To Take Time Off Work

Meaning: we use this expression when we say we’re going to go on

holiday. It might not be a long holiday. It might be a short holiday. It
could be your summer vacation. But we like to take time off work
occasionally to enjoy ourselves or to join our family or just to have a
break. So to take time off work means to take a few days or a couple of
weeks, or sometimes even a little longer.
Example:
- I’m taking a few days off work to go to a family wedding.

Usually, it’s referring to holidays. Of course, it could be to do with

illness.
Example:
- He had to take time off work to get over the bad flu.
- He had to take time off work to go to a relative’s funeral.

But in travelling, we take time off work to enjoy our holidays

somewhere

Off The Beaten Track

Meaning: places that have not been visited by many thousands or

millions of people, not seen by many people
Example:
This place is off the beaten track, but it is worth seeing.

An Affordable Destination
Meaning: something that is within your budget.
Example:
We’re going on a holiday this year, but because of the problems with the
children, we’re looking for an affordable destination somewhere in Europe.
Our friends are looking for an affordable destination for a city break.

To Make Advance Reservations

Meaning: to reserve the plane or train seats, to book your

accommodation or to book tables in a restaurant before you go. It could
be a few days in advance or well in advance.
Example:
Do you have to make advance reservations for the tours?

To Encounter Problems

Meaning: to come across or come up against problems, to have something

that is going to cause you a little bit of discomfort on your holiday
Example:
When we encountered problems withe our rental accommodation there was
little help around.

A Packaged Deal/Holiday

Meaning: a holiday deal that combines everything.

Example:
We decided not to pick our own holiday this year. Instead, we went into a
travel agent and bought a packaged deal.
A package holiday wasn’t such a bad idea. We had to do nothing.

Value For Money

Meaning: something that is not expensive and we don’t feel that we are

charged too much
Example:
It was a nice holiday. Nice travel, nice atmosphere and overall value for
money.

To Travel Light

Meaning: to bring very few things with you when you travel somewhere
Example:
After our last trip to Europe, it was apparent we need to travel light.

Self-Catering Accommodation

Meaning: an accommodation with facilities to cook your own meals

Example:
The big advantage of self-catering accommodation is that it’s usually a much
lower cost than formal accommodation in a 3-4-5 star hotel.

Do As Locals Do

Meaning: do something less touristy and which gives a true taste of local
culture
Example:
The best way to really understand Rome is to do as locals do.

To Get Away From It All

Meaning: to escape your daily routine, typically by taking a holiday

Example:
Why don’t you get away from it all and escape to the country?