safe travel to meaning

The Correct Usage of Safe Travels and Safe Travel To You: A Guide to You Journey

Zackary Hooper

Are you puzzled by correctly using well-wishing phrases such as “ safe travel s ” and “safe travel to you”? If so, you’re not alone. As a seasoned traveler myself, I’ve often wondered about the proper etiquette and usage of these expressions, which led me to delve deep into understanding their origins and appropriate contexts.

Table of Contents

This blog aims to guide you through these travel phrase dilemmas while maintaining respect for cultural differences. Hang tight; an enlightening journey awaits!

Key Takeaways

• “Safe travels” and “safe travel” are both acceptable phrases to wish someone a safe journey.
• “Safe travels” is more commonly used when wishing multiple individuals or groups well on their journeys.
• “Safe travel” is used when addressing an individual specifically or referring to travel as a concept rather than specific instances.
• It’s important to be sincere and genuine in your well-wishes, showing care and concern for the person’s safety and enjoyment during their journey.

Understanding the Meaning and Usage of “Safe Travels” and “Safe Travel”

When we wish someone a safe journey, it is important to use the appropriate expression – “safe travels” or “safe travel” – depending on the context.

The significance of well-wishing on journeys

Well-wishing on journeys holds a deep-rooted significance that extends far beyond surface-level politeness. It acts as a verbal token of care and concern , often strengthening bonds between individuals .

Wishing someone “Safe travels” or “Have a safe flight” communicates your desires for their well-being during travel, underlining the shared human experience of venturing into the unknown.

In many cultures around the world, expressions of good fortune for journeys carry symbolic weight and are considered important customs to observe . These wishes also provide comfort and reassurance to travelers setting out on big adventures or navigating unfamiliar paths.

Hence, they serve as an emotional compass guiding us through our collective journey – embodying empathy in its purest form.

Exploring the difference between “safe travels” and “safe travel”

“Safe travels” and “safe travel” are two phrases commonly used to wish someone a safe journey. While they both convey the same meaning and intent, there is a slight difference in their usage .

The phrase “safe travels” is more commonly used , especially when wishing well to multiple individuals or groups. It is often used as a general expression of good wishes for anyone embarking on a journey, whether it’s by land, sea, or air.

On the other hand, “safe travel” is less common but still acceptable . It tends to be used when addressing an individual specifically or when referring to travel as a concept rather than specific instances.

Common Ways to Wish Someone a Safe Journey

Some numerous alternative phrases and expressions can be used to wish someone a safe journey.

Alternative phrases and expressions for well-wishing

When wishing someone a safe journey, you can use several alternative phrases and expressions. Here are some options to consider:

• Bon voyage !
• Have a great trip !
• Arrive safe and sound !
• Wishing you a smooth journey !
• Enjoy your vacation!
• Take lots of pictures!
• Travel safely !
• Have an amazing adventure!
• Best wishes for your travels !
• May your journey be filled with joy!

Proper etiquette for wishing well on travels

When wishing someone well on their travels, it is important to follow proper etiquette . One should always be sincere and genuine in their wishes, showing that they care about the person’s safety and enjoyment during their journey.

Using phrases like “safe travels” or “have a safe trip” are commonly accepted and appreciated. It is also nice to offer additional blessings or well-wishes such as “wishing you a safe journey” or “enjoy your holiday.” Remember to be respectful of cultural differences and norms when expressing these wishes, as some people may have different customs or superstitions associated with travel.

Travel etiquette is all about spreading positive vibes and goodwill for safe journeys without causing any offense.

Examples of Correct Usage of “Safe Travels” and “Safe Travel”

– “I always say ‘safe travels’ to my friends when they embark on a trip abroad.”

– “When my sister went on a hiking expedition, I wished her ‘safe travel’ since it was a singular journey.”

– “Before boarding the plane, the flight attendant announced, ‘Have a safe flight,’ ensuring everyone’s well-being during their travels.”

– “As an avid traveler, I often use phrases like ‘wishing you a safe journey’ or ‘arrive safe and sound’ to convey my good wishes for others.”

Sentences and scenarios demonstrating the appropriate usage

I often find myself using the phrases “ safe travel s ” and “safe travel” interchangeably, but there are actually subtle differences in their usage. Here are some examples to help you understand when it’s appropriate to use each phrase:

• As my friend embarked on her journey, I wished her safe travels.
• It’s common to use “safe travels” when someone is going on a trip involving multiple destinations or modes of transportation .
• When my brother set off on his solo road trip, I wished him safe travel.
• “Safe travel” is typically used when referring to a single journey or specific mode of transportation .
• Before my parents boarded their flight, I said, “Have a safe flight!”
• Saying “have a safe flight” is another common way to wish someone well on their journey by plane .
• As my colleague headed out for her vacation, I offered the traditional phrase : “Bon voyage!”
• “Bon voyage” is an alternative expression that conveys well – wishes for a safe and enjoyable journey.
• When bidding farewell to a friend going on holiday, I said, “Wishing you a safe journey! Enjoy your time away.”
• Combining the wish for a safe journey with an expression of enjoyment can create a more personalized and heartfelt message.

Tips for using the phrases effectively in various contexts

Here are some tips for using the phrases “Safe Travels” and “Safe Travel” effectively in different situations:

• Use “Safe Travels” when wishing someone well on a long journey or multiple trips.
• Use “Safe Travel” when wishing someone a safe single trip or a specific part of their journey.
• Consider the context and duration of the trip before deciding which phrase to use.
• Be mindful of the person’s mode of transportation – for air travel, saying “Safe Flight” is also common and appropriate.
• Customize your well – wishes by adding specific details to make them more personal and meaningful.
• Stay positive and genuine in your delivery – sincerity goes a long way in conveying your good intentions.
• Consider cultural norms and customs when expressing well-wishes – certain phrases may be more common or preferred in different regions or communities.

Addressing the Rudeness Concern: Is it Rude to Say “Have a Safe Flight”?

Is it rude to say “Have a safe flight”?

Discussing social norms and cultural differences

Social norms and cultural differences play a significant role in how we communicate our well-wishes for safe travels. In some cultures, people may find it more appropriate to say “Have a safe journey” or “Wishing you a safe trip” rather than using the phrase “Safe Travels.” It’s important to be mindful of these cultural nuances and adapt our expressions accordingly when interacting with people from different backgrounds.

Additionally, social norms can vary when it comes to expressing well-wishes for specific modes of travel such as flights . While saying “Have a safe flight” is widely accepted in many countries, there are places where this phrase might not be commonly used or even considered rude.

Understanding these social norms helps us navigate diverse situations and ensure that our intentions are positively received across cultures.

Understanding the intention behind the phrase and its impact

When we wish someone a safe journey, it’s important to understand the intention behind our words and the impact they can have. By expressing our well-wishes, we are showing care and concern for the person embarking on their travels.

We want them to have a positive experience and return safely. Our words can provide reassurance and comfort , making them feel supported as they set off on their adventure. So next time you wish someone safe travels or safe travel, remember the power of your words and how they can bring positivity into someone’s journey .

Conclusion: Spreading Positive Vibes and Well-Wishes for Safe Journeys

In conclusion, it is important to spread positive vibes and well-wishes for safe journeys. By correctly using phrases like “safe travels” and “safe travel,” we can show our care and concern for others as they embark on their trips.

Remembering proper etiquette and using appropriate expressions will make our wishes meaningful and heartfelt. So let’s continue to wish everyone a safe journey filled with adventure, good fortune, and happy memories!

FAQs on Safe Travel To You

1. should i say “safe travels” or “safe travel” when wishing someone well on a journey.

Both “safe travels” and “safe travel” are grammatically correct and commonly used expressions to wish someone well on their journey.

2. Can I use “safe travels” for multiple people?

Yes, you can use “safe travels” to wish multiple people well on their journeys.

3. Is there any difference in meaning between “safe travels” and “safe travel”?

There is no significant difference in meaning between the two phrases; they both convey the same sentiment of wishing someone a safe journey.

4. Are there any other alternative phrases to wish someone a safe journey?

Yes, other alternatives include phrases like “have a safe trip,” “travel safely,” or simply saying “stay safe.”

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

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• Safe Travels or Safe Travel? Which is the Correct Expression?
• Learn English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated May 6, 2023

The next time someone you know is traveling somewhere or going on a trip, you might want to wish them a safe journey without any problems. But, what is the correct expression for this? Is it “safe travels” or safe travel”?

Let’s take a look at the correct way to wish someone a safe journey.

Table of Contents

Safe travels or safe travel?

Both safe travels and safe travel are correct ways of wishing someone a safe journey. However, “safe travels” is much more commonly used.

Safe travels

The meaning of safe travels is to wish someone a safe journey and good fortune on their trip.

Safe travels implies that the person being spoken to is involved in some sort of extended traveling where there will be more than one “travel”. For example, they could be about to go traveling around South America or Asia. Alternatively, it implies that several travels or journeys will occur within a singular trip. Therefore, safe travels uses the countable form of the noun, because there is more than one travel.

Safe travel

Safe travel uses the uncountable form of the noun. It refers to all of the travels the person being spoken to might collectively make on a particular trip. Although you’ll rarely hear this used.

Travel safe, on the other hand, is a lot more common. This is a polite way of wishing someone a safe journey. It is a friendly imperative that is often used when seeing off friends or family before a trip and expresses that you hope they have a pleasant, uneventful journey.

When is the correct time to wish someone safe travels?

You can wish someone safe travels when you want to wish them a good, safe journey. This might be before they are going to teach English abroad, going on holiday, or if they’re embarking on a long trip home.

Other ways to say safe travels

There are also other ways to express safe travels, such as:

• Travel safely.
• Have a good trip.
• Have a safe trip.
• Have a safe journey.
• Drive safe.
• Bon voyage.

You can also say safe trip and safe journey, but we usually add “Have a..” in front of this.

What about bon voyage?

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, doesn’t Bon Voyage sound French? Well, yes, it is French and it literally means “safe journey” or “have a good trip”. It is one of a number of foreign words that are used in the English language.

Conclusion: Safe travels

So, until next time, I wish you safe travels! Best wishes for your onward journey through the English language .

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Is It Correct to Say “Safe Travels”?

By: Author Dr. Patrick Capriola

Posted on Published: September 9, 2021

It’s early in the morning, and you have your suitcase by your side. You’re holding your tickets, climbing in the car that will take you to the airport when, behind you, your friend waves and shouts, “Safe travels!” You stop for a second because the phrase sounds a bit weird — is it correct to say “Safe travels”?

It is correct to say “safe travels” as a way to express your wishes for someone’s safe and healthy trip. This phrase is typically used during a goodbye and is one of the last things you would say to someone you wish to have a safe journey. You usually only hear it in the phrase “safe travels” or when it comes with a possessive adjective.

Here, we’ll take a look at the usage and grammar of the phrase “Safe travels” and then look at some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the expression. 

Is It Grammatically Correct to Say “Safe Travels”?

If you’ve ever wondered if “Safe travels” is grammatically correct, in short, yes: it is grammatically correct. Although the phrase may sound a bit strange at first, it is actually right. So let’s discuss why it is technically correct.

The plural noun “travels” might seem a little weird to you because it is an old word; people don’t really use the word “travel” as a countable noun very much these days. Instead, “travel” is usually a verb. 

However, the phrase “Safe travels” — along with other specific phrases and usages that include the plural countable noun “travels” — has kept the word alive in very specific situations. 

This means that, even though we don’t say the word “travels” very often, it is grammatically correct, especially when you use it in the phrase “Safe travels.” 

So, the main reason why it is correct to say “Safe travels” is because it is a widely accepted and clearly understood English pleasantry that has stood the test of time. Since the expression “Safe travels” has such wide and clear usage by English speakers, we consider it correct. 

The Many Forms of “Travel”

If you’re wondering if the phrase “Safe travels” is correct, then it probably has a strange ring to your ears. This perception is most likely thanks to the plural form of the noun “travel” that appears in the expression. So why does it sound weird? It has to do with the form of the word “travel.”

Travel as a Noun or Verb

The word “travel” has a few different forms in English ( source ). For example, you probably think of a verb when you hear the word “travel.” You might picture taking a trip or going on a vacation. The verb “to travel” is the most popular form of this word.

