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• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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11 Better Ways To Say “Safe Travels”

“Safe travels” is a polite way to wish somebody well on their upcoming journey. However, there are better ways to be polite and reassuring to your friends when they’re ready to go somewhere (often by plane). This article will share the best alternatives for such a case with you.

What Can I Say Instead Of “Safe Travels”?

There are plenty of ways to use “safe travels” in more exciting manners. You should check out one of the following:

• Have a good flight
• Happy landings
• See you on the other side
• Let me know when you arrive safely
• Stay safe out there
• Enjoy your trip
• Have a relaxing time away
• Happy travels

The preferred version is “be safe” because it keeps it simple. It’s a common phrase we use when we want to wish someone well, and we don’t want them to come across any complications or dangers that might occur if they’re not “careful” enough.

“Be safe” is great to show we care about someone. It lets them know that we worry about them, and we want them to stay “safe” no matter what happens. It works regardless of the method of transport for the journey as well, which makes it a good general phrase.

It’s common for family members to use the phrase “ be safe ” when seeing each other off. This shows that there is a lot of love behind the phrase and that it works well to show how much you care about someone’s wellbeing.

Here are a few ways we might be able to use this phrase:

• Be safe out there. I know you like to find trouble, but for once, I’d love it if you looked after yourself!
• Be safe on your way out! I would love to hear from you and see the pictures of all the things you get up to.
• Don’t forget to message me when you get there! Be safe, and I love you!

“Safe trip” is a simple phrase we can use to make sure someone knows we care. Using words like “safe” reminds people that we worry about them. Even if we are not physically there with them, we hope they are “safe” and do not get into trouble.

This phrase works well regardless of the trip that someone is taking. It could be a long-distance or a short-distance trip. Likewise, it could be by car, plane, boat, or something else entirely!

This phrase works in the following situations:

• Safe trip, Yuri! I’ll miss you, but I know you’ll be thinking about me while you’re away.
• Safe trip back to your hometown, then. Let me know when you get there safely.
• Safe trip, old friend. I’ll see you again whenever you’re next in town!

Have A Good Flight

“Have a good flight” is appropriate to use when someone is going to get on a plane . We use “flight” here to be specific, which helps us to show that we know what someone is getting up to and what they’re likely going to expect from their journey.

We can use this phrase in the following ways:

• Have a good flight! I’m sure you can get all the food and drink you want on there!
• Have a good flight, and don’t forget to let me know when you land safely!
• Have a good flight! There’s nothing to worry about, and you know it’ll all be okay!

Happy Landings

“Happy landings” specifically highlights the “landing” portion of a journey. It works well when someone is going on a plane, and we want them to be “happy” throughout the course of their journey.

Here are a few useful examples of how this one works:

• Happy landings, fella! Don’t forget that they really like their tips out there when you’re dining out!
• Happy landings, then! I’ll miss you every second, so I want you to send me all the photos you can!
• Happy landings! Don’t forget to explore some of the local scenery!

See You On The Other Side

“See you on the other side” is an informal idiom that works well in many cases. We can do it when we know that someone will be returning to see us again soon. “The other side” indicates the place where we will be staying while they go on a journey.

Check out some of these examples to see how it looks:

• See you on the other side, then! Have a great holiday!
• Have a great time away, Fred! See you on the other side!
• I’ll be here waiting for you as always! See you on the other side!

Let Me Know When You Arrive Safely

“Let me know when you arrive safely” is a calm way to let someone know that you are worried. When they arrive at their destination, we can ask them to “message” us to ease our minds and show us that they are thinking about us even after their journey.

We could also use a phrase like “text me when” instead of “let me know when.” If we want to be more specific about the manner of messaging, this phrase works just as well.

This phrase works well in the following ways:

• Let me know when you arrive safely, please! You know how much I worry about you while I’m not around!
• Text me when you arrive safely, please! I want to know just how much fun you’re getting up to.
• Let me know when you arrive safely! I’ll miss you every second that you’re away.

Stay Safe Out There

“Stay safe out there” is a good way to show that you care about someone. “Stay safe” helps to let them know that you’ll be looking out for them and that you want them to explore, but in a reasonable way that won’t cause them harm.

We typically use this phrase when someone is going on a long-distance journey. “Out there” is a good indicator of that.

Check out some of these examples to see how it works:

• Stay safe out there, then! I know you’ll make all the best choices while you’re away.
• Stay safe out there! I’ll miss you, but I know you’ll be having an absolutely adoring time!
• Stay safe out there. You never know what hijinx you might get into, so make sure you text me!

Enjoy Your Trip

“Enjoy your trip” is a simple way to show someone that you care. It helps to let them know that we want them to “enjoy” themselves. While trips can sometimes be boring (especially long-distance ones), we want people to feel like they can still have fun.

This simple phrase works as follows :

• Enjoy your trip, Michael! Let me know when you arrive so we can discuss the adventure more!
• Enjoy your trip! Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture when you get there!
• Enjoy your trip! I expect you to be fluent in German by the time you get back, okay?

Have A Relaxing Time Away

“Have a relaxing time away” works well in many cases. It’s most effective when we know that someone is inclined to worry (whether about the journey or the place they’re going). If we want to calm them down, this phrase works well.

These examples will help you make more sense of it:

• Have a relaxing time away! Remember, you don’t need to worry about a thing when you get on that plane!
• Have a relaxing time away! If anyone deserves it, it is most certainly you!
• Have a relaxing time away! I’m going to miss you, but I know you’ll be back in no time!

Happy Travels

“Happy travels” works really well when we want people to feel “happy” on their journey. “Travels” can refer to any method of transport, but the idea is that they’ll be spending a long time getting from point A to point B, and we want them to feel “happy.”

Perhaps one of these examples will help you make more sense of it:

• Happy travels, mate! I know you’ll love it over there in Australia, but you must tell me all about it.
• Happy travels, Sue! I’ll miss you, so don’t forget to write to me every day about what you do.
• Happy travels, Dan! Thank you for coming to see me again, and I’ll see you again soon, yeah?

“Bon voyage” is a great way to wish someone well before they go on an adventure. It’s French (and Italian), and it means “good journey.” It’s a commonly-used exclamation in English when we want to wish somebody well for something they’re going to do.

It’s also comforting because it shows that we do not wish any problems to come their way when they’re on their journey.

• Bon voyage, my little friend! I’ll see you again when you return!
• Bon voyage, then! I will miss you, but I hope you get a chance to text me a bunch when you get there!
• Bon voyage! I love you so much, and I’ll definitely miss you while you’re away.

You may also like: Safe Travels – Meaning & Usage (Helpful Examples)

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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Is It Correct to Say “Safe Travels”?

By: Author Dr. Patrick Capriola

Posted on Published: September 9, 2021

It’s early in the morning, and you have your suitcase by your side. You’re holding your tickets, climbing in the car that will take you to the airport when, behind you, your friend waves and shouts, “Safe travels!” You stop for a second because the phrase sounds a bit weird — is it correct to say “Safe travels”?

It is correct to say “safe travels” as a way to express your wishes for someone’s safe and healthy trip. This phrase is typically used during a goodbye and is one of the last things you would say to someone you wish to have a safe journey. You usually only hear it in the phrase “safe travels” or when it comes with a possessive adjective.

Here, we’ll take a look at the usage and grammar of the phrase “Safe travels” and then look at some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the expression. 

Is It Grammatically Correct to Say “Safe Travels”?

If you’ve ever wondered if “Safe travels” is grammatically correct, in short, yes: it is grammatically correct. Although the phrase may sound a bit strange at first, it is actually right. So let’s discuss why it is technically correct.

The plural noun “travels” might seem a little weird to you because it is an old word; people don’t really use the word “travel” as a countable noun very much these days. Instead, “travel” is usually a verb. 

However, the phrase “Safe travels” — along with other specific phrases and usages that include the plural countable noun “travels” — has kept the word alive in very specific situations. 

This means that, even though we don’t say the word “travels” very often, it is grammatically correct, especially when you use it in the phrase “Safe travels.” 

So, the main reason why it is correct to say “Safe travels” is because it is a widely accepted and clearly understood English pleasantry that has stood the test of time. Since the expression “Safe travels” has such wide and clear usage by English speakers, we consider it correct. 

The Many Forms of “Travel”

If you’re wondering if the phrase “Safe travels” is correct, then it probably has a strange ring to your ears. This perception is most likely thanks to the plural form of the noun “travel” that appears in the expression. So why does it sound weird? It has to do with the form of the word “travel.”

Travel as a Noun or Verb

The word “travel” has a few different forms in English ( source ). For example, you probably think of a verb when you hear the word “travel.” You might picture taking a trip or going on a vacation. The verb “to travel” is the most popular form of this word.

However, “travel” is also a noun; in fact, it is a countable noun ( source ). So, you can use the word “travel” as the subject or object of a sentence. This also means that the noun “travel” can have both a singular and a plural form ( source ). So why does “travels” still sound a bit strange?

Contemporary Expressions

The noun form of “travel” isn’t prevalent anymore. In the past, people used “travel” as a countable noun much more frequently, but nowadays, we usually opt for other ways to express the noun form of “travel.”

For instance, a more popular way to use the verb “to travel” in noun form is to use the gerund, “traveling.” Both “travel” and “traveling” are nouns; however, “traveling” is the more popular and contemporary way to talk about the action of moving from one place to another. 

Another countable noun that has replaced “travel,” especially when you’re using the plural form of the noun, is the synonym “trip.” Consider these two examples:

• I keep a journal when I travel; I make notes about all of my travels.
• I keep a journal when I travel; I make notes about all of my trips.

The second sentence sounds much more modern, and only one word is different. You can see how the plural noun “trips” sounds much more typical in today’s English.

Here’s another thing you should know about this tricky noun: if you’re going to use the plural noun “travels” outside of the phrase “Safe travels,” it will usually take the possessive ( source ). So, instead of asking a friend, “How was your trip?” you can ask, “How were your travels?” 

Of course, this sounds a bit archaic, but it is technically grammatically correct. 

The Adjective “Safe”

So, since the word “travels” is an acceptable plural countable noun, it makes sense that it should come with an adjective. Thus, the adjective “safe” in the phrase “Safe travels” modifies the word “travels.”

