16 Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

When we say goodbye to someone going on a trip, we often wish them “safe travels.” But sometimes, we want to find a different way to say it.

This article gives you 16 other phrases to wish someone well on their journey. Each one is explained with details on how and when to use it, making your farewell message feel just right.

Is It Correct to Say “Safe Travels”?

The phrase “safe travels” is correct to use and carries a warm, friendly tone. It’s often seen as informal and polite, making it perfect for casual conversations or personal messages. While not typically used in highly professional settings, it’s a common expression to wish someone well on their journey.

Due to its informal nature, “safe travels” is best used with types of recipients like friends, family members, or colleagues with whom you have a fairly relaxed relationship. It’s most appropriate for communication through informal channels like emails, text messages, or direct conversations.

Email example:

Hi Emily,

Just wanted to catch up before you leave for Buenos Aires. I hope you have an amazing trip filled with adventure and relaxation!

Safe travels and see you when you get back.

Best, 
Alex

Now, let’s consider the pros and cons of using this phrase.

Pros:

• Conveys friendliness and shows care.
• Suitable for a wide range of informal situations.
• Easy to use with no need for elaborate explanation.

Cons:

• May not be appropriate for very formal or strictly professional communications.
• Could be perceived as overly casual in certain contexts.

While “safe travels” is widely accepted and understood, someone might want to use an alternative phrase to match the level of formality of their message or relationship with the recipient.

16 Other Ways to Say “Safe Travels”

Looking for different ways to wish someone well on their journey? Here are 16 alternatives to “safe travels” that might fit your message perfectly:

1. Have a safe trip

This alternative is very close to the original phrase but adds specificity by mentioning the trip. It’s perceived as friendly and informal, making it ideal for casual conversations. Compared to “safe travels,” this phrase might suggest a singular journey rather than multiple travels.

Have a safe trip” is best used when speaking to friends or family members about a specific trip they are about to embark on. It’s suitable for emails, text messages, or in-person conversations.

Example:

Hi Mark,

Just heard about your upcoming road trip to the Grand Canyon. How exciting!

Have a safe trip, and don't forget to take lots of pictures.

Cheers,
Sophie

2. Travel safely

This synonym for “safe travels” places emphasis on the action of traveling safely. It comes across as both polite and informal, making it perfect for a broad range of situations. It does not specify the mode of transportation or the destination, making it universally applicable.

“Travel safely” can be utilized among friends, family, or even colleagues, provided the context does not demand high formality. It is versatile and fits well in emails, social media messages, or text messages.

Email sample:

Hi Lena,

I heard you're off to Thailand next week for that backpacking adventure. Sounds like a dream!

Remember to travel safely and keep us posted on your adventures.

Warm regards,
Georgia

3. Have a good trip

While still informal, “Have a good trip” shifts the focus from safety to the overall experience of the trip. It’s a warm, considerate way to express good wishes. This phrase can be used interchangeably with the original but might be slightly more casual.

This expression is suited for casual interactions with friends, family, or colleagues about to go on a trip. Suitable for use in emails, social media, or text messages, especially when you want to sound warm and caring.

Email example:

Dear Ryan,

It was great catching up yesterday. I can't believe it's time for your European tour already!

Have a good trip and bring back lots of memories and stories.

All the best,
Emma

4. Have a safe journey

“Have a safe journey” is very similar to “Have a safe trip” but the word “journey” can make it sound a bit more formal. It’s a friendly, caring way to wish someone well. This option is as easy to use as the original, but it might be seen as a bit more formal because of the word choice.

This phrase works well when speaking to someone you know well or to acquaintances in both personal and semi-formal contexts. It’s a good fit for emails, cards, or face-to-face conversations.

Example:

Hello Claire,

As you set off on your journey to New Zealand, I just wanted to wish you well.

Have a safe journey, and enjoy every moment of this incredible experience.

Best,
Nathan

5. Safe journey

“Safe journey” is a shorter version of the previous alternative. Dropping the “Have a” makes it sound a bit more casual and direct. This form is quite informal and straightforward, ideal for when you’re in a rush but still want to send good vibes to someone embarking on a trip.

Great for text messages, quick emails, or even shouted across a room as someone is leaving. It’s perfect for friends, family members, and colleagues you share a good rapport with.

Email sample:

Hey Kevin,

Heard you’re heading out to the mountains this weekend.

Safe journey! Look forward to the pictures.

Cheers,
Zoe

6. Wishing you a safe trip

This phrase is a bit more formal and elaborated, adding a touch of personal warmth and care. By explicitly saying “wishing you,” it makes the sentiment feel more deliberate and heartfelt. This choice is a tad more formal than simply saying “safe travels.”

Suitable for use in both personal and professional contexts, especially when you want to convey genuine well-wishes. It works well in emails, letters, or cards.

Example:

Dear Marcus,

As you prepare for your business trip to Chicago, I wanted to take a moment to extend my best wishes.

Wishing you a safe trip, and looking forward to hearing about it upon your return.

Sincerely,
Julia

7. Have a pleasant trip

This alternative focuses on the quality of the trip, hoping that it’s not just safe, but also enjoyable. The use of “pleasant” makes it sound friendly and cordial. While similar to “Have a safe trip,” it adds a wish for the traveler’s overall happiness during their journey.

It’s great for when you’re talking to friends, family, or colleagues in a light-hearted manner. Suitable for texts, emails, or spoken conversation.

Email example:

Hi Andrea,

Can't believe you're finally going to see Rome! It's going to be an incredible trip.

Have a pleasant trip, and eat some gelato for me!

