essential travel phrases

73+ Essential Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know

Disclosure: This essential travel phrases article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

How do you say “ You have a nice smile ” in Samoan? How to say “ You have beautiful eyes ” in Fijian? Those might not be the essential travel phrases , like Hello or Thank you. But we can all agree that (mis)communication is part of traveling. And language barriers are real. That is why I always find it extremely useful to learn words and phrases in the language of a country I am visiting. Why? It shows respect. People will be nicer to you. A new language will enhance local experiences and understanding of the culture . IT will make traveling easier and it is a great way to make new friends. So what are those common travel phrases ?

🔢 If you have been wondering “In how many languages does Anja know how to count to 10?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Traveling to 40+ countries I’ve learned that only knowing Slovenian will not help me. Shocking right! I was also wrong to assume that everyone speaks English . Knowing KiSwahili gave me a better starting point when bargaining for the prices in Zanzibar . Knowing essential phrases in French helped me in Vanuatu , and knowing how to ask for directions helped me in Japan . And learning Samoan and Fiji helped me when buying fruits in local markets. So next time, when planning your trip, don’t just search for the best things to do in Zanzibar, Japan itinerary , or about Dubai hotels . You should also learn useful phrases for traveling. What are those phrases? Let’s have a look at some useful phrases for traveling .

for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PHRASES: • 73+ Essential ENGLISH Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know • 73+ Essential ARABIC Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF • 73+ Essential GREEK Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday & Download • 73+ Essential JAPANESE Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet • 73+ Essential SLOVENIAN Travel Phrases for your trip to Slovenia & Free Download • 73+ Essential SWAHILI Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download for WORDS & PHRASES in 101 different languages: • How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages • How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages • How to say Hello in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Love in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say I love you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Thank you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Happy Birthday in 101 different languages spoken In the World • How to say Happy New Year in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Friend in 101 different languages spoken around the World with Pronunciation

and ALSO READ: • WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT HORSESHOE BEND • HOW TO SPEND A HALF DAY AT GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM • WHICH GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER TOUR IS THE BEST FIT FOR YOU • WHERE TO STAY NEAR ANTELOPE CANYON: THE BEST 10 PICKS • 10 BEST PLACES TO STAY NEAR HORSESHOE BEND YOU WILL LOVE • HOW TO GET FROM LAS VEGAS TO GRAND CANYON BY CAR – FANTASTIC ROAD TRIP GUIDE • BEST PLACES TO STAY NEAR GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM – 31 AWESOME AND UNIQUE HOTELS

Table of Contents

📌 Don’t have time for a quiz now? Pin i t for later!

1. What are Travel Phrases?

Travel phrases are useful phrases to know when traveling abroad. They are a collection of the most common and frequently used words and expressions we use when visiting foreign countries.  From basic greetings to phrases for seeking directions , ordering food , and engaging in cultural exchanges. From a simple ‘’hello’’ and ‘’thank you’’ to longer phrases like ‘’where is the bathroom” and “what is the WiFi password”. Travel phrases equip you with the confidence and ability to connect with locals , by speaking their language , and immerse yourself in authentic experiences .

Don’t have time to read now? Pin it for later!

2. How to learn short Travel Phrases and Travel Terms

Before we find out what those useful travel phrases are, let’s talk about how to learn them . It might seem daunting but it is actually fun. The reality is, if you will be traveling for at least a couple of days, you will pick up the basic words while abroad . And if you will be spending some time with locals, they will teach you the bad words first anyway. Which you will remember the fastest. 🙂 Now, depending on your destination country, some travel words and phrases will be easier for you to remember than others. People who know these things say that a person can memorize 50 new words per day . My humble estimation would be 10 . This would potentially mean, you can learn all the essential travel phrases in a day or two . I am a realistic optimist and would say to start learning sooner. Like a week before or more.

2.1. Duolingo

I love using Duolingo . It is a free app, where you choose how many minutes you can invest in learning a language and the purpose of your learning (travel). You can choose from more than 30+ languages and I love that lessons are bite-sized . Currently learning Italian for my Tuscany trip but love Polynesian languages – like Hawaiian and Samoan. Duolingo makes learning a language easy . It uses text, speech and is showing cards. So you can hear the pronunciation, see how the word is written and the translation of it plus a visual representation of the words. A great way to learn no matter where you are. Language: Italian, Hawaiian, Swahili  (40+ languages) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free & In App purchases

There are other apps, that have a free trial and then offer paid memberships. Among those, I tried and loved Babbel and Innovative languages . When I was using those two, I was more invested in actually learning the language and not just common travel phrases. Feel free to test out a few and find which one works best for your learning style.

Pinning is winning and sharing is caring! What are you choosing?

3. Essential travel phrases

3.1. basic travel phrases.

Those travelling words in English combine expressions that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and serving as a basis for every communication.

• I don’t understand
• Do you speak [language]?
• What is the WiFi password?
• Could you take my picture?
• Where is the bathroom?

ALSO READ: • How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages

3.2. Common travel phrases for greetings and introductions

Below you will find what are some basic greetings tourists should know. Travel greetings lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression.

• Good morning
• Good evening
• Nice to meet you
• How are you?
• My name is …
• How do you say […] in [language]?
• Speak slowly, please

3.3. Essential travel phrases for directions and getting around

Basic phrases for asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around.

• What time is …
• How do I get to …
• How far away is …
• Do you have a map?
• When does the next … arrive?
• How long does it take to get to….?
• Spatial demonstratives: here / there
• Cardinal Directions: North / South / East / West
• Directions: left / right / straight / back / up / down
• Mode of transport: car / bus / train / taxi / metro / plane
• Buildings and places: bathroom / restaurant / hotel / bank / pharmacy / hospital

ALSO READ: • 73+ Essential Greek Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday

3.4. Useful phrases for traveling when ordering food and drinks

Useful phrases when travelling for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines.

• I’m allergic to …
• The bill, please.
• I would like to have …
• May I see the menu?
• What are the specials? 
• What do you recommend?
• Types of diets: Vegetarian / vegan / gluten free
• Food flavors: sweet / bitter / sour / salty / spicy
• Drinks: coffee / tea / water / juice / wine / beer
• Food allergens: milk / eggs / fish / peanuts / shellfish / wheat / soybeans

3.5. Practical travel terms for shopping

Essential phrases for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques.

