How to correctly use the expression “safe travel(s)”?
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
A colleague of mine recently reached out to me. I asked if he would like to meet up sometime to which he notified me that he would be traveling the remainder of this week. In what context is it okay to use the expression safe travel or safe travels? Does it depend on the method of travel (seeing as for flying this could come off as ominous)?
Thank you for your quick reply.
Safe Travels,
John Doe
meaning expressions expression-choice politeness
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
A colleague of mine recently reached out to me. I asked if he would like to meet up sometime to which he notified me that he would be traveling the remainder of this week. In what context is it okay to use the expression safe travel or safe travels? Does it depend on the method of travel (seeing as for flying this could come off as ominous)?
Thank you for your quick reply.
Safe Travels,
John Doe
meaning expressions expression-choice politeness
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
As a letter closing? @Hugh
– sudobangbang
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
2
In this case "travels" is likely correct, and possibly more so than the singular version. The implication is that the person being addressed is (or will be) engaged is some sort of extended traveling (method does not matter) and hence more than one "travel". For the case of a simple trip, however, "Have a safe trip" would be more idiomatic. And note that using the plural of "travel" is somewhat archaic and mainly used in salutations and the like. (And normally "travels" should not be capitalized in a salutation like that.)
– Hot Licks
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
I think what we're looking at here is a non-native speaker's non-idiomatic variant of [have a] safe journey, and I see little point in poring over it for syntactic "correctness".
– FumbleFingers
Jul 16 '15 at 12:49
3
I always avoid saying have a safe journey or safe travels. I tend to say things like enjoy your meanderings or some such inconsequential remark. Wishing safe travel merely adds to the disproportionate perception of danger that most people maintain.
– WS2
Jul 16 '15 at 13:23
3
Anecdotally...I read this question yesterday, and today heard three separate people wish someone safe travels. All three were native speakers of (American) English, academics, and speaking to someone who would be travelling over the winter break.
– 1006a
Dec 22 '16 at 2:58
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
A colleague of mine recently reached out to me. I asked if he would like to meet up sometime to which he notified me that he would be traveling the remainder of this week. In what context is it okay to use the expression safe travel or safe travels? Does it depend on the method of travel (seeing as for flying this could come off as ominous)?
Thank you for your quick reply.
Safe Travels,
John Doe
meaning expressions expression-choice politeness
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
A colleague of mine recently reached out to me. I asked if he would like to meet up sometime to which he notified me that he would be traveling the remainder of this week. In what context is it okay to use the expression safe travel or safe travels? Does it depend on the method of travel (seeing as for flying this could come off as ominous)?
Thank you for your quick reply.
Safe Travels,
John Doe
meaning expressions expression-choice politeness
meaning expressions expression-choice politeness
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
edited Oct 2 '17 at 8:10
Wrzlprmft
3,4362141
3,4362141
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
asked Jul 16 '15 at 12:33
sudobangbang
153114
153114
As a letter closing? @Hugh
– sudobangbang
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
2
In this case "travels" is likely correct, and possibly more so than the singular version. The implication is that the person being addressed is (or will be) engaged is some sort of extended traveling (method does not matter) and hence more than one "travel". For the case of a simple trip, however, "Have a safe trip" would be more idiomatic. And note that using the plural of "travel" is somewhat archaic and mainly used in salutations and the like. (And normally "travels" should not be capitalized in a salutation like that.)
– Hot Licks
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
I think what we're looking at here is a non-native speaker's non-idiomatic variant of [have a] safe journey, and I see little point in poring over it for syntactic "correctness".
– FumbleFingers
Jul 16 '15 at 12:49
3
I always avoid saying have a safe journey or safe travels. I tend to say things like enjoy your meanderings or some such inconsequential remark. Wishing safe travel merely adds to the disproportionate perception of danger that most people maintain.
– WS2
Jul 16 '15 at 13:23
3
Anecdotally...I read this question yesterday, and today heard three separate people wish someone safe travels. All three were native speakers of (American) English, academics, and speaking to someone who would be travelling over the winter break.