We have to use the adjective form of “safe” rather than the adverb form since the word “travels” here is a noun and not a verb. However, don’t get confused: when you use the verb form of the word “travel,” you should use the adverb “safely.”

Review the following example sentences to see the differences between “Safe travels” and “travel safely.”

Whenever Jane drives, she travels safely : she wears her seatbelt and follows all traffic rules.

As Jane was leaving for her long road trip, I stood in the driveway and called out, “ Safe travels !”

The pilot said, “We want everyone to travel safely , so we’ve upgraded all of our safety and emergency equipment.”

The pilot said, “We hope you enjoy the flight, and we wish you all safe travels !”

From these examples, you can see the difference between the adjective “safe” and the adverb “safely.” 

We use the adjective form of “safe” with the plural countable noun “travels,” while we use the adverb form “safely” with the verb form of the word “travel.” The adjective comes before the noun, while the adverb comes directly after the verb. 

For more information about using adjectives and adverbs correctly, you can check out the article “ Doing Well or Doing Good: Can Both Be Correct? ”

How Do You Say, “Safe Travels”?

So, now that we’ve broken down the expression, how can you use it in action? You usually say (or write) the phrase “Safe travels” right before your friend goes on a trip. It’s a quick and easy way to show them that you hope their trip — whether it’s a long vacation or just the drive home — goes smoothly.

“Safe travels” is an expression that you’re more likely to hear when you’re speaking or texting with a friend. It’s not a very formal phrase, so you will probably see or hear it in a conversation rather than an essay or formal document.

It’s also very likely that you will see the phrase “Safe travels” written in places like an airport, a train station, or a bus stop. You can find this quick and easy phrase mostly in informal situations, although it’s not inappropriate in a formal situation, either. 

“Safe Travels” FAQs

If you still have a few questions about the phrase “Safe travels,” you’re not alone! Here are some of the most popular questions about the expression “Safe travels” and some helpful explanations to help you use it correctly every time. 

Is “Safe Travels” a Complete Sentence?

To put it simply, “Safe travels” is not a complete sentence on its own. To create a complete sentence, you need a subject and a verb. This requirement means that you need to define who or what is doing or being something and then define what they are doing or being.

So technically, the phrase “Safe travels” is just a noun with an adjective to modify it. However, when we use the expression “Safe travels” in English, it can stand alone without a verb because it is a pleasantry. 

You might not be familiar with the word “pleasantry,” but you’ve certainly seen and heard many examples of them. A pleasantry is an expression or phrase that people use to show positive wishes, and you usually use it for a specific context or occasion. 

An example of a popular pleasantry is “Happy birthday.” You say “happy birthday” to a specific person on a particular day of the year. And even though it technically isn’t a complete sentence, it expresses a complete thought and stands alone.

Just like “Happy birthday,” “Merry Christmas,” or “Good morning,” the phrase “Safe travels” can stand by itself, even though it technically isn’t a complete sentence. 

Most people accept this because they understand that you are wishing them well when you use these pleasantries, even when it’s not a complete sentence with a noun and a verb.

For more examples and information about using English pleasantries in conversation and writing, you can check out the articles “ Greatly Appreciated: Meaning and Proper Usage ” and “ Is It Proper Grammar to Say, ‘Looking Forward to Talking to You’? ”

What Can I Say Instead of “Safe Travels”?

It’s always a great idea to express positive wishes to your friends, coworkers, or even your boss before they travel. But perhaps you’ve used the phrase “Safe travels” several times in your past emails or correspondences, so you might be looking for new ways to express the same sentiment.

There are lots of pleasantries that English speakers use when a friend, family member, or colleague is leaving for a trip. If you’re looking for other ways to say, “Safe travels,” then check out this list of examples:

• Have a safe trip!
• Wishing you an excellent vacation!
• Hope the trip goes smoothly!
• Have a nice flight/drive/ride!
• Bon voyage!

These phrases all have a very similar meaning to “Safe travels,” and you can use them to send well wishes and good intentions to your friends or colleagues before they set out on a trip. That way, you can send them off with a smile!

How Do You Say “Safe Travels” in an Email?

Generally, you’ll find the phrase “Safe travels” at the end of an email. It’s usually the sign-off after the main part of the message, right before you sign your name at the end of the email.

You might be wondering if it’s professional or acceptable to add “Safe travels” to an email. In most settings, it’s perfectly fine to add this expression to the end of an email, whether you’re writing to a friend, family member, coworker, or boss. 

It’s professional enough to send to everyone without adding too formal or heavy a tone to your message. This article was written for strategiesforparents.com. 

Although “Safe travels” isn’t a complete sentence, you can still use it as a pleasantry in conversation or as a sign-off for an email or a message. Like many phrases and expressions in English, the wide usage and easy understandability of “Safe travels” makes it correct. 

Final Thoughts

Even though the phrase “Safe travels” may sound a bit strange at first, it is a correct and grammatically accurate way to wish a friend, family member, or colleague a nice trip. The expression “Safe travels” is a light and positive way to send your friend off on their vacation or to wish them well before their journey.

You can use the word “travels” as a countable noun in this phrase, although it’s not a very popular plural noun in contemporary English. It was a widely-used word in the past, but nowadays, people prefer to use the synonym “trips.”

Of course, the word “travels” has remained part of the modern English language thanks to the phrase “Safe travels” and other specific usages of the word. 

You can use the phrase “Safe travels” in an informal or professional setting: it is versatile and appropriate for all occasions, from casual conversations to formal work emails. 

While “Safe travels” is not technically a complete sentence all by itself, it is a common phrase that can stand alone. This type of expression is called a pleasantry, and there are many widely-used pleasantries in the English language; “Safe travels” is just one example.

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How to Find Out if a Destination Is Safe for Travel

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If you’re planning a trip and want to know if the destination is safe to visit, there are so many resources at your disposal to help you decide. As someone who has traveled full time as a digital nomad for three years, I’ve come to rely on a few useful sources for gathering destination safety and trip advice. Here are some simple steps you can take to check safety information for your upcoming trip.

1. Check U.S. government websites for COVID guidelines and other info

Familiarizing yourself with the latest COVID-19 guidelines posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a good first move. Also check the COVID-19 FAQ page on the U.S. Embassy websites for the country you’re traveling to so that you’re up to date with the country’s entry requirements. Unfortunately, entry requirements can change , so don’t get caught off guard if a new quarantine or test rule pops up .

In addition, the U.S. Department of State travel advisories page lets you search the country you’re traveling to so that you can see the latest travel alerts. The advisories can be particularly useful if you’re going to a destination that is known to be risky, as it can tell you which regions should be avoided and why.

2. Join Facebook groups for travelers and digital nomads

Facebook groups are another great resource for finding information on the destination you plan on visiting. Region-specific information, including safety, can be found in expat or digital nomad groups related to the city or country you’re headed to. If your destination is obscure, look for general digital nomad groups or groups specifically dedicated to solo travel.

These groups often have thousands of members, and you can use the search feature in the group by typing in your destination to see if anyone has asked for the same information. Some of the groups are private and some are public, so you may need to join before you can search or make your own post. In addition, if you’re traveling solo and want to meet others who are living in or traveling to your intended destination, posting in these groups is a great way to connect with other travelers, especially if you’re nervous about traveling.

For example, if you’re thinking about going to Medellin, Colombia, and want to know safety information and travel tips, join the Digital Nomads Medellin Facebook group to ask your questions.

» Learn more: 8 safety tips for solo female travel

3. Leverage your existing online and offline communities

Taking stock of your existing community is another great way to find information about your destination. You can make a post on Facebook or Twitter and ask for advice. Maybe one of your followers has recently returned from a vacation in that country or maybe another friend did study abroad or moved there temporarily for work. If Instagram is more of your thing, post an Instagram story that you’re planning a trip to a specific area and are looking for safety and general advice.

Another great way to leverage your community is to use the search feature on Facebook. Using the above example of a trip to Medellin, in the Facebook search field, type “my friends who live in Medellin” and you will see a list of Facebook friends who live there. You may end up reconnecting with old friends or getting lots of helpful advice from a community you didn’t even know you had. Even if you think you may not know anyone who has traveled to wherever you’re headed, it is worth the small effort to check because that connection could be a wealth of knowledge.

Of course, there is also the old-fashioned way of asking your friends, family, classmates or coworkers if they’ve ever traveled to where you’re heading. It is easy to forget how many people we actually know and could ask for travel advice.

4. Read relevant blog articles

Reading blog articles for your intended destination could also provide a lot of useful travel advice and safety information. Again, using the Medellin trip as an example, head over to your favorite search engine and type, “Is Medellin safe?” and you will see pages of results discussing the safety information. In addition, you’ll find helpful tips (e.g., which areas are safe, how to get around, the best things to do, areas to stay in).

Not every article is going to give you the information you need, so take time to read through a few of them so you get an overall picture of the safety situation of where you’re headed. The more quality sources you have, the more accurate picture you’ll be able to get of the situation.

Bonus tip: Consider travel insurance

Once you decide to book your trip, consider whether you need travel insurance. Some benefits, like Cancel For Any Reason, or CFAR , need to be purchased on or near the date when you make your trip payment, so you want to start thinking about travel insurance sooner than later. Whether you’re going to use the travel insurance provided by your credit card or will purchase a standalone policy, you have many options to choose from. Traveling carries a certain element of uncertainty, and protecting yourself with trip insurance is a great safety net to protect against a wide range of issues, including lost or stolen luggage, rental car problems and medical emergencies.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Best ways to find safety information for your destination

From leveraging your existing Instagram or Twitter community to joining Facebook groups and reading articles specifically related to trip advice, you can find so much information on travel safety.

When you’re in trip-planning mode, consider your travel insurance options, check the CDC guidelines, U.S. Department of State travel advisories and read the latest COVID notices posted on the website of the country you’re going to (or its U.S. Embassy site) so that you’re up to date on the latest information. And be sure to tap into the power of social media and your own circle of friends to get even more information.

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101 Ways To Say Have A Safe Flight

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There are many ways to say have a safe flight to your friends, relatives, colleagues and anyone else who you may say farewell to at departures! If you are looking for that special way to say have a safe flight then you have come to the right place! In this article I introduce you to 101 ways to wish your loved ones a safe flight.