However, “travel” is also a noun; in fact, it is a countable noun ( source ). So, you can use the word “travel” as the subject or object of a sentence. This also means that the noun “travel” can have both a singular and a plural form ( source ). So why does “travels” still sound a bit strange?

Contemporary Expressions

The noun form of “travel” isn’t prevalent anymore. In the past, people used “travel” as a countable noun much more frequently, but nowadays, we usually opt for other ways to express the noun form of “travel.”

For instance, a more popular way to use the verb “to travel” in noun form is to use the gerund, “traveling.” Both “travel” and “traveling” are nouns; however, “traveling” is the more popular and contemporary way to talk about the action of moving from one place to another. 

Another countable noun that has replaced “travel,” especially when you’re using the plural form of the noun, is the synonym “trip.” Consider these two examples:

• I keep a journal when I travel; I make notes about all of my travels.
• I keep a journal when I travel; I make notes about all of my trips.

The second sentence sounds much more modern, and only one word is different. You can see how the plural noun “trips” sounds much more typical in today’s English.

Here’s another thing you should know about this tricky noun: if you’re going to use the plural noun “travels” outside of the phrase “Safe travels,” it will usually take the possessive ( source ). So, instead of asking a friend, “How was your trip?” you can ask, “How were your travels?” 

Of course, this sounds a bit archaic, but it is technically grammatically correct. 

The Adjective “Safe”

So, since the word “travels” is an acceptable plural countable noun, it makes sense that it should come with an adjective. Thus, the adjective “safe” in the phrase “Safe travels” modifies the word “travels.”

We have to use the adjective form of “safe” rather than the adverb form since the word “travels” here is a noun and not a verb. However, don’t get confused: when you use the verb form of the word “travel,” you should use the adverb “safely.”

Review the following example sentences to see the differences between “Safe travels” and “travel safely.”

Whenever Jane drives, she travels safely : she wears her seatbelt and follows all traffic rules.

As Jane was leaving for her long road trip, I stood in the driveway and called out, “ Safe travels !”

The pilot said, “We want everyone to travel safely , so we’ve upgraded all of our safety and emergency equipment.”

The pilot said, “We hope you enjoy the flight, and we wish you all safe travels !”

From these examples, you can see the difference between the adjective “safe” and the adverb “safely.” 

We use the adjective form of “safe” with the plural countable noun “travels,” while we use the adverb form “safely” with the verb form of the word “travel.” The adjective comes before the noun, while the adverb comes directly after the verb. 

For more information about using adjectives and adverbs correctly, you can check out the article “ Doing Well or Doing Good: Can Both Be Correct? ”

How Do You Say, “Safe Travels”?

So, now that we’ve broken down the expression, how can you use it in action? You usually say (or write) the phrase “Safe travels” right before your friend goes on a trip. It’s a quick and easy way to show them that you hope their trip — whether it’s a long vacation or just the drive home — goes smoothly.

“Safe travels” is an expression that you’re more likely to hear when you’re speaking or texting with a friend. It’s not a very formal phrase, so you will probably see or hear it in a conversation rather than an essay or formal document.

It’s also very likely that you will see the phrase “Safe travels” written in places like an airport, a train station, or a bus stop. You can find this quick and easy phrase mostly in informal situations, although it’s not inappropriate in a formal situation, either. 

“Safe Travels” FAQs

If you still have a few questions about the phrase “Safe travels,” you’re not alone! Here are some of the most popular questions about the expression “Safe travels” and some helpful explanations to help you use it correctly every time. 

Is “Safe Travels” a Complete Sentence?

To put it simply, “Safe travels” is not a complete sentence on its own. To create a complete sentence, you need a subject and a verb. This requirement means that you need to define who or what is doing or being something and then define what they are doing or being.

So technically, the phrase “Safe travels” is just a noun with an adjective to modify it. However, when we use the expression “Safe travels” in English, it can stand alone without a verb because it is a pleasantry. 

You might not be familiar with the word “pleasantry,” but you’ve certainly seen and heard many examples of them. A pleasantry is an expression or phrase that people use to show positive wishes, and you usually use it for a specific context or occasion. 

An example of a popular pleasantry is “Happy birthday.” You say “happy birthday” to a specific person on a particular day of the year. And even though it technically isn’t a complete sentence, it expresses a complete thought and stands alone.

Just like “Happy birthday,” “Merry Christmas,” or “Good morning,” the phrase “Safe travels” can stand by itself, even though it technically isn’t a complete sentence. 

Most people accept this because they understand that you are wishing them well when you use these pleasantries, even when it’s not a complete sentence with a noun and a verb.

For more examples and information about using English pleasantries in conversation and writing, you can check out the articles “ Greatly Appreciated: Meaning and Proper Usage ” and “ Is It Proper Grammar to Say, ‘Looking Forward to Talking to You’? ”

What Can I Say Instead of “Safe Travels”?

It’s always a great idea to express positive wishes to your friends, coworkers, or even your boss before they travel. But perhaps you’ve used the phrase “Safe travels” several times in your past emails or correspondences, so you might be looking for new ways to express the same sentiment.

There are lots of pleasantries that English speakers use when a friend, family member, or colleague is leaving for a trip. If you’re looking for other ways to say, “Safe travels,” then check out this list of examples:

• Have a safe trip!
• Wishing you an excellent vacation!
• Hope the trip goes smoothly!
• Have a nice flight/drive/ride!
• Bon voyage!

These phrases all have a very similar meaning to “Safe travels,” and you can use them to send well wishes and good intentions to your friends or colleagues before they set out on a trip. That way, you can send them off with a smile!

How Do You Say “Safe Travels” in an Email?

Generally, you’ll find the phrase “Safe travels” at the end of an email. It’s usually the sign-off after the main part of the message, right before you sign your name at the end of the email.

You might be wondering if it’s professional or acceptable to add “Safe travels” to an email. In most settings, it’s perfectly fine to add this expression to the end of an email, whether you’re writing to a friend, family member, coworker, or boss. 

It’s professional enough to send to everyone without adding too formal or heavy a tone to your message. This article was written for strategiesforparents.com. 

Although “Safe travels” isn’t a complete sentence, you can still use it as a pleasantry in conversation or as a sign-off for an email or a message. Like many phrases and expressions in English, the wide usage and easy understandability of “Safe travels” makes it correct. 

Final Thoughts

Even though the phrase “Safe travels” may sound a bit strange at first, it is a correct and grammatically accurate way to wish a friend, family member, or colleague a nice trip. The expression “Safe travels” is a light and positive way to send your friend off on their vacation or to wish them well before their journey.

You can use the word “travels” as a countable noun in this phrase, although it’s not a very popular plural noun in contemporary English. It was a widely-used word in the past, but nowadays, people prefer to use the synonym “trips.”

Of course, the word “travels” has remained part of the modern English language thanks to the phrase “Safe travels” and other specific usages of the word. 

You can use the phrase “Safe travels” in an informal or professional setting: it is versatile and appropriate for all occasions, from casual conversations to formal work emails. 

While “Safe travels” is not technically a complete sentence all by itself, it is a common phrase that can stand alone. This type of expression is called a pleasantry, and there are many widely-used pleasantries in the English language; “Safe travels” is just one example.

Is It Correct to Say “Safe Travels”?

Marcus Froland

March 28, 2024

When it comes to saying goodbye, we often find ourselves stuck in a maze of words, searching for the perfect phrase that conveys our well wishes without sounding too cliché. You might have heard people use the term “safe travels” and wondered if it’s grammatically correct or just another colloquialism that’s found its way into our everyday language. It’s a common scenario at airports, train stations, and even in casual conversations when someone is about to embark on a journey.

The English language is like a living organism; it grows, evolves, and adapts to suit the needs of its speakers. This evolution brings about changes that sometimes challenge the traditional rules we’ve come to accept. The phrase “safe travels” sits at this intersection of change, raising eyebrows among purists while being embraced by modern speakers for its simplicity and warmth. But before you decide which side you’re on, there’s more to this story.

The debate around “safe travels” opens up a broader conversation about language evolution and how we communicate care in different contexts. So, as you stand at this linguistic crossroads wondering which path to take, remember that words are more than just syntax and semantics; they’re carriers of emotion and intention. And perhaps there’s no simple answer—but isn’t the journey of discovery what truly enriches our understanding? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this intriguing topic.

When you want to wish someone well on their journey, saying “ Safe travels ” is perfectly fine. This phrase is a common way to express your hope that their trip goes smoothly and without any problems. It’s used in casual conversations, often when saying goodbye to someone who is about to go on a trip. The term “ travels ” here covers all parts of the journey, not just one trip. So, if you’re looking for a simple and warm way to wish someone well before they leave, “Safe travels” is a good choice.

The Origin and Use of “Safe Travels”

The phrase “safe travels” is a popular expression conveying good fortune and safety to someone who is about to undertake a journey, be it extended travels or multiple journeys within one trip. The countable noun form “travels” suggests various stages of the journey or different destinations involved. It also reflects a historical context where travel posed greater risks, making the sentiment behind safe journey wishes all the more meaningful.

Over time, “safe travels” has persisted as a way to wish someone well on their journey, regardless of distance or destination. The expression has transcended borders and language barriers, becoming a universal travel courtesy.

Understanding the Expression

At the core of the meaning of safe travels lies a heartfelt wish for loved ones and even strangers to have an enjoyable, incident-free journey. While travel has become safer in the modern age, the sentiment behind safe travels remains as potent as ever. It is a succinct way to convey your care and concern for the welfare of the traveler.

“Safe travels” is more than just a casual farewell; it functions as a heartfelt reminder to take care and remain vigilant throughout the course of a journey.

When and Where to Use It

In determining when to say safe travels , it is important to consider the context and the type of journey being undertaken. “Safe travels” is suitably used when someone is about to go on a significant trip, such as traveling abroad, or embarking on a long journey home. It is not typically used for short commutes. It carries the connotation of wishing well for the entirety of the person’s travel plans, including any transfers and destinations.

Here are some examples of scenarios where using safe travels would be appropriate:

• Seeing off a friend at the airport before their international flight.
• Wishing a coworker well as they depart for a long-distance business trip.
• Sending a message to a family member embarking on a road trip or cruise vacation.

Ultimately, the appropriate context for travel wishes such as “safe travels” depends largely on the nature of the journey and the relationship between the individuals involved. However, with its universally positive meaning, “safe travels” can generally be used in a wide variety of travel-related situations without causing offense or confusion.

Grammar Behind “Safe Travels” and “Safe Travel”

Understanding the grammar of safe travels and related travel expressions involves distinguishing between countable and uncountable nouns. “Safe travels” employs the plural form of the noun “travel” to indicate multiple journeys or aspects of a trip, such as various flights, layovers, and destinations. On the other hand, “safe travel” uses the uncountable form of the noun to encompass the general concept of traveling safely.

Both “safe travels” and “safe travel” are grammatically correct, albeit with nuanced differences in meaning and connotation. Using “safe travels” tends to be more inclusive, addressing the various stages, stops, or layers of a person’s trip. Meanwhile, “safe travel” focuses on the broader theme of travel safety without explicitly referring to the multiple elements within a journey.

“Safe Travels” = wishing safety for multiple journeys/aspects of a trip “Safe Travel” = wishing safety for the overall concept of traveling

Various travel expressions also incorporate countable and uncountable nouns. For example:

• Flights : countable, refers to individual airplane journeys
• Trip : uncountable, denotes an overall voyage consisting of one or more legs
• Vacations : countable, signifies several separate holiday experiences
• Holiday : uncountable, represents the general concept of leisure time away from home

Ultimately, both “safe travels” and “safe travel” remain valid ways to wish someone well on their journey. Keep in mind the subtle distinctions between them when deciding which phrase best suits the particular context or trip in question.

Comparing “Safe Travels” with Other Farewell Phrases

Whether you are heading to a nearby town or embarking on an international adventure, well-wishers often use farewell phrases to convey their hopes for a safe and enjoyable journey. Though “safe travels” is a popular travel-related expression, there are several other phrases that can be used to wish someone well on their journey. In this section, we will discuss some common alternatives to “safe travels” and explore the cultural variations in parting words .