• Could I try this on?
• Do you have this in …
• Excuse me, I’m looking for… 
• Is this on sale?
• When do you open/close? 
• Do you accept credit cards?
• Size: bigger / smaller
• Numbers: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
• Larger numbers: 50 / 100 / 1000
• Colors: white / yellow / orange/ red / blue / green / pink / purple / grey / brown / black

🔢 “In how many languages does Anja know how to count to 10?” right now probably in around 7 or 8, but when living abroad this number was between 13-15 languages.

ALSO READ: • 73+ Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan

3.6. Useful phrases for travelling when checking in a hotel

Phrases you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate.

• … is not working.
• Do you have WiFi?
• Can I drink the tap water?
• Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Essentials: toilet paper / key / towel
• Amenities: air conditioning / fan / heater / hairdryer

3.7. Helpful travel terms in case of emergencies

Here you will find helpful important phrases to know when traveling in case of emergencies, natural disasters or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations.

• There is a …
• Please call the …
• I lost my passport
• My money was stolen
• Natural hazards: fire / flood / earthquake
• First responders: police / firemen / ambulance

3.8. Beyond essential travel phrases to compliment someone

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the essential travel phrases. I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;

• You have beautiful eyes
• You have a beautiful smile

4. Best language Apps for traveling abroad

When it comes to language learning , the options are diverse. You can choose from apps, traditional textbooks, and language courses to podcasts and YouTube videos. I would recommend the previously mentioned Duolingo . In case you fell short and can’t learn the essential travel phrases, or if the situations come your way when those phrases won’t be enough , below you will find language apps I use for you to download before your next trip.

4.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places. I’m sure you are already familiar with this best language app for travel. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘ camera translation ’. All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone. Language: 133 languages Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

4.2. VoiceTra

VoiceTra is a language translation app that translates speech into another language . It is a perfect app for all travelers, supports 31 languages and can be used for free . Although, to make VoiceTra work you will need an Internet connection . The app translates in both ways. From English to foreign language and vice versa . It also offers text input. VoiceTra is great for simple, everyday conversations that you may encounter. Perfect to conquer the language barrier and even more amazing since it allows instant switching between two languages. Use it when buying admission tickets, asking for directions, when on a train or bus, while shopping, or when checking in at a hotel. Language: English, French, Spanish (32 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

4.3. SayHi Translate

SayHi Translate language app is an easy-to-use app, designed to be quick, and simple. All you have to do is press a button and start speaking. The app will transcribe your speech quickly and accurately. It supports 101 languages and dialects. It is a free app without any advertisements or hidden fees. In order for the app to work, you will need an internet connection . As soon as you speak, the app will return text and audio in another language. It super easy to change languages quickly and you can even speed up or slow down your speech and choose between male and female voice. Use it on your travels when in an UBER or taxi in a foreign land, when buying local souvenirs from a local lady or when checking in a lovely and unique homestay. Language: English, Arabic, Polish (101 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

5. Final thoughts on Essential Travel Phrases and Words

Whether it’s a warm greeting, ordering a meal, or expressing gratitude, are only a few useful phrases when traveling that not only open doors to easier communication but also show respect and help you to understand the destination in a different way. Before traveling abroad, learn at least a couple of common travel phrases that will help you navigate through various situations abroad. Travel terms for greetings and introductions and words showcasing politeness. Basic phrases for asking for directions, ordering food, and checking in a hotel. 

Learn useful phrases for traveling with the help of a language app like Duolingo, learn words when on a destination, or combine both with a language translation app like Google Translate. Find what works best for you and overcome language barriers. What travelling phrases do you think are essential? Bon voyage, Anja

➤ What you should read next …

• How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages • How to say Happy Birthday in 101 different languages • How to say Happy New Year in 100+ different languages spoken around the World • How to say I love you in 101 different languages • How to say Hello in 101 different languages

📌 Lik e it? Pin it!

✈ Travel like a PRO

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

What are essential travel phrases?

Travel phrases are useful phrases to know when traveling abroad. They are a collection of the most common and frequently used words and expressions we use when visiting foreign countries. From basic greetings to phrases for seeking directions, ordering food, and engaging in cultural exchanges.

What are some basic travel phrases for greetings and introductions?

Hello | Goodbye | Nice to meet you Phrases for greetings lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression. Find more essential travel phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are some common English travel phrases?

Thank you | Please | Excuse me These common travel phrases showcase politeness and cultural respect, fostering positive interactions with locals. Find more common travel phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are some useful travel phrases for directions and getting around?

Where is … | How do I get to … ? | How long …? Useful expressions for travelling for directions enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around. Find more useful sentences for travelling and common travel language phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are essential travel phrases when ordering food and drinks?

May I see the menu? | What do you recommend? | Is this … | I’m allergic to … Those are useful travel phrases in English for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences to ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines. Find more English travel expressions on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are practical travel terms for shopping?

How much does it cost? | Could I try this on? | Do you accept credit cards? Practical travel words in English for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques. Find more useful English phrases for travelling on Anja On Adventure blog.

What are helpful travel terms in case of emergencies?

Help | I am lost | Please call the … Helpful travel English phrases to learn when traveling are great to know in case of emergencies, natural disasters or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations. Find more English travel terms and phrases on Anja On Adventure blog.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

2 thoughts on “73+ Essential Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know”

I love languages and love this idea. I always try to learn a little of the local language when travelling – I find it so much fun. Love this post!

Thank you so much Maryanne! There is more of those coming … Planning to post one for the language of each country I have visited…

Comments are closed.

Home » Travel » Travel Tips » 23 Essential Travel Terms and Phrases You Should Know

23 Essential Travel Terms and Phrases You Should Know

How do you prepare for the best travel experience possible? Do you research the must-see places and best restaurants, read an article or two on travel safety, and call it a day? You should also learn some essential travel terms and phrases to make the most of your trip.