Take care,
Ellie

8. Best wishes on your travels

This phrase offers a warm, heartfelt send-off and goes beyond just wishing safety. It’s a bit more formal and comprehensive, covering not only the aspect of safety but also the general good fortune and experiences one might have while traveling. It’s ideal for when you want to convey a sense of care and consideration.

Best suited for longer trips or when sending someone off on a significant journey. It works well in written forms like letters, cards, or emails to friends, family, or colleagues you have a close relationship with.

Here’s an example:

Dear Jamal,

As you embark on this incredible journey around South America, I just wanted to send my best wishes your way.

Best wishes on your travels, and may it be everything you’ve hoped for and more.

Warmly,
Tina

9. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable journey

This alternative is both formal and thorough, incorporating wishes for safety and enjoyment. It’s a phrase that conveys a deep level of thoughtfulness, showing that you care not only about the person’s safety but also about the quality of their experience.

This phrase is suitable for close friends, family, and colleagues, especially for significant journeys. Ideal for more thoughtful messages, be it through email, card, or a face-to-face farewell.

Example:

Hello Sophia,

With your big trip to Japan right around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to reach out.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable journey, filled with amazing sights and experiences.

Best regards,
Evan

10. Have a smooth journey

When you say “Have a smooth journey,” you’re focusing on the ease and comfort of travel, hoping that the person encounters no difficulties. It’s a bit more informal but still very caring. This makes it perfect for when you know someone might be anxious about their trip.

Great for use among friends, family members, or colleagues you’re close with. This phrase fits well in texts, emails, or verbal goodbyes, especially if the journey might involve multiple modes of transport or complex travel plans.

Here’s an example:

Hey Mia,

I heard about the big conference you're attending. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity!

Have a smooth journey to New York, and knock them dead with your presentation.

All the best,
Liam

11. Safe and pleasant travel

This version combines wishes for both safety and enjoyment, making it a considerate and polite way to bid someone goodbye. It’s slightly more formal than just wishing “safe travels,” and can easily be used in both personal and professional contexts.

Because it encompasses both safety and pleasure, it’s great for sending off someone close to you or a colleague with whom you have a friendly relationship. Fits nicely into emails, letters, or as part of a farewell speech.

Example:

Dear Oliver,

As you set off on your sabbatical, I wanted to extend my sincerest wishes for your journey.

Safe and pleasant travel as you explore and find new inspirations.

Warmly,
Professor Hammond

12. Take care on your trip

“Take care on your trip” is a more informal, direct way to express your concern and well-wishes. It implies a personal touch and shows that you care about the person’s well-being while they are traveling. This phrase is less about the journey’s physical aspects and more about personal safety and care.

Perfect for close friends, family members, and colleagues, especially if you know they’re undertaking a journey where they might need to be reminded to look after themselves. Good for texts, quick calls, or emails.

Here’s an example:

Hi Brooke,

Can't believe you're finally going backpacking through Southeast Asia!

Take care on your trip, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Cheers,
Derek

13. Enjoy your travels

This phrase brings a light and cheerful sentiment to your farewell, focusing more on the joy and excitement of traveling. It is informal and suggests a genuine desire for the traveler to have a great time. It’s perfect when you know someone is going on a trip for pleasure.

Use “Enjoy your travels” when talking to friends, family, or colleagues who are about to depart on a holiday or an adventure. It’s ideal for emails, social media posts, or in casual conversation to express your excitement for their upcoming trip.

Here’s an example:

Hey Lucas,

I heard you're off to Europe next month - how exciting!

Enjoy your travels and make sure to visit the Louvre in Paris.

Best,
Jordan

14. Bon voyage

“Bon voyage” is a French term meaning “have a good trip.” It brings a touch of sophistication and is often used when someone is going on a significant trip. This phrase is informal yet can feel a bit more special or fancy because of its French origin.

It’s suited for close relationships and when you want to add a touch of elegance to your farewell. “Bon voyage” works well in spoken goodbyes, written messages, or social media posts, especially for those who appreciate a bit of flair.

Example:

Dear Isabella,

As you prepare for your semester abroad in France, I just wanted to send my best wishes your way.

Bon voyage! Can't wait to hear about all your adventures.

Warmly,
Aunt Marie

15. Godspeed

“Godspeed” is an old-fashioned way to wish someone well, implying a prayer for God to make someone’s journey quick and safe. It’s more formal and carries a deeper sense of care and protection. While not commonly used in everyday conversation, it adds a poignant touch when used correctly.

This phrase is well-suited for someone going on a potentially perilous journey or when you want to convey a very strong desire for someone’s safe return. It’s often used in written messages, during significant farewells, or in religious contexts.

Here’s an example:

Dear Alex,

As you head off on your humanitarian mission, know that my thoughts are with you.

Godspeed, and may your efforts bring positive change.

With respect,
Rev. Thompson

16. May your journey be smooth

This phrase wishes the traveler an easy, trouble-free experience, emphasizing the smoothness of the journey ahead. It is slightly formal but remains friendly and caring. It’s a thoughtful alternative to wishing someone “safe travels,” especially when you know they might be nervous about their trip.

Great for anyone you care about, including friends, family, and colleagues, particularly for trips that might have been stressful to plan or are full of uncertainty. Appropriate for use in emails, letters, or heartfelt conversations.

Example:

Hello Emma,

Hearing about your upcoming move across the country has been so exciting!

May your journey be smooth and free of any hassle. Remember, I’m just a call away if you need me.

Sincerely,
Grace

Final Thoughts

Saying goodbye to someone who is traveling doesn’t have to be routine. With these 16 alternatives to “safe travels,” you can match your farewell to the mood, your relationship with the traveler, and the nature of their journey. Whether you choose a formal expression like “Godspeed” or a more casual “Enjoy your travels,” your words can add a personal touch to your farewell.