Traditional ways to say have a safe flight

Unusual ways to say have a safe flight, inspirational ways to say have a safe flight, ways to say have a safe flight to loved ones, reassuring ways to say have a safe flight for nervous flyers, funny ways to say have a safe flight, ways to say have a safe flight- further reading.

Lets start off this article by looking at some of the most traditional ways to say have a safe flight-

“Safe Travels!”

“Enjoy the flight!”

“Bon Voyage!”

“Enjoy life above the clouds!”

“Smooth sailing through clear skies, my friend!”

“Have a safe and comfortable flight”

“Fly safe!”

“Get there safely”

“Have a safe flight!”

“Travel safely!”

“Bon voyage and travel safe!”

“Enjoy life above the clouds”

“Enjoy your time in the sky”

“Fly safely and see you soon!”

“Have a smooth and pleasant flight”

“Go well and keep safe”

“You will be there before you know it. Travel safely.”

“I can’t wait to see you after you land! Travel safe!”

“Take care and fly safely”

“Have a great trip and get there safely”

“Be safe up there!”

“Safe flight, can’t wait to have you home, safe and sound!”

“Looking forward to hearing about your trip!”

“Let us know how it goes. Best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy journey!”

“Wishing you a safe journey and a relaxing vacation when you arrive!”

There are a few more unusual ways to safe have a safe flight too if you want to be a little different! Here are some of my top picks-

“Have a blast and don’t enjoy it too much!”

“There are over 80,000 flights flown every day, enjoy your experience”

“Wishing you a relaxing time in the sky”

“Open your senses, feed your soul. Be carefree and let wanderlust take control. Stay safe.”

“No matter how high you go. No matter how turbulent up there it may be. Don’t worry. I wish you a safe flight. Take care.”

“It’s normal when you are nervous. Just don’t panic too much. It sure will be a safe ride. Have fun!”

“May your journey be eye-opening! May you have new and profound experiences, and may you arrive and depart in a safe manner!”

“Happiness comes from accepting that the journey matters the most, not the destination. Take care of yourself.”

“The best thing for you will be to just turn off and unplug from the rest of the world. You’re ready for it.”

“Just take one step in the right direction, all it takes is a spark to light the flame.”

“Going new places fills you with an air of mystery and curiosity.”

Looking for some inspirational ways to say have a safe flight? Then you have come to the right place! These are my some of my favourite have a safe flight quotes-

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.”

“I wish you didn’t have to go so soon – but I am so glad for the time we had together. Have a safe journey!”

“See ya later, Alligator!”

“May your journey be free from stress and bring you home safely. Safe Travels!”

“May the skies treat you well!”

“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”

“You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.”

“As soon as i saw you I knew adventure was going to happen.” Winnie the Pooh

“The farther you go, however, the harder it is to return. The world has many edges, and it’s easy to fall off.” – Anderson Cooper

“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop

“Enjoy life at 30,000 feet!”

“May the journey be smooth and the airplane food good!”

“Go well, safely, and smoothly!”

“I hope you have safe and totally turbulence-free flight, my friend!”

We will often be saying have a safe flight to our loved ones before they take off. Whether it is a quick trip or whether you may be apart for some time, it is nice to have a special way to say have a safe flight, here are my top picks-

“You are more special than words can say… have a safe flight.”

“Safe and inspiring travels, my love.”

“You may be 30,000ft above the ground, but you’re always in my heart! Stay safe!”

“Lift, soar, and land safely my love! I’ll be waiting at the gate with a big smile and a bouquet of flowers.”

“Distance, like age, is just a number. I’ll have you in my heart no matter how far you are from home. Fly safely, sweetheart.”

“Words cannot describe what you mean to me. So I’ll just tell you “I love you” – and see you again when you return to me soon.”

“I know you haven’t left yet but I already miss you so please just go and come back safe really soon.”

“I love you to the moon and back – but please don’t go there to test it because then you’ll be gone for even longer!”

“If you’re nervous on your journey, just think about me – because I will absolutely be thinking about you. Travel safe, darling.”

“There’s a strong chance I buy a ticket and just go with you. That’s how badly I want to be together. Please have a safe journey.”

“You are my hero for taking the kind of trip most people only dream about.”

“Have a safe flight my dearest. I can’t help but worry a little when you go on your flights sometimes, but I know that God is going to protect you from above.”

“Have a safe flight! May your flight reach on time and I hope that you’ll have as few hindrances as possible! Remember to get some shut-eye on the flight!”

“Promise me that you will let me know once you have landed safely from your flight, okay? I’ll miss you while you’re away on your vacation!”

“I know that you are not going to be able to text until you land from your flight, so I’ll wish you a safe flight meanwhile! Remember to have fun and take more pictures once you have landed from your flight!”

“I know that flights are a scary experience for you, but I know that you’re going to have a safe flight back home. After all, God must be up there watching out for you! Blessed be, my dearest friend!”

“The weather would be clear when you are airborne, safe flight, my love, wishing you a beautiful journey.”

“If I could squeeze into your suitcase, I would!”

“May the Lord take you to a place of peace and safety, and lead you on a path of fulfilment. Safe journey.”

“You just left and I already cannot wait for you to return home. Take good care of yourself, mama! Love you!”

“Always remember to give us an hourly update on your travels my child. I love you.”

“Your presence alone feels like home, and I will miss you very much till you return home, so take care and safe travels.”

“I’ll be thinking of you from take-off to touchdown!”

“Near, far, wherever you are, I hope you have the time of your life- starting with a safe and enjoyable flight!”

Many of us are nervous flyers and so it is really important that we find the best way to safe have a safe flight to reassure our loved ones! Here are some of my top picks-

“Just think of happy thoughts and you’ll fly.”

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”

“Have a safe flight – and please let me know when you land!”

“The pilot is going to take great care of you up there – safe flight!”

“Remember, planes actually like to stay in the air. They have lift – so you’re safer in the air anyways! Have a safe flight!”

“May your air be clear, the flight be smooth, the plane be safe, and the sky be blue!”

“I guess if you don’t jump, you’ll never know if you can fly.”

“I’ll just stand in the airport by the Arrivals terminal until you get back because I can’t wait! Have a safe flight!”

“Fear not, flying’s the safest mode of transport we have!”

“If all else fails, enjoy the free booze!”

“You’re safer in a plane than you are in a car, you’ll be fine”

“Enjoy the trip, friend! You’re safer than you think!”

“Just think, you’re only a few hours from home!”

“Sit back, relax, and enjoy the safety of commercial air travel, friend.”

“You’re far more likely to be struck by lightning than die in a plane crash!”

Sometimes the best way to say have a safe flight is to make it into a joke! Here are my top picks for funny ways to say have a safe flight-

“Don’t fly off the handle!”

“We’ll just have to wing it- have a safe trip!”

“I bought you a book to read on the flight called ‘How to Travel’. It’s written by Anna Plane.

“How often do planes crash? Only once. Have a safe flight!”

“I wanted to tell you an airplane joke. But I think it will go over your head. Safe travels!”

“Caution please! Don’t board a plane. Don’t go with a train or bus. Don’t even travel on legs…. Come back here. I will miss you!”

“It’s time to make sure your Instagram game is up to speed because I want to follow your journey. I know you will have great fun.”

“Do some crazy things you wouldn’t think of doing at home and have a blast. I’ll try not to have too much fun while you’re away!”

“The office won’t be the same without you. I will keep your plant watered and your desk organised.’

“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”

“My soul is in the air.”

If you have enjoyed this article on the different ways to say have a safe flight, I am sure that you will love these too-

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• Pinterest ideas for having a safe flight

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping

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100 Have a Safe Flight Messages [2022 Safe Flight Wishes List!]

Looking for new ways to say “have a safe flight”? Check out this list of 100 safe flight wishes!

Danny Newman

Here are 100 different ways to say “have a safe flight”! I hope they help!

Looking for ways to say “ have a safe flight ” to someone without actually saying “have a safe flight”?

Well, I don’t blame you!

These types of messages (like “have a nice flight”, “have a good flight”, or “have a pleasant flight”) can feel too impersonal and generic when you want to bid a fond farewell to someone you love.

To address the issue, I thought I’d put together a list of 100 have a safe flight wishes that should prove useful to anyone wondering exactly how to wish someone a safe flight!

Sound good?

Check it out to find the perfect message for a safe flight for a friend, partner, or family member who’s taking to the skies.

[Last updated: January 2022]

Sometimes, the standard “have a good flight” doesn’t cut the mustard! Let’s start with 20 classic alternatives…

Interested in safe flights wishes for friends and family? You might also like:

• 110 Best of Luck in Your Future Endeavors Wishes
• 115 Super Happy Journey Wishes
• 35 Safe Travel Quotes
• 100 Funny Jokes about Travelling
• The Pros and Cons of Travel
• The Experience of Travel
• 50 Fascinating Facts About Travelling
• 25 Best Travel Hashtags

Classic Have a Safe Flight Wishes

Sometimes the best safe flight wishes are the most traditional! Here’s a selection of fairly typical alternatives to “have a safe flight”.

1. Fly safe!

2. Safe flight!

3. Enjoy the flight!

4. Travel safely!

5. Bon voyage and travel safe!

6. Fly safely and see you soon!

7. Have a safe and comfortable flight!

8. I hope the flight goes okay!

9. Have a smooth and pleasant flight!

10. Fly safely, please!

11. Get there safely!

12. Go well and keep safe!

13. Enjoy life above the clouds!

14. You’ll be there before you know it. Travel safely!

15. I can’t wait to see you after you land! Travel safe!

16. Take care and fly safely!

17. Have a great trip and get there safely!

18. Enjoy your time in the sky!

19. Be safe up there!

20. Have a good (and safe) flight over there!

The best safe flight wishes have a touch of personality to them. Here are 20 that you might like!

