Saying goodbye to friends, family, or colleagues before they embark on a journey can be a bit repetitive. We often find ourselves defaulting to the same old phrase: “Have a safe trip!” While well-intentioned, this common send-off can start to feel stale and impersonal after a while.
I’ve noticed that many people, myself included, struggle to find fresh and meaningful ways to express our well-wishes for travelers. In this blog post, I’ll explore alternative expressions and creative phrases to use when bidding farewell to those setting off on adventures.
Whether it’s for a business trip, vacation, or long-term travel, these varied options will help you convey your genuine concern and support in a more engaging manner.
What To Say Instead of “Have a Safe Trip”
Here are ten other ways to say “Have a safe trip”:
- Travel safely!
- Bon voyage!
- Have a smooth journey!
- Stay safe on your travels!
- Safe travels!
- Wishing you a safe journey!
- Journey well!
- May your travels be safe and sound!
- Take care on your trip!
- Have a trouble-free journey!
1. Travel safely (Cautious and caring)
“Travel safely” is a caring expression often used to emphasize the importance of safety during someone’s journey.
It is particularly appropriate in contexts where the travel may involve some risks, such as long-distance journeys, overseas trips, or traveling in challenging weather conditions. This phrase implies a deep concern for the person’s well-being throughout their travel.
Usage examples:
- Before Jason departed for his cycling tour across the country, his mother hugged him tightly and whispered, “Travel safely, my dear.”
- In her email to a colleague going on a business trip, Maria concluded with, “Please travel safely and let us know when you arrive.”
2. Bon voyage (Cheerful and traditional)
“Bon voyage” is a French phrase adopted into English, traditionally used to wish someone a good trip. It is cheerful and often used in both formal and informal settings.
This phrase carries a sense of good cheer and is perfect for someone embarking on a significant journey, especially for leisure or vacation.
Usage examples:
- At the airport, the group of friends gathered to send off Laura to Europe with shouts of “Bon voyage!”
- During the retirement party, the CEO used the opportunity to wish Mr. Thompson “Bon voyage” as he planned to spend his retirement traveling.
3. Have a smooth journey (Thoughtful and specific)
“Have a smooth journey” focuses on the hope that the travel experience will be free of complications or disturbances. It’s an especially thoughtful way to wish someone well when they might be anxious about their travels.
This phrase is suitable in both personal and professional contexts, subtly implying a desire for everything to go according to plan.
Usage examples:
- Knowing her friend’s anxiety about flying, Ellen texted, “I hope you have a smooth journey. Let me know when you land!”
- In a professional email regarding an upcoming business trip, the manager might write, “We’ve arranged everything at your destination; have a smooth journey.”
4. Stay safe on your travels (Comprehensive and protective)
“Stay safe on your travels” is a more comprehensive expression that emphasizes overall safety during one’s journey.
It is protective and slightly more formal, suitable for use when addressing someone who may be traveling to a location with known risks or where the traveler needs to be particularly cautious.
Usage examples:
- As her son packed for his backpacking trip through South America, his father reminded him, “Stay safe on your travels. Always be aware of your surroundings.”
- The travel agency’s email to clients venturing into less-traveled destinations included the advice, “Stay safe on your travels and enjoy your adventure.”
5. Safe travels (Versatile and popular)
“Safe travels” is a versatile, popular expression used to wish someone well on their journey.
It’s succinct and universally understood, making it appropriate for both casual conversations and more formal communications.
This phrase is a warm, friendly way to send someone off, conveying both care and goodwill in a compact form.
Usage examples:
- On the morning of her best friend’s move across the country, Jamie hugged her tightly and said, “Safe travels; I’ll miss you!”
- The company-wide announcement about the CEO’s international tour ended with, “We all wish him safe travels as he represents our company abroad.”
6. Wishing you a safe journey (Warm and expressive)
“Wishing you a safe journey” is a warm, expressive way to send someone off. It conveys a personalized sentiment, showing that you are thinking of them specifically as they embark on their journey.
This phrase is suitable for both personal and professional contexts and carries a tone that is both caring and thoughtful.
Usage examples:
- At the farewell party, Susan raised her glass and said, “Wishing you a safe journey and many new adventures.”
- In a formal letter to a colleague traveling abroad for a conference, the closing line might read, “I am wishing you a safe journey and a successful presentation.”
7. Journey well (Encouraging and elegant)
“Journey well” is an encouraging, slightly elegant way to wish someone well on their travels. It suggests a broader hope for a good experience, not just safety.
This phrase can be used when you want to emphasize the journey itself, implying both discovery and personal growth along the way.
Usage examples:
- As he packed his camera and maps, his mentor told him, “Journey well and bring back stories to tell.”
- In a newsletter to students participating in a study abroad program, the university might write, “As you explore new cultures and learn, we hope your journey well.”
8. May your travels be safe and sound (Formal and detailed)
“May your travels be safe and sound” is a more formal, detailed way to wish someone safety. It implies a wish for not only physical safety but also a trouble-free experience.
This phrase is particularly appropriate in professional communications or when speaking to someone you respect deeply.
Usage examples:
- During the retirement speech, the director added, “May your travels be safe and sound as you explore the world in your golden years.”
- In a careful, heartfelt letter to a friend going on a humanitarian mission, one might write, “I trust you’ll make a big impact. May your travels be safe and sound.”
9. Take care on your trip (Direct and sincere)
“Take care on your trip” is a direct, sincere way to express concern for someone’s well-being while traveling.
It’s slightly informal and is best used when you know the person well and are genuinely concerned about their safety. This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and care.
Usage examples:
- As they loaded the car for the long drive, her father reminded her, “Take care on your trip, and call us when you get there.”
- In a casual email to a friend embarking on a solo travel adventure, one might say, “I’m excited for you! Take care on your trip and send lots of photos!”
10. Have a trouble-free journey (Hopeful and specific)
“Have a trouble-free journey” expresses a specific hope that the traveler will encounter no issues or difficulties along the way.
This phrase is thoughtful and carries a bit of formality, making it suitable for both personal and professional settings.
It’s an excellent choice when you know someone is apprehensive about their travel.
Usage examples:
- Before her sister’s first international flight, Janet hugged her and said, “Have a trouble-free journey; you’ll do great!”
- In a briefing email to a team traveling to a client site, the manager might include, “We’ve double-checked all arrangements to ensure you have a trouble-free journey.”