Knowing a handful of travel words and phrases in your destination’s native language gives you more freedom to explore. Had I traveled to Japan without taking the time to learn some basic Japanese, I would have been too intimidated to get off the beaten path.

Even in the world’s most visited cities, assuming English is enough to get by is a big travel mistake .

How to Learn Short Travel Phrases

Before every international trip, I spend 10-15 minutes a day for a week practicing the phrases below. I also spend 30 minutes or so on the plane/train reviewing these phrases so they’re fresh in my mind.

I use a mix of Google Translate, web search, and YouTube to help me learn the words and proper pronunciation. Combining Google translate with a web search for “how to say [phrase] in [language]” is critical, as Google Translate is known to give the wrong translation out of context.

For example, typing in the word “bill” could return the translation for a law document instead of the restaurant tab. It’s always best to cross check words with multiple meanings.

If you don’t have Google Translate already on your phone, install it before your trip. You should also download the language’s dictionary for offline use. Then, add the phrases below to your phrasebook by translating them in the app and tapping the star button.

The whole process takes about five minutes, and you can refer back to the spelling and pronunciation whenever you need!

Finally, if you’re traveling with others, don’t rely on someone else to speak the local language. If you get separated from that person, you’ll be on your own for communication.

Without further ado, here are 23 phrases to learn in any language before traveling abroad.

General Travel Terms and Phrases

• You’re Welcome
• Do you speak [language]?
• I don’t understand
• I need help

RELATED: How to Save Money While Traveling Abroad

Tourist Words for Getting Around

• Where is…?
• Does this go to…?
• Which way to…?
• Train Station

RELATED: 26 Easy Ways to Grow Your Travel Fund

Food and Dining Travel Phrases to Know

Note: If you have dietary restrictions, you should also learn the words for those items as well. 

• I would like…
• What do you recommend?
• The bill, please

Save these essential travel terms for later!

Beyond Basic Travel Phrases

If you’re like me and really love learning languages, expand your study beyond these essential travel phrases. Personally, I never visit a new country without knowing the local word for “coffee”.

Apps like Duolingo and Memrise  turn language learning into a game. Both have dozens of languages to choose from and cover vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Each app takes a slightly different approach to how information is presented, so I actually use both simultaneously when practicing a new language.

What travel terms and phrases do you find essential? Let me know in the comments section!

1 thought on “23 Essential Travel Terms and Phrases You Should Know”

May I suggest a 24th phrase, i.e.:

“How much does this cost?”

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Privacy Policy

50 Cool Travel Terms and Phrases: Wanderlust To Jet-Setting

Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by The Digital Travel Expert

Traveling is not just about hopping on a plane or packing your bags—it’s a cultural experience enriched by the language of wanderlust. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a novice explorer, understanding the slang of the travel world adds flavor to your journey and connects you with fellow adventurers.

Here are 50 essential travel slang that will have you navigating the globe like a pro:

50 Travel Terms and Expressions To Spice Your Content

1. Wanderlust: The quintessential term for the insatiable desire to travel, explore, and experience the world.

2. Jet-setter: Someone who travels frequently, often by plane, to explore new destinations.

3. Globe-trotter: Similar to a jet-setter, a globe-trotter is someone who travels extensively, hopping from one country to another.

4. Staycation: Opting to stay home and explore local attractions rather than traveling afar.

5. City slicker: A person who thrives in urban environments, navigating city streets with ease and enthusiasm.

6. Urban explorer: Someone who seeks out the hidden gems and unique experiences within cities.

7. Digital nomad: A person who works remotely while traveling, often relying on technology to maintain their lifestyle.

8. Off the beaten path: Exploring destinations that are less touristy and more authentic.

9. Wanderlust-worthy: Used to describe destinations or experiences that evoke a strong desire to travel.

10. Insta-worthy: Referring to locations or experiences that are visually stunning and perfect for sharing on social media, particularly Instagram.

11. Backpacker: A budget-conscious traveler who often stays in hostels and prioritizes experiences over luxury accommodations.

12. Flashpacker: A backpacker who travels with more resources and comfort, often utilizing technology and modern conveniences.

13. Localvore: A traveler who seeks out authentic local experiences, including cuisine, traditions, and culture.

14. Culture vulture: Someone who immerses themselves in the cultural experiences of a destination, from museums to festivals.

15. Foodie: A traveler who prioritizes sampling local cuisine and exploring culinary traditions.

16. Souvenir hunter: Someone who collects mementos and keepsakes from their travels.

17. Adventure junkie: A thrill-seeker who craves adrenaline-pumping experiences like skydiving, bungee jumping, or extreme sports.

18. Wanderlust playlist: A curated collection of songs that evoke the spirit of travel and exploration.

19. Roaming: Exploring a destination aimlessly, without a set itinerary.

20. Nomad life: Embracing a lifestyle of constant travel and exploration, often without a permanent home base.

21. FOMO: Fear of missing out, a common feeling among travelers who want to experience everything a destination has to offer.

22. YOLO: You only live once, a mantra embraced by adventurous travelers who seize every opportunity for new experiences.

23. Culture shock: The feeling of disorientation and discomfort when encountering unfamiliar customs, traditions, or environments.

24. Wanderlust therapy: The healing and rejuvenating effects of travel on the mind, body, and soul.

25. Travel bug: An irresistible urge to travel, often sparked by a previous trip or new destination discovery.

26. Seize the vacay: Embracing every moment of a vacation and making the most of the time away from routine.

27. Passport stamp collector: Someone who takes pride in filling their passport with stamps from various countries and destinations.

28. Hostel hopper: A traveler who moves from one hostel to another, embracing the social atmosphere and budget-friendly accommodations.

29. Wanderlust couple: A romantic duo who shares a passion for travel and explores the world together.

30. Local legend: A person who is well-known and respected within a destination for their knowledge, expertise, or contributions to the community.

31. Wanderlust journal: A personal diary or notebook where travelers document their experiences, thoughts, and reflections.

32. Travel hacker: A savvy traveler who utilizes tricks, tips, and hacks to find the best deals and maximize their travel experience.