Creative Ways to Say “Have a Good Flight”

Looking for something more unique than those classic “have a safe flight” alternatives? You might like these creative ways to say it instead:

21. Wishing you the smoothest of skies!

22. Safe and enriching travels, my friend!

23. I hope your flight runs smoothly from take-off to touch down!

24. May the skies treat you well!

25. Enjoy life at 30,000 feet!

26. Travel safely! We’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.

27. May the journey be smooth and the airplane food good!

28. Have the safest, most enjoyable flight ever!

29. I wish you the calmest, swiftest, smoothest possible journey!

30. I’ll be thinking of you up there in the sky somewhere! Take care, my love.

31. Go well, safely, and smoothly!

32. Fly safely, have a blast, and let us know when you land!

33. Be safe and revel in the magic of travelling at 500mph above the clouds.

34. May your flight be safe, uneventful, and exciting!

35. Be guided by angels up there, darling!

36. I hope you have safe and totally turbulence-free flight, my friend!

37. You may be 30,000ft above the ground, but you’re always in my heart! Stay safe!

38. Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and utterly unremarkable flight (in the best possible way!).

39. Soar safely through the skies, sweetheart!

40. Go well, be safe, and tell us when you’ve touched down!

Looking for loving ways to say “have a nice flight”? This next section’s for you…

Loving Ways to Say “Have a Safe Journey and Take Care”

More often than not, our “have a safe journey wishes” are directed toward loved ones, right?

So it makes complete sense to want/need some loving ways to say “have a safe journey” too! Here’s a selection of these kinds of messages that you might like:

41. Words cannot express how much we’re going to miss you. Fly safely!

42. My love, my life! Journey well and stay safe.

43. That plane doesn’t deserve you! It better keep you safe!

44. As you fly up into the sky, know that I love you to the moon and back.

45. Fly safe. Have a ball. And don’t forget to think of me!

46. You’re not even on the plan yet but I miss you already! Be safe and come back soon!

47. If I could squeeze into your suitcase, I would! Go well, travel safely. I love you.

48. I’ll be thinking of you from take-off to touchdown!

49. Have a safe journey, my love!

50. Come home soon. Fly home safe.

51. Just remember, we’ll be here waiting for you on your return. Fly fast, safe, and true my lovely!

52. Distance, like age, is just a number. I’ll have you in my heart no matter how far you are from home. Fly safely, sweetheart.

53. Near, far, wherever you are, I hope you have the time of your life- starting with a safe and enjoyable flight!

54. I hope you have a safe flight and take care. But I also hope you have a swift flight. The quicker it goes, the sooner you’ll be here with me!

55. Travel safely up there in the skies, babe. See you soon.

56. Lift, soar, and land safely my love! I’ll be waiting at the gate with a big smile and a bouquet of flowers.

57. I hope the time flies as fast as the plane does! I can’t wait to see you. Be safe.

58. Safe and inspiring travels, my love.

59. Have a safe flight back home, darling.

60. Fly home safely (and soon!) so I can give you a cuddle!

Next up, here are 15 reassuring safe flight message ideas for people who don’t like travelling on planes!

Reassuring Ways to Say “Fly Safe”

Strapping into a tin can and flying thousands of feet above the earth isn’t some peoples’ idea of fun! If you’re searching for safe flight wishes for someone who fits that description, then this section may help…

61. Just remember, you’re safer in a plane than you are in a car! Go well and be brave.

62. Fear not, flying’s the safest mode of transport we have! Enjoy it.

63. If all else fails, enjoy the free booze! Get home safely, darling.

64. Sit back, relax, and make the most of the free alcohol! You’ll be fine, my friend.

65. We’ll catch you on the flip side! Travel safe.

66. Enjoy the trip, friend! You’re safer than you think!

67. Stay happy. Stay healthy. Stay safe!

68. Just think, you’re only a few hours from home! Enjoy the flight.

69. There may only be a few centimetres of metal between you and a 30,000ft drop. But you’re also only a few hours from home! 😉 Get here soon!

70. Have fun. Have a drink! And we’ll see you soon.

71. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the safety of commercial air travel, friend.

72. Smooth sailing through clear skies, my friend!

73. Just think how close you are to paradise! Have a good flight.

74. Nervous? Just remember that you’re far more likely to be struck by lightning than die in a plane crash! You’ll be fine, buddy.

75. Relax. Have fun. And take to the skies with a smile on your face.

Last but not least, here are 25 safe flight quotes!

25 Have a Safe Flight Quotes

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t find a safe flight wish that seems to work. In these cases, why not try “have a safe flight quotes” instead? Whether you write it on a card for someone or tell them about it before they leave, they’re sure to appreciate the sentiment.

(Heads up, click here for more quotes of this nature!)

76. “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it’s lethal!” – Paulo Coelho

77. “There is nothing safer than flying. It’s crashing that’s dangerous.” – Theo Cowan

78. “The more you weigh the harder you are to kidnap. Stay safe. Eat cake.” – Unknown

79. “A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

80. “Everything will be alright in the end so if it is not alright it is not the end.” – Deborah Moggach

81. “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

82. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

83. “Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop

84. “Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now on I’ll be mad.” – Rumi

85. “The world is waiting for you. Good Luck. Travel Safe. Go!” – Phil Keoghan

86. “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.” – Babs Hoffman

87. “There [is] nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” – Jack Kerouac

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.”

89. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.” – Mark Twain

90. “Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.” – Shakespeare

91. “The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.” – J. M. Barrie

92. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne

93. “Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

94. “I wandered everywhere, through cities and countries wide. And everywhere I went, the world was on my side.” – Roman Payne

95. “And the purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

96. “Goodbye always makes my throat hurt.” – Charlie Brown

97. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it. The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.” – J. M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

98. “No more words. We know them all, all the words that should not be said. But you have made my world more perfect.” – Terry Pratchett

99. “May angels fly with you wherever you roam and guide you back safely to family and home.” – Traditional Irish blessing

100. “But he’d learned long ago that a life lived without risks pretty much wasn’t worth living.” – Tamera Alexander

Remember These Have a Safe Flight Message Alternatives

There you have it, then: 100 have a safe flight wishes to ensure you never have to settle for the standard “have a safe flight” ever again!

I hope it’s been useful for anybody in need of a suitable farewell for someone who’s taking a plane somewhere!

What do you think? Did you have a favourite? And/or can you think of any others?

Drop a comment below to let me know! I’ll be sure to respond and add your ideas to the list.

Until then, thank you so much for reading this post full of safe flight wishes and, if you didn’t find what you needed, be sure to check out this post full of safe journey wishes as well!

Husband and wife duo with a passion for travel and documenting the journey along the way!

20 Ways to Say Have a Safe Flight!

Do you have a loved one who is about to go on a flight and looking for a clever way to kick off their trip letting them know you’re thinking of them? Then this list of 20 different ways to say have a safe flight is perfect for you.

The list below encompasses some of the most common terms used to wish someone a safe journey. Most of these are terms used for journeys involving flights, however, some are generic for any type of travel.

Before we jump into the list of different ways to say have a safe flight, here are a few other travel-related posts you may be interested in.

• 13 Clever ways to ask:  How was your trip?
• How we accumulated over 600,000 points and miles in one year
• How to plan a trip using Google My Maps
• 15 different types of vacations
• How to get a complimentary trip to Atlantis Bahamas

If you’re limited on time, then here’s a short list:

Have a Safe Flight Sayings

• Have a safe flight!
• Safe travels!
• Text me when you land!
• Enjoy the trip!
• Enjoy the trip! See you next fall! (humor)
• Wishing you a relaxing time in the sky
• Wishing you a safe and joyful journey ahead
• Have a blast and don’t enjoy it too much!
• Looking forward to hearing about your trip!
• I hope you have smooth skies!
• Bon Voyage!
• Have a safe journey, I’ll be thinking of you!
• Can’t wait to see you when you get back, I wish I was with you!
• Have a safe journey and a relaxing vacation!
• Safe flight, can’t wait to have you home, safe and sound!
• Happy travels!
• If you fly into turbulence, just think you’re on a roller coaster and enjoy the ride!
• Don’t be nervous, flying is the safest form of travel!
• The chances of a plane crash are 1 in 11 million (according to The Economist)
• There are over 80,000 flights flown every day

Don’t forget your MASK!

Most common ways to say have a safe flight

The two most common ways to wish someone a safe flight is “Have a safe flight”, “Safe travels”, and “text me when you land” The saying “safe travels” is more broadly used and accepted for any mode of transportation. This could come in handy especially in a setting where you do not know exactly how someone is traveling.

Creative ways to say have a safe flight

The phrases listed below are less common than “have a safe flight” and “safe travels” but could add some spice to your conversations with your loved ones!

• Enjoy the trip! See you next fall!

For the fearful travelers

If your loved one is afraid to fly, then these statistical phrases may help ease their fear.

It’s really remarkable how safe flying is, the fact that there are over 80,000 flights flown every single day and so many security measures in place to ensure everything operates as planned.

Tips for a safe flight

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• Travel Tips

If your loved one is new to flying, then here are a few helpful tips to ensure everything goes smoothly

• This is especially true for flying out of a major city hub. If you’re flying out of a major city and flying internationally, then you may want to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before the departure time.
• If possible, consider bringing only a personal and a carryon for your trip and avoid checking a bag. This will save you money since most airlines charge you to check bags (some charge you for carryons as well). It will also save you time since you do not have to worry about dropping your luggage off at the gate.
• Flights tend to dehydrate you, so do your best to hydrate well throughout the flight.
• The mobile app allows an airline to send push notifications directly to your phone indicating you of any gate changes, delays, and more.
• Checking into your flight online often saves you time and money. Then you can pull up your boarding pass directly on your phone without having to worry about losing your paper boarding pass ticket.
• Some flights are hot and some are cold, I always bring an extra layer to keep me warm during a flight. If I get hot I can always take it off!

Want to learn how we saved

On our past vacations.

Check out our e-course to learn how we accumulate over a million points and miles to redeem for free travel anywhere in the world. 

Track your loved one in real-time

It is relatively easy to track your loved ones adventure with today’s technology. I use an app called Flight Radar 24 , which allows you to track the exact flight they’re on and pinpoint exactly where they are in the sky.

This is also great if you want to know if there will be any delays or exactly when they land.

You can use this app for other things as well, like exploring the map view and seeing every plane in the sky! It’s amazing to see how many planes are actually in the sky at once.

In general, it’s always good to stay in close contact with your loved ones, especially when they’re away from you! Letting them know you’re thinking of them with a simple text message goes a long way!

