxing vacation.
In a Sentence:
They went to the mountains to get away from it all.
Her vacation was a chance to get away from it all.
Other Ways to Say: Escape, Take a break, Retreat
8. Itchy Feet
Meaning: A strong desire to travel or go on vacation.
In a Sentence:
She’s got itchy feet, planning her next vacation.
His itchy feet led to a spontaneous trip abroad.
Other Ways to Say: Wanderlust, Restless for travel, Eager to roam
9. Take the Scenic Route
Meaning: To choose a longer but more picturesque path on vacation.
In a Sentence:
They took the scenic route through the countryside.
Her vacation included taking the scenic route by the coast.
Other Ways to Say: Enjoy the view, Take the long way, Sightsee
10. At the Crack of Dawn
Meaning: Starting a vacation activity very early in the morning.
In a Sentence:
They left at the crack of dawn for their hiking vacation.
She woke at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise.
Other Ways to Say: Early morning, Dawn start, First light
11. Catch the Sun
Meaning: To enjoy the sunshine, often during a beach vacation.
In a Sentence:
She went to the beach to catch some sun on vacation.
They caught the sun while lounging by the pool.
Other Ways to Say: Soak up the sun, Bask in sunlight, Enjoy the rays
12. Far and Wide
Meaning: Traveling or exploring extensively during a vacation.
In a Sentence:
They traveled far and wide during their vacation.
Her adventures took her far and wide across continents.
Other Ways to Say: All over, Widely, Extensively
13. In the Same Boat
Meaning: Sharing similar circumstances, often during group vacations.
In a Sentence:
We’re in the same boat, all new to this vacation spot.
They were in the same boat, lost on the hike.
Other Ways to Say: In the same situation, Alike, Sharing the experience
14. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Extremely happy or blissful, often during a vacation.
In a Sentence:
She was on cloud nine during her tropical vacation.
He’s on cloud nine, enjoying his dream getaway.
Other Ways to Say: Over the moon, Ecstatic, Thrilled
15. A Change of Scenery
Meaning: A new environment to refresh during a vacation.
In a Sentence:
A change of scenery on vacation did her good.
He needed a change of scenery, so he booked a trip.
Other Ways to Say: New surroundings, Fresh view, Different place
Related Post: 50 Idioms for Traveling That Map Your Adventures
16. A Redeye Flight
Meaning: An overnight flight, often for a vacation destination.
In a Sentence:
She took a redeye flight to start her vacation early.
The redeye flight got him to his vacation spot by morning.
Other Ways to Say: Overnight flight, Late-night travel, Midnight plane
17. Call It a Night
Meaning: To end the day’s vacation activities and rest.
In a Sentence:
After sightseeing, they called it a night.
She called it a night after a fun vacation day.
Other Ways to Say: Hit the hay, Wrap up, End the day
18. Catch a Red-Eye
Meaning: To take an overnight flight for a vacation or trip.
In a Sentence:
He caught a red-eye to kick off his vacation.
Catching a red-eye saved her vacation time.
Other Ways to Say: Take a redeye, Fly overnight, Late flight
19. Catch Some Rays
Meaning: To sunbathe or enjoy the sun on vacation.
In a Sentence:
She caught some rays on her beach vacation.
He’s catching some rays by the pool this vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Soak up the sun, Sunbathe, Bask in the sun
20. Make a Pit Stop
Meaning: To take a brief break during a vacation journey.
In a Sentence:
They made a pit stop at a café during their road trip.
She made a pit stop to refuel on her vacation drive.
Other Ways to Say: Quick stop, Break briefly, Pause on the way
21. Make Tracks
Meaning: To leave quickly or start a vacation journey.
In a Sentence:
Let’s make tracks and start our vacation now!
They made tracks to their beach destination.
Other Ways to Say: Hit the road, Get going, Move out
22. Off the Grid
Meaning: To vacation in a remote place, disconnected from technology.
In a Sentence:
They went off the grid for a wilderness vacation.
She’s off the grid, enjoying a quiet vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Unplugged, Remote getaway, Disconnected
23. Off to a Flying Start
Meaning: Starting a vacation or activity with great energy.
In a Sentence:
Their vacation was off to a flying start with a great tour.