33. Road tripper: Someone who embarks on adventures by car, exploring new destinations and scenic routes along the way.

34. Wanderlust playlist: A curated collection of songs that evoke the spirit of travel and exploration.

35. Tourist trap: Overly commercialized attractions or destinations that cater primarily to tourists, often lacking authenticity.

36. Wanderlust fever: An intense longing to embark on a new adventure, fueled by wanderlust and the thrill of discovery.

37. Travel squad: A group of friends or fellow travelers who explore destinations together, sharing experiences and creating lasting memories.

38. Wanderlust withdrawal: The feeling of sadness or longing that occurs when returning home after a trip, often accompanied by a desire to start planning the next adventure.

39. Adventure soul: A person who feels most alive when embarking on new adventures and exploring unfamiliar territory.

40. Wanderlust therapy: The healing and rejuvenating effects of travel on the mind, body, and soul.

41. Bucket list: A list of experiences or destinations that someone wants to accomplish or visit during their lifetime.

42. Wanderlust vibes: The positive energy and excitement that accompany the anticipation of a new adventure or trip.

43. Wanderlust mantra: A phrase or motto that inspires and motivates travelers to embrace the spirit of adventure and exploration.

44. Wanderlust itinerary: A detailed plan or schedule outlining the activities, attractions, and accommodations for a trip.

45. Wanderlust wanderer: A free-spirited traveler who follows their instincts and curiosity to discover new places and experiences.

46. Wanderlust journey: The transformative experience of travel, including personal growth, self-discovery, and cultural immersion.

47. Passport to adventure: A symbolic representation of the freedom and opportunity that travel provides, embodied in a passport.

48. Wanderlust wisdom: The knowledge and insights gained from travel experiences, including cultural understanding, historical context, and practical tips.

49. Wanderlust explorer: A curious adventurer who seeks out unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations to satisfy their wanderlust.

50. Wanderlust escape: A temporary retreat from the demands and stresses of everyday life, achieved through travel and exploration.

Understanding these travel terms not only enhances your communication with fellow travelers but also adds depth and richness to your travel experiences.

How to use this glossary of travel terms?

Understanding the travel industry definitions glossary is essential for producing engaging travel storytelling across various platforms and formats. These terms add color, context, and authenticity to your content, making it more relatable and captivating for your audience.

Let’s explore how incorporating travel terms can enhance storytelling across different platforms and topics:

POV on Instagram Stories or Reels

When crafting Instagram Stories or Reels, incorporating travel terms immerses your audience in your journey. Use terms like “wanderlust,” “adventure seeker,” or “explorer” to convey your passion for travel. Describe your experiences using terms like “breathtaking views,” “hidden gems,” or “local delicacies” to evoke excitement and curiosity in your audience.

Travel bio for Instagram and TikTok

Your Instagram and TikTok bio serve as a snapshot of your travel persona. Incorporate travel terms that reflect your style and interests, such as “globetrotter,” “culture enthusiast,” or “nature lover.” Highlight your favorite destinations, travel goals, or upcoming adventures using terms like “bucket list destinations” or “off-the-beaten-path experiences.”

Travel Slogans for Travel Blogs

Catchy travel slogans can instantly capture the essence of your blog. Use travel terms creatively to craft slogans that resonate with your audience, such as “Embark on a Journey of Discovery” or “Explore, Dream, Discover.” Incorporate terms like “traveler’s paradise,” “epic adventures,” or “unforgettable experiences” to evoke a sense of wanderlust and excitement.

POV on TikTok Travel Videos

TikTok’s short-form format requires concise yet impactful storytelling. Use travel terms to set the scene and captivate viewers within seconds. Highlight unique experiences with terms like “once-in-a-lifetime moments,” “local culture immersion,” or “awe-inspiring landscapes.” Engage viewers by inviting them to join your virtual journey with terms like “come explore with me” or “let’s wander together.”

Power of travel terms in POV on Instagram and TikTok

Incorporating travel terms in your point-of-view (POV) content adds depth and authenticity to your storytelling. Use terms like “my travel diary,” “through my lens,” or “journey with me” to invite followers into your world. Create a sense of intimacy and connection by sharing personal anecdotes and reflections using terms like “unforgettable memories” or “life-changing experiences.”

Travel Business Niches

Tailor your content to specific travel niches by using relevant travel terms. Whether it’s luxury travel, budget backpacking, solo adventures, or family-friendly vacations, use terms that resonate with your target audience. For example, “luxury escapes,” “budget wanderer tips,” “solo sojourner stories,” or “family travel adventures.”

Travel Agency Name Ideas

When naming a travel agency, incorporate travel terms that reflect the services or experiences you offer. Consider names like “Wanderlust Expeditions,” “Globetrotter Getaways,” or “Adventures Abound Travel.” Use terms like “journey planner,” “destination expert,” or “travel concierge” to highlight your expertise and personalized service.

New Travel Blog Names

Create an engaging and memorable name for your travel blog by using evocative travel terms. Consider names like “Roaming Nomad Chronicles,” “Voyage Ventures,” or “Wanderlust Wanderer.” Incorporate terms like “exploration escapades,” “passport pages,” or “adventure diaries” to convey the spirit of your blog.

Instagram Travel captions

Elevate your Instagram captions with vivid travel terms that complement your photos. Describe your experiences using descriptive language and evocative terms like “lost in wanderlust,” “chasing sunsets,” or “capturing moments.” Incorporate quotes, puns, or wordplay with travel terms to add personality and flair to your captions.

Travel Blog Post Ideas

Infuse your travel blog with fresh and engaging content ideas using a variety of travel terms. Explore topics like “hidden gems of [destination],” “ultimate packing guide for [type of travel],” “local cuisine adventures,” or “sustainable travel tips.” Incorporate terms like “travel hacks,” “destination guides,” or “travel tales” to inspire and inform your readers.

By integrating travel terms creatively and strategically across different platforms and topics, you can elevate your storytelling and create compelling narratives that resonate with your audience’s sense of adventure and curiosity.

How can a travel content creator use words associated with travel in engaging storytelling?

Below are examples of industry lingo in three categories: Hospitality, Airlines, and Guided Tours.

