Vacations, those cherished escapes from routine, inspire a delightful array of idioms that capture the essence of relaxation, adventure, and exploration, adding a splash of color to our travel-related conversations. These expressions, brimming with vivid imagery, reflect the joys, challenges, and experiences of taking a break, whether it’s a serene retreat or a thrilling journey. In this extensive listicle, we’ll unpack 53 idioms related to vacations, decipher their meanings, and illustrate how they can infuse your discussions with the spirit of wanderlust and leisure. So, let’s pack our bags and dive into this vibrant collection of idioms, discovering how they can make your vacation stories as lively as a tropical sunset.
What is an Idiom for Vacation?
Idioms for vacations are figurative phrases that use evocative language to describe the experiences, emotions, or activities associated with taking a break, traveling, or exploring new places. These expressions make vacation-related conversations more engaging, relatable, and dynamic, whether you’re recounting a relaxing getaway or a daring escapade. Let’s explore each idiom, unravel its meaning, and see how it can bring the magic of a vacation to life in your communication.
Idioms for Vacation
1. Get Away from It All
Meaning: To escape daily routines or stresses by taking a vacation or break.
In a Sentence: After months of grueling work, she decided to get away from it all, booking a tranquil beach vacation to recharge her spirit and rediscover her sense of calm.
2. Hit the Road
Meaning: To begin a journey or trip, often by car, embracing the adventure of travel.
In a Sentence: With their bags packed and spirits high, they hit the road for a cross-country vacation, eager to explore new landscapes and create unforgettable memories.
3. Take a Break
Meaning: To pause from work or responsibilities, often by going on a vacation to relax.
In a Sentence: Feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, he chose to take a break, embarking on a week-long vacation to the mountains to unwind and reconnect with nature.
4. Let Your Hair Down
Meaning: To relax and enjoy oneself freely, often during a vacation or leisure time.
In a Sentence: On her tropical island vacation, she let her hair down, dancing under the stars and embracing the carefree joy of being away from her usual routine.
5. Recharge Your Batteries
Meaning: To rest and regain energy, typically through a vacation or downtime.
In a Sentence: After a hectic year, the family took a lakeside vacation to recharge their batteries, spending lazy days fishing and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
6. Off the Beaten Path
Meaning: To explore unique or less-traveled destinations during a vacation, avoiding popular tourist spots.
In a Sentence: Instead of visiting crowded resorts, they ventured off the beaten path, discovering a charming village on their vacation that offered authentic cultural experiences.
7. Pack Your Bags
Meaning: To prepare for a trip or vacation, signaling the start of a journey.
In a Sentence: Excited for their European adventure, they packed their bags, ready to embark on a vacation filled with historic landmarks and culinary delights.
8. Catch Some Rays
Meaning: To spend time in the sun, often relaxing on a beach vacation.
In a Sentence: During her Caribbean vacation, she spent lazy afternoons catching some rays, lounging by the ocean with a good book and a tropical drink in hand.
9. Kick Back
Meaning: To relax and take it easy, often during a vacation or leisure period.
In a Sentence: On their cabin retreat, they kicked back by the fireplace, enjoying a vacation filled with quiet moments and the soothing sounds of nature.
10. Go with the Flow
Meaning: To be flexible and adapt to whatever happens, especially during a vacation.
In a Sentence: When their flight was delayed, they decided to go with the flow, turning their unexpected layover into a mini-vacation exploring the airport city’s hidden gems.
11. A Change of Scenery
Meaning: A vacation or trip that provides a refreshing shift from one’s usual environment.
In a Sentence: Feeling stuck in a rut, she booked a vacation to the countryside, craving a change of scenery to spark her creativity and lift her spirits.
12. Live It Up
Meaning: To enjoy oneself extravagantly or fully, often during a vacation.
In a Sentence: On their Las Vegas vacation, they lived it up, indulging in fine dining, vibrant shows, and late-night adventures that made every moment unforgettable.
13. Take the Scenic Route
Meaning: To choose a longer, more picturesque path during a vacation or journey for enjoyment.
