When someone’s heading out on a trip, we often want to wish them well. While safe travels is a classic choice, there are many other warm and meaningful ways to express this sentiment. Here’s a helpful guide to alternative phrases that’ll make your travel wishes stand out.
Is it professional to Say “Safe Travels”?
Yes, it’s professional to say “Safe travels” when colleagues, clients, or business partners are going on a trip. Whether it’s a short business journey or a long cross-country road trip, these words show you care while keeping things appropriate for work settings. The phrase fits perfectly in office situations because it’s not too personal like Have a blast! but warmer than just saying Goodbye. It works especially well for corporate context situations like team meetings, client visits, or business conferences. Safe travels also helps maintain good relationships at work – it’s friendly enough to show support but formal enough to keep professional boundaries clear. Plus, in today’s global business world where travel is common, it’s a universally understood way to wish someone well on their journey.
What to Say Instead of Safe Travels
- Have a Smooth Journey Ahead
- Wishing You a Peaceful Voyage
- Journey Mercies
- Here’s to Smooth Sailing
- Godspeed
- Bon Voyage
- May Your Path Be Protected
- Safe Harbor Wherever You Go
- Travel Light and Bright
- May Angels Guard Your Way
- Keep Your Wings Strong
- Happy Roads Ahead
- Guard Your Steps
- Clear Skies Always
- Smooth Roads, Kind Strangers
- Travel Like a Sunbeam
- May Every Mile Smile
- Carry Good Winds
- Protected in Every Step
- Light Paths, Warm Hearts
1. Have a Smooth Journey Ahead
“Have a Smooth Journey Ahead” focuses on the ease of travel rather than just safety. It’s perfect for both casual and professional settings.
When you wish someone a smooth journey, you’re hoping they’ll experience no delays, stress, or complications. It works especially well in formal environments and carries a touch of elegance.
Example (Email):
Dear Marcus,
I heard you’re flying to Chicago for the conference tomorrow. Have a smooth journey ahead! Looking forward to hearing about your presentation when you return.
Best regards,
Sarah
2. Wishing You a Peaceful Voyage
Perfect for longer trips, especially those by sea or air, this phrase emphasizes a calm journey. It suggests not just physical safety but emotional peace too. The word peaceful adds a thoughtful touch that shows you care about their overall travel experience.
Example (Text Message):
Mom: Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you as you start your cross-country road trip! Wishing you a peaceful voyage. Send me photos when you can! 💕
3. Journey Mercies
“Journey Mercies” has spiritual roots but works beautifully in secular contexts too. Journey mercies express a deeper wish for protection and guidance. It’s particularly touching when sending off loved ones on longer adventures or challenging routes.
Example (Social Media Comment):
JakeAdventures Journey mercies as you begin your trek through the Himalayas! Can’t wait to see your amazing photos. Stay connected when possible! 🏔️✨ #travelsafely
4. Here’s to Smooth Sailing
Though originally a nautical phrase, this versatile expression now works for any type of travel. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to wish someone an effortless trip. The phrase brings positive vibes and can lift spirits before any journey.
Example (Farewell Card):
Dear Emma,
Here’s to smooth sailing on your semester abroad in Spain! May every moment be an adventure.
Love,
Uncle David
5. Godspeed
This timeless expression carries weight and elegance, perfect for meaningful farewells. While it has religious origins, it’s widely used in secular contexts to wish someone a safe passage. It’s especially fitting for important journeys or career-related travel in business contexts.
Example (LinkedIn Message):
James: Godspeed on your new venture in Singapore! Your leadership skills will surely make a significant impact in the Asian market. Keep in touch!
6. Bon Voyage
“Bon Voyage” has become a beloved part of English travel blessing vocabulary. It literally means good journey but carries a sense of adventure and excitement. It’s perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your farewell.
Example (Instagram Post):
✈️ Bon voyage to my favorite travel buddy SophieWanders! May Paris be everything you’ve dreamed of! Can’t believe you’re finally doing this secured journey solo! 🗼
7. May Your Path Be Protected
“May Your Path Be Protected” expresses a sincere wish for safety while sounding poetic and meaningful. It works wonderfully for both short trips and extended journeys, showing deep care for the traveler’s wellbeing.
Example (WhatsApp Message):
Aunt Mary: May your path be protected as you drive to Seattle tomorrow. Don’t forget to take breaks and stay hydrated! Call me when you arrive. ❤️
8. Safe Harbor Wherever You Go
“Safe Harbor Wherever You Go” beautifully expresses wishes for secure travels and good fortune. It suggests finding comfort and safety in every destination, making it perfect for those embarking on multi-stop journeys.
Example (Farewell Email):
Dear Dr. Chen,
Safe harbor wherever you go on your medical mission. Your work will touch many lives across these remote villages.
Warmest regards,
The Hospital Team
9. Travel Light and Bright
This cheerful expression combines wishes for both practical and emotional wellbeing. It’s a modern, upbeat way to wish someone hassle-free trip while encouraging a positive mindset.
