“Safe Travels” Meaning: How & When to Correctly Use It (Plus Alternatives)

PDF download Download Article
Is it “safe travels” or “safe travel”? Everything you need to know
PDF download Download Article

Are you wondering if “safe travels” is the best way to politely wish someone well on their trip? Or has someone recently said “safe travels” to you, and you’re unsure what they meant? Either way, we can help. “Safe travels” is a common expression conveying the hope that someone will have a safe, secure, and enjoyable journey. Read on for a complete overview of what “safe travels” means, when to use it, and alternative phrases you can use in its place!]

Safe Travels: Quick Definition

“Safe travels” wishes someone a safe journey and good luck on their trip. While “safe travels” and “safe travel” are both correct, “safe travels” is much more common and usually used when someone is going on an extended trip with multiple destinations or travels.

Section 1 of 5:

What does “Safe travels” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Safe travels” conveys the hope that someone will have a safe, smooth journey and enjoy their travels without running into any difficulties. It also expresses the hope they’ll get back home safe and sound. It’s a common platitude used to show someone you care about them and wish them the best in their travels. [1]
    • “Safe travels” is a truncated way of saying, “I wish you safe travels” (or a similar phrase). It doesn't depend on a specific type of travel (airplane, car, train, and so on), just the length of the trip.
    • Though its exact roots are unclear, “safe travels” also has a historical context since travel used to come with many more risks.
    • Although travel has become significantly safer over the years, the practice of wishing someone well on their journey has remained—which is why “safe travels” is such a popular saying!
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Is “Safe travels” or “Safe travel” correct?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use either version of the phrase when in doubt, but they convey slightly different messages. “Travels” implies an extended journey, likely with multiple stages or destinations all in the same trip. “Safe travel,” on the other hand, encompasses any and all travel someone might undertake on their trip. [2]
    • “Safe travels” uses the countable form of the noun, while “safe travel” uses its uncountable form.
    • “Safe travels” is much more popular and the version you’re more likely to hear. “Safe travel,” while correct, is rarely used.
    • Instead of “safe travel,” you may hear an alternate phrase like “travel safe.”
Section 3 of 5:

When to Say “Safe Travels”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, you might say “safe travels” to someone getting ready for an international trip, a cross-country drive, or a multi-city tour. If a person is likely to go through multiple legs of their journey, or they’re going on a trip that isn’t routine, “safe travels” is an easy way to wish them well for the entire adventure. [3]
    • On the other hand, “safe travels” isn’t usually used for short, routine trips.
    • For example, you wouldn’t say “safe travels” to someone commuting to work or running a few errands. Phrases like “drive safely” or “have a good ride” work better for those situations.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some phrases mean basically the same thing as “safe travels,” while others have slightly different implications—or may work better depending on the situation. So, check out a few different ways to wish someone a safe trip; if nothing else, you may want to avoid being repetitive by saying “safe travels” every time! [4]
    • Travel safely. This phrase is very similar to “safe travels,” as both wish someone safety on their journey.
    • Have a safe trip. Like the phrase above, this is nearly identical to “safe travels” in terms of its meaning.
    • Have a safe journey. This phrase has the same meaning as “Have a safe trip” and “Travel safely.”
    • Have a great trip. This phrase leans away from the safety angle and instead focuses on wishing someone a positive experience on their trip.
    • Enjoy your vacation! This phrase applies specifically to someone going on a vacation (for leisure rather than any other reason).
    • Drive safe. This is a phrase you might use for a road trip or shorter journey that specifically includes driving.
    • Have a safe flight. This phrase is specific to someone traveling by airplane, wishing them a safe trip to their destination.
    • Bon voyage! This is French for “have a good trip,” but it’s become a popular expression for many English-speaking people, too.
Section 5 of 5:

Travel Safety Advice

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Get to know the place (or places) you’ll be visiting, including the safest neighborhoods and places to stay. Make sure you’re also staying on top of current events at your destination, including anything that might affect your travel. Once you’ve done your research and made a travel itinerary , make sure somebody else knows about it too! [5]
    • For example, give at least one other person who isn’t traveling with you a copy of your itinerary. That way, they can keep track of you and even do a little research on your destination too.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While it’s important to make sure your family and friends know your itinerary, it’s just as important to check in so they know everything is going as planned. Let them know you plan to check in regularly; you could even pick times or dates to do so. That way, they’ll know where you’re supposed to be and that you’re safe. [6]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A good hotel room should have a lock and deadbolt. Keep your door locked and deadbolted while you’re inside, and keep your windows shut. When you leave your room, try hanging a “Do not disturb” sign on your door and keep the blinds on your windows closed to make it look like someone is still inside. [7]
    • You could invest in a portable door stopper —a tool that slips under the door to prevent it from being opened.
    • If a friend or loved one is going to be traveling, you could also recommend they get one (to ensure “safe travels.”)
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If something happens to one of your documents—like a passport, driver’s license, or any other form of identification—it’s always a good idea to have a copy as backup. Scan any documents you might need before a trip; save copies on your computer or a similar device and print a few hard copies out, too. [8]
    • It may also be a good idea to give a friend or family member a copy of your documents, too. That way, they can send the copies to you (or a local embassy) if anything happens.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Safe-Travels-Meaning-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While most travel is completely safe, having a plan in place can be reassuring so you’ll know what to do in a pinch. What are the potential safety hazards at your destination? Do you know who to call in an emergency? For example, figure out what to do if your passport or wallet goes missing or a few different ways to get to the airport or your hotel. [9]
    • Try packing a safety bag with items such as a door stopper, first aid kit , sunscreen, and other essentials specific to your trip.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does “Pookie” Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      200+ Best Expressions to Say “I Love You More than…”
      What Does W/ Mean over Text or Online?
      What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More
      What Does “Awww” Mean? Definition, Responses & More
      Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"
      Funny Ways to Say Hello: 45 Cool and Creative Options
      What Does "Have a Great Weekend" Mean? Replying In Person & Over Text
      Are Evening and Night the Same Thing? Not Exactly.
      What Does "BBL" Mean? Definition & Uses on Social Media and More
      What Does "Hear Me Out" Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does “I Love You 3000” Mean and What Do You Say Back?
      How to
      Use a Dictionary
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://linguaholic.com/linguablog/safe-travels/
      2. ↑ https://linguaholic.com/linguablog/safe-travels/
      3. ↑ https://linguaholic.com/linguablog/safe-travels/
      4. ↑ https://linguaholic.com/linguablog/safe-travels/
      5. ↑ https://rainn.org/articles/safety-tips-traveling
      6. ↑ https://rainn.org/articles/safety-tips-traveling
      7. ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/about-our-new-products/Best-Practices-for-Traveler-Safety.html
      8. ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/about-our-new-products/Best-Practices-for-Traveler-Safety.html
      9. ↑ https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/survival-guide

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,986 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement