Is it correct to say safe travels?

Safe Travels: Why We Say It (And Why It Sounds Just Right)

We’ve all heard it, and most of us have probably used it: “Safe travels!” It’s a ubiquitous farewell, a warm send-off before someone embarks on a journey. But have you ever stopped to consider why we say “travels” and not “travel,” or whether the phrase is even grammatically correct?

The good news is, “safe travels” is not only perfectly acceptable, but it also carries a nuanced meaning that contributes to its enduring appeal. While “travel” is often used as an uncountable noun, referring to the general act of moving from one place to another, “travels” shifts the focus to the individual journeys or stages that comprise the overall trip.

Think about it. A trip, whether it’s a quick hop across town or a month-long backpacking adventure, rarely involves just one singular, uninterrupted movement. There are flights, train rides, bus transfers, walks through unfamiliar streets, and perhaps even boat trips or car rentals. Each of these distinct segments is a “travel” in itself.

Therefore, wishing someone “safe travels” is essentially expressing the hope that all these individual journeys will be secure and uneventful. It’s a wish for smooth passage through each leg of the trip, from the moment they leave their doorstep to the moment they arrive safely at their destination.

The plural form also adds a dimension of completeness to the sentiment. It suggests a comprehensive wish for well-being throughout the entire voyage, encompassing not just the physical act of transportation, but also the experiences and challenges that might arise along the way.

Imagine saying “Have a safe travel.” It sounds incomplete, almost like you’re only concerned with a small part of their journey. “Safe travels,” on the other hand, is a complete and heartfelt expression of goodwill, a way to say “I hope everything goes smoothly for you, every step of the way.”

So, the next time you bid someone farewell with “safe travels,” remember that you’re not just uttering a polite phrase. You’re expressing a genuine wish for a secure, comfortable, and ultimately positive experience throughout their entire adventure. It’s a small gesture, perhaps, but one that carries a powerful message of care and concern. And that, after all, is what makes it such a common and cherished way to say goodbye.