– 1006a
Dec 22 '16 at 2:58
|
show 4 more comments
As a letter closing? @Hugh
– sudobangbang
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
2
In this case "travels" is likely correct, and possibly more so than the singular version. The implication is that the person being addressed is (or will be) engaged is some sort of extended traveling (method does not matter) and hence more than one "travel". For the case of a simple trip, however, "Have a safe trip" would be more idiomatic. And note that using the plural of "travel" is somewhat archaic and mainly used in salutations and the like. (And normally "travels" should not be capitalized in a salutation like that.)
– Hot Licks
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
I think what we're looking at here is a non-native speaker's non-idiomatic variant of [have a] safe journey, and I see little point in poring over it for syntactic "correctness".
– FumbleFingers
Jul 16 '15 at 12:49
3
I always avoid saying have a safe journey or safe travels. I tend to say things like enjoy your meanderings or some such inconsequential remark. Wishing safe travel merely adds to the disproportionate perception of danger that most people maintain.
– WS2
Jul 16 '15 at 13:23
3
Anecdotally...I read this question yesterday, and today heard three separate people wish someone safe travels. All three were native speakers of (American) English, academics, and speaking to someone who would be travelling over the winter break.
– 1006a
Dec 22 '16 at 2:58
As a letter closing? @Hugh
– sudobangbang
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
As a letter closing? @Hugh
– sudobangbang
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
2
2
In this case "travels" is likely correct, and possibly more so than the singular version. The implication is that the person being addressed is (or will be) engaged is some sort of extended traveling (method does not matter) and hence more than one "travel". For the case of a simple trip, however, "Have a safe trip" would be more idiomatic. And note that using the plural of "travel" is somewhat archaic and mainly used in salutations and the like. (And normally "travels" should not be capitalized in a salutation like that.)
– Hot Licks
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
In this case "travels" is likely correct, and possibly more so than the singular version. The implication is that the person being addressed is (or will be) engaged is some sort of extended traveling (method does not matter) and hence more than one "travel". For the case of a simple trip, however, "Have a safe trip" would be more idiomatic. And note that using the plural of "travel" is somewhat archaic and mainly used in salutations and the like. (And normally "travels" should not be capitalized in a salutation like that.)
– Hot Licks
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
I think what we're looking at here is a non-native speaker's non-idiomatic variant of [have a] safe journey, and I see little point in poring over it for syntactic "correctness".
– FumbleFingers
Jul 16 '15 at 12:49
I think what we're looking at here is a non-native speaker's non-idiomatic variant of [have a] safe journey, and I see little point in poring over it for syntactic "correctness".
– FumbleFingers
Jul 16 '15 at 12:49
3
3
I always avoid saying have a safe journey or safe travels. I tend to say things like enjoy your meanderings or some such inconsequential remark. Wishing safe travel merely adds to the disproportionate perception of danger that most people maintain.
– WS2
Jul 16 '15 at 13:23
I always avoid saying have a safe journey or safe travels. I tend to say things like enjoy your meanderings or some such inconsequential remark. Wishing safe travel merely adds to the disproportionate perception of danger that most people maintain.
– WS2
Jul 16 '15 at 13:23
3
3
Anecdotally...I read this question yesterday, and today heard three separate people wish someone safe travels. All three were native speakers of (American) English, academics, and speaking to someone who would be travelling over the winter break.
– 1006a
Dec 22 '16 at 2:58
Anecdotally...I read this question yesterday, and today heard three separate people wish someone safe travels. All three were native speakers of (American) English, academics, and speaking to someone who would be travelling over the winter break.
– 1006a
Dec 22 '16 at 2:58
|
show 4 more comments
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
"[I wish you] safe travel." uses the uncountable form of the noun. It refers to an amalgamation of all of the travels one might undertake in the specific time period.
"[I wish you] safe travels." uses the countable noun. We understand that a number of separate travels will occur, perhaps in a single trip with stopovers.
Notes:
Although I have added 'I wish you', that doesn't mean I endorse the phrases that way - it's just to make the grammar clear.
The expression "Safe Travels" as a valediction seems perfectly acceptable to me. It may not be what most native speakers would say but it is polite and meaningful.