Hotel and Accommodation

1. Luxurious : Describing upscale hotels and accommodations to evoke a sense of indulgence and comfort in the storytelling. For example, “The luxurious suite overlooked the sparkling city skyline, offering a sanctuary of opulence after a day of exploration.”

2. Cozy : Portraying intimate and inviting accommodations, perfect for relaxation and unwinding. For instance, “The cozy bed and breakfast nestled in the countryside exuded warmth and charm, creating a home away from home.”

3. Boutique : Highlighting unique and stylish boutique hotels with distinctive character and personalized service. An example could be, “The boutique hotel infused with local art and culture provided a one-of-a-kind experience, blending modern luxury with authentic charm.”

4. Seaside : Conjuring images of accommodations situated by the sea, offering breathtaking ocean views and seaside serenity. “The seaside villa boasted panoramic views of the azure waters, inviting guests to unwind to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore.”

5. Charming : Depicting quaint and charming accommodations with historical significance or architectural beauty. “The charming inn, with its ivy-covered façade and antique furnishings, exuded timeless elegance and rustic charm.”

6. Eco-friendly : Emphasizing accommodations committed to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. “The eco-friendly resort, nestled amidst lush rainforest, allowed guests to immerse themselves in nature while minimizing their environmental footprint.”

7. All-Inclusive : Describing resorts and accommodations offering comprehensive amenities and services for a hassle-free vacation experience. “The all-inclusive resort pampered guests with gourmet dining, exciting activities, and luxurious accommodations, ensuring every need was met.”

8. Historic : Showcasing accommodations steeped in history and heritage, providing guests with a glimpse into the past. “The historic castle-turned-hotel preserved its medieval charm, offering guests a unique opportunity to step back in time.”

9. Remote : Evoking the sense of seclusion and tranquility in accommodations located in remote or secluded destinations. “The remote wilderness lodge, accessible only by seaplane, provided a secluded retreat amidst untouched natural beauty.”

10. Urban : Describing accommodations situated in vibrant city centers, offering convenient access to cultural attractions and bustling nightlife. “The urban boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of the city, provided a stylish retreat amidst the vibrant energy of downtown.”

Flying/Airplanes

1 . Sleek : Describing modern aircraft with streamlined designs and cutting-edge technology. “The sleek airliner promised a smooth and comfortable journey, with state-of-the-art amenities and spacious seating.”

2. In-flight Entertainment : Highlighting the variety of entertainment options available onboard, such as movies, music, and games. “The extensive in-flight entertainment system kept passengers entertained throughout the long-haul flight, with a diverse selection of movies and TV shows.”

3. Window Seat : Evoking the excitement of securing a seat by the window, offering panoramic views of the sky and landscapes below. “Securing a coveted window seat, I marveled at the breathtaking aerial views of snow-capped mountains and endless stretches of coastline.”

4. Turbulence : Adding suspense and drama to the storytelling by describing turbulent weather conditions during the flight. “As the aircraft encountered unexpected turbulence, passengers gripped their armrests tightly, while the captain reassured us of a smooth landing ahead.”

5. Flight Attendant : Introducing the friendly and attentive cabin crew who ensure the comfort and safety of passengers. “The smiling flight attendant offered a warm welcome aboard, attending to passengers’ needs with professionalism and grace.”

6. Red-eye : Describing overnight flights that depart late in the evening and arrive early in the morning, often associated with sleep deprivation. “Despite the red-eye flight, I struggled to catch a few hours of sleep, eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited at my destination.”

7. Boarding Pass : Symbolizing the beginning of the journey, the boarding pass is a tangible reminder of the upcoming adventure. “Clutching my boarding pass, I eagerly awaited my turn to board the plane, filled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited.”

8. Cabin Crew : Depicting the dedicated cabin crew members who ensure the comfort and safety of passengers throughout the flight. “The attentive cabin crew members provided exemplary service, catering to passengers’ needs with professionalism and hospitality.”

9. In-flight Meal : Describing the culinary offerings served onboard, ranging from gourmet cuisine to simple snacks. “The delectable in-flight meal exceeded my expectations, with fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes that delighted the taste buds.”

10. Jet Lag : Exploring the effects of jet lag on travelers, including fatigue, disorientation, and sleep disturbances. “Despite the excitement of reaching my destination, jet lag left me feeling groggy and disoriented, struggling to adjust to the new time zone.”

What are words related to travel Itinerary / Guided Tour s?

1. Expert-led : Emphasizing guided tours led by knowledgeable and experienced guides, providing valuable insights and commentary. “The expert-led tour offered fascinating insights into the city’s history and culture, enriching the experience with captivating stories and anecdotes.”

2. Customized : Highlighting tailored itineraries and personalized experiences designed to meet the unique preferences and interests of travelers. “The customized tour allowed us to design our own itinerary, selecting our preferred destinations and activities to create a truly unforgettable journey.”

3. Off-the-Beaten-Path : Describing guided tours that explore lesser-known destinations and hidden gems off the tourist trail. “The off-the-beaten-path tour led us to remote villages and untouched landscapes, offering a glimpse into the authentic culture and traditions of the region.”

4. Interactive : Portraying guided tours that encourage active participation and engagement from participants, fostering a deeper connection with the destination. “The interactive tour encouraged us to immerse ourselves in local customs and traditions, allowing us to interact with artisans and craftsmen along the way.”

5. VIP Experience : Offering exclusive guided tours with VIP access to attractions, private transportation, and personalized service. “The VIP experience provided privileged access to iconic landmarks and VIP treatment throughout the tour, ensuring a luxurious and unforgettable journey.”

6. Self-Guided : Describing self-guided tours that allow travelers to explore destinations at their own pace, following pre-planned itineraries or using digital guides. “The self-guided tour provided the flexibility to explore the city at our own pace, allowing us to linger at favorite spots and skip crowded attractions.”

7. Cultural Immersion : Emphasizing guided tours that focus on cultural immersion and authentic experiences, allowing travelers to connect with local communities and traditions. “The cultural immersion tour introduced us to local artisans, musicians, and chefs, providing a firsthand glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.”

