EAS11

TOPIC FOR THE IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS COMPONENT: TRAVELING

Dear teacher:
The following idioms, vocabulary, and useful expressions about the topic of “Traveling” are meant
for you to plan and organize your class activities for the “Idiomatic expressions” component in the
EAS11 suggested schedule.
In order to work with these expressions, it’s important to create students’ awareness about the
structure of the phrases (verbs, nouns, adjectives, word order), and how their use may vary
depending on the situation (time, place, context, etc.).
Remember that it is not necessary to work with all the idioms and expressions from this document;
however, please note that the Cross-cultural understanding component will provide students with
further opportunities to use the vocabulary used when travelling (before, during and after a trip).
It may be useful to keep this document for further use in the Cross-cultural understanding
component (days 12 and 15).
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IDIOMS WITH THE WORD “TRAVEL”

Bad news travels fast Information about trouble or misfortune disseminates quickly
(more quickly than good news).
Example: I called my mother to tell her about my car accident,
but my aunt had already told her. Bad news travels fast.
Travel across something To make a journey across something or some place.
Example: We have to travel across the desert to get there.
Travel by something To make a journey, using a particular conveyance.
Example: I will go by train, since I don't like to travel by plane.
Travel for someone or To go from place to place selling for someone or a company.
something Example: She travels for a company that makes men's clothing.
Travel through something To make a journey through some area or weather condition.
Examples: We will have to travel through Germany to get there.

Travel with someone / To make a journey with someone / something.

something Examples: Who are you going to travel with?
I hate to travel with too many suitcases.

IDIOMS ABOUT TRAVELING

Backseat driver A passenger in a car who insists on giving the driver directions.
Example: My brother is such a backseat driver. I hate traveling
with him.
Hitchhike To travel by getting free rides in someone else’s vehicles.
Example: I would never hitchhike on my own.
Hit the road Begin travelling.
Example: We’ll hit the road as soon as the bus driver arrives.

JDDA, August 2016

 Off track / off the beaten Wrong way; away from the main road or route
path Example: Don’t go off track. There are some dangerous areas in
this city.
One for the road Having one more of something (especially a drink) before
departing.
Example: It’s almost time to leave, let’s take one for the road.
Pit stop To stop for gas, snacks, beverages, restrooms, etc.
Example: It’s time for a pit stop. We’ve been on the road for
more than 6 hours!
Red-eye flight Any flight departing late at night.
Example: I’ll be in Rome early tomorrow; I’m on a red-eye flight.
Travel light Don’t pack a lot of items, bring only what you need.
Example: Please travel light tomorrow. We have a lot of walking
to do.

EXPRESSIONS ABOUT TRAVEL THAT MEAN SOMETHING ELSE

At a crossroads If you're at a crossroads, you are a point where an important
decision or choice has to be made.
Example: I was at a crossroads when I had to decide between
going to law school or medical school.
I'll cross that road when I I'll think about something just when it happens, not in advance.
come to it Example: I haven’t decided what car I’m going to buy when I get
my first salary; I’ll cross that road when I come to it.
Lose track To no longer know what is happening.
Example: They've lost track of their original goal. I doubt they'll
win the next election.
My way or the highway People have to do what you say; otherwise, they will have to
leave or quit the project.
Example: He has a "My way or the highway" approach to leading
his government and his party.
On track Making progress and likely to achieve something.
Example: It looks as though the crisis is over. We're back on track.
Right up my alley If something is right up your alley, it suits you perfectly.
This street reporter job is right up my alley, I know the city really
well, and I get to talk to people easily.
That ship has sailed A particular opportunity has passed you by.
Example: I wanted to sign up for a club, but I missed the deadline.
That ship has sailed!
The fifth wheel Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
Example: I felt like a fifth wheel when they started looking at
each other affectionately.
To sail through something To pass or progress quickly and easily.
Example: He sailed right through his homework.
To take for a ride To deceive or cheat.
Example: It was only when he discovered that his wallet was gone
that he realized they had taken him for a ride.

JDDA, August 2016

POPULAR SAYINGS

When in Rome, do as Romans do

When you are visiting another country, you should behave like the people in that country.
Example: I don’t usually drink wine, but well… when in Rome…

He travels fastest who travels alone.

It is easier to achieve your goals if you do not have a spouse, children, or other connections to
consider.
Example: If you are ambitious, in business it’s better to keep in mind that he travels fastest who
travels alone… You may want to postpone having a family.

Travel broadens the mind.

When you travel, you learn things about the people and places you see.
Example: I never realized how well-off most Americans are until I visited India. It's true that travel
broadens the mind!

It’s all Greek to me

Something that you say when you do not understand something that is written or said. English
speakers often use Greek as the go-to language for any speech that they can’t understand.
Example: I've tried reading the manual but it's all Greek to me.

JDDA, August 2016

USEFUL VOCABULARY WHEN TRAVELING BY PLANE *

Preparing for a trip Before a trip

Business / Economy / First class Airport

Direct Flight Airline
Domestic / International Flight Airline counter
E-ticket Baggage / Luggage / Carry-on
Full price ticket / Long haul flight Baggage limitation
One way / Round trip ticket (Boarding) gate
Passport Boarding pass
Reduced price Boarding time
Stopover / layover Carry-on (luggage)
Ticket price / fare Check-in
To book a ticket Delay
Visa Departures lounge / board
Duty free
Excess baggage
Flight
Foreigner / alien / stranger / non-citizen
Form (to fill in)
Overweight / oversized luggage
Public address system
Tag
Ticket price / fare
Time of arrival
Time of departure
To board the plane
To check your luggage/baggage
Travel agency
On the plane Arriving at an airport

Aisle Arrivals are delayed / on schedule

Cabin Baggage claim / Conveyor belt / Carousel
Call light Connecting flight
Captain Customs
Cockpit Customs official
Complimentary (drinks, snacks) Hub airport
Crew Immigration officer
Earphones / Headset Information office / desk
Emergency exit Jet Lag
Luggage compartment Layover
Meal tray Local time
Overhead bin / compartment Terminal
Oxygen mask Time zone
Restroom / Lavatory Transfer
Row Transit
Runway Shuttle
Seat belt
Seat / window seat / aisle seat
Steward / stewardess
To take off
To taxi in / out
To land
Turbulence

* Students could look up the words in a dictionary as homework.

JDDA, August 2016

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REFERENCES:

https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/20_air-travel.htm

http://www.fluentu.com/english/blog/english-vocabulary-words-airport/

https://www.englishclub.com/english-for-work/airline-vocabulary.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode50/languagepoint.shtml

http://www.saberingles.com.ar/lists/airport.html

http://www.esl-lab.com/vocab/v-airplane-travel.htm

http://www.easypacelearning.com/all-lessons/learning-english-level-1/1205-inside-a-aeroplane-
vocabulary-learning-english

The Heinle Picture Dictionary

VIDEOS:

Vocabulary at the airport / airplane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGq1OFOtydo

JDDA, August 2016