EDIT
A better known phrase is "Travel safely!" This is a friendly imperative. You'll find lots of examples online. Try searching Google Images for example.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Technically, you are to assume that he will be traveling at least twice. Once to his destination and once back. So I would stick with "safe travels" as you have done.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Safe travels - is a polite way of wishing someone a safe journey, where ever they may be headed, as well as a good time. Bad traveling accommodation can be an attributing factor to someone having an awful trip or vacation... here's a poem from New Yorker entitled "Safe travels"
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Personally...I like safe travels; it encompasses all method of travel and covers all locations that may be traversed.
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
I say it in addition to a good bye when someone is going away. I think there is always a bit of stress and uncertainty when traveling. When I say "safe travels", it doesn't imply anything ominous. It just means I hope everything goes to plan. Vacations are a lot of planning and it only takes 1 minor accident to change your whole vacation plan.
I have a website that gives out free vacation packages and whenever I come in contact with a visitor I always wish them safe travels.
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "97"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f260005%2fhow-to-correctly-use-the-expression-safe-travels%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
"[I wish you] safe travel." uses the uncountable form of the noun. It refers to an amalgamation of all of the travels one might undertake in the specific time period.
"[I wish you] safe travels." uses the countable noun. We understand that a number of separate travels will occur, perhaps in a single trip with stopovers.
Notes:
Although I have added 'I wish you', that doesn't mean I endorse the phrases that way - it's just to make the grammar clear.
The expression "Safe Travels" as a valediction seems perfectly acceptable to me. It may not be what most native speakers would say but it is polite and meaningful.
EDIT
A better known phrase is "Travel safely!" This is a friendly imperative. You'll find lots of examples online. Try searching Google Images for example.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
"[I wish you] safe travel." uses the uncountable form of the noun. It refers to an amalgamation of all of the travels one might undertake in the specific time period.
"[I wish you] safe travels." uses the countable noun. We understand that a number of separate travels will occur, perhaps in a single trip with stopovers.
Notes:
Although I have added 'I wish you', that doesn't mean I endorse the phrases that way - it's just to make the grammar clear.
The expression "Safe Travels" as a valediction seems perfectly acceptable to me. It may not be what most native speakers would say but it is polite and meaningful.
EDIT
A better known phrase is "Travel safely!" This is a friendly imperative. You'll find lots of examples online. Try searching Google Images for example.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
"[I wish you] safe travel." uses the uncountable form of the noun. It refers to an amalgamation of all of the travels one might undertake in the specific time period.
"[I wish you] safe travels." uses the countable noun. We understand that a number of separate travels will occur, perhaps in a single trip with stopovers.
Notes:
Although I have added 'I wish you', that doesn't mean I endorse the phrases that way - it's just to make the grammar clear.
The expression "Safe Travels" as a valediction seems perfectly acceptable to me. It may not be what most native speakers would say but it is polite and meaningful.
EDIT
A better known phrase is "Travel safely!" This is a friendly imperative. You'll find lots of examples online. Try searching Google Images for example.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
"[I wish you] safe travel." uses the uncountable form of the noun. It refers to an amalgamation of all of the travels one might undertake in the specific time period.
"[I wish you] safe travels." uses the countable noun. We understand that a number of separate travels will occur, perhaps in a single trip with stopovers.
Notes:
Although I have added 'I wish you', that doesn't mean I endorse the phrases that way - it's just to make the grammar clear.
The expression "Safe Travels" as a valediction seems perfectly acceptable to me. It may not be what most native speakers would say but it is polite and meaningful.
EDIT
A better known phrase is "Travel safely!" This is a friendly imperative. You'll find lots of examples online. Try searching Google Images for example.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
edited Jul 16 '15 at 17:12
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:04
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
22.7k13068
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Technically, you are to assume that he will be traveling at least twice. Once to his destination and once back. So I would stick with "safe travels" as you have done.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Technically, you are to assume that he will be traveling at least twice. Once to his destination and once back. So I would stick with "safe travels" as you have done.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Technically, you are to assume that he will be traveling at least twice. Once to his destination and once back. So I would stick with "safe travels" as you have done.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
Technically, you are to assume that he will be traveling at least twice. Once to his destination and once back. So I would stick with "safe travels" as you have done.
