40 Phrasal Verbs for Discussing Travel Plans and Experiences

Take off – When a plane leaves the ground.

The plane will take off in 10 minutes.

Set out – To begin a journey or trip.

We set out early to avoid the traffic.

Stop over – To stay somewhere briefly during a trip.

We stopped over in Paris on our way to Rome.

Check in – To register when you arrive at a hotel or airport.

We checked in at the hotel as soon as we arrived.

Check out – To leave a hotel after your stay.

We need to check out by noon tomorrow.

Get in – To arrive at a place.

We got in late last night.

Get away – To leave for a vacation or escape.

I can’t wait to get away this summer.

Look around – To explore a place.

We looked around the city and took lots of photos.

Pick up – To collect someone or something.

I’ll pick you up at the airport when you arrive.

Drop off – To leave someone or something at a place.

We dropped off our luggage at the hotel.

Head back – To return to a place.

It’s getting late, so we should head back to the hotel.

Take in – To see or experience something.

We took in the sights during our trip to London.

Settle in – To feel comfortable in a new place.

It took us a while to settle in at the hotel.

Run into – To meet someone unexpectedly.

I ran into an old friend at the airport.

Break down – When a vehicle stops working.

Our car broke down on the way to the beach.

Move on – To continue to the next place or activity.

We finished sightseeing and decided to move on to the next city.

Go back – To return to a place.

I can’t wait to go back to Paris someday.

Stay over – To sleep at someone’s house or a hotel for one or more nights.

We’re going to stay over at a friend’s house for the weekend.

Call off – To cancel plans.

They called off the trip because of bad weather.

Check out – To investigate or look at something.

Let’s check out the new museum in town.

Set up – To arrange something.

We set up our tent near the beach.

Take after – To resemble someone, often used for family members.

She takes after her mother in looks and personality.

Take along – To bring something with you.

Don’t forget to take along your passport when traveling.

Get out – To leave a place, often used for leaving a vehicle.

Let’s get out of the car and walk around.

Turn up – To arrive, often unexpectedly.

We were surprised when she turned up at the airport.

Head out – To leave or begin a journey.

We headed out for the beach at sunrise.

Look forward to – To be excited about something in the future.

I look forward to visiting new places this year.

Catch up – To talk to someone after a long time.

Let’s catch up over coffee during the trip.

Take off – To become popular quickly (often used for trends).

The new tourist spot took off in just a few months.

Hang around – To stay in a place without doing much.

We hung around the mall after finishing our shopping.

Make it – To arrive at a destination or event.

I hope we can make it to the train on time.

Get away with – To escape punishment or negative consequences.

I thought I would get away with not packing my bag, but I didn’t!

Set down – To put something down, usually on a surface.

He set down his bag and started to relax.

Get through – To successfully complete something, like a trip or task.

We finally got through the long flight.

Take on – To start or begin something.

We’re planning to take on a new adventure this year.

Pick out – To choose something.

We picked out a few souvenirs from the market.

Look forward to – To feel excited about something in the future.

I look forward to our trip to the mountains next month.

Make up for – To compensate for something.

We decided to make up for the missed day by visiting extra places.

Take over – To assume control or responsibility for something.

The guide will take over the tour when we arrive.

Get through to – To make contact or reach someone.

I finally got through to the hotel reception.