I hope this list of how to say have a safe flight adds some flavor to your conversations and if you want to help continue to grow this list then please leave a suggestion below in a comment!

Also if you know someone who just came back from a trip and want to ask them about it, then check out our 13 clever ways to ask extend the question, how was your trip?

One Comment

It sure was helpful when you said that you must do your best to do well throughout the flight since lights tend to dehydrate you. This is something that I will share with my parents since they mentioned that they are planning to rent a helicopter for a tour next week. They have been wanting to tour different places since last year, and they want to do their adventures before the year ends.

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Reference Weather Radar to determine the location of precipitation (Snow, Rain) and where it is located relative to your flight path. Pilot Tip - Just because you see areas of precipitation, does not mean that you will necesarily be flying through it! You might be miles above it!

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Is it safe to fly on a Boeing-manufactured plane right now?

Mar 21, 2024 • 3 min read

There are no Boeing planes travelers should avoid © iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus

Should travelers be worried about flying on Boeing planes after recent safety incidents?

In this series, Lonely Planet's team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. Here, John Walton, Lonely Planet’s resident aviation journalist, tackles the thorny question about whether travelers should worry about flying on Boeing planes after recent safety incidents.

Question: I have seen some worrying headlines about Boeing. As a traveler with flights booked on airlines that fly a lot of Boeings, do I need to worry?

John Walton: I understand why you’d be concerned, especially after the incident in January where a door blew out of that Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX, but even after that I continue to have confidence in the safety systems that aviation puts in place to get us all to our destinations safely, and I’d get on a Boeing airplane tomorrow.

It’s reasonable to be worried after an accident

First off, let me reassure you that flying remains an incredibly safe way to travel, and statistically vastly safer than driving, crossing the street or — with the number of household accidents that happen — even staying at home. 

But it’s still reasonable to feel worried. We’ve seen the social media posts and with the advent of a camera phone in everybody’s pocket, we can imagine ourselves in an emergency situation more vividly than ever before.

One of the things about aviation is that it’s always big news when something happens. After high-profile incidents with a certain plane, airline or manufacturer, anything that would be the aviation equivalent of a minor fender-bender or having your car reversed into in a parking lot is a highlight on news sites and socials.

Here’s the thing: we humans wildly overestimate the likelihood of us being in catastrophic events, known psychologically as “ dread risks ,” especially the kind over which we have no control. That’s one of the reasons experts consider some people are afraid of flying but not, say, of driving or taking a bus.

As I said, I’d still get on a Boeing airplane tomorrow. In fact, I put my parents on a Boeing 737 a few weeks ago, I’m getting on a 777 in a couple of weeks’ time, and I booked myself on another one just yesterday. We’re reminded every flight about safety requirements and what to do if there’s an emergency. Imagine if you had to sit through a five minute safety video every time you drove somewhere, an activity that evidence tells us is more dangerous than getting on an airplane.

To put things in perspective, the flight tracking website FlightRadar24 informs us that, on the day that Alaska Airlines’ 737 MAX door blew out, it tracked 123,515 other commercial flights. Statistically, though, the risk to ourselves is really hard to comprehend, and that’s just human nature.

That’s one of the reasons why there’s a whole regulatory system out there — including regulators like the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), investigators like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), unions of pilots and flight attendants, nonprofits like the Flight Safety Foundation, and many more — all working together with airplane manufacturers, airlines and safety standards organizations to keep us safe when we fly.

I’d get on a Boeing airplane tomorrow

I interview airline safety experts, airplane manufacturers, airlines and all parts of the aviation safety system frequently, and so do a lot of other aviation journalists I trust. I even edited a special aviation magazine edition about the Boeing 737 MAX, so I’m really familiar with the issues and I don’t want to make light of them.

The overwhelming sense within aviation after that Alaska Airlines 737 MAX door blowout was one of shock — but not quite as much surprise. For a variety of reasons, the company seems to have lost its way, and that has a lot of really serious connotations for aviation.

The safety system within aviation is still there, it’s reacting to the Boeing issues in ways that keep me confident in it, and I still trust it to keep us all safe.

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Is it “Safe Travel” or “Safe Travels?” (Correct Grammar + Examples)

Is the correct phrase “safe travels” or “safe travel?” When telling someone that they should have a safe trip or a safe upcoming travel, does the word “travel” have an “s” letter or does it not have an “s” letter?

Learn the correct spelling of the phrase in this short American English guide.

Is it “safe travel” or “safe travels?”

The correct phrase is “safe travels,” with an “s” letter. The reason why this form is correct is that someone who is traveling would be doing so in the plural form. We would say have “safe travels” rather than a safe “travel.”

What to say instead of “safe travels”

Here are alternatives someone could say rather than saying “safe travels”:

• Have a good trip.
• See you soon.
• Have a safe trip.
• Have a wonderful journey.
• Have a good time.
• Bon voyage.

Can you say have a “safe journey?”

Yes. Having a “safe journey” is another way of telling someone that you wish their upcoming trip or travel be a safe one. A journey is sometimes referred to as travel, considering it is both an adventure and the act of arriving at a predetermined destination.

What does “bon voyage” mean?

Bon Voyage is a French term that means, “have a good trip.” It is common for “bon voyage” to get used in American English as a common phrase.

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Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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Safe travels or Safe travel? Which is correct?

When you want to wish someone to have a journey that is completed without a problem you can say “Safe Travels”. Safe travel is ok but not commonly used.  

Correct Ways to wish someone a safe journey:

• Safe travels
• Bon voyage 
• Travel safely 
• Drive safely
• Have a safe trip
• Have a nice trip
• Have a safe journey

The reason we use safe travels is that we often associate travelling with many different trips and not just one trip.

Safe travel is ok to use but in modern English, it is just not common. 

We often want to wish someone a nice journey but we know that we will see them again so we just want to wish them a journey that is safe from danger. 

If you will not see the person for a long time then it is better to say goodbye. You can find many ways to say goodbye in this article here.

Travel safe or travel safely?

Travel safely is correct because in this case travel is a verb and to modify the verb we need to use the adverb “safely”

Can you say Safe trip or Safe journey?

Yes, you can say “Safe trip” or “Safe Journey” but we usually use “Have a….”.

John: I am leaving now, see you later!

Peter: Have a safe trip!

Peter: Have a safe journey! 

Bon Voyage – Wait isn’t that French? 

Yes, Bon Voyage is the French for Safe travels or literally “have a good trip”

It is common to use bon voyage in English because people are often going on a trip to a foreign country so people use it to sound more exotic.

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20+ Creative Ways to Say “Safe Travels” to Someone

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Wishes & Celebrations

“Safe travels” is a term that has a literal meaning. One way of wishing someone “safe travels” is to say “have a safe trip” or “travel safely.”

Other ways to say “safe travels” include “have a safe journey” or “travel well.” Here are 25 other ways to say that you hope travelers are safe and enjoy the journey.

Wishing family members “safe travels”

  Saying goodbye to the family can evoke plenty of emotion.   You will miss the family member who is traveling but you also want to wish them well, express your love, and express your desire for them to return safely.   The following phrases are less common than “safe travels” as they express more emotion and show the closeness of the family bond.  

  All of the above phrases talk about making memories and enjoying the adventure.   They encourage family members to make the most of the opportunity but they also express love, appreciation and a sense of anticipating their return.  

Other ways to say “safe travels” to a close friend

  When close friends go traveling, you often wish that you could go with them.   At the same time, you want them to have the very best travel experience and come home safely so you can find out all about their adventures.   Close friends often travel together and if you’re the one that’s left behind for some reason, here are some other ways to say “safe travels” to your close friend.  

You May Also Like:

25 Creative Ways to Say “Take Care”

Wishing a work colleague “safe travels”

  When a work colleague goes traveling, what you say will depend on how well you know the person. When you know the person well, you can be more lighthearted, whereas if it’s someone you don’t know as well, your tone will be more formal.   Whether you want to wish a colleague a safe journey in person or you prefer to write a card or send an email, here are some other ways to say “safe travels” to a work colleague.  

  As you can see, some of the above suggestions are more formal than others. If a colleague is a close friend, you can use the phrases that are more intimate and light hearted, such as looking after a plant or catching up on office gossip.  

How to say it to someone who is afraid of flying

  Do you know someone who is afraid of flying and about to go on a flight? Many people have different levels of fear when it comes to flying and some are unable to fly at all because they have such a big fear of flying.   A fair number of people have at least some trepidation when it comes to flying. Helping to cheer them up with some humor or reminding them that flying is safe can help them to overcome their fear and set off in good spirits.   Here are some other ways to say “safe travels” and let those afraid of flying know you are thinking about them and you wish them well for the trip.  

20 Other Ways to Say “I Hope All Is Well” in Emails

Wishing someone traveling in a pandemic “safe travels”

  One of the main reasons we travel is because we love to explore and have new experiences.   During a pandemic with many countries around the world in lockdown, travel of all kinds has been impacted and people are less willing to travel.   As people are beginning to travel again, they are experiencing some changes. There are all the safety protocols they have to follow that can be tiresome. However, there are far fewer people traveling, so that has certain advantages.   Expressing “safe travels” to someone traveling in a pandemic carries more of a sense of urgency than when you are just wishing someone a pleasant journey. However, people also tend to joke a little as a way of coping in difficult circumstances.   Here are some ways to say “safe travels” during a pandemic, It is often better to emphasize the positive rather than the negative aspects of traveling.  

A final word

  Travel used to be a perilous affair full of danger but today, the most you usually have to deal with is delays, lost luggage, obnoxious fellow passengers or turbulence.   “Safe travels” is a term that’s evolved to mean more for the trip itself than the transport to get there.   As you can see from the examples above, there are many other ways to say “safe travels.”  

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"have a safe flight tomorrow" vs "have a safe fly tomorrow"

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

• have a safe flight tomorrow

This phrase is correct and commonly used to wish someone a safe journey.

• Have a safe flight tomorrow!
• I hope you have a safe flight tomorrow.
• Wishing you a safe flight tomorrow.
• May you have a safe flight tomorrow.
• Safe travels tomorrow.