Example (Facebook Comment):
Travel light and bright on your countryside travel, Lisa! Hope this backpacking adventure through Europe brings you all the joy you’re seeking! 🎒✨
10. May Angels Guard Your Way
Whether taken literally or metaphorically, this phrase expresses a heartfelt desire for divine or universal protection. It’s particularly meaningful for those who appreciate spiritual sentiments but can be used in a general sense too.
Example (Greeting Card):
Dearest Maria,
May angels guard your way as you embark on this new chapter in Australia. You’ll be missed but I know amazing adventures await.
Love always,
Jennifer
11. Keep Your Wings Strong
“Keep Your Wings Strong” works well for both air travel and metaphorical journeys. It suggests strength and confidence while traveling.
This warm wish implies that the traveler has the power to soar through any challenges they might face. Perfect for both short flights and long adventures, it adds a poetic touch to your farewell.
Example (Text Message):
Aisha: Off to your first solo flight tomorrow! Keep your wings strong, little sis. Text me when you land in Boston! 🦋✈️
12. Happy Roads Ahead
This cheerful phrase focuses on the positive aspects of road travel while subtly wishing for journey safety. It’s casual, friendly, and perfect for road trips or daily commutes. The phrase brings optimism to the journey and works especially well for long drive adventures.
Example (Facebook Post):
Happy roads ahead, Mike! Enjoy that interstate journey to the Grand Canyon. Can’t wait to see those sunset photos! 🚗🌅
13. Guard Your Steps
“Guard Your Steps” shows deep care without being too formal. Used in both literal and figurative sense, it suggests mindful traveling.
This expression works beautifully in professional settings while maintaining a personal touch. It’s particularly fitting for hiking trips or urban adventures.
Example (LinkedIn Message):
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Guard your steps on your business tour across Asia. Looking forward to our meeting in Tokyo next month.
Best regards,
Sarah Chen
14. Clear Skies Always
A warm wish that’s especially suitable for air travelers but works for any journey. It goes beyond just weather wishes to suggest an overall pleasant journey.
The phrase carries hopes for good fortune and easy passage, making it perfect for both corporate context and casual settings.
Example (Email):
Hi Jessica,
Clear skies always as you fly to your new job in Dubai! The team will miss you.
Warmly,
David
15. Smooth Roads, Kind Strangers
This thoughtful phrase combines wishes for both physical comfort and positive human interactions. It’s particularly fitting for solo travelers or those visiting new places. The expression shows care for both the journey’s physical aspects and the social experiences ahead.
Example (WhatsApp Message):
Tom: Starting your countryside travel tomorrow? Smooth roads, kind strangers! Keep us updated on your adventures 🌟🛣️
16. Travel Like a Sunbeam
“Travel Like a Sunbeam” suggesting effortless movement and brightness. This modern expression wishes for a seamless journey while adding a touch of poetry. It works especially well for summer travels or bright personalities embarking on new adventures.
Example (Instagram Comment):
Travel like a sunbeam on your Greek island hopping, @MariaLights! ☀️ Can’t wait to see which island steals your heart!
17. May Every Mile Smile
“May Every Mile Smile” that brings positivity to any journey. Perfect for road trips and long travels, it suggests joy in every part of the journey. This expression works wonderfully for both formal environments and casual goodbyes.
Example (Farewell Card):
Dear Professor Wilson,
May every mile smile on your sabbatical journey across Europe. See you next semester!
Best wishes,
The English Department
18. Carry Good Winds
“Carry Good Winds” inspired by sailing but suitable for all types of travel. It suggests support and positive energy accompanying the traveler. This expression is especially meaningful for those embarking on important journeys or life changes.
Example (Text Message):
Dad: Carry good winds as you drive to your first day at university. Remember, home is just a call away. Love you! 🌬️❤️
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19. Protected in Every Step
“Protected in Every Step” that expresses wishes for complete safety without sounding too worried. It works well in both business context and personal settings. The expression shows thoughtfulness while maintaining optimism about the journey ahead.
Example (Work Email):
Dear Team,
Protected in every step as you represent us at the Shanghai conference. Looking forward to your success stories!
Best,
CEO Amanda
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20. Light Paths, Warm Hearts
A beautiful expression combining wishes for easy travel and positive experiences. This phrase works especially well for those traveling to meet loved ones or start new chapters. It suggests both physical safety and emotional wellbeing during the journey.
Example (Social Media Comment):
Light paths, warm hearts on your cross-country road trip, ChrisAdventures! Hope you find everything you’re looking for and more! 🌅🚗
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George Larry is a grammar enthusiast and blogger at Explore Grammar. With years of experience in English grammar, he excels in teaching sentence structure, synonyms,punctuation, and language clarity. His expertise helps readers understand and use grammar rules effectively, enhancing their writing skills and appreciation for the English language.