Vacations are times when people take a break from work or school. They go to fun places, relax, and spend time with family or friends. People might go to the beach, visit a new city, or stay home and enjoy free time. During vacation, we often hear phrases that sound funny or don’t mean exactly what the words say. These are called idioms.
Idioms about vacation make talking more interesting. They help us describe how we feel when we travel or take time off. In this article, we will look at many idioms that people use when they talk about vacation. You will learn what they mean and how to use them in real life. This will help you understand and enjoy these expressions more.
Idioms About Vacation
1. Hit the road
Meaning: To leave or begin a trip
Example Sentence:
• We hit the road early to avoid traffic.
• After breakfast, they hit the road for Florida.
Other ways to say: Get going, start the trip
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from driving when tires “hit” the road.
Usage: Used when someone begins a journey.
2. Take a breather
Meaning: To take a short rest
Example Sentence:
• After hiking, we took a breather on a bench.
• Mom needed to take a breather after packing.
Other ways to say: Take a break, rest a bit
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of stopping to catch your breath.
Usage: Used when someone needs a short break.
3. Soak up the sun
Meaning: To enjoy sunshine outside
Example Sentence:
• We soaked up the sun at the beach.
• Grandma likes to soak up the sun in her garden.
Other ways to say: Sunbathe, enjoy the sunshine
Fun Fact/Origin: It means to take in the sun like a sponge soaks water.
Usage: Used when people relax outdoors in sunny weather.
4. Live it up
Meaning: To enjoy life or a vacation fully
Example Sentence:
• They lived it up in Las Vegas.
• We lived it up at the water park all day.
Other ways to say: Have fun, enjoy a lot
Fun Fact/Origin: Means enjoying life without worrying about anything.
Usage: Used when someone is having a lot of fun.
5. Get away from it all
Meaning: To leave stress behind and relax
Example Sentence:
• We got away from it all by camping in the woods.
• Dad said he needed to get away from it all after a busy week.
Other ways to say: Take a break, escape
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of leaving troubles behind.
Usage: Used when someone wants to relax and forget stress.
6. Travel light
Meaning: To bring only a few things on a trip
Example Sentence:
• She always travels light with one small bag.
• We had to travel light to fit everything in the car.
Other ways to say: Pack light, bring few items
Fun Fact/Origin: It means carrying less weight when traveling.
Usage: Used when people don’t take a lot of luggage.
7. On cloud nine
Meaning: To feel very happy
Example Sentence:
• He was on cloud nine during the cruise.
• I was on cloud nine when we visited Disneyland.
Other ways to say: Very happy, overjoyed
Fun Fact/Origin: “Cloud nine” is thought to be one of the highest clouds.
Usage: Used when someone is very excited or happy.
8. Just what the doctor ordered
Meaning: Something that is needed and helpful
Example Sentence:
• This weekend trip is just what the doctor ordered.
• A nap under the sun was just what the doctor ordered.
Other ways to say: Perfect break, needed rest
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from medicine—something good for you.
Usage: Used when something makes you feel better.
9. In the same boat
Meaning: To be in the same situation as someone
Example Sentence:
• We were all in the same boat when our flights got delayed.
• Everyone was tired from the hike—we were in the same boat.
Other ways to say: Same situation, same problem
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from people sharing the same boat on water.
Usage: Used when everyone has the same experience.
10. Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: Very excited about many fun choices
Example Sentence:
• He was like a kid in a candy store at the theme park.
• I felt like a kid in a candy store seeing all the rides.
Other ways to say: Super excited, full of joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Kids get very happy in candy stores, so it means pure joy.
Usage: Used when someone is excited and happy to explore.
11. Have a blast
Meaning: To have a lot of fun
Example Sentence:
• We had a blast at the beach party.
• She had a blast on the water slides.
Other ways to say: Have fun, enjoy a lot
Fun Fact/Origin: “Blast” means a loud or exciting event.
Usage: Used when someone has a very fun time.
12. Off the beaten path
Meaning: A place not visited by many people
Example Sentence:
• We found a quiet lake off the beaten path.
• They like camping off the beaten path.