8. Adventure : Showcasing guided tours that offer thrilling outdoor adventures and adrenaline-pumping activities. “The adventure tour took us on exhilarating hikes through rugged terrain, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences along the way.”

9. Educational : Highlighting guided tours that provide educational insights into history, art, and science, enriching the travel experience with learning opportunities. “The educational tour offered fascinating insights into the city’s architectural landmarks, art galleries, and museums, providing a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage”.

10. Family-Friendly : Catering to families with guided tours that are designed to entertain and engage travelers of all ages. “The family-friendly tour featured interactive activities and kid-friendly attractions, ensuring a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.”

By incorporating these words associated with travel into storytelling, you can paint vivid and engaging narratives that transport readers to new destinations, evoke emotions, and inspire wanderlust.

Travel Phrases and Expressions Millenials’ Instagram and TikTok Accounts

These travel phrases and expressions capture the essence of travel trends for millennials on Instagram and TikTok, showcasing their adventurous spirit, desire for authenticity, and passion for exploration. Whether used in bios or captions, these phrases evoke a sense of wanderlust and inspire others to embark on their own travel adventures.

Here are 10 travel phrases and expressions related to travel trends for millennials on Instagram and TikTok bios and captions:

Wanderlust Warrior : This phrase embodies the adventurous spirit of millennials who are always seeking new experiences and destinations. It portrays a sense of fearlessness and determination in exploring the world.

Insta Explorer : Millennials often use Instagram as a platform to showcase their travel adventures. “Insta Explorer” signifies someone who loves to discover Instagram-worthy spots and share them with their followers, emphasizing the visual aspect of travel.

Nomad Life : Reflecting the trend of millennials embracing a nomadic lifestyle, this phrase conveys a sense of freedom and flexibility in traveling and working remotely from various destinations.

Adventure Seeker : Millennials are drawn to thrilling and unconventional travel experiences. “Adventure Seeker” highlights their desire to push boundaries, try new activities, and embark on exciting adventures around the globe.

Digital Nomad : With the rise of remote work opportunities, many millennials choose to work while traveling. “Digital Nomad” signifies individuals who leverage technology to earn a living while exploring different destinations, blurring the lines between work and leisure.

Explore, Dream, Discover : This timeless quote by Mark Twain resonates with millennials who prioritize personal growth and self-discovery through travel. It encourages them to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new opportunities, and pursue their passions.

Travel Addict : Millennials often describe themselves as “travel addicts” to express their insatiable wanderlust and passion for exploring the world. It conveys a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for discovering new cultures, cuisines, and experiences.

Jetsetter : This term is commonly used to describe someone who frequently travels to different destinations, often for leisure or business. “Jetsetter” conveys a sense of sophistication and cosmopolitanism, reflecting millennials’ desire to experience the world’s diversity.

Off-the-Grid Explorer : In contrast to mainstream tourism, millennials are increasingly drawn to off-the-beaten-path destinations and experiences. “Off-the-Grid Explorer” portrays a sense of curiosity and adventure in seeking hidden gems and authentic cultural encounters.

Travel Influencer : With the rise of social media, many millennials aspire to become travel influencers, leveraging their platforms to inspire others and monetize their passion for travel. “Travel Influencer” signifies individuals who wield influence and authority in the travel industry, shaping trends and inspiring wanderlust among their followers.

10 Short Quotes About Traveling that Resonate with Millenials

Millennials often resonate with short and impactful quotes about traveling that inspire wanderlust, adventure, and self-discovery.

These short quotes about traveling resonate with millennials, encapsulating the essence of wanderlust, adventure, and self-discovery that defines their generation’s approach to exploring the world.

Here are some 10 popular inspirational travel quotes:

1. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

• This quote encourages millennials to embrace the journey of exploration and discovery, even if the path is uncertain.

2. “Adventure is out there!” – Up (Disney/Pixar)

• Inspired by the movie Up, this quote captures the thrill of embarking on new adventures and exploring the unknown.

3. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine

• This quote emphasizes the importance of travel in broadening one’s perspective and experiencing the richness of life.

4. “Collect moments, not things.”

• Encouraging millennials to prioritize experiences and memories over material possessions, this quote reflects the value placed on meaningful experiences.

5. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – David Mitchell

• Millennials resonate with this quote as it speaks to the transformative power of travel in self-discovery and personal growth.

6. “Life is short and the world is wide.”

• This quote reminds millennials to seize the opportunities to explore the vastness of the world and make the most of their time.

7. “Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”

• Reflecting the desire for experiential living, this quote encourages millennials to seek out adventures and create lasting memories.

8. “The best journey takes you home.” – Unknown

• While millennials love to explore new destinations, this quote reminds them of the value of returning home with a newfound appreciation for familiarity and belonging.

9. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Unknown

• This quote highlights the intrinsic value of travel in enriching one’s life with experiences, knowledge, and memories.

10. “Go where you feel most alive.”

• Encouraging millennials to seek out destinations and experiences that ignite their passion and bring them joy and fulfillment.

Some FAQs on Travel Terms and Phrases

What is Airline Reporting Corporation(ARC)

The Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) is a company that provides financial settlement solutions, data, and analytical services to the travel industry, primarily focusing on airline ticket transactions. It acts as an intermediary between airlines and travel agencies, facilitating the distribution and processing of ticket sales and payments.

What does an Electronic Miscellaneous Document mean?

An Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD) is an electronic ticketing document used by airlines to handle various ancillary services and fees, such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, and onboard amenities. It allows for streamlined management and tracking of additional services, enhancing the efficiency of airline operations and improving the traveler experience.

What is a passenger name record?

A Passenger Name Record (PNR) is a unique identifier used in the travel industry to store and retrieve information about a passenger’s reservation. It contains details such as the traveler’s name, flight itinerary, ticketing information, and seat assignments. Flight what is it that compels us to chase the horizon and seek adventure beyond the confines of familiarity?

What is global distribution in airline businesses and how does the GDS work?