Alternatives:

• have a safe trip tomorrow
• have a safe journey tomorrow
• have a safe voyage tomorrow
• have a safe travel tomorrow
• have a safe departure tomorrow

have a safe fly tomorrow

This phrase is incorrect. 'Fly' is a verb, not a noun, so it doesn't fit in this context.

• wishing you a safe flight tomorrow
• hope you have a safe flight tomorrow
• may you have a safe flight tomorrow
• safe travels tomorrow

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The Right Wording

Messages and Examples For The Right Wording For Any Occasion

100+ Happy Journey Messages To Wish Someone Safe Travels

Sharing is caring!

Searching for the right message to say “happy journey”? Here are short and meaningful ideas to wish someone safe travels on their adventure.

Saying goodbye to someone who is about to depart can be overwhelming. Depending on the situation, the departing moment can be sad, happy, excited, or thrilled.

The most crucial sense during farewell is the assurance that the person about to leave, and you will be keeping in touch and treasuring the moments. Hence, the sense of importance to both parties is what makes the messages and wishes meaningful.

When do you wish someone a “happy journey” or “safe travels”?

You may say happy journey wishes and safe travel messages when someone is leaving for another place for good. It can be sad, but the sense of giving importance and value to each individual will make meaningful send-off.

On the other hand, there are travels where both parties will feel happiness and excitement. This happens when someone will travel for an extended vacation for a fantastic adventure.

Also, there are short journeys, or travels of someone who wishing them with words of encouragement will be helpful. These are business-related travels where someone needs to conduct business presentations or to close out some deals. They will need the wish of luck messages.

Why do you wish someone a “happy journey” or “safe travels”?

Whether it is simple or complex wishful messages for someone who will take a long or short journey, it plays an essential role in the mental health of the person that travels.

Wishes can be an assurance that somebody cares, and the person is valuable. It is a way to boost morale. It gives hope to the person who is about to leave. It gives courage and inspiration to fulfill the purpose of the journey. Wishing someone a safe trip or happy adventure, can also be an e xpression of sense of accountability.

Short “Happy Journey” Wishes

Here are short and quick messages to wish someone a “happy journey”.

• I wish you well in your journey. I hope to see you healthy and fulfilled.
• Take good care of yourself while having fun!
• Have a wonderful trip, Bon Voyage!
• You deserve the rest and trip. Bring home the sweet memories
• Think of the new life and new memories!
• Have fun and take memorable photos
• I wish you and your family a safe flight
• Take the blast on your cruise vacation. Enjoy every bit of fun!
• Because you are a wonderful person, that is why you deserve such a fantastic reward!
• I’m sure the trip gives you a lot of fun and memories. Keep safe when you come back home
• I am happy you decided to take the once in a lifetime vacation
• I wish you all the best on your tour. God Speed
• Leave the problems here and go, have fun!
• The next time around, we both will join in a beautiful vacation trip
• Now it’s time to value Instagram
• I can’t wait to see your trip around the world
• I can’t wait to see your photos!
• Honestly, I’m jealous that you are taking this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
• Finally, your journey comes. I am grateful to have you in my life
• I’m sure my place will be boring without you. Have a safe trip
• Please let me know when you land—We just want to make sure you’re safe!
• Don’t worry, the pilot is going to take care of you
• Planes are the safest mode of transportation, it is rare they get trouble. But still, I pray for your safe flight
• I will be standing at the terminal until you get back!
• You’ll be missed by all of us!
• The office is boring without you! Please come home ASAP
• Congratulations on the journey! I cannot wait to hear the fun and memories
• Fill your journey with joy and laughter
• Do not get back until you bring us presents
• Make use of your time while you are there. Focus on pampering yourself!

Best “happy journey” messages

Wish someone you care about a Happy Journey with these ideas below.

• You deserve your most longing vacation. We hope you will be filled with joy and happiness in your journey
• I am happy that you are making use of your time in your vacation to relieve the stress
• I wish your safety as you travel. Don’t forget to drive safely and always fasten your seatbelt
• Even if I couldn’t go with you on this trip, I still enjoy to the fullest.
• I am happy to know that you and your dad had finally decided to take this trip. I know it will be fantastic!
• Reach home safely with more happiness. I will be waiting for you. Happy journey!
• I am glad that you have a wonderful time with your trip
• Enjoy your vacation time and have lots of fun, I may have missed it, but I am happy for you
• I wish your trip to have more great memories to cherish. Safe journey, my friend
• Have a blast of happiness with this trip!
• May you satisfy the purpose of your journey. We hope for your joy and safe return
• Congratulations! Finally, you were able to use your PTO for Vacation!
• Be safe, and enjoy the mountain adventure! Feel the coolness and breeze of nature and be happy
• I want to hope you the best of luck on your journey. I hope for the prosperity and fulfillment of your purpose. I am happy for you!
• I am happy that this trip will be your opportunity to close the deal. Kudos!
• Don’t worry about your desk here, I’ll guard it for you. Just enjoy your trip!
• Let me see if anything comes up along the way. Have a safe trip, my brother
• You may have an awesome trip. When you get back, let us have lunch.
• We may be missing you as you take your journey, but don’t think about that; just think of the happiness and sweet memories you will find on your trip.
• Savor the excitement and chill of your vacation. Remember, it rarely happens
• Leave the problems behind and be happy with your vacation
• Take the chance to relieve your stress with this trip. Happy journey
• Grab the chance of making this journey to be an incredible experience between the two of you. Spend it to the utmost romance.
• A bit of adventure can spice up your marriage. Heat it up this time!
• Spend a little adventure to heat up your relationship. Be happy!
• May this journey will bring peace of mind to both of you and take the chances of coping up. Have a wonderful trip
• I think this trip is your sweetest journey as far as I can remember. Cherish it!
• May your vacation will bring happiness and blessing. !
• Never hesitate to take photos and videos and post on Facebook and IG! Be happy
• Spending a particular time with someone you love is the most memorable trip I can give you. Enjoy!

“Have a safe and happy trip” Messages

Send someone a kind message to with them a happy and safe journey.

• Do the very thing that others have not done! Vacation time! Bon, voyage!
• May every day be a holiday.
• Fill your journey with excitement and adventure!
• Fill your vacation with smile, laughter, and fun
• Today is a brand new journey to a thousand miles. Take lots of pictures
• Make others get jealous! Post as many photos in IG
• Make it a habit that at least in a year you spend once to journey to a solace place.
• The exciting events on your trip are now part of your life’s book. Enjoy it!
• And now the new adventure begins! I’m excited for you, buddy!
• Be safe in the long and winding road.
• Do not bring stress and problems in your journey!
• Make your smartphone the chronicler of your fascinating adventure. Have a safe trip.
• This journey will be a great help for you to open your heart and mind. Happy journey
• Do not let anyone ruin your travel vacation. Enjoy every food and place. Have fun!
• I hope you will have a carefree journey and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Bring back the happiness of your life
• Feel the ocean breeze as you smoothly sail the blue ocean
• Your time is counted, but vacation seldom happens. Savor the taste of your trip
• Do not hesitate to learn from other people on this journey! Have a safe trip
• Open your senses and feed your soul. This is what your journey is all about. I wish you all the best
• Ships are built not for the harbors but to bring you to the best place on this planet. Have a safe journey
• I know that traveling alone is your weakness. This time, overcome and make it your strength!
• Remember that your travel today will be one of your deep reflection of tomorrow. You will learn from it.
• Fill your bags with experiences and memories. Of course, include the souvenirs for me.
• Do not just hop around the city, soak yourself with the culture and society. It will be more fun.
• Do not forget to meet, greet, and thank the faces you meet in the places you visit. Surely, they will treasure you
• The best thing about traveling is you get to understand the dynamics of the society. Learn from it.
• Taking yourself away from your solace and taking yourself some time to travel allows you to gain confidence and courage.
• The best memories during a journey are when you get lost, run out of money, and get drunk!
• Do you know what the exciting difference of traveling today than 20 years ago? The Facebook
• Remember the two essential rules in this journey: Turn off your cellphone and Unplug your laptop.

Safe journey prayers

For the religious type, sending them a sweet prayer on their trip might be the best message.

• It is my prayer that you will embrace life and always be true. Have a safe travel
• I pray for your safe journey. May this trip will help you resolve the problems and struggles you are facing.
• I thank God for allowing you to take this journey.
• In this journey, nobody will dare to stop the sun nor stop the flowing breeze. May your experiences will fill your empty heart
• I pray to our dear God that He will bless your way to your destination
• Lord, may you protect and cover my friend’s journey.
• Lord, you are our guide. May you help my brother find the right path through this trip
• May the Lord bless you and help you learn things that will make you grow
• This trip has been my long prayer for you. Enjoy it!
• I see your eyes are gleaming, and your smile is breaking. Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to travel
• The Lord is your light. The Lord is your Shepherd. Do not be afraid of your journey.
• The Lord will surely bless and embrace you to comfort you. This trip will be your chance to self-reflect

Traveling is fun and exciting. However, some journeys can be sad. But one thing is for sure, in this life we all have to move forward, take the path, and learn.

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Travel smart, travel safe: 15 safety essentials for solo travelers, plus tips from experts

Solo travel tips | Expert-approved products | More for your travels | How we chose | Meet our experts

Safety is always top of mind when exploring an unfamiliar place. It’s even more of a priority for solo travelers who don’t have the assumed safety that comes with numbers. But with the right tools, solo travelers can visit all of the destinations on their bucket list with peace of mind.

We spoke to travel experts who gave their tips for traveling on your own and even highlighted the best products to get you ready for your next adventure.

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Solo travel essentials.

What to consider when solo traveling

Solo traveling can be intimidating, especially for newbies. Many people have a fear of sticking out as a tourist and getting lost in an unfamiliar area.

Our experts say that’s all a part of the experience.

“I don’t think there’s much use in trying not to stick out as you inevitably will unless you’re really comfortable with a place, speak the language, know all the local customs, etc...” travel content creator Anela Malik says.

Experts suggest taking the following safety precautions to make sure you have the best experience.

Always have an eye in the sky

While it may seem simple, sharing your location with friends goes a long way in solo travel. This can help give you (and your family back home) peace of mind as you explore the unknown.