She’s off to a flying start on her adventure vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Great start, Strong beginning, Kicking off well
24. On the Go
Meaning: Constantly active or moving during a vacation.
In a Sentence:
She’s always on the go during her vacations.
He’s on the go, exploring new places daily.
Other Ways to Say: Always moving, Busy traveling, Active
25. Blaze a Trail
Meaning: To explore new or uncharted places on vacation.
In a Sentence:
They blazed a trail through the jungle on vacation.
She’s blazing a trail in her unique travel itinerary.
Other Ways to Say: Pioneer, Explore new paths, Venture out
26. Get Your Feet Wet
Meaning: To try something new, often a vacation activity, for the first time.
In a Sentence:
She got her feet wet with surfing on vacation.
He got his feet wet with hiking during the trip.
Other Ways to Say: Try it out, Dip your toes, Start small
27. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To put in extra effort for a memorable vacation.
In a Sentence:
They went the extra mile to plan a perfect vacation.
She went the extra mile for a special tour experience.
Other Ways to Say: Do more, Exceed expectations, Make it special
28. In the Driver’s Seat
Meaning: In control of the vacation plans or decisions.
In a Sentence:
She’s in the driver’s seat for their vacation itinerary.
He’s in the driver’s seat, choosing the destinations.
Other Ways to Say: In charge, Calling the shots, Leading the way
29. Kick Back and Relax
Meaning: To rest and enjoy a leisurely vacation.
In a Sentence:
It’s time to kick back and relax on vacation.
She kicked back and relaxed by the beach.
Other Ways to Say: Chill out, Unwind, Take it easy
30. Pack It In
Meaning: To end a vacation or stop an activity.
In a Sentence:
They packed it in after a long day of sightseeing.
She packed it in early to rest on vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Call it quits, Wrap up, End the trip
31. Recharge Your Batteries
Meaning: To rest and regain energy during a vacation.
In a Sentence:
This vacation helped her recharge her batteries.
He’s recharging his batteries in the mountains.
Other Ways to Say: Refresh, Rest up, Renew energy
32. See the Sights
Meaning: To visit and explore notable places on vacation.
In a Sentence:
They went to Paris to see the sights on vacation.
She’s seeing the sights in Rome this summer.
Other Ways to Say: Tour the landmarks, Explore attractions, Sightsee
33. Set Sail
Meaning: To begin a journey, often by boat, for a vacation.
In a Sentence:
They set sail for a Caribbean cruise vacation.
She’s setting sail for her island getaway.
Other Ways to Say: Start the journey, Embark, Take off
34. Smooth Sailing
Meaning: A trouble-free or easy vacation experience.
In a Sentence:
The vacation was smooth sailing with no issues.
Her trip was smooth sailing from start to finish.
Other Ways to Say: Easy-going, Hassle-free, Problem-free
35. Take a Breather
Meaning: To pause and rest during a busy vacation.
In a Sentence:
She took a breather after a day of hiking.
He’s taking a breather on his beach vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Take a break, Pause, Rest up
Related Post: 50 Idioms About Sky Beyond the Blue
36. The World Is Your Oyster
Meaning: Having endless opportunities to explore on vacation.
In a Sentence:
On vacation, the world is your oyster—go explore!
She feels the world is her oyster during her travels.
Other Ways to Say: Endless possibilities, Open opportunities, Free to roam
37. Throw Caution to the Wind
Meaning: To take risks or be spontaneous on vacation.
In a Sentence:
She threw caution to the wind and tried skydiving.
He threw caution to the wind on his adventure vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Be reckless, Take a chance, Go wild
38. Wanderlust
Meaning: A strong desire to travel or explore the world.
In a Sentence:
Her wanderlust led to a year-long vacation abroad.
He’s driven by wanderlust, planning his next trip.
Other Ways to Say: Travel bug, Itchy feet, Love for travel
39. Back on Track
Meaning: Returning to a planned or organized vacation schedule.
In a Sentence:
After a delay, their vacation got back on track.
She’s back on track with her travel itinerary.
Other Ways to Say: On course, Back to plan, Regain focus
40. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult vacation situation bravely.
In a Sentence:
She bit the bullet and joined the tough hike.