In a Sentence: Instead of rushing to their destination, they took the scenic route through winding coastal roads, savoring every breathtaking view on their vacation.
14. In the Lap of Luxury
Meaning: To enjoy a vacation or experience surrounded by extravagance and comfort.
In a Sentence: Their vacation at a five-star resort was spent in the lap of luxury, with gourmet meals, spa treatments, and stunning oceanfront views at every turn.
15. Blow Off Steam
Meaning: To release stress or tension, often through fun activities on a vacation.
In a Sentence: After a stressful quarter, he blew off steam on his ski vacation, hitting the slopes and laughing with friends until the worries melted away.
16. Footloose and Fancy-Free
Meaning: To be free from responsibilities and able to enjoy a vacation without constraints.
In a Sentence: On her solo backpacking vacation, she felt footloose and fancy-free, wandering through vibrant markets and quaint towns with no agenda but adventure.
17. Make a Getaway
Meaning: To escape quickly for a vacation or break, often spontaneously.
In a Sentence: Craving a spontaneous adventure, they made a getaway to a nearby beach town, spending their vacation strolling along the shore and savoring fresh seafood.
18. Soak Up the Atmosphere
Meaning: To fully absorb and enjoy the unique vibe or culture of a vacation destination.
In a Sentence: During their vacation in Paris, they soaked up the atmosphere, wandering through charming cafés and historic streets filled with art and romance.
19. Get Your Kicks
Meaning: To find enjoyment or excitement, often through vacation activities or travel.
In a Sentence: On their Route 66 vacation, they got their kicks visiting quirky roadside attractions and diners that captured the spirit of classic Americana.
20. Leave Your Troubles Behind
Meaning: To escape worries or problems by going on a vacation.
In a Sentence: Determined to leave their troubles behind, they embarked on a serene island vacation, where the sound of waves and warm breezes melted their stress away.
21. Take It Easy
Meaning: To relax and avoid stress, often during a vacation or downtime.
In a Sentence: On their mountain cabin vacation, they took it easy, spending their days hiking gently and evenings stargazing under a blanket of twinkling lights.
22. Sail Into the Sunset
Meaning: To embark on a romantic or idyllic vacation, often with a sense of blissful escape.
In a Sentence: For their anniversary, they sailed into the sunset on a Mediterranean cruise, their vacation filled with golden horizons and cherished moments together.
23. Burn the Candle at Both Ends
Meaning: To overexert oneself, often by packing too many activities into a vacation.
In a Sentence: Trying to see every landmark in a single trip, they burned the candle at both ends, leaving their vacation exhilarating but exhausting by the final day.
24. A Home Away from Home
Meaning: A vacation spot that feels as comfortable and welcoming as one’s own home.
In a Sentence: The cozy bed-and-breakfast they visited each summer became a home away from home, its warm hospitality making their vacation feel like a familiar retreat.
25. Chase the Sun
Meaning: To travel to sunny destinations, often for a warm-weather vacation.
In a Sentence: Tired of winter’s chill, they chased the sun to a tropical island, where their vacation was filled with golden beaches and vibrant sunsets.
26. All Work and No Play
Meaning: A lifestyle lacking leisure or vacation time, leading to burnout.
In a Sentence: Realizing they’d fallen into an all work and no play routine, they planned a rejuvenating vacation to a lakeside resort to rediscover the joy of relaxation.
27. A Breath of Fresh Air
Meaning: A refreshing or invigorating vacation experience that revitalizes.
In a Sentence: Their hiking vacation in the Alps was a breath of fresh air, the crisp mountain vistas and tranquil trails rejuvenating their minds and bodies.
28. Off the Grid
Meaning: To vacation in a remote location, disconnected from technology or modern conveniences.
In a Sentence: Seeking solitude, they went off the grid for their vacation, camping in a secluded forest where the absence of Wi-Fi allowed them to reconnect with nature.
29. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To put in extra effort to make a vacation or experience exceptional.