Be sure to share your plans with your close circle. Sharing your itineraries with trusted people lets them know when you’ll be busy and when you plan to call it quits for the night.

“Folks have to know where you’re supposed to be to have any idea of where to start looking if you get off track,” Malik says. “I share my itineraries for trips in advance with my mom and friends so that if something happens and I’m just not on track — maybe I’m hurt or maybe I never showed up to my hotel — folks know where to start digging.”

Skip the real-time updates

While it’s tempting to show everyone what you're doing as you're doing it, save the social media posts for later. Alerting everyone on the internet that you’re away from home may make you vulnerable to robbery. Also, sharing your itinerary with anyone and everyone can allow people you know — and don’t know — to track you throughout your trip.

Our experts say another red flag is going live on social media when solo traveling. Malik says sharing your active location with the world can be dangerous because anyone the ability to follow you as you explore.

You may want to share your experiences but remember, social media is not just your trusted friends. It can be accessed by virtually anyone.

Budget for safety

While you may be tempted to save instead of splurge, remember safety comes first. When traveling alone, it’s better to spend a little more and book accommodations or transportation that ensure your safety.

“That might mean allowing a bit of extra money in the transit budget so you don’t have to walk in the dark or booking a hotel in a safer and slightly more expensive area if possible,” Malik says.

Solo travel without truly being “solo”

Making friends along the way not only makes you feel safer but also makes for a fulfilling trip, according to travel blogger Erin Holmes.

“It’s so fun to make friends as you travel and numbers reinforce safety,” she shares.

Do your research

Research online, read books and ask other travelers about any local crime concerns and safety tips for the places you plan to visit.

Our experts advise every U.S. citizen traveling abroad to register with The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , also known as STEP, before every trip.

The program allows any U.S. citizen traveling or living abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to their destination.

This program is run by the State Department and provides safety updates when visiting a country. It also ensures the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country has your contact information in case of emergency.

Be mindful of what you pack

Holmes tells travelers to be mindful of what they bring with them as carrying items like large cameras and expensive jewelry can make you more susceptible to scams or theft.

However, one piece of jewelry is vital to slide into your carry-on before you take off: a wedding ring.

According to Harvard Global Support Services , women perceived to be wives and mothers are less likely to be harassed in many countries. So they recommend wearing a wedding band on your finger and even sharing stories of a significant other back home — even if it's all fake.

While it may seem antiquated, seeming to be married or partnered may protect women solo travelers from potential gender-based violence .

Best safety products for solo travelers, according to experts

Greenpod tungsten wedding band.

Tungsten Classic Wedding Band

• Understated for travel
• Rose gold fades over time

Reviewers and travelers alike praise this product for its quality and durability.

"This started as my 'burner' ring for travel and intense activities, but I like it so much that I might just use it as my wedding band," one reviewer wrote. "It’s been in all different waters, beat up and worn for weeks and still has yet to tarnish. I also have very sensitive skin and have had no reaction whatsoever."

Life360 Platinum Membership

Platinum Membership

• Real-time updates
• Emergency contact features
• Free plan has restrictions

Holmes recommends Life360 to every solo traveler. The platinum membership plan features an SOS help alert and crash detection.

The plan also includes 50 miles of free towing if your car breaks down, a $500 stolen phone protection plan and the Tile starter pack to track all of your items.

"There is something very comforting about having someone know your whereabouts at all times," Holmes says. "It also acts as an emergency app and can let all parties know the percentage of your phone battery."

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Personal Safety Alarm

• Can distract an assaulter
• Draws attention
• Can accidentally go off

Malik suggests solo travelers pick up a sound alarm before their next trip and this one is a personal favorite of hers.

"I also use and recommend a sound alarm like the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm," she says. "It’s small, will attract attention if you need to in an unsafe situation and you don’t have to worry about the legality of it like some other personal protection products."

Adventurous Kate Modern Bohemia Scarf

Modern Bohemia Scarf

• Keeps valuables close to you
• Bold, unique print

Looking for a more fashionable way to keep your items safe? This scarf is large enough to hold money and other valuable items. "This can hide all your documents without you sticking out like a sore thumb with a backpack," Holmes says.

The brand says it's even perfect for warm weather, too, with rayon fabric that's cool to the touch and protects your skin from the sun.

Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

GO Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

• Lightweight
• Anti-theft technology
• Depth could be increased

A crossbody bag is Holmes' go-to for keeping documents safe when on the move.

Pacsafe's anti-theft crossbody has securable zippers and cut-resistant materials so you can walk around confidently knowing your items are secure. It even has a RFID-blocking pocket so your passport and credit card information are safe.

"Split things up. Keep originals in the safe at the hotel and copies in your suitcase and handbag, as well as digital copies on your phone and laptop," Holmes advises. "This also goes for credit cards. One in the handbag, one hidden in socks or somewhere in your suitcase."

Uber $100 Gift Card

• Works on Uber and Uber Eats
• Not a universal gift card

Our experts suggest solo travelers pay for Ubers or taxis instead of walking alone at night. This gift card will ensure you have enough in the budget to make that happen. An Uber gift card is also a great gift for the solo traveler in your life.

More safety products for solo travel

Hair scrunchies with zipper pocket.

Hair Scrunchies with Zipper Pocket (Set of 4)

• Holds small valuables
• Zipper is visible

If you’re looking for something smaller to hold your valuables, these scrunchies are an ideal solution. This multifunctional accessory also gives you the ability to stash some cash in a discreet place.

“I took it when I went on vacation abroad. Had Chapstick and some emergency cash and, ironically, some hair ties in it. It wasn’t bulky or obvious,” one reviewer shared. “It made me feel much more secure. If I lost my phone or purse, I still had cash for a cab.”

Door Stop Alarm with 120DB Siren

• Works well in hotel rooms
• Battery not included

TikTok has labeled this product “the thing they never knew they needed” for travel. The (very loud) siren goes off if someone tries to open the door. But don’t worry, it has an on and off switch so it won’t go off while you’re in transit.

“As a flight attendant who spends a lot of time in hotels, I use this as an alarm to put in front of the door inside my room,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “There have been so many stories I’ve heard of people opening other people’s hotel rooms, and I wanted something loud and annoying that’s going to alert me right away as soon as it’s cracked. It’s perfect.”

Portable Door Lock

• Doesn't require tools
• May not fit cruise cabin doors

This TikTok-viral portable door lock is an easy way to add an extra layer of protection in hotel rooms or Airbnbs. But be mindful that while this lock is not a weapon, it may be flagged in an airport security screening.

“The quality of this product is excellent. I’ve used it several times in various doors and it works perfectly. It adds another layer of security when I travel,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “However, every single time I travel with it, TSA flags it on my carry-on and then I have to wait while they go through my bags, they always take it out and inspect it and ask me what it is. So I travel with it with the instructions, the bag and box it came in... Plan for a little extra time in TSA line to account for inspection time.”

Solar Charger Power Bank

• Included cables
• Wireless charging
• Excess heat will ruin battery

Having a charged phone is key to ensuring safety on a solo trip. While some products do allow your phone to be tracked even when it’s dead, its best to err on the side of caution and have a full battery.

Keeping a portable charger handy is the secret to staying safe and connected with family and friends. This power bank charges itself with solar energy making it convenient to juice up your phone.

Small Crossbody Sling Bag

• "Functional and secure"
• Won't give off tourist vibes
• Logo is visible

If you're looking for a chic and secure bag, associate editor Shannon Garlin has got you covered. She says this is her go-to when traveling overseas.

“This large (but not too large) crossbody bag has become the star of my latest trip abroad,” she says. “Not only did I get tons of compliments from friends, but also it fit everything I needed for a day exploring a foreign city, all while feeling secure!”

Lewis N. Clark Safebox Portable Safe 

Safebox Portable Safe

• Secure combination closure
• Not slash proof

Don’t let safety fly out the window on tropical adventures. This waterproof portable safe is designed for a day by the water. Reviewers have used this product on cruises, at the beach and the pool and they said it kept their valuables safe every time.

“I used this as a safe when snorkeling to store personal belongings (i.e. wallet, phone). It has provided the safety and peace of mind needed when underwater. Especially at this price point, can’t be beat,” one reviewer said.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

This mini shoulder bag is a recent Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award winner.

• Secure zippers
• Narrow sizing

This bag is so secure, it earned the Shop TODAY stamp of approval during last year's Travel Awards . It's designed to be worn close to your body, has a passport slot and even a locking mechanism for the main compartment.

Lion Latch (Set of 3)

• Fits on a key ring
• Too small for large jewelry

If you can’t part with your jewelry for a solo trip, you need to keep it secure. The Lion Latch took the internet by storm in the past year as a new way to store small jewelry on the go.

“I would recommend this to anyone who travels with jewelry. I felt way more secure than using small jewelry bags, boxes or plastic bags. My necklaces didn’t get tangled either,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “The clip is a great way to lock the container, is so cute and is pretty incognito clipped inside the key ring in my purse.”

Apple AirTags

AirTags (Set of 4)

• Audio alert is quiet

Apple's AirTags have become a staple for any and every traveler. They can be used to keep track of luggage, wallets and other personal items. They're a personal favorite of associate editor Kamari Stewart for keeping track of her luggage when she's checking a bag.

"I'm always in fear that my checked bags will get lost or not make it on the plane with me, so being able to check on its location provides me a little more peace of mind when traveling," she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our experts even suggest every traveler try a trip alone if they can.

Malik says solo travel allows you to see the world without compromise and plan solely for yourself which she says is "very freeing."

With the right research, planning and tools a solo trip can be not only safe but fulfilling.

"I will never forget my first solo trip away from my children," Holmes says. "I was going to a conference and was ready over an hour before I needed to be there, because I was so used to getting everyone else ready instead of just myself. I took myself out for a drink and just watched people. It was thrilling!"

The length of your solo trip is up to you. "A solo trip should be as long as someone wants it to be and as long as they can reasonably afford it to be," Malik says.

"There is no right way to do it," Holmes says. "The right way is your way."

Safety and potential scams depend on your location. Researching the most common scams or safety concerns for an area will allow travelers to make an informed decision and plan accordingly.

"I emphasize this as often folks may find that the place they're going to is actually quite safe, especially if they live in a major city in the U.S. and look at comparisons of crime rates," Malik explains. "We often fear the unknown but whether those fears are based in fact is a whole other question."

