Have a ‘safe’ journey

I agree and I also hate it when people say, 'Drive safe!'

What on earth is that supposed to mean?

Oh dear I'm afraid I'm guilty! It has now become something I feel I have to say when the children leave for a long journey, on a par with saying goodbye.

Oh dear I often wish people 'safe journey'

Me too, although I like it when others say it to me, it sounds caring.

I don’t really think of car crashes, more that I have a pleasant and uneventful journey with no traffic jams.

The number of people injured or killed in flying accidents is a tiny, tiny, tiny percentage of the whole, much, much lower than for road journeys. Stop moaning about people trying to be kind! It's not their fault if you worry and imagine horrible things. The difference between the words safe and good is not huge. Have a good journey includes the safe bit and have a safe journey includes the good bit.

I tend to say 'take care'. The trouble is, my sister having been killed in a road accident and, separately, my daughter severely injured in one. Both the innocent victims of a concatenation of events rather than the victims of dangerous drivers, it is difficult to say anything to some one starting a journey that isn't freighted with significance. I wish I could think of something.

I wonder if “Farewell” would do?

I hate it in shops when at the conclusion of the sale they say 'have a good/great day'. Lots of people, pensioners in particular, are coping with difficult lives and this is the last thing that is happening to them. It's all part of the new customer care style and I don't like it.

NanKate so because some people are coping with difficult lives, does that mean there can be nothing good about their day for example via a cheery greeting from a friendly sales person (who is probably just following instructions).

Blimey! Who knew I’ve been giving offence to people like the OP for years !!!!

I’m with Baggs !

On Friday, at the end of a long and busy working week my son came to visit for dinner and then attend a concert given by his grandmother. Afterwards we had a family gathering and my son left us at about midnight for his journey home. I did indeed tell him to drive safely (because I knew he was tired and it's a busy motorway he has to drive on) and also to send me a text when he was safely home. My words were not casually said - I really did want him to take extra care.

We all say these things when what we mean is ' we care about you'. Its very innocuous better than no-one saying anything at all.

It's just a modern version of bon voyage, surely? After all, when we say goodbye, we're also saying 'God be with you'.

If OH and I part I always find myself saying "Go carefully" to him. I hope it shows him I care and he'll also take care of himself.

I do wish people a pleasant journey too, hoping they don't have delays at airports or meet traffic jams on the roads. It could also mean I hope terrorists don't strike, or a building doesn't collapse, or they're not involved in an incident, etc, I suppose, but I cannot imagine why wishing people well can ever be offensive?

In Scotland there's a saying 'ca canny' which means go well or take care. I like it!

Shows people care about you

As a holiday rep we were told when saying goodbye to guests NEVER, EVER wish them a safe journey, as this puts possible risks in mind. We always used pleasant journey.

At last someone agrees with me.

I usually say, 'Have a good journey' or 'take care' if the weather is bad and the traffic likely to be heavy.

Until my children were about twelve, I used to say "watch crossing the road" every time they left the house. I felt if I didn't say it I would tempt fate. Lets face it. We are all full of fear for our loved ones.

Have never really thought about it before, I suppose ‘have a safe journey’ sounds like you have a choice. You could be a very careful driver but if you meet a reckless one on a sharp bend....
Have a good pleasant journey sounds better (again not in our control)

Forward lash missing between good and pleasant

The South Africans' have a saying "Go well" which I think covers all sorts of good wishes for a journey.

I say 'Happy Landings', but haven't heard anyone else using the phrase for ages...still, I feel it's a bit more cheerful than fly safe etc.