Phrasal Verbs for Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, especially when talking about holidays and travel. They combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, creating a new meaning. Mastering these will make your holiday conversations smoother and more natural. Below is a detailed list of common phrasal verbs related to holidays, along with meanings, examples, and exercises.
1. Check in
Meaning: To register at a hotel or airport upon arrival.
- We need to check in at the hotel by 3 PM.
- Passengers must check in two hours before the flight.
- After checking in, we went straight to our room.
2. Check out
Meaning: To leave a hotel after paying the bill.
- We checked out early to catch our train.
- Don’t forget to check out before noon to avoid extra charges.
- She checked out of the resort and headed to the airport.
3. Set off
Meaning: To begin a journey.
- We set off at dawn to avoid traffic.
- They set off on their road trip with great excitement.
- After packing, we set off for the mountains.
4. Pick up
Meaning: To collect someone or something.
- Can you pick me up from the airport?
- She picked up some souvenirs for her friends.
- The tour bus will pick up passengers at 9 AM.
5. Drop off
Meaning: To take someone or something to a place and leave them there.
- The taxi dropped us off at the beach.
- I’ll drop you off at the train station on my way to work.
- He dropped off his luggage at the hotel before exploring.
6. Look around
Meaning: To explore or visit a place.
- We spent the afternoon looking around the old town.
- Tourists love to look around the local markets.
- Before leaving, she looked around the museum one last time.
7. Get away
Meaning: To go on a holiday or escape from daily life.
- They got away for a weekend in the countryside.
- We need to get away from the city for some relaxation.
- She got away to the beach to unwind.
8. Go back
Meaning: To return to a place.
- We went back to the same hotel we stayed in last year.
- After the tour, we went back to the hotel to rest.
- He went back to the shop to buy the souvenir he liked.
9. Hang out
Meaning: To spend time relaxing or socializing.
- We hung out at the beach all day.
- They hung out in the hotel lobby, chatting with other guests.
- Tourists often hang out in cafés to enjoy the local vibe.
10. Take off
Meaning: When a plane leaves the ground; also means to remove clothing.
- Our flight takes off at 6 PM.
- He took off his jacket as soon as he entered the warm hotel.
- The plane took off smoothly despite the bad weather.
Exercises: Practice Using Holiday Phrasal Verbs
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list above.
- We need to __________ at the hotel before noon.
- The bus will __________ passengers at the main square.
- They __________ early to avoid the rush hour.
- After breakfast, we __________ the historic district.
- She __________ her keys at the reception desk.
Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Check in | a) To leave a hotel after paying |
| Set off | b) To begin a journey |
| Get away | c) To register at a hotel or airport |
| Look around | d) To explore a place |
| Take off | e) When a plane leaves the ground |
Answer Key
Exercise 1:
- check in
- pick up
- set off
- looked around
- dropped off
Exercise 2:
- Check in – c)
- Set off – b)
- Get away – (Not listed, but means “to go on holiday”)
- Look around – d)
- Take off – e)