For example, Holmes says a common scam in Thailand is a “teacher” approaching you outside a mall to tell you it’s a public holiday and the mall is shut.

"That's when they tell you that they can take you to one [a mall] that’s open. It comes across so friendly and helpful, but the mall is not shut. Do not go [with them]," Holmes says.

How we chose

We asked travel experts and fellow editors for their favorite safety items when traveling. We also sifted through thousands of customer reviews to find more options that shoppers can't stop raving about.

Meet our experts

• Erin Holmes is a travel blogger sharing travel tips and nomadic lifestyle content.
• Anela Malik is a food, travel and lifestyle content creator. Her platform Feed The Malik highlights travel accommodations and Black-owned restaurants.

Domonique Tolliver is the SEO intern for Shop TODAY.

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A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

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By Katrina Miller

On April 8, North America will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years. The moon will glide over the surface of our sun, casting a shadow over a swath of Earth below. Along this path, the world will turn dark as night.

Skywatchers in Mexico will be the first to see the eclipse on the mainland. From there, the show will slide north, entering the United States through Texas, then proceeding northeast before concluding for most people off the coast of Canada.

Why eclipses happen is simple: the moon comes between us and the sun. But they are also complicated. So if you’ve forgotten all of your eclipse facts, tips and how-to’s since 2017, we’re here to explain it for you.

But before we dive in, there is one thing to know that is more important than anything else: It is never safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse (except for the few moments when the moon has fully obscured its surface). At all other times, watch the event through protective eye equipment . Read on to learn about how to watch an eclipse safely.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon orients itself between Earth and the sun, shielding the solar surface from our view.

In cosmic terms, it is unusual that this happens: the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, but it is about 400 times closer to us. That means that when these two celestial bodies are aligned, they appear to be the same size in the sky.

What other types of eclipses are there?

Annular solar eclipses occur when the moon is farther from Earth and appears too small to completely shield the sun’s surface. Instead, the outer part of the solar disk remains uncovered — a “ring of fire” in the sky.

Partial solar eclipses happen when Earth, the moon and the sun are imperfectly aligned. The moon only obscures a chunk of the sun. There will be two in 2025.

Earth can also get between the moon and the sun, creating a lunar eclipse. This can be observed once or twice a year .

How dark will it be during the eclipse?

In any given place along the eclipse path , the event will last around two hours or more.

The event will commence with a partial solar eclipse, as the moon takes a small bite out of the sun’s edge, then consumes more and more of its surface. According to NASA , this can last anywhere from 70 to 80 minutes.

The phase of the eclipse where the moon has completely blocked the sun’s surface is called totality. This is the only time the event can be viewed with the naked eye.

The length of totality varies by location. In April, some places will experience this phase for more than four minutes; others, for only one to two minutes.

During totality, the sky will get dark as night and the temperature will drop. Wispy white strings of light from the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will suddenly be visible. Lucky viewers may even spot a thin, reddish-pink circle around the edge of the moon. That’s the chromosphere, an atmospheric layer below the sun’s corona. Its color comes from the presence of hydrogen throughout the layer.

After totality, the sun will slowly peek out from behind the moon again — another partial eclipse that will last the same amount of time as the first one. The moon will recede until the sun is back to normal brightness in our sky.

How can I watch the solar eclipse safely?

In general, avoid looking directly at the sun without special equipment to protect your eyes. Inexpensive options for watching the eclipse include paper solar viewers and glasses. If you are using equipment purchased for a past solar eclipse, make sure to inspect it. Toss anything with scratches or other signs of damage.

According to NASA , it is not safe to look at the sun through any optical device while using paper glasses or viewers. To watch the eclipse through cameras, binoculars or telescopes, buy a special solar filter.

The only time you can view a solar eclipse with the naked eye is during the moments of totality. Once the moon begins to reveal the surface of the sun again, return to watching the event through protective equipment to avoid injury.

What happens if I look at the eclipse without protection?

In general, staring directly at the sun, even for a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to your eyes . This can range from blurry or distorted vision to something even more serious, like blind spots. Because there are no pain receptors in the retina, you won’t feel it while it’s happening.

The same is true during an eclipse — except during the brief moments of totality, when the moon has hidden the face of the sun. At all other times, use protective eye equipment to view the event.

What do I do if I can’t find eclipse glasses?

If it’s too late to get glasses or viewers, there’s always a do-it-yourself option: a pinhole camera to indirectly experience the eclipse. You can create one using cardstock , a cardboard box , a kitchen strainer or even your fingers . These designs project an image of the eclipse onto the ground or some other surface that is safe to look at.

Where are the best places to watch the eclipse?

The total eclipse will sweep across large portions of Mexico, the United States and eastern Canada. For the most dramatic show, it’s best to experience the eclipse along the path of totality , which is where the moon will completely blot out the sun.

The Path of the Eclipse

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada. Viewers outside the path of the total eclipse will see a partial eclipse, if the sky is clear .

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers near Mazatlán, a beach town on the Pacific shoreline of Mexico, will be the first place to experience totality on North America’s mainland. Various sites in Mexico along the eclipse’s path will experience the longest duration of totality — as long as four minutes and 29 seconds.

Cities across the United States, including Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland, will most likely be hot spots for the upcoming eclipse. Other notable locations include Carbondale, Ill., which also saw totality during the solar eclipse in 2017; small towns west of Austin, Texas, which are projected to have some of the best weather in the country along the eclipse path; and Niagara Falls, if the skies are clear. Six provinces of Canada are in the path of totality, but many of them have a very cloudy outlook.

When does the eclipse begin and end?

The show begins at dawn, thousands of miles southwest of the Pacific shore of Mexico. The moon starts to conceal the sun near Mazatlán at 9:51 a.m. local time. Viewers near Mazatlán will experience totality at 11:07 a.m. for four minutes and 20 seconds.

Then the moon’s shadow will swoop through Mexico, crossing over the Texas border at 1:10 p.m. Eastern time. Totality in the United States will start at 2:27 p.m. and end at 3:33 p.m. Eastern time.

Canadians will experience the solar eclipse in the afternoon for nearly three hours. The eclipse concludes beyond Canada’s boundaries when the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

How long will the eclipse last?

The duration of totality depends on how far a given location on Earth is from the moon. Places with the longest totality are closest to the moon and farther from the sun. The speed of the lunar shadow is slowest over spots with the longest totality.

In April, the longest period of totality will occur over Durango, a state in Mexico, for a total of four minutes and 29 seconds. Along the centerline, the location of shortest totality on land is on the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, for about two minutes and 54 seconds. But totality is even shorter along the edges of the total eclipse path; in some places, it lasts less than a minute.

How fast does the eclipse move?

Solar eclipses may seem to happen slowly, but the moon’s shadow is racing across the surface of Earth. Exact speeds vary by location. Eclipse calculators estimate the shadow will move between about 1,560 m.p.h. and 1,600 m.p.h. through Mexico, and more than 3,000 m.p.h. by the time it exits the United States. The eclipse will reach speeds exceeding 6,000 m.p.h. over the Atlantic Ocean.

When was the last total solar eclipse in the United States?

According to the American Astronomical Society , total solar eclipses happen once every year or so, but they can only be viewed along a narrow path on Earth’s surface. Many occur over water or other places that can be difficult to reach. A given location will experience totality once in about 400 years.

But some places get lucky: Carbondale, a college town in southern Illinois, saw the total solar eclipse in the United States on Aug. 21, 2017, and will experience another one this April. San Antonio experienced an annular eclipse last October, and is also in the path of totality for this year’s eclipse.

Do other planets experience solar eclipses?

Yes, any planet in our solar system with a moon can experience a solar eclipse. In February, a Martian rover captured Phobos , one of the red planet’s moons, transiting the sun.

The moons on other planets, though, appear either smaller or larger than the sun in the sky . Only Earth has a moon just the right size and at just the right distance to produce the unique effects of totality.

How will things on Earth change during the eclipse?

As the eclipse approaches its maximum phase, the air will get cooler, the sky will grow dimmer, shadows will sharpen and you might notice images of crescents — tiny projections of the eclipse — within them. Along the path of totality, the world will go dark while the moon inches toward perfect alignment with Earth and the sun.

Animals will also react to the solar eclipse. Bees stop buzzing , birds stop whistling and crickets begin chirping. Some pets may express confusion . Even plants are affected, scientists found after the solar eclipse in 2017 . They have diminished rates of photosynthesis and water loss similar to, though not as extreme as, what happens at night.

What if I can’t get to the path of totality?

Viewers in locations away from the eclipse path will see the moon partially blot out the sun, though how perceptible the effects are depends on the site’s distance from the centerline. (The closer you are, the more remarkable it will be.) Still, it won’t be quite like experiencing the eclipse during totality.

Remember that you should always wear protective eye equipment while watching a partial eclipse.

If you can’t make it to the path of totality but still want to experience it, many organizations are providing live video streams of the eclipse, including NASA and Time and Date . The Exploratorium, a museum in San Francisco, will also offer a sonification of the eclipse and a broadcast in Spanish.

What have we learned from solar eclipses?

In the 1800s, a French astronomer discovered the element helium by studying the spectrum of sunlight emitted during an eclipse. These events also allowed the first scientific observations of coronal mass ejections — violent expulsions of plasma from the sun’s corona — which can cause power outages and communication disruptions on Earth. Scientists also confirmed Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which says that massive objects bend the fabric of space-time, during a solar eclipse in 1919.

And there is more to discover. This April, NASA plans to fly instruments on planes to capture images of the solar corona, and launch rockets to study how the drop in sunlight during an eclipse affects Earth’s atmosphere. A radio telescope in California will try to use the moon as a shield to measure emissions from individual sunspots .

The public is joining the fun, too. During the eclipse, a team of ham radio operators will beam signals across the country to study how solar disturbances can affect communications. Some people along the path of totality will record sounds from wildlife . Others will use their phones to snap pictures of the eclipse to help sketch out the shape of the solar disk .

An earlier version of this article referred imprecisely to eclipse on other worlds. Some appear larger than the sun in sky, they are not all partial eclipses.

How we handle corrections

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller