Phrasal verbs for travel

Phrasal Verbs for Travel: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a new meaning. They are essential for fluent English communication, especially in travel contexts. This guide covers common phrasal verbs related to travel, their meanings, examples, and exercises to test your understanding.

1. Check in

Meaning: To register upon arrival at a hotel or airport.

• We need to check in at the hotel by 3 PM.
• Passengers must check in two hours before the flight.
• She checked in online to save time at the airport.

2. Check out

Meaning: To leave a hotel after paying the bill.

• We checked out early to catch the morning train.
• Don’t forget to check out before noon to avoid extra charges.
• He checked out of the hostel and headed to the bus station.

3. Set off

Meaning: To begin a journey.

• They set off at dawn to avoid traffic.
• We’re setting off for Paris tomorrow morning.
• She set off on her solo backpacking trip last week.

4. Take off

Meaning: When a plane leaves the ground.

• The flight took off on time despite the bad weather.
• Our plane will take off in 20 minutes.
• Passengers must fasten seatbelts before the plane takes off.

5. Get on

Meaning: To board a vehicle (bus, train, plane).

• We got on the wrong bus and ended up lost.
• Hurry up! We need to get on the train now.
• She got on the ferry just before it departed.

6. Get off

Meaning: To leave a vehicle (bus, train, plane).

• We got off at the wrong station and had to walk back.
• Make sure to get off at the next stop for the museum.
• He got off the plane and immediately called his family.

7. Pick up

Meaning: To collect someone or something.

• Can you pick me up from the airport at 6 PM?
• We’ll pick up our rental car at the terminal.
• She picked up some souvenirs at the gift shop.

8. Drop off

Meaning: To take someone or something to a place.

• The taxi dropped us off at the hotel entrance.
• Could you drop me off at the train station?
• He dropped off his luggage before exploring the city.

9. Look around

Meaning: To explore a place.

• We spent the afternoon looking around the old town.
• Tourists love to look around the local markets.
• She looked around the museum for hours.

10. Go back

Meaning: To return to a place.

• We went back to the hotel to get our passports.
• He decided to go back to the same restaurant for dinner.
• They went back home after a long trip.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list: check in, set off, take off, get on, drop off.

1. We need to __________ at the airport at least two hours early.
2. The plane will __________ in 10 minutes, so please fasten your seatbelt.
3. They __________ early to avoid the morning rush hour.
4. Can you __________ me __________ at the bus stop?
5. Make sure to __________ the right train; this one goes to Manchester.

Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
1. Check out	A. To leave a hotel after paying
2. Pick up	B. To explore a place
3. Look around	C. To collect someone or something

Answer Key

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. check in
2. take off
3. set off
4. drop off
5. get on

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. Check out	A
2. Pick up	C
3. Look around	B