Common Alternatives to “Safe Travels”

Depending on the context of the journey and the relationship with the person leaving, there are various ways to express similar sentiments as “safe travels.” Among the most common alternatives are:

• Travel safely
• Have a good trip
• Have a safe journey
• Have a safe trip

Travel safely , have a safe journey , and have a safe trip all share a similar intention of wishing someone safety during their travels. In contrast, have a good trip leans more towards wishing a positive experience on the journey. Similarly, drive safe emphasizes car travel safety and is most fitting for road trips or shorter journeys that involve driving. The classic French phrase bon voyage means “good trip” or “safe journey,” and has been incorporated into the English language as an elegant alternative to “safe travels.”

Cultural Variations in Parting Words

Cultural expressions of farewell often have deep historical roots and vary from one society to another. These differences can provide added nuances to the conventional travel wishes , emphasizing the divergent aspects of different traveling experiences. Some examples of cultural variations include:

• Gute Reise – A German phrase meaning “good trip” or “safe journey”
• ¡Buen viaje! – A Spanish expression meaning “good trip” or “have a nice trip”
• 祝你一路顺风 (Zhù nǐ yílù shùnfēng) – A Chinese phrase, which translates to “wish you a smooth journey”
• いってらっしゃい (Itterasshai) – A Japanese expression used when someone is leaving home, meaning “please go and come back”

These international travel phrases not only demonstrate the rich variety of linguistic expression but also shed light on shared wishes for safe and pleasant travel experiences across cultures.

When considering which farewell phrase to use, take note of the relationship with the traveler, the specific context of their journey, and the intended message you aim to convey. While “safe travels” is an appropriate and versatile expression, slight variations in wording or even incorporating a phrase from another culture can add sincerity and personal charm to your well-wishes.

The Appropriateness of “Safe Travels” in Different Contexts

Understanding the appropriateness of using the phrase “safe travels” can significantly impact our social interactions. Knowing when to use this expression is essential for context-specific travel wishes that effectively convey our sentiments for a traveler’s wellbeing and safety. Let’s explore some examples to demonstrate the appropriate use of “safe travels” in various situations.

International Travel or Multi-city Tours

When wishing someone well as they embark on a long journey, such as international travel or a multi-city tour, “safe travels” is an ideal choice. In these instances, the person is likely to experience multiple legs of their journey, and the phrase acknowledges their entire adventure.

For routine or short-distance travel, it’s more appropriate to use phrases like “drive safely” or “have a good ride.” These expressions are better suited for wishing well to those embarking on a daily commute, a quick trip to the store, or carpooling short distances.

Remember, the key lies in matching the phrasing with the context to offer genuine well-wishes that resonate with the traveler and their particular journey.

Vacation and Leisure Travel

A more personalized way to convey travel wishes for friends and family heading off on vacation might be “enjoy your vacation” or “have a great time.” This would emphasize a focus on relaxation and leisure, while still acknowledging the importance of their safety and security during the trip.

• Safe travels – International travel, multi-city tours
• Drive safely – Short-distance travel, routine commutes
• Enjoy your vacation – Vacation and leisure travel

Always consider the context when choosing the right travel wishes to express your sentiments. “Safe travels” is most suitable for longer journeys and complex trips, while other phrases like “drive safely” are better for routine, short-distance travel.

Modern Travel and the Relevance of “Safe Travels”

Despite significant advancements in technology and improved safety measures, modern travel still has its share of risks. For this reason, the expression “safe travels” remains relevant in the present day, serving as a form of polite or phatic communication. Moreover, the phrase symbolizes goodwill towards travelers, regardless of the decreased frequency of historical travel dangers.

Although the risks involved in traveling may differ from what they were in the past, contemporary travel methods are far from risk-free. Today, modern travel safety encompasses a range of potential threats, including terrorism, global pandemics, and natural disasters. The wish for “safe travels” demonstrates a continued concern for navigational challenges, advocating a cautious and informed approach to travel.

Safe travels – a timeless phrase that transcends the evolving challenges of global exploration.

The relevance of travel wishes like “safe travels” lies in addressing the emotional needs of a traveler. In an era of information overload, having someone express concern about your safety in the form of travel wishes can provide emotional assurance. Wishing someone “safe travels” acknowledges the risks involved while conveying hope for a successful journey, fostering a sense of comfort and calmness in the traveler.

• Flight delays and cancellations
• Theft or loss of personal belongings
• Health concerns and travel-related illnesses
• Rapidly changing political situations

As a timeless expression, “safe travels” can be tailored to address various travel risks and provide comfort for the traveler, irrespective of the type of journey or destination. This versatile phrase maintains its importance in conversations by symbolizing a genuine care for the traveler’s safety and well-being.

Phatic Expressions and Why We Use Them

Phatic expressions are social gestures that facilitate interactions without necessarily carrying substantial or literal meaning. They are used to maintain a sense of politeness and connection in conversations. One such expression is “safe travels,” which, while not necessarily reflecting genuine concern for the safety of the traveler, serves to exhibit politeness and maintain social bonds.

The Psychology Behind Wishing Someone Well

The act of wishing someone well through expressions like “safe travels” can be explained by the psychology of farewells and the importance of establishing goodwill during parting moments. Farewells often evoke mixed emotions, as they signify both an end to the current interaction and the beginning of a new one. By wishing someone well, we are intentionally channeling positive energy into the parting moment, thereby fostering an optimistic outlook for the future.

“Safe travels,” while not necessarily reflecting genuine concern for the safety of the traveler, serves to exhibit politeness and maintain social bonds.

The act of wishing well psychologically consists of two parts. First, it serves to affirm the value of the individual and their experiences during their journey. Second, it provides a space for the person to feel acknowledged and supported, both emotionally and mentally, as they embark on their travels. In essence, these expressions contribute to maintaining and strengthening social connections while promoting a sense of unity and shared joy through the act of traveling.

• The significance of affirming the value of the individual and their experiences
• The importance of providing emotional and mental support
• The role of shared joy in strengthening social connections

The use of phatic expressions , such as “safe travels,” might seem trivial at first glance, but they play a crucial role in interpersonal communication. Farewells carry psychological weight and impact our emotions. By acknowledging the importance of these moments in our lives and using polite expressions to wish someone well, we contribute to a healthier and more supportive social environment.

Positive Alternatives to “Safe Travels”

While “safe travels” is a popular and well-intended expression for conveying good fortune and safety to someone embarking on a journey, it may inadvertently bring attention to potential travel risks . To focus on the exciting, enjoyable aspects of travel, consider using some of these positive and encouraging travel phrases instead:

“Have a good trip!” “Enjoy your trip!” “Have a good vacation!” “Have a good flight!”

These positive travel expressions emphasize the pleasure and fun that awaits the traveler, without referencing the unintended dangers of travel. Additionally, the well-known French phrase bon voyage conveys a similar optimistic sentiment, wishing the traveler a delightful and memorable journey.

Ultimately, the choice of farewell phrase depends on your specific relationship with the person traveling and the context of their trip. Regardless, any of these encouraging travel phrases can convey your warm wishes and positive intentions toward their journey.

Concluding Thoughts on Wishing Someone “Safe Travels”

As we’ve seen, the phrase “safe travels” is part of a long-standing tradition of offering good wishes to those about to embark on a journey. Regardless of changes in travel safety over time, these simple yet heartfelt expressions endure as significant elements of our social interactions. They speak to our collective need to show support and convey care for one another.

At its core, the usage of “safe travels” and similar expressions serves as a reflection of our shared values and empathy towards fellow travelers. In doing so, we acknowledge the exciting and sometimes challenging aspects of travel while hoping for positive and meaningful experiences. Furthermore, these phrases help forge and maintain connections, even as journeys lead us across different paths.

Ultimately, whether saying “safe travels,” “travel safe,” or any other alternative travel expression, the intent is the same—we wish the traveler a pleasant and secure journey. These gestures, as small and customary as they may be, play a valuable role in promoting camaraderie and understanding in a world that is constantly on the move.

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Safe travels or Safe travel? Which is correct?

When you want to wish someone to have a journey that is completed without a problem you can say “Safe Travels”. Safe travel is ok but not commonly used.  

Correct Ways to wish someone a safe journey:

• Safe travels
• Bon voyage 
• Travel safely 
• Drive safely
• Have a safe trip
• Have a nice trip
• Have a safe journey

The reason we use safe travels is that we often associate travelling with many different trips and not just one trip.

Safe travel is ok to use but in modern English, it is just not common. 

We often want to wish someone a nice journey but we know that we will see them again so we just want to wish them a journey that is safe from danger. 

If you will not see the person for a long time then it is better to say goodbye. You can find many ways to say goodbye in this article here.

Travel safe or travel safely?

Travel safely is correct because in this case travel is a verb and to modify the verb we need to use the adverb “safely”

Can you say Safe trip or Safe journey?

Yes, you can say “Safe trip” or “Safe Journey” but we usually use “Have a….”.

John: I am leaving now, see you later!

Peter: Have a safe trip!

Peter: Have a safe journey! 

Bon Voyage – Wait isn’t that French? 

Yes, Bon Voyage is the French for Safe travels or literally “have a good trip”

It is common to use bon voyage in English because people are often going on a trip to a foreign country so people use it to sound more exotic.

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20 Professional Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

Last updated on June 26th, 2024 at 05:59 am

Traveling is an exciting adventure , but safety is always a top priority . When someone you know is about to embark on a journey, expressing your well wishes in a professional and heartfelt manner can make a significant impact.

Here are 20 professional ways to say “Safe Travels, ” each accompanied by a scenario example.

List of Professional Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

• Wishing you a secure journey.
• May your travels be smooth and secure.
• Have a safe and pleasant trip.
• Wishing you a trouble-free journey.
• Safe travels and a successful trip.
• Bon voyage, stay safe.
• May your journey be secure and enjoyable.
• Travel safely and take care.
• Wishing you a journey filled with safety and comfort.
• Safe travels and a wonderful trip.
• Have a secure and happy journey.
• Travel well and arrive safely.
• May your trip be free from any mishaps.
• Wishing you a journey without any hitches.
• Safe journey and enjoy your time away.
• Travel with safety and peace of mind.
• May your travels be accident-free.
• Wishing you a secure and uneventful trip.
• Safe travels and a successful expedition.
• Travel safely and come back refreshed.

1. Wishing you a secure journey.

Dear David,

As you embark on your upcoming business trip to Tokyo, I wanted to take a moment to wish you a secure journey . Your dedication to our project is commendable, and I’m confident your travels will be smooth and productive. Safe travels, and may you return with valuable insights.

Best regards, Charles

2. May your travels be smooth and secure.

Subject: Smooth Travels Ahead 🌐

Dear Charles,

I trust this email finds you well. As you prepare for your journey to the international conference, may your travels be smooth and secure . Your expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the event.

Safe travels, David

Additional Tip:

Ensure your travel documents are up-to-date, and keep a digital copy for convenience.

3. Have a safe and pleasant trip.

I hope this message reaches you in high spirits. I wanted to extend my heartfelt wishes for a safe and pleasant trip . May your meetings in London be fruitful, and your return be filled with success.

Safe journey, Charles

Check local COVID-19 guidelines at your destination and pack necessary safety essentials.

4. Wishing you a trouble-free journey.

Before you take off on your vacation, I wanted to express my hopes for a trouble-free journey . Relax, rejuvenate, and make the most of your time away. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures.

Best wishes, David

Inform your bank about your travel dates to avoid any issues with your credit cards.

5. Safe travels and a successful trip.

Subject: Success Awaits You ✈️

As you embark on your international assignment, I wanted to wish you safe travels and a successful trip . Your dedication and hard work are sure to make a positive impact. Looking forward to celebrating your accomplishments upon your return.

Warm regards, Charles

Keep a power bank handy to ensure your devices are charged during long flights.

6. Bon voyage, stay safe.

Bon voyage! As you set sail on your cruise, I want to remind you to stay safe . Enjoy the ocean breeze and the adventures that await you. Looking forward to hearing about your maritime experiences.

Safe journey, David

Secure important documents in a waterproof pouch to prevent any damage.

