whirlwind tour

Meaning

A 'whirlwind tour' (or 'whirlwind trip') is a journey or visit that happens extremely quickly, with many different places visited or activities done in a very short period of time. Just like a whirlwind (a fast-spinning column of air), this kind of trip is hectic, energetic, and often exhausting, leaving little time to relax.

Examples

• We did a whirlwind tour of Europe, visiting five countries in just ten days.

  We did a whirlwind tour of Europe, visiting five countries in just ten days.

• The president is on a whirlwind tour of Asia to meet with several key world leaders.

  The president is on a whirlwind tour of Asia to meet with several key world leaders.

• It was a whirlwind tour of the city; we saw the museum, the park, and the cathedral all before lunch.

  It was a whirlwind tour of the city; we saw the museum, the park, and the cathedral all before lunch.

• I'm exhausted after our whirlwind tour of potential wedding venues this weekend.

  I'm exhausted after our whirlwind tour of potential wedding venues this weekend.

• They are planning a whirlwind tour of the East Coast to show their kids the major historical sites.

  They are planning a whirlwind tour of the East Coast to show their kids the major historical sites.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We had a fastwind tour of the museum.

  ✓ We had a whirlwind tour of the museum.

  The correct word is 'whirlwind' (associated with spinning wind). Substituting other wind-related words like 'fastwind' or 'speedwind' is incorrect.

• ✗ I enjoyed my relaxing, whirlwind tour of the countryside.

  ✓ I enjoyed my relaxing, slow-paced tour of the countryside.

  A 'whirlwind tour' is by definition fast, busy, and often tiring. It contradicts the concept of a relaxing, slow-paced vacation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We only had three days in Tokyo, so it was a ___ of the major sights.

  💡 a very fast and busy trip

  Show answer

  whirlwind tour

• The band is currently on a ___ of North America, playing 15 cities in 18 days.

  💡 a rapid, jam-packed concert schedule

  Show answer

  whirlwind tour