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
answered Jul 16 '15 at 13:01
Rj Geraci
23514
23514
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Safe travels - is a polite way of wishing someone a safe journey, where ever they may be headed, as well as a good time. Bad traveling accommodation can be an attributing factor to someone having an awful trip or vacation... here's a poem from New Yorker entitled "Safe travels"
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Safe travels - is a polite way of wishing someone a safe journey, where ever they may be headed, as well as a good time. Bad traveling accommodation can be an attributing factor to someone having an awful trip or vacation... here's a poem from New Yorker entitled "Safe travels"
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Safe travels - is a polite way of wishing someone a safe journey, where ever they may be headed, as well as a good time. Bad traveling accommodation can be an attributing factor to someone having an awful trip or vacation... here's a poem from New Yorker entitled "Safe travels"
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
Safe travels - is a polite way of wishing someone a safe journey, where ever they may be headed, as well as a good time. Bad traveling accommodation can be an attributing factor to someone having an awful trip or vacation... here's a poem from New Yorker entitled "Safe travels"
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
edited Nov 6 '17 at 18:11
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
answered Nov 6 '17 at 17:19
Nelson
13
13
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Personally...I like safe travels; it encompasses all method of travel and covers all locations that may be traversed.
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Personally...I like safe travels; it encompasses all method of travel and covers all locations that may be traversed.
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
up vote
-1
down vote
Personally...I like safe travels; it encompasses all method of travel and covers all locations that may be traversed.
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
Personally...I like safe travels; it encompasses all method of travel and covers all locations that may be traversed.
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
answered Oct 1 '17 at 22:37
Sylvie
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
I say it in addition to a good bye when someone is going away. I think there is always a bit of stress and uncertainty when traveling. When I say "safe travels", it doesn't imply anything ominous. It just means I hope everything goes to plan. Vacations are a lot of planning and it only takes 1 minor accident to change your whole vacation plan.
I have a website that gives out free vacation packages and whenever I come in contact with a visitor I always wish them safe travels.
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
I say it in addition to a good bye when someone is going away. I think there is always a bit of stress and uncertainty when traveling. When I say "safe travels", it doesn't imply anything ominous. It just means I hope everything goes to plan. Vacations are a lot of planning and it only takes 1 minor accident to change your whole vacation plan.
I have a website that gives out free vacation packages and whenever I come in contact with a visitor I always wish them safe travels.
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
up vote
-1
down vote
I say it in addition to a good bye when someone is going away. I think there is always a bit of stress and uncertainty when traveling. When I say "safe travels", it doesn't imply anything ominous. It just means I hope everything goes to plan. Vacations are a lot of planning and it only takes 1 minor accident to change your whole vacation plan.
I have a website that gives out free vacation packages and whenever I come in contact with a visitor I always wish them safe travels.
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I say it in addition to a good bye when someone is going away. I think there is always a bit of stress and uncertainty when traveling. When I say "safe travels", it doesn't imply anything ominous. It just means I hope everything goes to plan. Vacations are a lot of planning and it only takes 1 minor accident to change your whole vacation plan.
I have a website that gives out free vacation packages and whenever I come in contact with a visitor I always wish them safe travels.
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
answered 9 mins ago
Travel Graphics
1
1
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Travel Graphics is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f260005%2fhow-to-correctly-use-the-expression-safe-travels%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
As a letter closing? @Hugh
– sudobangbang
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
2
In this case "travels" is likely correct, and possibly more so than the singular version. The implication is that the person being addressed is (or will be) engaged is some sort of extended traveling (method does not matter) and hence more than one "travel". For the case of a simple trip, however, "Have a safe trip" would be more idiomatic. And note that using the plural of "travel" is somewhat archaic and mainly used in salutations and the like. (And normally "travels" should not be capitalized in a salutation like that.)
– Hot Licks
Jul 16 '15 at 12:39
I think what we're looking at here is a non-native speaker's non-idiomatic variant of [have a] safe journey, and I see little point in poring over it for syntactic "correctness".
– FumbleFingers
Jul 16 '15 at 12:49
3
I always avoid saying have a safe journey or safe travels. I tend to say things like enjoy your meanderings or some such inconsequential remark. Wishing safe travel merely adds to the disproportionate perception of danger that most people maintain.
– WS2
Jul 16 '15 at 13:23
3
Anecdotally...I read this question yesterday, and today heard three separate people wish someone safe travels. All three were native speakers of (American) English, academics, and speaking to someone who would be travelling over the winter break.
– 1006a
Dec 22 '16 at 2:58