7. May your journey be secure and enjoyable.

Before you board your flight to Paris, I wanted to extend my wishes for a secure and enjoyable journey . May your business meetings be successful, and your free time be filled with delightful experiences.

Safe travels, Charles

Research local customs to ensure a respectful and smooth interaction with the locals.

8. Travel safely and take care.

Subject: Take Care During Your Travels 🌍

As you embark on your backpacking adventure, remember to travel safely and take care . Embrace the unknown, but prioritize your well-being. Can’t wait to hear about the tales from your journey.

Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials for minor injuries.

9. Wishing you a journey filled with safety and comfort.

Your upcoming cross-country road trip sounds like an incredible adventure. I wanted to wish you a journey filled with safety and comfort . May the open road bring you joy and unforgettable moments.

Plan rest stops to avoid fatigue during long drives.

10. Safe travels and a wonderful trip.

As you prepare for your family vacation, I wanted to wish you safe travels and a wonderful trip . Cherish the moments with your loved ones, and I look forward to hearing all about the memories you create.

Warm regards, David

Create a travel itinerary to make the most of your time at the destination.

Read More: Professional Ways to Say “I Am Sorry to Hear That”

11. Have a secure and happy journey.

Subject: Happiness Awaits You 🌞

Your upcoming solo adventure is inspiring. I wanted to send you my best wishes for a secure and happy journey . Embrace the new experiences, and may this trip bring you the joy you deserve.

Stay connected with loved ones through regular updates during your journey.

12. Travel well and arrive safely.

Before you board your train to the countryside, I wanted to wish you the very best – travel well and arrive safely . May the scenic landscapes and fresh air provide the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating getaway.

Pack a travel pillow for added comfort during long journeys.

13. May your trip be free from any mishaps.

Before you embark on your photography expedition, I wanted to wish you a trip free from any mishaps . May your camera capture the beauty of every moment without any technical glitches.

Best wishes, Charles

Invest in travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

14. Wishing you a journey without any hitches.

As you prepare for your hiking trip, I wanted to wish you a journey without any hitches . May the trails be clear, and every step lead you to breathtaking views.

Pack a lightweight, portable water purifier for on-the-go hydration.

15. Safe journey and enjoy your time away.

Subject: Safe Travels and Blissful Moments 🌺

Your upcoming tropical getaway sounds divine. Wishing you a safe journey and enjoyment of every moment away . Relax, unwind, and savor the beauty of your surroundings.

Inform a trusted friend or family member of your travel plans for added security.

16. Travel with safety and peace of mind.

Before you set sail on your cruise, I wanted to remind you to travel with safety and peace of mind . Your well-being is paramount, so take every precaution to ensure a worry-free voyage.

Keep a copy of important documents in a separate bag in case of loss.

17. May your travels be accident-free.

As you gear up for your skiing adventure, I wanted to wish you accident-free travels . Enjoy the slopes, the fresh powder, and return with tales of your thrilling experiences.

Wear appropriate safety gear and follow skiing guidelines for a safe experience.

18. Wishing you a secure and uneventful trip.

Subject: A Smooth Journey Awaits You ✨

Your upcoming business trip is crucial, and I wanted to wish you a secure and uneventful trip . May your meetings go seamlessly, and your return be as smooth as your departure.

Double-check your travel itinerary for any last-minute changes.

19. Safe travels and a successful expedition.

As you prepare for your scientific expedition, I wanted to wish you safe travels and a successful expedition . Your research is vital, and I’m confident it will yield groundbreaking results.

Pack essential research tools securely to prevent damage during transit.

20. Travel safely and come back refreshed.

Your upcoming spa retreat sounds like a dream. Wishing you the opportunity to travel safely and come back refreshed . Take in the tranquility and return with a renewed sense of energy.

Unplug from work emails and truly immerse yourself in the relaxation offered by the retreat.

Pros and Cons of Expressing Safe Travels Professionally:

• Builds Stronger Connections: Professional well-wishes demonstrate genuine concern and care, fostering stronger relationships.
• Shows Thoughtfulness: Using a variety of expressions adds a personal touch, showing that you’ve put thought into your message.
• Encourages Safety: Reminding individuals to travel safely emphasizes the importance of taking precautions during their journey.
• Potential for Formality: In some situations, overly formal language may feel distant. Consider the nature of your relationship before choosing the expression.
• Time-Consuming: Crafting personalized messages for each scenario can be time-consuming. Balance personalization with efficiency when necessary.
• Misinterpretation: Depending on the recipient’s personality, overly formal language may be misinterpreted as insincere. Be mindful of the individual preferences of the person you are communicating with.

Dariel Campbell is currently an English instructor at a university. She has experience in teaching and assessing English tests including TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG . With over a decade of teaching expertise, Dariel Campbell  utilizes his knowledge to develop English lessons for her audience on English Overview.

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10 Professional Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

Plenty of phrases work as interesting ways to say “goodbye” to someone.

Things like “safe travels” and “take care” are popular. Although, “safe travels” might not hold up as well in professional contexts.

So, it’s worth having a few alternatives prepared.

This article has gathered some synonyms to show you a better way to say “safe travels.”

Is It Polite to Say “Safe Travels”?

It is polite to say “safe travels.” Overall, it’s a very popular choice to use as a farewell when someone is going away for a while (i.e., on vacation).

However, it’s unprofessional in an email. You can say it in spoken situations, even if they’re formal, but we don’t recommend using it in emails.

It is appropriate to say “safe travels” as a polite farewell. So, feel free to use it in most situations (besides an email).

Here’s an example showing you how it works:

Safe travels , Jackie! I hope you have the best time out there with the others.

• It’s very friendly and joyful.
• It’s a great way to say goodbye to people you care about.
• It’s a little too conversational for an email.
• It doesn’t work unless someone is going traveling (meaning it’s limited).

Clearly, “safe travels” isn’t the best choice to include in a business email. Therefore, you should have a few professional alternatives ready to go.

Keep reading to learn what to say instead of “safe travels.” We will share some great formal synonyms to mix things up.

What to Say Instead of “Safe Travels”

• Enjoy your trip
• All the best for your trip
• Enjoy your vacation
• Have the best time away
• Enjoy your time off
• I hope you travel safely
• See you after your travels
• Best wishes on your travels
• Make the most of your travels
• Safe journey

1. Enjoy Your Trip

When people spend time away from work, it’s likely they’re doing so to enjoy themselves and relax. After all, work can get stressful and difficult. We all need to unload sometimes.

Therefore, “enjoy your trip” is a great formal alternative to “safe travels.” It shows you hope someone has a good time away from work.

We recommend using it when emailing clients . This phrase works well when your client is about to leave on holiday. It’ll put them in a good mood (providing they read your email before leaving).

Check out the following example while you’re here:

Dear Daniel, Thank you so much for getting back to me on such short notice. I hope things go well while you’re away. Enjoy your trip , Bradley Smith

2. All the Best for Your Trip

You can always use “all the best” at the end of an email. It’s a very common way to sign off a formal email . But you don’t have to stop there.

Try adding “for your trip” to the end of it when someone is going on vacation. “All the best for your trip” is a polite and friendly phrase that works as an email closer.

It shows you wish someone the best time away . Again, work can be stressful. So, any time people get the chance to get away from it should be the best time away!

Here’s an email example that should help you understand it:

Dear Duncan, I appreciate that you’re out of the office now until the 25th. However, I would like to say thank you for all your help. All the best for your trip , Dean Watmore

3. Enjoy Your Vacation

Simplicity is key in emails. Overly complicated language or long-form sentences can make your emails undesirable to read. People may even skip over them.

So, why not keep your synonyms simple like “enjoy your vacation.” It’s a better way to say “safe travels” that keeps things friendly and formal .

You can use it regardless of the connection you have with the recipient.

For instance, it works well when emailing employees . If they’ve booked some vacation time, use it when sending your last email to them.

We also recommend reviewing this email sample:

Dear Ailee, This is great news. I knew you were working on something big for us. I’m so happy you’re on our team. Enjoy your vacation , Brent Fikowski

4. Have the Best Time Away

Another great way to close an email is “have the best time away.” It shows you how to wish someone safe travels in a more polite and formal way.

It’s best to use this when emailing your boss . It keeps things civil and friendly , allowing you to wish them well when you know they have time off booked.

It’s highly effective in most formal emails, though. It doesn’t just have to work for your boss.

As long as you know someone has booked some time away, feel free to include it at the end of an email.

Don’t forget to review this sample email:

Dear Miss Adams, Thank you for reaching out to update me. Of course, I’ll let you know as soon as I have more information to share. Have the best time away , Brian Donovan

5. Enjoy Your Time Off

“Enjoy your time off” is a formal way to say “safe travels.” It works really well when someone has booked vacation time at work, and you want to wish them well.

Generally, this phrase works better when emailing employees . It’s quite a polite and friendly alternative, showing that you’re happy to grant them time off.

After all, if you’re the boss, employees usually have to ask you for vacation time. So, you’ll know when it’s coming up. If you remember it and wish them well, you’ll sound like you care more.

This email example will help you understand it better:

Dear Melissa, I will let you know as soon as I find out more about your application. I have high hopes for you. Enjoy your time off , Brenda Carlisle

6. I Hope You Travel Safely

“Safe travels” in itself isn’t a bad way to wish someone well before a trip. However, it’s too informal. A formal rewording should help to make it more appropriate in formal emails.

You can reword it to say “I hope you travel safely.” This is much more professional and works well when wishing someone well before a vacation.

Try it as an email closer when speaking to coworkers . It shows you want them to enjoy themselves while they’re away and get to their destination unscathed.

We also recommend reviewing the following example:

Dear Kylie, Of everyone in the office, you certainly deserve vacation time the most. So, I hope you enjoy yourself out there. I hope you travel safely , Jon Wells

7. See You After Your Travels

When someone goes on vacation, it’s usually only for a week or two at a time. Therefore, they’ll be back at work in no time. So, you’ll see them again soon.

You can use “see you after your travels” as another way to say “safe travels.” It suggests that someone is going away for a few weeks , but you plan on seeing them after they return.

For instance, you can use it when colleagues book time off . It shows you’re happy to see them getting away from work and can’t wait to hear about what they get up to on their return.

Here’s a useful example to show you how it works:

Dear Maria, I have contacted our client to see what they want to do with the system. I’ll be in touch when they reply. See you after your travels , Ben White

8. Best Wishes on Your Travels

Generally, “best wishes” is used as a formal email closer. It’s similar to writing things like “all the best” and “best regards.”

You can extend it, though. Add “on your travels” to create “best wishes on your travels.”

This is a very polite and friendly way to close an email. It shows you hope someone makes the most of their time off .

Check out this example if you still need help:

Dear Mitchell, This is the only time I can arrange the meeting. Don’t worry; I’ll provide notes for you on your return. Best wishes on your travels , George Marshland

9. Make the Most of Your Travels

It’s all too easy to get caught up at work and let stress consume you. It then becomes easy to also forget to take the time to enjoy yourself when you book time off work.

However, with “make the most of your travels,” this problem tends to disappear. It’s a great way to close a friendly and formal email .

We recommend using it when you want someone to have the best vacation . It reminds them to enjoy themselves because they won’t be at work for a few days.

Perhaps this email sample will also help you:

Dear Bryan, Opportunities like this don’t come up often. I’ll let you rest for now, but we’re going to need to work together when you return. Make the most of your travels , Melanie Beau

10. Safe Journey

The problem with “safe travels” is that “travels” makes it a little too conversational. You can eliminate this issue by switching “travels” with “journey.”

Now, “safe journey” is a more professional alternative. It helps you to sound more polite and respectful in an email and is a better way to say “safe travels.”

You can use it when emailing employees who are planning a trip. It’s highly effective and allows you to retain a formal tone.

Here’s a great email example to help you with it:

Dear Stuart, Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate you’re busy trying to sort out your trip, but I’ll have a few answers for you when you return. Safe journey , April O’Neill

• 10 Professional Synonyms for “Please Let Me Know”
• 9 Formal Ways to Say “I Hope Everything Is Going Well”
• 10 Polite Ways to Say “Bring to Your Attention”
• 9 Other Ways to Say “I Look Forward to Meeting You”

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Our mission is to help you create a professional impression toward colleagues, clients, and executives.