He bit the bullet to catch the early flight for vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Face it, Tough it out, Deal with it
41. Clear the Decks
Meaning: To prepare or organize for a vacation by removing obstacles.
In a Sentence:
She cleared the decks to focus on her vacation.
He cleared the decks for a stress-free trip.
Other Ways to Say: Get ready, Clear the way, Prepare fully
42. Full Steam Ahead
Meaning: To proceed with energy or enthusiasm on a vacation.
In a Sentence:
Their vacation plans are full steam ahead!
She’s going full steam ahead with her travel goals.
Other Ways to Say: All in, Charge forward, Full speed
43. Get Lost in the Moment
Meaning: To fully immerse oneself in the vacation experience.
In a Sentence:
She got lost in the moment watching the sunset.
He got lost in the moment during his vacation hike.
Other Ways to Say: Be absorbed, Live in the now, Fully engage
44. Go Off the Rails
Meaning: To lose control or deviate from vacation plans.
In a Sentence:
Their vacation went off the rails with bad weather.
She went off the rails, abandoning her itinerary.
Other Ways to Say: Lose track, Derail, Go awry
45. Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start a vacation with energy and enthusiasm.
In a Sentence:
They hit the ground running with a city tour.
She hit the ground running on her vacation adventure.
Other Ways to Say: Start strong, Dive in, Begin eagerly
46. Leave No Stone Unturned
Meaning: To explore every possibility or place on vacation.
In a Sentence:
They left no stone unturned, visiting every landmark.
She left no stone unturned on her cultural vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Explore thoroughly, Check everything, Be thorough
47. On a Roll
Meaning: Experiencing a streak of success or enjoyment on vacation.
In a Sentence:
She’s on a roll, loving every vacation moment.
Their trip is on a roll with perfect plans.
Other Ways to Say: On a streak, Doing great, Rolling smoothly
48. Road Less Traveled
Meaning: Choosing a unique or unconventional vacation path.
In a Sentence:
They took the road less traveled to a hidden village.
Her vacation followed the road less traveled.
Other Ways to Say: Uncommon path, Unique journey, Offbeat route
49. Take a Hike
Meaning: To go hiking or leave for an outdoor vacation activity.
In a Sentence:
Let’s take a hike during our mountain vacation!
She took a hike to enjoy the vacation scenery.
Other Ways to Say: Go hiking, Explore outdoors, Wander
50. Unwind and Let Loose
Meaning: To relax and enjoy oneself freely on vacation.
In a Sentence:
It’s time to unwind and let loose on this vacation.
She unwound and let loose by the beach.
Other Ways to Say: Relax fully, Chill out, Be carefree
Exercise to Practice – Idioms for Vacation
- After a year of hard work, she booked a trip to a remote cabin to _________________________.
- I have a serious case of _________________________, so I’m already planning my next international trip.
- We woke up at _________________________ to catch the morning flight to our vacation destination.
- They didn’t book any hotels in advance; they decided to _________________________ and see where the journey took them.
- After visiting three museums, we were exhausted and decided it was time to _________________________.
- He packed only a small backpack because he always likes to _________________________.
- The family decided to _________________________ and drive the coastal route instead of taking the highway.
- She feels like _________________________ when she’s traveling, with endless opportunities to explore.
- Their vacation got off to a difficult start with a flight delay, but thankfully, everything got _________________________ the next day.
- The trip was a chance for him to _________________________ and forget about his work stress.
Answer Key
- get away from it all
- wanderlust
- the crack of dawn
- throw caution to the wind
- call it a night
- travel light
- take the scenic route
- the world is her oyster
- back on track
- recharge his batteries
Conclusion
With the treasure trove of Idioms for Vacation you’ve just discovered, communicating about your trips will no longer be a difficult problem. These phrases are not just tools to help you speak more fluently; they’re also a key to telling your travel stories in a vivid and engaging way. Apply them to make your vacation memories truly special and unforgettable!
Danny Weber is a language enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for unpacking the beauty of idioms and metaphors. Through years of research and creative exploration, Danny helps readers understand the deeper meanings behind familiar phrases—making figurative language feel accessible, engaging, and alive. Whether he’s decoding classic sayings or crafting new twists on old expressions, Danny’s work invites you to see language with fresh eyes.