Other ways to say: Hidden spot, secret place
Fun Fact/Origin: Trails walked less often become harder to see.
Usage: Used when a place is not common or popular.
13. Packed to the gills
Meaning: Very full or crowded
Example Sentence:
• The hotel was packed to the gills.
• The suitcase was packed to the gills.
Other ways to say: Totally full, stuffed
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from fish gills being tight and full of water.
Usage: Used when something is completely full.
14. Take in the sights
Meaning: To look at and enjoy new places
Example Sentence:
• We took in the sights of New York City.
• They spent the day taking in the sights around town.
Other ways to say: Sightsee, explore
Fun Fact/Origin: “Take in” means to absorb or notice.
Usage: Used when enjoying what you see on a trip.
15. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working or doing something for now
Example Sentence:
• After hiking all morning, we called it a day.
• Let’s call it a day and go back to the cabin.
Other ways to say: Stop for now, finish up
Fun Fact/Origin: A way of saying the day’s work is done.
Usage: Used when someone ends an activity.
16. Get the show on the road
Meaning: To begin a trip or event
Example Sentence:
• Let’s get the show on the road and head to the beach.
• We packed up and got the show on the road.
Other ways to say: Start the trip, begin
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from starting performances or shows.
Usage: Used when someone is ready to start.
17. Road trip
Meaning: A trip taken by car
Example Sentence:
• We’re going on a road trip to California.
• Our summer road trip was the best!
Other ways to say: Car journey, long drive
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is popular for long car vacations.
Usage: Used when talking about driving vacations.
18. Make a pit stop
Meaning: To stop for a short break during a trip
Example Sentence:
• We made a pit stop to grab snacks.
• Let’s make a pit stop at the gas station.
Other ways to say: Quick break, short stop
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from race cars stopping quickly.
Usage: Used when pausing a trip briefly.
19. Catch some rays
Meaning: To sunbathe or enjoy sunshine
Example Sentence:
• We caught some rays at the pool.
• She lay on the towel catching rays all afternoon.
Other ways to say: Sunbathe, relax in the sun
Fun Fact/Origin: “Rays” are beams of sunlight.
Usage: Used when enjoying sunny weather.
20. On the go
Meaning: Always busy or traveling
Example Sentence:
• We were on the go all day during vacation.
• She’s always on the go, visiting new places.
Other ways to say: Always moving, very busy
Fun Fact/Origin: Means being active or in motion.
Usage: Used when someone is busy and moving a lot.
21. Go with the flow
Meaning: To relax and accept what happens
Example Sentence:
• On vacation, we just went with the flow.
• I didn’t plan anything and went with the flow.
Other ways to say: Relax, go along
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from water flowing without force.
Usage: Used when someone is easygoing.
22. Up in the air
Meaning: Not decided yet
Example Sentence:
• Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
• It’s up in the air if we’re flying or driving.
Other ways to say: Unsure, not planned
Fun Fact/Origin: Like something floating without direction.
Usage: Used when something is uncertain.
23. Travel bug
Meaning: A strong desire to travel
Example Sentence:
• I got the travel bug after my first trip.
• She has the travel bug and wants to go everywhere.
Other ways to say: Love to travel, wanderlust
Fun Fact/Origin: Called a “bug” like catching a sickness, but fun.
Usage: Used when someone loves traveling a lot.
24. Off to a flying start
Meaning: To begin something very well
Example Sentence:
• Our trip got off to a flying start with sunny weather.
• The first day of vacation was off to a flying start.
Other ways to say: Great start, good beginning
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from planes taking off smoothly.
Usage: Used when something begins nicely.
25. In full swing
Meaning: Something happening actively
Example Sentence:
• Our vacation fun was in full swing by Tuesday.
• The beach party was in full swing.
Other ways to say: Fully going, very active
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the motion of things swinging fast.
Usage: Used when something is happening a lot.
26. A change of scenery
Meaning: A new place for a break
Example Sentence:
• We needed a change of scenery from our hometown.
• The cabin gave us a peaceful change of scenery.
Other ways to say: New view, different place
Fun Fact/Origin: “Scenery” means the view around you.