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Is it “Safe Travel” or “Safe Travels?” (Correct Grammar + Examples)

Is the correct phrase “safe travels” or “safe travel?” When telling someone that they should have a safe trip or a safe upcoming travel, does the word “travel” have an “s” letter or does it not have an “s” letter?

Learn the correct spelling of the phrase in this short American English guide.

Is it “safe travel” or “safe travels?”

The correct phrase is “safe travels,” with an “s” letter. The reason why this form is correct is that someone who is traveling would be doing so in the plural form. We would say have “safe travels” rather than a safe “travel.”

What to say instead of “safe travels”

Here are alternatives someone could say rather than saying “safe travels”:

• Have a good trip.
• See you soon.
• Have a safe trip.
• Have a wonderful journey.
• Have a good time.
• Bon voyage.

Can you say have a “safe journey?”

Yes. Having a “safe journey” is another way of telling someone that you wish their upcoming trip or travel be a safe one. A journey is sometimes referred to as travel, considering it is both an adventure and the act of arriving at a predetermined destination.

What does “bon voyage” mean?

Bon Voyage is a French term that means, “have a good trip.” It is common for “bon voyage” to get used in American English as a common phrase.

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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11 Better Ways To Say “Safe Travels”

“Safe travels” is a polite way to wish somebody well on their upcoming journey. However, there are better ways to be polite and reassuring to your friends when they’re ready to go somewhere (often by plane). This article will share the best alternatives for such a case with you.

What Can I Say Instead Of “Safe Travels”?

There are plenty of ways to use “safe travels” in more exciting manners. You should check out one of the following:

• Have a good flight
• Happy landings
• See you on the other side
• Let me know when you arrive safely
• Stay safe out there
• Enjoy your trip
• Have a relaxing time away
• Happy travels

The preferred version is “be safe” because it keeps it simple. It’s a common phrase we use when we want to wish someone well, and we don’t want them to come across any complications or dangers that might occur if they’re not “careful” enough.

“Be safe” is great to show we care about someone. It lets them know that we worry about them, and we want them to stay “safe” no matter what happens. It works regardless of the method of transport for the journey as well, which makes it a good general phrase.

It’s common for family members to use the phrase “ be safe ” when seeing each other off. This shows that there is a lot of love behind the phrase and that it works well to show how much you care about someone’s wellbeing.

Here are a few ways we might be able to use this phrase:

• Be safe out there. I know you like to find trouble, but for once, I’d love it if you looked after yourself!
• Be safe on your way out! I would love to hear from you and see the pictures of all the things you get up to.
• Don’t forget to message me when you get there! Be safe, and I love you!

“Safe trip” is a simple phrase we can use to make sure someone knows we care. Using words like “safe” reminds people that we worry about them. Even if we are not physically there with them, we hope they are “safe” and do not get into trouble.

This phrase works well regardless of the trip that someone is taking. It could be a long-distance or a short-distance trip. Likewise, it could be by car, plane, boat, or something else entirely!

This phrase works in the following situations:

• Safe trip, Yuri! I’ll miss you, but I know you’ll be thinking about me while you’re away.
• Safe trip back to your hometown, then. Let me know when you get there safely.
• Safe trip, old friend. I’ll see you again whenever you’re next in town!

Have A Good Flight

“Have a good flight” is appropriate to use when someone is going to get on a plane. We use “flight” here to be specific, which helps us to show that we know what someone is getting up to and what they’re likely going to expect from their journey.

We can use this phrase in the following ways:

• Have a good flight! I’m sure you can get all the food and drink you want on there!
• Have a good flight, and don’t forget to let me know when you land safely!
• Have a good flight! There’s nothing to worry about, and you know it’ll all be okay!

Happy Landings

“Happy landings” specifically highlights the “landing” portion of a journey. It works well when someone is going on a plane, and we want them to be “happy” throughout the course of their journey.

Here are a few useful examples of how this one works:

• Happy landings, fella! Don’t forget that they really like their tips out there when you’re dining out!
• Happy landings, then! I’ll miss you every second, so I want you to send me all the photos you can!
• Happy landings! Don’t forget to explore some of the local scenery!

See You On The Other Side

“See you on the other side” is an informal idiom that works well in many cases. We can do it when we know that someone will be returning to see us again soon. “The other side” indicates the place where we will be staying while they go on a journey.

Check out some of these examples to see how it looks:

• See you on the other side, then! Have a great holiday!
• Have a great time away, Fred! See you on the other side!
• I’ll be here waiting for you as always! See you on the other side!

Let Me Know When You Arrive Safely

“Let me know when you arrive safely” is a calm way to let someone know that you are worried. When they arrive at their destination, we can ask them to “message” us to ease our minds and show us that they are thinking about us even after their journey.

We could also use a phrase like “text me when” instead of “let me know when.” If we want to be more specific about the manner of messaging, this phrase works just as well.

This phrase works well in the following ways:

• Let me know when you arrive safely, please! You know how much I worry about you while I’m not around!
• Text me when you arrive safely, please! I want to know just how much fun you’re getting up to.
• Let me know when you arrive safely! I’ll miss you every second that you’re away.

Stay Safe Out There

“Stay safe out there” is a good way to show that you care about someone. “Stay safe” helps to let them know that you’ll be looking out for them and that you want them to explore, but in a reasonable way that won’t cause them harm.

We typically use this phrase when someone is going on a long-distance journey. “Out there” is a good indicator of that.

Check out some of these examples to see how it works:

• Stay safe out there, then! I know you’ll make all the best choices while you’re away.
• Stay safe out there! I’ll miss you, but I know you’ll be having an absolutely adoring time!
• Stay safe out there. You never know what hijinx you might get into, so make sure you text me!

Enjoy Your Trip

“Enjoy your trip” is a simple way to show someone that you care. It helps to let them know that we want them to “enjoy” themselves. While trips can sometimes be boring (especially long-distance ones), we want people to feel like they can still have fun.

This simple phrase works as follows:

• Enjoy your trip, Michael! Let me know when you arrive so we can discuss the adventure more!
• Enjoy your trip! Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture when you get there!
• Enjoy your trip! I expect you to be fluent in German by the time you get back, okay?

Have A Relaxing Time Away

“Have a relaxing time away” works well in many cases. It’s most effective when we know that someone is inclined to worry (whether about the journey or the place they’re going). If we want to calm them down, this phrase works well.

These examples will help you make more sense of it:

• Have a relaxing time away! Remember, you don’t need to worry about a thing when you get on that plane!
• Have a relaxing time away! If anyone deserves it, it is most certainly you!
• Have a relaxing time away! I’m going to miss you, but I know you’ll be back in no time!

Happy Travels

“Happy travels” works really well when we want people to feel “happy” on their journey. “Travels” can refer to any method of transport, but the idea is that they’ll be spending a long time getting from point A to point B, and we want them to feel “happy.”

Perhaps one of these examples will help you make more sense of it:

• Happy travels, mate! I know you’ll love it over there in Australia, but you must tell me all about it.
• Happy travels, Sue! I’ll miss you, so don’t forget to write to me every day about what you do.
• Happy travels, Dan! Thank you for coming to see me again, and I’ll see you again soon, yeah?

“Bon voyage” is a great way to wish someone well before they go on an adventure. It’s French (and Italian), and it means “good journey.” It’s a commonly-used exclamation in English when we want to wish somebody well for something they’re going to do.

It’s also comforting because it shows that we do not wish any problems to come their way when they’re on their journey.

• Bon voyage, my little friend! I’ll see you again when you return!
• Bon voyage, then! I will miss you, but I hope you get a chance to text me a bunch when you get there!
• Bon voyage! I love you so much, and I’ll definitely miss you while you’re away.

You may also like: Safe Travels – Meaning & Usage (Helpful Examples)

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• “Arrive To”, “Arrive At”, or “Arrive In”? Correct Preposition
• “Made It Home Safe” vs. “Made It Home Safely” – Correct Version
• Be Safe, Stay Safe, or Keep Safe? [Helpful Examples]
• Will Arrive or Will Be Arriving – What’s the Difference?

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How to Say “Have a Safe Trip”: Formal and Informal Ways

When someone is about to embark on a journey, it’s always thoughtful to express your well wishes and hopes for their safety. Saying “have a safe trip” is a common phrase used to convey this sentiment. However, there are various ways to express this phrase, depending on the level of formality and the regional dialects. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “have a safe trip” while also providing tips, examples, and insights.

Table of Contents

Formal Expressions for “Have a Safe Trip”

Formal expressions are commonly used in professional or polite settings. When wishing someone a safe journey in a formal manner, you can say:

“May you have a safe trip.”

This phrase is a kind wish that explicitly expresses your hope for their well-being during their travels. It is a polite and formal way to wish someone a safe journey.

Another formal way to say “have a safe trip” is:

“Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey.”

This phrase not only conveys your concern for their safety but also emphasizes your desire for them to have a pleasant experience while traveling.

Informal Expressions for “Have a Safe Trip”

Informal expressions are commonly used among friends, family, or in casual conversations. When you want to convey your well wishes in a more familiar way, you can use these informal phrases:

1. “Have a safe trip!”

This simple and straightforward phrase is commonly used to wish someone a safe and trouble-free journey. It’s often used among friends and family members.

2. “Take care and have a safe journey!”

This expression not only wishes the person a safe trip but also reminds them to take care of themselves throughout their journey. It shows your concern for their well-being.

3. “Stay safe and have a great trip!”

This phrase combines the wish for safety with a hope for an enjoyable trip. It conveys your genuine care for the person’s safety while encouraging them to have a wonderful time.

Tips for Expressing “Have a Safe Trip”

Here are some tips to keep in mind when expressing your wishes for a safe trip:

1. Consider the Recipient

Before selecting an expression, consider the relationship you have with the person and the context of the conversation. Choose a formal or informal expression accordingly.

2. Use Warm and Positive Language

When expressing your well wishes, use warm and positive language to convey your sincerity and genuine care for the person’s safety. This helps create a positive impact and leaves a lasting impression.

3. Personalize Your Message

Add a personal touch to your message by including the person’s name or specific details about their trip. This shows that you are genuinely interested in their well-being and are invested in their journey.

4. Offer Assistance If Appropriate

If you are close to the person and willing to help, offer assistance with tasks such as pet sitting, collecting mail, or any other support they may need during their absence. This shows your willingness to go the extra mile.

Examples for “Have a Safe Trip”

Now, let’s look at some examples of how to say “have a safe trip” using the different expressions discussed above:

Formal Examples:

• “May you have a safe trip, John. Take care and stay well.”
• “Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey to Paris, Sarah. Enjoy your time there!”

Informal Examples:

• “Have a safe trip, Mom. Drive carefully and call us when you arrive.”
• “Take care and have a safe journey, my friend! Let’s catch up when you’re back.”

Remember, the key is to convey your genuine concern for the person’s safety and well-being while tailoring your expressions to the appropriate level of formality.

In conclusion, there are various ways to say “have a safe trip” depending on the level of formality and the nature of your relationship with the person. Whether you choose a formal expression such as “May you have a safe trip” or an informal phrase like “Have a safe trip,” the most important thing is to convey your genuine care and concern for their safety. So next time someone you know is heading out on a journey, don’t forget to wish them a safe and pleasant trip!

Related Guides:

• How to Say “Have a Safe Trip Back Home”: A Guide with Tips and Examples
• Guide: How to Say “Have a Safe Trip Home”
• Guide: How to Say “Have a Safe Trip” in French
• How to Say “Have a Safe Trip” in Korean: Formal and Informal Ways
• How to Say “Have a Safe Trip” in Somali: A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Say “Have a Safe Trip” in Spanish: Guide with Tips and Examples
• Tips on Wishing Someone a Safe Trip Back Home
• How to Say “Safe Trip” in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

About The Author

Lilly Tammy

Example sentences safe travel

Where companies can help their employees with safe travel , they ought to do so.

The measures coincide with a new general obligation on local authorities to promote sustainable and safe travel for all pupils from next month.

In 1984, the ship underwent another major refit, to ensure safe travel for its passengers for many years to come.

Complete streets design principles are roadway design features that accommodate and facilitate safe travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists of all ages and abilities.