In a Sentence: The tour guide went the extra mile, arranging a private sunset boat ride that made their vacation an unforgettable blend of adventure and serenity.
30. In Your Element
Meaning: To be in a vacation setting or activity where you feel most comfortable or thrive.
In a Sentence: Surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish on her diving vacation, she was in her element, her passion for marine life shining through in every moment.
31. Jump on the Bandwagon
Meaning: To join a popular vacation trend or destination because it’s fashionable.
In a Sentence: When everyone started raving about glamping, they jumped on the bandwagon, booking a luxurious tent vacation that blended nature with comfort.
32. A Stone’s Throw
Meaning: A vacation destination that is very close or easily accessible.
In a Sentence: The charming vineyard was a stone’s throw from their home, making it the perfect spot for a quick weekend vacation filled with wine tastings and relaxation.
33. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: To face a challenging or costly vacation decision with determination.
In a Sentence: Though the flight was expensive, they bit the bullet and booked their dream vacation to Japan, eager to explore its vibrant culture and historic temples.
34. The World Is Your Oyster
Meaning: To have endless opportunities for vacation adventures or experiences.
In a Sentence: With a year-long sabbatical ahead, the world was their oyster, and they planned a global vacation to explore diverse cultures from Asia to South America.
35. Paint the Town Red
Meaning: To enjoy a lively, extravagant vacation filled with fun and celebration.
In a Sentence: On their city vacation, they painted the town red, dancing at rooftop bars and savoring gourmet meals in the heart of the vibrant metropolis.
36. A Wild Goose Chase
Meaning: A vacation pursuit that leads to frustration or no worthwhile outcome.
In a Sentence: Their attempt to find a rumored hidden beach turned into a wild goose chase, but the vacation’s other adventures more than made up for the misstep.
37. Take the Plunge
Meaning: To commit boldly to a vacation or travel experience, often with risk or uncertainty.
In a Sentence: Nervous but excited, they took the plunge and booked a backpacking vacation through Southeast Asia, ready to embrace the unknown and create lifelong memories.
38. Under the Weather
Meaning: To feel unwell or out of sorts, potentially impacting a vacation.
In a Sentence: Feeling under the weather on the first day of their cruise vacation, she rested to ensure she could fully enjoy the upcoming ports of call and onboard festivities.
39. A Feather in Your Cap
Meaning: A notable vacation achievement or experience that adds to one’s pride.
In a Sentence: Summiting the mountain during their hiking vacation was a feather in their cap, a proud milestone that highlighted their adventurous spirit.
40. Get Your Feet Wet
Meaning: To try a new vacation activity or destination for the first time, often cautiously.
In a Sentence: Never having skied before, they got their feet wet on their winter vacation, starting with beginner slopes before tackling more challenging runs.
41. A Drop in the Bucket
Meaning: A small or insignificant part of a larger vacation plan or experience.
In a Sentence: The short city tour was just a drop in the bucket compared to the full vacation, which included rural retreats and coastal adventures across the region.
42. See the Sights
Meaning: To visit notable landmarks or attractions during a vacation.
In a Sentence: On their European vacation, they made time to see the sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Colosseum, soaking in the history and beauty of each destination.
43. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: To feel extreme happiness or bliss, often during a joyful vacation moment.
In a Sentence: Watching the sunrise over the Grand Canyon during their vacation, they were on cloud nine, overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty and serenity.
44. Back to the Grind
Meaning: To return to work or routine after a vacation, often reluctantly.
In a Sentence: After a rejuvenating beach vacation, they dreaded going back to the grind, wishing they could extend their days of sun and relaxation indefinitely.
45. A Taste of Your Own Medicine
Meaning: To experience the same challenges during a vacation that one has caused others.
In a Sentence: Always rushing others on trips, he got a taste of his own medicine when his vacation group hurried him through a museum he wanted to explore slowly.
46. Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start a vacation with energy and enthusiasm, diving into activities immediately.
In a Sentence: Arriving in New York, they hit the ground running, filling their vacation with Broadway shows, museum visits, and iconic skyline views from day one.
47. A Whirlwind Tour
Meaning: A fast-paced vacation that covers many places or activities in a short time.
In a Sentence: Their whirlwind tour of Italy was an exhilarating vacation, cramming visits to Rome, Florence, and Venice into just one unforgettable week.
48. Break the Bank
Meaning: To spend more money than planned or affordable, often on a lavish vacation.
In a Sentence: Though the safari vacation threatened to break the bank, they splurged on the once-in-a-lifetime experience, marveling at wildlife in their natural habitat.
49. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: A rare or infrequent vacation opportunity or experience.
In a Sentence: A chance to join a guided expedition to Antarctica came once in a blue moon, making their vacation a rare adventure they couldn’t pass up.
50. A Fish Out of Water
Meaning: To feel out of place or uncomfortable in an unfamiliar vacation setting.
In a Sentence: At the bustling urban festival, the quiet introvert felt like a fish out of water, but the vacation’s vibrant energy soon won her over with its charm.
51. Make Waves
Meaning: To create a significant impact or stir excitement during a vacation.
In a Sentence: Their bold decision to surf massive waves during their Hawaiian vacation made waves, earning them admiration from fellow travelers and locals alike.
52. Smooth Sailing
Meaning: A vacation that goes effortlessly well, without problems or obstacles.
In a Sentence: With perfect weather and seamless travel plans, their Mediterranean yacht vacation was smooth sailing, filled with idyllic days and starry nights.
53. The Time of Your Life
Meaning: An exceptionally enjoyable or memorable vacation experience.
In a Sentence: Their backpacking vacation through South America was the time of their life, filled with vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and friendships forged along the way.
Quizzes About The Idioms in The Article
Quiz 1: Get Away from It All
What does the idiom “Get away from it all” mean?
a) To stay busy with work
b) To escape daily routines or stresses
c) To avoid travel
d) To focus on responsibilities
Quiz 2: Hit the Road
What is the meaning of “Hit the road”?
a) To end a trip
b) To begin a journey or trip
c) To stay in one place
d) To cancel plans
Quiz 3: Recharge Your Batteries
When someone says, “Recharge your batteries,” what are they emphasizing?
a) Working harder
b) Resting to regain energy
c) Spending money
d) Avoiding relaxation
Quiz 4: Let Your Hair Down
What does the idiom “Let your hair down” suggest?
a) To be overly serious
b) To relax and enjoy oneself freely
c) To follow strict rules
d) To avoid fun
Quiz 5: Off the Beaten Path
What situation is described by the idiom “Off the beaten path”?
a) Visiting popular tourist spots
b) Exploring unique or less-traveled destinations
c) Staying home
d) Following a guidebook
Quiz 6: Catch Some Rays
If someone is “catching some rays,” what are they doing?
a) Staying indoors
b) Spending time in the sun
c) Working hard
d) Avoiding the beach
Quiz 7: A Change of Scenery
What does the expression “A change of scenery” imply?
a) Staying in a familiar place
b) A refreshing shift from one’s usual environment
c) Ignoring new places
d) Avoiding travel
Quiz 8: Live It Up
When is it appropriate to say, “Live it up”?
a) When relaxing quietly
b) When enjoying oneself extravagantly
c) When working overtime
d) When feeling stressed
Quiz 9: In the Lap of Luxury
What is the meaning of “In the lap of luxury”?
a) Experiencing discomfort
b) Enjoying extravagance and comfort
c) Traveling on a budget
d) Facing challenges
Quiz 10: The Time of Your Life
When someone says you’re having “the time of your life,” what are they describing?
a) A boring experience
b) An exceptionally enjoyable moment
c) A stressful situation
d) A routine day
Answers:
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
Conclusion
Idioms for vacations are like snapshots of adventure, capturing the excitement, relaxation, and freedom of travel in vivid, expressive phrases. By sprinkling these 53 idioms into your stories, you can make your vacation tales as vibrant as a whirlwind tour, as refreshing as a breath of fresh air, and as memorable as the time of your life, bringing the joy of exploration to every conversation.