Usage: Used when going somewhere new to relax.
27. Take the scenic route
Meaning: To go the longer but prettier way
Example Sentence:
• We took the scenic route through the mountains.
• Let’s take the scenic route to enjoy the view.
Other ways to say: Go the long way, enjoy the ride
Fun Fact/Origin: “Scenic” means full of nice views.
Usage: Used when choosing a pretty way over the fast way.
28. Let your hair down
Meaning: To relax and have fun
Example Sentence:
• On vacation, it’s time to let your hair down.
• She let her hair down at the pool party.
Other ways to say: Relax, be yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from taking off fancy hairstyles to relax.
Usage: Used when someone enjoys and forgets worries.
29. The great outdoors
Meaning: Nature and places outside
Example Sentence:
• We spent our trip enjoying the great outdoors.
• Camping helps you love the great outdoors.
Other ways to say: Nature, outside
Fun Fact/Origin: Means wild areas like forests and mountains.
Usage: Used when talking about being outside in nature.
30. Raring to go
Meaning: Very excited to start something
Example Sentence:
• The kids were raring to go to the waterpark.
• I was raring to go on our hike.
Other ways to say: Very ready, super excited
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from horses eager to run.
Usage: Used when someone can’t wait to begin.
31. Take a hike
Meaning: To go walking, usually in nature
Example Sentence:
• We took a hike up the mountain.
• Let’s take a hike before lunch.
Other ways to say: Go walking, explore
Fun Fact/Origin: “Hike” means a long walk.
Usage: Used when someone goes on a nature walk.
32. Sail through
Meaning: To do something easily
Example Sentence:
• We sailed through airport check-in.
• The first day of vacation sailed through smoothly.
Other ways to say: Go easily, finish fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sailing without trouble.
Usage: Used when something is easy.
33. Like herding cats
Meaning: Hard to manage a group
Example Sentence:
• Traveling with toddlers is like herding cats.
• Getting everyone ready was like herding cats.
Other ways to say: Hard to control, tricky
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats don’t listen well—hard to gather them.
Usage: Used when organizing people is difficult.
34. Get back on track
Meaning: To return to a plan or schedule
Example Sentence:
• We got back on track after missing the train.
• After resting, we got back on track with our plans.
Other ways to say: Return to normal, fix plans
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from trains going back to their tracks.
Usage: Used when plans are going right again.
35. Have itchy feet
Meaning: Wanting to travel
Example Sentence:
• After a month at home, she had itchy feet.
• I get itchy feet every summer break.
Other ways to say: Want to go, ready to travel
Fun Fact/Origin: “Itchy” here means a strong feeling to move.
Usage: Used when someone really wants to go somewhere.
36. Catch the travel bug
Meaning: Start loving travel
Example Sentence:
• He caught the travel bug after one trip.
• I caught the travel bug during spring break.
Other ways to say: Love travel, want to see the world
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a bug, it spreads and stays.
Usage: Used when someone starts to enjoy traveling.
37. Sit back and relax
Meaning: Take it easy and enjoy
Example Sentence:
• Just sit back and relax on vacation.
• Dad sat back and relaxed by the pool.
Other ways to say: Chill, take it easy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from leaning back to rest.
Usage: Used when someone takes a peaceful break.
38. Go off the grid
Meaning: To be out of contact
Example Sentence:
• We went off the grid in the woods.
• No phones—just going off the grid.
Other ways to say: Unplug, disconnect
Fun Fact/Origin: “Grid” means being connected to power or the internet.
Usage: Used when someone wants to be unreachable.
39. Stretch your legs
Meaning: To walk after sitting
Example Sentence:
• We stopped to stretch our legs during the drive.
• Let’s stretch our legs at the rest stop.
Other ways to say: Walk around, take a break
Fun Fact/Origin: Means waking up your legs after sitting.
Usage: Used when walking after being still.
40. Travel on a shoestring
Meaning: To travel with very little money
Example Sentence:
• We traveled on a shoestring but still had fun.
• They took a shoestring vacation across the state.
Other ways to say: Budget trip, cheap travel
Fun Fact/Origin: “Shoestring” means something small or limited.
Usage: Used when someone travels without spending much.
41. Call the shots
Meaning: To be the one in charge
Example Sentence:
• Mom called the shots during our road trip.
• On vacation, Dad likes to call the shots.
Other ways to say: Be in charge, make choices
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from shooting sports—who decides when to shoot.
Usage: Used when someone is leading the plan.
42. Get your second wind
Meaning: To regain energy after being tired
Example Sentence:
• After lunch, we got our second wind and went hiking.
• I got my second wind at the amusement park.
Other ways to say: Regain energy, feel better
Fun Fact/Origin: From runners catching their breath again.
Usage: Used when energy returns after resting.
43. Take the plunge
Meaning: To finally do something exciting
Example Sentence:
• We took the plunge and went skydiving.
• I took the plunge and tried zip-lining.
Other ways to say: Go for it, try it
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from jumping into water.
Usage: Used when someone does something new or daring.
44. Out of this world
Meaning: Very amazing
Example Sentence:
• The view from the mountain was out of this world.
• That roller coaster was out of this world.
Other ways to say: Incredible, fantastic
Fun Fact/Origin: Means so great, it feels not from Earth.
Usage: Used when something is super fun or amazing.
45. Back to the grind
Meaning: Returning to work or school
Example Sentence:
• Vacation’s over—back to the grind.
• We were sad to go back to the grind.
Other ways to say: Back to routine, return to work
Fun Fact/Origin: “Grind” means hard work, like grinding grain.
Usage: Used when vacation ends and daily tasks start again.
Quiz: Idioms About Vacation
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “hit the road” mean?
A) Take a nap
B) Start a trip
C) Play a game
2. If someone is “on cloud nine,” how do they feel?
A) Bored
B) Tired
C) Very happy
3. What does it mean to “travel light”?
A) Bring a flashlight
B) Bring only a few things
C) Travel during the day
4. When you “get away from it all,” what are you doing?
A) Going to school
B) Leaving stress behind
C) Joining a crowd
5. If someone has “itchy feet,” what do they want to do?
A) Stay at home
B) Buy new shoes
C) Travel somewhere
6. What does “off the beaten path” mean?
A) A common place
B) A crowded place
C) A quiet or hidden place
7. If a place is “packed to the gills,” what does that mean?
A) It’s full of fish
B) It’s very crowded
C) It’s clean and empty
8. What does “call it a day” mean?
A) Say good morning
B) Stop for now
C) Go to a party
9. If you “take the scenic route,” what are you doing?
A) Going the shortest way
B) Driving the fastest route
C) Choosing a pretty way
10. When someone says “go with the flow,” what do they mean?
A) Plan every step
B) Be relaxed and follow along
C) Build a dam
11. If you “make a pit stop,” what are you doing?
A) Fixing your car
B) Taking a quick break
C) Going shopping
12. What does “have a blast” mean?
A) Hear a loud sound
B) Get sick
C) Have a lot of fun
13. When someone “lets their hair down,” what are they doing?
A) Taking a shower
B) Relaxing and having fun
C) Going to bed
14. If a trip is “off to a flying start,” what does that mean?
A) It started badly
B) It hasn’t started yet
C) It started very well
15. What does “back to the grind” mean?
A) Start your vacation
B) Go back to school or work
C) Sleep in
Answer Key
- B – Start a trip
- C – Very happy
- B – Bring only a few things
- B – Leaving stress behind
- C – Travel somewhere
- C – A quiet or hidden place
- B – It’s very crowded
- B – Stop for now
- C – Choosing a pretty way
- B – Be relaxed and follow along
- B – Taking a quick break
- C – Have a lot of fun
- B – Relaxing and having fun
- C – It started very well
- B – Go back to school or work
Wrapping Up
Vacations are fun, and idioms help us talk about them in fun ways. These special phrases make it easier to share how we feel, what we see, and what we enjoy during trips. Whether you’re hitting the road or soaking up the sun, these idioms can help describe your journey.
Now that you know these 45 vacation idioms, try using them in your stories or when talking about your trips. It’s a simple way to make your words more colorful and fun.