They operate ordinary-type buses, and newly acquired airconditioned buses which provide safe travel to passengers.

Definition of 'safe' safe

Definition of 'travel' travel

Cobuild collocations safe travel.

Browse alphabetically safe travel

• safe street
• safe surfing
• safe swimming
• safe travel
• safe workplace
• safe-blower
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20+ Creative Ways to Say “Safe Travels” to Someone

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Wishes & Celebrations

“Safe travels” is a term that has a literal meaning. One way of wishing someone “safe travels” is to say “have a safe trip” or “travel safely.”

Other ways to say “safe travels” include “have a safe journey” or “travel well.” Here are 25 other ways to say that you hope travelers are safe and enjoy the journey.

Wishing family members “safe travels”

  Saying goodbye to the family can evoke plenty of emotion.   You will miss the family member who is traveling but you also want to wish them well, express your love, and express your desire for them to return safely.   The following phrases are less common than “safe travels” as they express more emotion and show the closeness of the family bond.  

  All of the above phrases talk about making memories and enjoying the adventure.   They encourage family members to make the most of the opportunity but they also express love, appreciation and a sense of anticipating their return.  

Other ways to say “safe travels” to a close friend

  When close friends go traveling, you often wish that you could go with them.   At the same time, you want them to have the very best travel experience and come home safely so you can find out all about their adventures.   Close friends often travel together and if you’re the one that’s left behind for some reason, here are some other ways to say “safe travels” to your close friend.  

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25 Creative Ways to Say “Take Care”

Wishing a work colleague “safe travels”

  When a work colleague goes traveling, what you say will depend on how well you know the person. When you know the person well, you can be more lighthearted, whereas if it’s someone you don’t know as well, your tone will be more formal.   Whether you want to wish a colleague a safe journey in person or you prefer to write a card or send an email, here are some other ways to say “safe travels” to a work colleague.  

  As you can see, some of the above suggestions are more formal than others. If a colleague is a close friend, you can use the phrases that are more intimate and light hearted, such as looking after a plant or catching up on office gossip.  

How to say it to someone who is afraid of flying

  Do you know someone who is afraid of flying and about to go on a flight? Many people have different levels of fear when it comes to flying and some are unable to fly at all because they have such a big fear of flying.   A fair number of people have at least some trepidation when it comes to flying. Helping to cheer them up with some humor or reminding them that flying is safe can help them to overcome their fear and set off in good spirits.   Here are some other ways to say “safe travels” and let those afraid of flying know you are thinking about them and you wish them well for the trip.  

20 Other Ways to Say “I Hope All Is Well” in Emails

Wishing someone traveling in a pandemic “safe travels”

  One of the main reasons we travel is because we love to explore and have new experiences.   During a pandemic with many countries around the world in lockdown, travel of all kinds has been impacted and people are less willing to travel.   As people are beginning to travel again, they are experiencing some changes. There are all the safety protocols they have to follow that can be tiresome. However, there are far fewer people traveling, so that has certain advantages.   Expressing “safe travels” to someone traveling in a pandemic carries more of a sense of urgency than when you are just wishing someone a pleasant journey. However, people also tend to joke a little as a way of coping in difficult circumstances.   Here are some ways to say “safe travels” during a pandemic, It is often better to emphasize the positive rather than the negative aspects of traveling.  

A final word

  Travel used to be a perilous affair full of danger but today, the most you usually have to deal with is delays, lost luggage, obnoxious fellow passengers or turbulence.   “Safe travels” is a term that’s evolved to mean more for the trip itself than the transport to get there.   As you can see from the examples above, there are many other ways to say “safe travels.”  

10 Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels” (With Examples)

Whether you’re seeing a loved one off on a trip or sending your best wishes to a colleague headed to a work conference, “safe travels” is a common and well-meaning farewell. But after saying it repeatedly, the phrase can start to feel stale.

If you’re looking for some fresh alternatives to “safe travels” to swap in now and then, you’re in luck. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing other ways to wish fellow travelers safety and happiness as they embark on their journeys.

From classic phrases to new spins, these options will help you send off friends and family with sincerity, style, and a bit more creativity.

So if you want to add variety and meaningful substitutes to your travel blessing vocabulary , read on for other ways to say “safe travels!” I’ll provide some context and examples for each phrase, so you’ll know just when to deploy your new additions.

Whether it’s a text to your sister before her cross-country road trip or an email sign-off to colleagues headed to a conference, these safe travel sayings will come in handy.

Is it professional to Say “Safe Travels”?

Yes, it is professional to say “Safe travels” when bidding farewell to colleagues, clients, or business associates who are embarking on a trip. Here’s why this phrase is suitable for professional settings :

Saying “Safe travels” shows care and consideration for the person’s well-being and safety during their upcoming journey . It’s a courteous phrase that expresses concern for their welfare.

Unlike “Have fun!” or “Enjoy your vacation!” which can come across as too casual, “Safe travels” maintains professionalism and thoughtfulness.

The phrase also acknowledges the common work-related reasons for travel like conferences, meetings, and client visits . It’s an appropriate sentiment for business trips. Wishing someone “Safe travels” reminds them to take precautions and care when traveling for work reasons.

Lastly, “Safe travels” is universally inoffensive . It’s unlikely to cause any issues or cross professional boundaries. The phrase spreads positivity without being overly familiar. Compared to giving a hug or clapping someone on the back, a simple verbal sendoff like “Safe travels” is safest for professional relationships.

What to Say Instead of “Safe Travels”

• Have a smooth journey!
• Wishing you a safe journey!
• Bon Voyage!
• Travel safely!
• May your journey be free from trouble!
• Wishing you a peaceful voyage!
• Journey mercies!
• May your travels be trouble-free!
• Have a secure trip!
• Safe journey ahead!

1. Have a smooth journey!

“Have a smooth journey!” is a warm, friendly expression often used to wish someone well before they embark on a trip.

It implies a hope for a hassle-free experience , devoid of complications or difficulties.

This phrase is versatile and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, making it suitable for a variety of situations, from a friend embarking on a vacation to a colleague traveling for business.

“As you head off to the mountains, have a smooth journey! I hope the roads are clear and the weather is kind to you.”

2. Wishing you a safe journey!

This phrase conveys a heartfelt desire for someone’s safety and well-being during their travels. It’s a bit more formal than “Have a smooth journey!” and emphasizes the aspect of safety.

This makes it particularly suitable for expressing concern and care, especially in situations where the journey might involve some risk or when speaking to loved ones.

 “With the storm forecasted for this weekend, wishing you a safe journey to the coast. Please be careful on the roads.”

3. Bon Voyage!

“Bon Voyage!” is a French term widely adopted into English, carrying a sense of elegance and worldliness.

It translates directly to “good journey” and is often used when someone is embarking on a significant trip, particularly overseas.

This phrase adds a touch of sophistication to your farewell and is perfect for someone who appreciates a bit of flair.

 “Heading off to Paris for the first time is such an exciting adventure, Bon Voyage! May your trip be as fabulous as the city itself.”

4. Travel safely!

This expression is a straightforward , sincere wish for someone’s safety during their travels. It’s versatile, suitable for both close personal relationships and more formal acquaintances.

The emphasis on safety makes it especially appropriate when the person is traveling to a place with known risks or through challenging conditions.

“You’re driving late at night, so travel safely! Let me know once you’ve arrived.”

5. May your journey be free from trouble!

This phrase is a more elaborate way of wishing someone a smooth and safe journey. It has a slightly formal tone and is ideal for situations where you want to convey a more in-depth, thoughtful message.

 This expression is suitable for both personal and professional contexts , particularly when you want to emphasize the absence of difficulties or obstacles.

“As you embark on this new chapter by moving to another city, may your journey be free from trouble! I hope everything goes smoothly with your relocation.”

6. Wishing you a peaceful voyage!

This expression conveys a desire for a tranquil travel experience. It’s particularly suitable for leisure trips, such as vacations or cruises, where relaxation is a key goal.

The term “voyage” gives it a slightly more formal or poetic feel, making it great for written communication or more formal farewells.

“Your cruise around the Caribbean sounds like a dream, wishing you a peaceful voyage! May the seas be calm and the skies clear.”

7. Journey mercies!

“Journey mercies” is a phrase that originates from a religious or spiritual context, asking for divine protection over someone’s travels.

It’s a warm, heartfelt expression, often used in communities or among individuals who share a spiritual bond. It’s suitable for conveying deep concern and care for someone’s well-being.

“As you head off on your missionary trip, journey mercies! May you be kept safe and guided throughout your journey.”

8. May your travels be trouble-free!

This phrase is a kind wish, hoping that someone’s travels go smoothly without any issues or difficulties.

 It’s a versatile expression, suitable for both personal and professional contexts, and it conveys a genuine hope for an easy and uneventful journey.

“I know how much you’ve been looking forward to this road trip, may your travels be trouble-free! Enjoy every moment of your adventure.”

9. Have a secure trip!

This expression emphasizes the aspect of security and safety during someone’s travels.

It’s a straightforward, sincere way to express concern for someone’s well-being , making it suitable for situations where there might be concerns about the travel conditions or destination.

“With the recent news about the area you’re visiting, have a secure trip! Make sure to stay informed and cautious.”

10. Safe journey ahead!

This phrase is a forward-looking wish, implying a continuous state of safety throughout the entirety of someone’s journey.

It’s a versatile expression, fitting for both casual and formal situations, and conveys a comprehensive wish for safety that extends beyond just the departure.

“You’re embarking on such an exciting journey across the country, safe journey ahead! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures when you return.”

Related Posts:

10 Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

If someone is going on a trip, it’s polite to wish them “safe travels.”

However, it’s good to have options, so you might want to find more ways to express this sentiment.

You might also be finding that “safe travels” is too informal for your needs.

Either way, we have the alternative phrases you need just below.

Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

• Have a safe journey
• Wishing you a pleasant journey
• Have a nice trip
• Enjoy your journey
• Have a safe trip
• Get there safe and sound
• Travel safely
• Happy travels
• Hope your journey is free from danger

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “Safe travels” is a grammatically correct phrase that you can use to wish someone well before a journey.
• As a more formal alternative, you can try using “have a safe journey.”
• If you’re looking for another informal option, try using “bon voyage.”

Don’t click away!

If you’re still wondering how to say “safe travels” in different scenarios, don’t worry! We’ve selected a formal and informal alternative to look at. Moreover, this includes explaining which situations you can use each in and providing some handy example sentences. 

After that, we’ll discuss the correctness of “safe travels.”

Have a Safe Journey (Formal)

Another way to say “safe travels” is “have a safe journey.”

This is a formal synonym , so you can feel comfortable slipping it into an email to your boss , like in the example below:

Dear Frederick, Thanks for clarifying that. Have a safe journey and enjoy your time away. Kind regards, Tanya

Additionally, like “save travels,” this phrase focuses on the trip someone is taking rather than the destination they’re going to.

As such, while you can use “have a safe journey” when someone is going on holiday, you can also use it for shorter trips, like in the below example:

Person 1: Do you have a long drive home? Person 2: Yes. It’s about three hours. Person 1: Ah, that is long. I hope you have a safe journey .

Furthermore, in English, phrases tend to be considered more formal if they use more words, so this phrase comes across as less casual than “safe travels.”

Consequently, it’s a good option when you’re speaking to someone whom you think would appreciate a more formal tone , like an old-fashioned senior member of your work team.

Bon Voyage (Informal)

An informal alternative to “safe travels” is “bon voyage.”

This phrase is an example of a loanword . English is full of loanwords, which are terms that are in another language but are used with the same meaning in English. 

“Bon voyage” comes from French, as do many of the loanwords in English. The translation of this popular phrase is literally “safe journey” or “safe trip.” However, it’s also used to express general good wishes to anyone embarking on a journey.

Here are some example sentences:

Person 1: Are you on holiday next week? Person 2: Yes. I’m going to Greece. Person 1: That sounds lovely. Bon voyage !

Person 1: I won’t be in the office tomorrow. I’m going to be in London for a couple of days for a conference. Person 2: Oh, I bet that’ll be loads of fun. Bon voyage !

Furthermore, tonally, this phrase is at the same level of informality as “safe travels.”