Global distribution in airlines refers to the network and technology infrastructure that enables the distribution of airline fares, schedules, and availability to travel agencies and online booking platforms worldwide. It works by connecting airlines, travel agencies, and online booking platforms through a centralized system, allowing them to access real-time information and facilitate bookings for travelers across the globe.

What is a creative word for Travelling or Traveling?

A creative word for traveling is “wanderlusting,” which embodies the spirit of adventurous exploration and longing for new experiences. On social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram, you can use it in captions like “Wanderlusting through ancient streets” or “Let’s wanderlust together, one destination at a time,” adding a whimsical touch to travel content and resonating with followers’ desire for adventure.

What can I say instead of Travelling or Traveling?

Instead of “Traveling,” you could use “Roaming” or “Wandering.” For example, “Roaming the globe one adventure at a time” or “Wandering soul exploring the world’s wonders.” Creative Caption Example for POV on TikTok and Instagram Videos: “Treading the untrodden path, capturing moments unseen. Join me as I paint the world through my lens. 🌍✨ #POV #AdventureAwaits”

What describes traveling for an ethical storyteller?

Traveling for an ethical storyteller means prioritizing cultural sensitivity, environmental responsibility, and social awareness in their narratives while striving to promote positive impact, respect local communities, and preserve natural resources for future generations. They aim to share authentic experiences that inspire empathy, foster understanding, and contribute to sustainable and responsible tourism practices .

How do payments work in busy airports to maintain health and safety standards?

Due to the rise of touch transaction online features, many retailers are implementing contactless payment options to ensure the safety and convenience of their customers during the pandemic. This includes options such as mobile payment apps, contactless credit/debit cards, or even wearable devices, reducing the need for physical touch and minimizing the risk of transmission of germs.

Why are travel industry terms important for travel influencers, travelers, and travel bloggers

Travel industry terms are crucial for travel influencers, travelers, and travel bloggers as they help convey expertise and authenticity, enhancing credibility and engagement with their audience. Incorporating these terms enables effective communication, facilitates collaboration with industry partners, and ensures a deeper understanding of travel experiences and trends.

Why are sayings about travel and adventure in content creation?

Sayings about travel and adventure resonate in content creation because they evoke emotions, inspire curiosity, and tap into the universal desire for exploration, making them highly engaging and relatable to audiences seeking escapism and inspiration in their everyday lives. Incorporating these sayings adds depth and authenticity to narratives, fostering connection and storytelling that transcends geographical boundaries, and appealing to diverse audiences across platforms like social media, blogs, and videos.

Recommended For You!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Love You English

150 Essential English Travel Phrases to Know

Hello everyone,

Traveling to a new country can be an amazing adventure, but it also comes with its challenges – especially if you don’t speak the local language .

Even if you’re visiting an English-speaking destination, having a good grasp of common travel phrases in English can make your trip so much smoother and more enjoyable.

In this lesson, I’ve put together 150 essential English travel phrases to help you get by, no matter where your adventures take you.

From arriving at the airport to finding your way around, booking accommodation, ordering food, dealing with emergencies, and everything in between, these simple phrases will give you the confidence to communicate in English when traveling.

At the Airport

1. Can I see your passport and boarding pass, please? 2. Which airline are you flying with? 3. The flight is delayed/on time. 4. Please proceed to gate number… 5. Your baggage must be checked in . 6. Do you have any liquids or gels in your carry-on? 7. Please remove your shoes and belt at the security checkpoint. 8. Departures are upstairs/downstairs. 9. The departure lounge is to your right/left. 10. Your flight is now boarding.

Checking In

11. Do you have a reservation? 12. I’d like a room for X nights please. 13. A single/double room please. 14. Can I have a non-smoking room? 15. Do you have any rooms with a view? 16. How much is it per night? 17. Is breakfast included? 18. What time is check-out? 19. Can we have an extra key/keycard? 20. Is there parking available?

Getting Around

21. Can you tell me how to get to…? 22. Which way is north/south/east/west? 23. Where is the nearest subway/bus stop? 24. How much is a ticket to…? 25. Does this bus/train go to…? 26. Where do I get off for…? 27. I need to change trains at… 28. A taxi to… please. 29. Can you call me a taxi? 30. How much will it cost to…?

Asking for Directions

31. Excuse me, can you help me find…? 32. Where is… located? 33. Is it far from here? 34. Go straight ahead/turn left/turn right. 35. It’s on your left/right. 36. Walk for about X blocks/minutes. 37. You can’t miss it. 38. Take the first/second/third left/right. 39. Cross the street/intersection. 40. Just around the corner.

Sightseeing

41. What are the top attractions in this city? 42. What is the history of this place? 43. Are there any free walking tours? 44. Where is a good spot to take photos? 45. How much is admission? 46. What are the opening hours? 47. Is there a student/senior discount? 48. Can we take photos inside? 49. Where are the restrooms? 50. Do you have an audio guide?

51. Can I look around? 52. How much is this? 53. Do you have it in a different size/color? 54. I’m just browsing, thanks. 55. I’ll take it. 56. Can I pay with a credit card? 57. Do you offer a student/tourist discount? 58. Is there a fitting room? 59. I’d like to return/exchange this. 60. Could you gift wrap this please?

61. Do you have an English menu? 62. What’s the specialty here? 63. I’d like to order… 64. What do you recommend? 65. I’m vegetarian/vegan. 66. Can you make it spicy/mild please? 67. I’d like my steak rare/medium/well-done. 68. We’d like separate checks please. 69. Can we have the bill? 70. The food was delicious, thanks!

Emergencies

71. I need help! 72. I’m lost. 73. I’ve been robbed. 74. I’m injured/sick. 75. Call an ambulance/police! 76. I need to go to the hospital. 77. Where is the nearest pharmacy? 78. I’ve lost my passport/wallet. 79. I don’t feel safe here. 80. Do you speak English ?

General Phrases

81. Good morning/afternoon/evening. 82. Please/Thank you. 83. You’re welcome. 84. I don’t understand. 85. Can you repeat that? 86. Can you speak more slowly? 87. Sorry, I don’t speak [ language ]. 88. Do you speak English ? 89. I only know a little English . 90. How do you say… in English ?