As such, you should feel comfortable using it as an alternative in any scenario where you would use the original phrase.

12 Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

The phrase “safe travels” is a common expression used to wish someone a safe and uneventful journey. It conveys a sentiment of care and concern for the traveler’s well-being.

This article explores alternative ways to express your good wishes for someone’s journey, each with it’s own unique meaning and context.

Table of Contents

Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

1. bon voyage.

Example: “Bon voyage ! May your journey be as splendid as your destination.”

Meaning: A French phrase that has been adopted into English, it carries an elegant and worldly flair. It not only wishes safe travel but also implies a wish for an enjoyable and exciting journey.

Usage: Ideal for formal or ceremonious farewells or when wishing someone well on an international trip.

2. Have a Good Trip

Example: “ Have a good trip ! I look forward to hearing about your adventures.”

Meaning: A straightforward, friendly wish for a pleasant journey. It’s a versatile phrase that can be used in both casual and semi-formal situations.

Usage: Suitable for casual or informal settings, like saying goodbye to a friend or colleague.

3. Travel Safely

Example: “ Travel safely , and keep in touch.”

Meaning: Emphasizes the aspect of safety on the trip, showing a deeper concern for the well-being of the traveler.

Usage: Best used when expressing genuine concern for someone’s safety during their travels.

4. Journey Well

Example: “ Journey well and soak in every moment of your experience.”

Meaning: Conveys a wish for a profound and enriching travel experience, suggesting a journey that is both safe and transformative.

Usage: Great for heartfelt goodbyes, especially to someone embarking on a significant or long journey.

5. Godspeed

Example: “ Godspeed on your voyage across the seas.”

Meaning: An old-fashioned, somewhat formal blessing that conveys a wish for success and safety. It carries a historical and sometimes spiritual connotation.

Usage: Appropriate in formal contexts or when wishing someone well on a particularly important or daunting journey.

6. Smooth Sailing

Example: “Wishing you smooth sailing on your cruise around the Caribbean.”

Meaning: Originally nautical, it’s now a metaphor for wishing an easy, trouble-free journey. It’s often used when wishing someone well in endeavors beyond travel.

Usage: Useful in both travel and general life contexts, especially when wishing someone an easy journey or task.

7. Have a Safe Journey

Example: “ Have a safe journey , and remember to take lots of pictures!”

Meaning: A direct and warm wish for safety during travel, often used in a caring and casual context.

Usage: Perfect for casual farewells, emphasizing safety in a warm, caring manner.

8. Farewell and Travel Well

Example: “ Farewell, and travel well . May your path be free of obstacles.”

Meaning: A poetic and heartfelt goodbye, combining wishes for a safe and fulfilling journey. It adds a touch of elegance to the farewell.

Usage: Suitable for poetic or heartfelt goodbyes, adding a touch of elegance to the farewell.

9. May Your Road Be Smooth

Example: “As you venture to new lands, may your road be smooth .”

Meaning: Wishes for an uncomplicated and pleasant journey, often implying a hope for fewer difficulties or challenges along the way.

Usage: Ideal for expressing a wish for an easy, untroubled journey, often in a thoughtful or reflective manner.

10. Safe Journey

Example: “ Safe journey ! Call me when you arrive.”

Meaning: A succinct, caring expression focusing on the safety of the traveler, suitable for both personal and formal contexts.

Usage: A versatile phrase, fitting for both personal and professional contexts.

11. Happy Travels

Example: “ Happy travels ! Enjoy every new discovery.”

Meaning: Emphasizes the joy and excitement of travel, focusing on the positive and adventurous aspects of the journey.

Usage: Great for informal and cheerful goodbyes, especially when emphasizing the enjoyment of the trip.

12. May the Road Rise Up to Meet You

Example: “ May the road rise up to meet you on your journey to Scotland.”

Meaning: An Irish blessing, this phrase is poetic and imbued with a sense of goodwill and fortune for the traveler’s journey.

Usage: Perfect for meaningful or spiritual farewells, often used in significant or life-changing journeys.

When to Use Different “Safe Travels” Alternatives

The choice of which expression to use in place of “safe travels” depends on the context, your relationship with the traveler, and the tone you wish to convey:

For Casual Farewells:

Phrases like “Have a Good Trip” or “Happy Travels” are ideal for light-hearted and informal goodbyes, such as seeing off a friend or a colleague on a short trip or vacation. They add a touch of warmth without being overly formal.

For Emphasizing Safety:

“Travel Safely” or “Have a Safe Journey” are poignant choices when the safety of the traveler is your primary concern. These expressions are fitting when addressing loved ones or when there are known risks associated with the journey.

For Formal or Traditional Goodbyes:

In more formal or ceremonious settings, such as a colleague embarking on a long business trip or someone going on a significant journey, phrases like “Bon Voyage,” “Godspeed,” or “Farewell and Travel Well” lend a sense of gravity and tradition to your farewell.

For Poetic or Heartfelt Wishes:

To convey deeper emotions or when bidding farewell in a more reflective or significant context, expressions like “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You” or “Journey Well” can capture the depth of your sentiment, often imbued with a sense of care, wisdom, and well-wishing.

In conclusion, the phrase “safe travels” is a polite and caring way to wish someone well on their journey.

Alternatives like “Be safe,” “Safe trip,” and “Have a good flight” are straightforward yet thoughtful ways to express your concern for someone’s safety. More unique phrases like “Happy landings,” “See you on the other side,” and “Stay safe out there” add variety and personality to your well-wishes.

Related Posts:

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• 24 Other Ways to Say "Enjoy and Have Fun"
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Travel safe

• Thread starter piggypiggot
• Start date Jul 30, 2009

piggypiggot

Senior member.

• Jul 30, 2009

Hi! Has "travel safe" the same meaning of "Safe journey"? Thanks for the help.  

AshleySarah

piggypiggot said: Hi! Has "travel safe" the same meaning of "Safe journey"? Thanks for the help. Click to expand...

King Crimson

It's funny and I think has nothing to do with this thread, but I discovered that Travel Safe (with capitalized initials) is also the name of a "portable" safe, even though I can't figure out how portable a safe can be... (see http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=18 )  

What we know about the global Microsoft outage

A routine software update caused cascading chaos Friday that has engulfed global businesses from airports and banks to retail and law enforcement.

It wasn’t a cyberattack, but was caused by one of the world’s largest cybersecurity companies deploying a flawed update while trying to keep their customers safe from hackers.

CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company based in Austin, Texas, that’s widely used by businesses and government agencies that run on Microsoft computers, said that a defect in one of its updates for computers running the Windows operating system had caused the issue. The result was arguably the largest global information technology outage in history. 

Here’s what we know:

What has been affected?

The outage appeared to affect almost every major business sector in one way or another.

Airports and flights across the world were severely delayed or canceled altogether, as the computers on which these services rely were disrupted by the issue. Three of the largest airlines in the United States — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — all issued ground stops, citing communications problems.

Long lines snaked through airports from Berlin to Hong Kong, as electronic systems failed and staff members resorted to checking in passengers manually. One flier in the Indian city of Hyderabad posted a picture of a curiosity usually unseen in the modern digital age: a handwritten boarding pass.

Follow live updates on the global tech outage

The issue also affected banks, leaving some customers unable to access their money. People across Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere reported problems logging into their accounts at major retail banks. Meanwhile the London Stock Exchange, the largest of its kind in Europe, said some of its services had been disrupted although trading had not been impeded.

In retail, McDonald’s closed some of its stores in Japan because of what it said in an online statement was a “cash register malfunction.” And the British grocery chain Waitrose was forced to put up handwritten notes informing customers that it was only accepting cash. Some Starbucks locations temporarily closed after the company's mobile ordering system went down, while other locations stayed open and left their baristas scrambling to come up with new workflows.

Baltic Hub, a global shipping terminal in Poland, said in a statement it had been battling issues related to the outage. The Alaska State Troopers agency was among the law enforcement agencies to report issues, warning people that 911 was temporarily not working. And the British broadcaster Sky News, which is owned by NBCUniversal's parent company, Comcast, was briefly knocked off the air.

Some computers that were not on during the software update appear to have avoided the issue, according to initial reports.

What caused it?

Cybersecurity programs like CrowdStrike’s frequently and automatically update themselves to account for new tactics that malicious hackers have discovered. And there’s always a slight risk that any software update will be incompatible with other programs.

CrowdStrike’s update should have been routine, but an error in its code conflicted with Windows and proved catastrophic.

The company’s CEO, George Kurtz , said Friday morning on the "TODAY" show that while some customers would see their computers fixed automatically, others would require manual work to fix.

“The system was sent an update, and that update had a software bug in it and caused an issue with the Microsoft operating system,” Kurtz said. “Our systems are always looking for the latest attacks from these adversaries that are out there.”

How long until things go back to normal?

CrowdStrike identified the problem and issued a fix early Friday after the problem began to emerge. On Friday afternoon, Kurtz released a statement apologizing for the outage, adding that CrowdStrike was “operating normally.”

The fix required affected computers to download another software update, which some have been able to do automatically.

Many companies and services affected by the chaos, such as the New Hampshire Department of Safety, which said its 911 system was briefly down, reported that they were back online by Friday morning. 

Others haven’t been able to load the update, which would potentially require IT workers at some companies to reboot and tinker with every single affected computer.

“Many of the customers are rebooting the system, and it’s coming up, and it’ll be operational because we fixed it on our end,” Kurtz said. “Some of the systems that aren’t recovering, we’re working with them. So it could be some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.”

Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.

Kevin Collier is a reporter covering cybersecurity, privacy and technology policy for NBC News.

Cruise or vacation to Caribbean or Mexico ahead? These travel advisories may change your mind

Heading to a level 4 destination write a will and leave a dna sample.

There's nothing like a vacation to get away from work or just the normal day-to-day grind.

There is plenty to do in Florida — after all, tourists flock here for once-in-a-lifetime getaways. And for Florida residents, there are hidden gems , plenty of road trip opportunities, and places for a romantic weekend when we get tired of the main attractions.

But sometimes even Florida residents just have to leave the state. What's nice is that some prime vacation spots are just a hop, skip and jump away. Or should we say boat ride, flight and cruise stop away?

Yes, we're talking about a vacation to the Bahamas, one or more of the Caribbean islands, or even the eastern coast of Mexico.

But nothing spoils a vacation like being a victim of a crime or feeling unsafe. Here's the current list of travel advisories issued for several popular vacation spots close to Florida that have been issued by the U.S. Department of State.

But first, here's what the levels of travel advisories mean.

What are the travel advisory alert levels and what do they mean for your vacation?

The U.S. Department of State has four levels of alerts when it comes to travel. The alerts tell U.S. citizens about specific safety concerns in a country, which include demonstrations, crime, and weather. Here is how the State Department defines each level:

• This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.      
• Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides more advice for travelers to these areas in the travel advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• Reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the travel advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The State Department advises travelers heading to those countries despite the alert level write a will prior to traveling and leave DNA samples in case of worst-case scenarios.

Interactive map: See latest travel advisories at a glance

➤ View the interactive map.

The Bahamas under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Alert level: Level 2, exercise increased caution.
• Date issued: Jan. 26, 2024.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.   Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
• More details can be found here.

Cuba under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: Jan. 5, 2024.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime.  Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.

Turks and Caicos Islands under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: July 17, 2023.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. Local medical care and criminal investigative capabilities are limited.

Cayman Islands under Level 1 travel advisory, use normal precautions

• Alert level: Level 1, exercise normal precautions.
• Reason: Exercise normal precautions in the Cayman Islands.

Jamaica under Level 3 travel advisory, reconsider travel

• Alert level: Level 3, reconsider travel
• Date issued: Jan. 23, 2024 (even before Hurricane Beryl brushed by the island)
• Reason: Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services.  Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

Haiti under Level 4 travel advisory, do not travel

• Alert level: Level 4, do not travel
• Date issued: July 27, 2023
• Reason: Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.  Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Violent crime, including armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti.

Dominican Republic under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: June 18, 2024
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. 

Grenada under Level 1 travel advisory, use normal precautions

• Alert level: Level 1, exercise normal precautions (well before Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane)
• Date issued: July 17, 2023
• Reason: Exercise normal precautions in Grenada.

Trinidad and Tobago under Level 3 travel advisory, reconsider travel

• Date issued: July 2, 2024
• Reason: Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping is common. Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Popular Mexico locations travel advisories range from Level 1 to Level 4

• Alert level: Level 2, exercise increased caution
• Date issued: Aug. 22, 2023
• Reason : Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.
• Reason : Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.
• Reason : Do not travel due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. government employees may not travel to even to tourist areas in Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa.

2,600+ US flights canceled: United, American Airlines resume service after global outage

• A global IT outage caused delays and cancellations for air passengers around the world.
• Several U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, issued ground stops for all their flights early on Friday due to communication problems.
• The aviation sector is hit particularly hard due to its sensitivity to timings.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here .

William Sikora III was supposed to fly from Philadelphia to Detroit on Friday morning.

“We are stuck at this airport,” he posted in a video on X at 6 a.m., zooming in on blue airport screens showing system errors. “United, Delta, America, all this stuff is down. People are just sitting here. The apps still say our flight’s on time because they can’t update information in the apps.”

Air passengers around the world faced delays, cancellations and problems checking in as airports and airlines were caught up in a  massive IT outage  that also affected industries ranging from banks to media companies.

Several U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, issued ground stops for all their flights early on Friday due to communication problems, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

There were over 2,600 flights canceled and nearly 9,200 delays as of 5 p.m. ET, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware . Most airlines were able to resume operations as the morning progressed, but many said they expected disruptions to continue throughout the day.

More on the outage: Global tech outage grounds flights, hits banks and media businesses

Megan Brown said Washington Dulles Airport was surprisingly calm, even as the airline industry was in turmoil. She said the airport was less crowded than usual, making for a quicker-than-expected security screening, and passengers seemed understanding about the disruptions.

"We just took the gamble and came here, and hopefully we’ll leave today,” Brown told USA TODAY by phone from Dulles. “There’s nothing you can do.”

Her family's 8:25 a.m. ET flight to San Francisco was delayed, but they were able to take off within a couple of hours. "A cheer just erupted as the gate agent said we are going to start boarding," she said.

Around the world, airports and airlines advised customers to arrive earlier than normal for flights.

Around 9 a.m. Sikora posted another video showing fellow travelers sitting on the floor and standing in the middle of a crowded Philadelphia International Airport terminal. 

“Everyone is in the same boat. Just wandering and sitting,” he told USA TODAY.

Issues online: Instagram may be the best social app to get your flight issues fixed. Here's why.

The cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike blamed the global tech outage on a defect in an update for Microsoft Windows hosts.

“Today was not a security or cyber incident. Our customers remain fully protected," Crowdstrike CEO George Kurtz posted on X . "We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption. We are working with all impacted customers to ensure that systems are back up and they can deliver the services their customers are counting on. As noted earlier , the issue has been identified and a fix has been deployed. There was an issue with a Falcon content update for Windows Hosts."

The aviation sector was hit particularly hard due to its sensitivity to timings. Airlines rely on a closely coordinated schedule often run by air traffic control. Just one delay of a few minutes can throw off a flight schedule for take-offs and landings for an airport and airline for the rest of the day.

"The issue affected many separate systems, such as those used for calculating aircraft weight, checking in customers, and phone systems in our call centers," United Airlines said in a statement. "After pausing all departures overnight, flights resumed on Friday morning and we are working diligently to get our customers to their destinations."

Story continues below.

Are flights still grounded? How long will flight delays last?

"Ground stops and delays will be intermittent at various airports as the airlines work through residual technology issues," the FAA said, adding that it's working closely with airlines to resume normal operations.

Travelers are advised to contact their airlines and monitor the FAA's website for the latest information.

How to find the reason for flight delay

Customers can ask airlines why their flight is canceled or delayed, but the Department of Transportation confirmed that it considers the delays and cancellations caused by Friday's IT outage to be "controllable" by the airlines. While airlines may say they didn't cause the computer error, it means that the DOT will hold them responsible for upholding the commitments they've made to customers when it comes to policies like rebooking or hotel and meal vouchers as the mess gets sorted out. Every airline's policy is outlined on the DOT customer service dashboard.  

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics also tracks causes of delays and cancellations.

Airline waivers

Airlines are doing what they can to provide extra flexibility to those affected by the outage.

• American issued a waiver for affected travelers covering all of its U.S. hubs.
• Delta issued a waiver allowing all passengers traveling Friday to rebook their flights.
• Frontier issued a waiver offering rebooking for travelers whose flights were delayed by more than 3 hours. Customers whose flights were canceled may opt for a refund or credit toward future travel.
• United issued a waiver for select airports so passengers can make changes if their flights are affected, though a United spokesperson told USA TODAY that nearly all of the airline's flights depart or arrive in one of the airports covered by the waiver.
• Spirit issued a waiver allowing customers who are booked to fly Friday or Saturday through any airport in its network to change their flights at no additional charge.

What happens if my flight is canceled?

Department of Transportation rules  require all airlines to offer customers a refund if their flights are canceled for any reason, but customers may be entitled to additional compensation if a cancellation is within the airline's control.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is experiencing a long delay, the Transportation Department suggests asking airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

The DOT dashboard reflects airlines' official policies, but many carriers handle compensation for delays on a case-by-case basis and may provide vouchers or other benefits in some situations that are not formally covered.

What is considered a significant flight delay?

Each airline defines significant delays differently, but the DOT's dashboard identifies which airlines provide compensation for controllable delays of 3 or more hours.

For instance, all major U.S. carriers are supposed to provide a meal voucher for flights delayed by at least 3 hours for reasons within their control. Additionally, Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest offer credit or a travel voucher when a controllable delay "results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time," according to the dashboard.

How to file compensation for a delayed flight

Travelers seeking monetary compensation for delayed flights should file a claim with their respective airlines. Passengers seeking other types of compensation, like frequent flyer miles, may be able to request those through the airline's customer service.

Contributing: Andrew Mills, Joanna Plucinska and Lisa Barrington ; Reuters

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

• ENVIRONMENT

The 2024 Olympics will likely be the hottest ever. Are athletes prepared?

It won’t just be outdoor sports impacted by heat. Organizers in Paris are focused on keeping competitors safe while still facilitating optimal performances.

As summer rolls around, anticipation for the world’s biggest sporting event comes with a concerning alarm: this 2024 Olympic Games in Paris promises to be the warmest on record.  

The quadrennial event, which will run in July and August, will take place amidst the backdrop of climate change and soaring global temperatures. According to an EU-funded report, last year was the   warmest in history, one which saw scorching heat waves sweep across various parts of the world, including Europe. Heat-related mortality had also increased by a third in the last two decades.  

With heat and humidity levels expected to be hazardous, athletes may be putting their health on the line in hopes of winning a gold medal or landing a new world record.  

“What events are going to be affected by the heat? My short answer is: all of them, even the ones inside,” says Christopher Minson, an environmental physiologist at the University of Oregon.  

How heat singes performance

Physical exertion and thermoregulation are competing physiological processes. Working muscles require a steady supply of oxygen from the blood, whereas staying cool involves spreading blood flow just under the skin’s surface.  

As the body sweats, the blood volume decreases, so there’s less blood supply for laboring muscles. The heart has to work doubly hard to circulate blood as it juggles staying cool and oxygenating the muscles.  

Summer Flash Sale – Up to $20 off!

Extreme heat can cause heat cramps, nausea and fatigue. In more severe cases, it can bring heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. In a recent report examining athletes' concerns about the climate’s impact on sports, several expressed fear of overheating.  

Heat can erode athletic performances in subtle ways, even when an individual isn’t grinding under the direct sun. Commuting between training facilities and competition venues exposes athletes to the elements. Warmer nights may also throw off their sleep, which in turn disrupts mood, reaction time, and mental acuity come morning. Match-based sports like field hockey and tennis will see more tactical errors if players are too tired to think quickly on their feet. Even referees aren’t spared from making bad calls in the throbbing heat of day.

While anyone is susceptible to heat’s effects, elite athletes are particularly at risk of injury because they face pressure to win. Under the heat—meteorological and mental—they’ll often push their bodies past the limit.  

“They are working for possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Christianne Eason, president of sports safety and education at the Korey Stringer Institute. Her institute was founded in 2010 after the Minnesota Vikings football player, Korey Stringer, died from heat stroke during a training session.  

To beat the heat, athletes often rely on acclimation training weeks before competition. This normally entails working out in a heated room, overdressing, and visiting the sauna to get the body used to elevated temperatures. Eason and her colleagues helped the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by running conditioning exercises in a heat chamber.  

“There are no downsides, in my opinion, to heat acclimation, if it’s done right,” Minson says.  

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he worked with American marathon runner Dathan Ritzenhein to train for what forecasters predicted to be a warm race day. Minson credits this preparation for Ritzenhein’s outstanding performance as the top American finisher.  

The benefits and cost of heat acclimation training is highlighting existing inequalities among Olympic athletes.  

Some players have access to better facilities and coaching, and those without the resources to prepare—flying their athletes to warmer locations for heat exposure training, providing sophisticated gadgetry for monitoring athlete health, purchasing portable air conditioners as part of the competition paraphernalia—may suffer in their standing.  

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On the issue of AC, Donald Rukare, the president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, told the Washington Post , “we don’t have deep pockets.” In a previous sport meet in Turkey, Ugandan athletes stayed in rooms that lacked ACs, despite the soaring temperatures whilst their richer competitors shipped in portable units.  

How are Olympic organizers preparing for extreme heat?

This won’t be the first time the Olympics’ organizers have to contend with heat and humidity. The groundwork for the games’ heat safety procedures was established at the Tokyo games in 2021, an event that broke temperature records for the warmest games in Olympics history.  

No heat protocol had existed in the Japanese sports tournament scene prior to the games, says Yuri Hosokawa, a Waseda University sports science researcher and formerly an advisor for the Tokyo Organizing Committee for the Olympics.  

Her team debuted the country’s first heat-specific emergency guidelines for the three-week tournament, paying particular attention to the outdoor endurance events. Some of the safeguards included ice baths for cooling heat-exhausted individuals and stations for measuring patients’ core temperatures. Among the most injury-prone events were the long-distance walks and marathons, which were held in temperatures that climbed to 95°F.  

In certain events, up to 30 percent of the participants failed to complete their races, and many of them needed treatment. But thanks to the guidance developed by Hosokawa’s team, no one was hospitalized or suffered from complications. “All cases were treated on-site,” she says. “It was a success during Tokyo 2020.”  

Now, the same protocol is in place for training medical volunteers at the Paris Games.  

Adapting to climate change—without making it worse  

The pressure to ensure peak performance has sparked a debate on whether rooms in Paris will be cool enough for athletes to get proper rest.  

According to NPR , the Athletes’ Village will be chilled with water pipes running under the floors. The rooms purportedly keep 11 ° F cooler than the outside, even in a heat wave .  

To reduce the games’ carbon footprint, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo eliminated air conditioning for athlete housing. But after countries like the U.S., Australia, Great Britain, and Greece announced that their entourages would be bringing their own air conditioners, the organizers finally ordered 2,500 units to be temporarily installed.  

All these units can tax the energy grid, but scientific literature supports resting in a cool environment after exercising in the heat.  

“While I understand the need to reduce carbon footprint,” Hosokawa says, “to optimize their health and performance, I think the use of AC is ideal.”  

As temperatures continue to rise, competition formats and rules may need to bend. The 2014 World Cup for soccer in Brazil created water breaks after 30 minutes of play instead of during halftime at the 45-minute mark. In 2022, the distances for the biking and running portions of the New York City Triathlon were halved out of concern of the extreme heat.  

The upward trend of global temperatures may call for more drastic changes yet, especially for a sporting tradition that’s associated with the summer.  

Eason and Minson both float the idea that the International Olympic Committee may one day need to consider moving the Olympics later in the year, such as in the fall, or to host countries in the southern hemisphere.  

“I do hope ultimately that better solutions are brought forward,” Eason says. “This is not an issue that's going away.”

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• CLIMATE CHANGE

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How warm oceans supercharge deadly hurricanes

Another summer of extreme heat is ahead—and you’ll feel every degree of it

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