91. What does … mean? 92. Never mind. 93. It doesn’t matter. 94. No problem. 95. I’m sorry. 96. Excuse me. 97. I’m lost. 98. Can you help me? 99. How much is it? 100. That’s too expensive.

101. I’d like this one. 102. Is there a discount? 103. Beautiful/Nice. 104. Not bad. 105. Terrible/Awful. 106. I like it/don’t like it. 107. What do you think? 108. That will be fine/great. 109. Maybe next time. 110. See you later.

111. Have a nice day! 112. Call me if you need anything. 113. I’ll be right back. 114. Just a moment please. 115. Wait here. 116. I’m in a hurry. 117. Slowly/Quickly. 118. Here/There. 119. Yes/No. 120. Okay/All right.

121. I get it/understand. 122. I don’t get it. 123. Could you explain that again? 124. What’s the WiFi password? 125. My phone is broken. 126. I need a charger/adapter. 127. I’m jetlagged. 128. Where is the bathroom? 129. This is an emergency! 130. I’m allergic to…

131. My flight is canceled. 132. I missed my connection. 133. The airline lost my luggage. 134. I’d like to file a complaint. 135. Can I get a refund? 136. Where is the nearest embassy? 137. I need to contact my embassy. 138. Do you have a map I can borrow? 139. Where can I exchange currency? 140. What’s the best way to get around?

141. Is tipping expected? 142. Do you take credit cards? 143. What’s the local customs/culture? 144. I’d like to buy a souvenir. 145. That looks interesting, tell me about it. 146. How do you say “thank you” in the local language ? 147. What local dishes would you recommend? 148. Are there any festivals/events happening? 149. What’s the weather forecast? 150. What time is it?

Having these 150 essential English travel phrases in your back pocket will go a long way in helping you communicate and get around more easily during your travels.

From basic greetings to dealing with emergencies, shopping, transportation, dining out, and more – you’ll be able to navigate new situations with confidence .

Safe travels!

____________________

Check out these awesome phrases & Idioms books I recommend:

Cambridge Idioms Dictionary

IDIOMS and PHRASES Anglo,Synonyms and Antonyms Anglo,One Word Substitution

Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

3000 Idioms and Phrases+ 3000 Proverbs 

Idioms for Kids

Related Posts

Practice English Phrases for School and College

Practice English Phrases for School and College Hello everyone, Are you a student getting ready to start a new school year? Whether…

100 American Slang Words & Phrases with Examples

100 American Slang Words & Phrases with Examples Slang is an important part of everyday American English. It can be fun to…

25 Idioms in English About Nationalities Explained Simply

25 Idioms in English About Nationalities Explained Simply Hello everyone, Idioms are colorful phrases that give language more personality and flair. Many…

English Idioms: 25 Numerical Idioms and What They Mean

Hello everyone, Numbers are all around us in everyday life. We use them for counting, measuring, and calculations. But numbers also show…

25 English Idioms About Crime Explained Simply

25 English Idioms About Crime Explained Simply Hello everyone, I’ll talk about 25 English Idioms About Crime along with their meaning and…

English Phrases for Family and Relatives

English Phrases for Family and Relatives Hello everyone, When talking about our families and relatives, there are many different words and phrases…

Essential Travel Phrases: How to be Travel Fluent in 10 Simple Steps

When it comes to travel, knowing even just a little bit of the local language can go a LONG way. This step-by-step method will guide you through how to learn essential travel phrases simply and easily with the help of reusable building blocks.

We all love to travel, but no one talks about the importance of speaking the local language when we travel to foreign countries.  This is surprising to me since it’s such a big part of travel. We go abroad to see beautiful places, try new cuisines, but there’s nothing like communicating with the locals and learning from them. Even learning to use just a few keywords and phrases can do wonders for enhancing your travel experiences. It’s a great way to show respect and make a good first impression.

This is why I not only write detailed destinations guides and produce informative videos, I also create free travel phrase guides to help travellers get the most out of their experiences.

• Related: 22 KEY Travel Phrases That Will Transform Your Travels [Free Guide]

So much of a place and its history is wrapped up in the people who inhabit it and through them, the language they speak. We can see this evidenced in idiomatic expressions like the German idiom “eine Extrawurst haben” , (literally, to ask for an extra sausage meaning to ask for special treatment) or in a simple greeting.

For example, before I visited Egypt  I wanted to learn some Arabic greetings along with some other basic sentences. Pretty quickly, I found out that in Arabic, when you say “see you soon to someone,'” the reply isn’t “Yes, see you soon”, it’s “inshallah”. This literally translates to, “God willing”, or “if God wills it”. The speaker is saying, “yes, I hope to see you again, but it’s up to God if we will”. This phrase comes from a Quranic command which Muslims use when speaking about future events. Just by learning this simple phrase, you gain a lot of insight into how significant a role religion plays in the Muslim and Arabic speaking culture.

You don’t need to be fluent to make a difference, it’s amazing how knowing even a little bit of the local language can go a long way. Just by showing that you’ve made an effort to learn some of the local language brings out the best in people.

It all begins with how to greet someone. Whether you’re in Norway or the Netherlands (two countries where English is spoken very well by its natives), you should always greet people in their native language. This is a great ice-breaker because you’ve just shown the receiver that you respect them enough to have made the effort to learn their language. There’s no telling where your conversation will lead from here. 

For example, during one night out at dinner in Palermo, I was with 5 of my closest my English speaking friends who all spoke various levels of Italian. At a table across from us was a young family. They were so interested in us that after a brief conversation all in Italian, they invited us to their home for afternoon tea the next day! This couldn’t have happened if we weren’t able to speak Italian.

You don’t need to be fluent in a language to have unique interactions such as these, but you can be fluent enough for travel . This is what we’ll be discussing today. In the following steps, I’ll share with you a simple formula to help you learn how to create your own phrases when traveling abroad without needing to memorising long phrases from a travel phrase book.

What is Travel Fluent?

Your grammar isn’t perfect and you definitely don’t know everything by heart, but with the right building blocks, a smile, and a gesture or two, you’re fluent for travel.

The vocabulary you need will differ depending on if you hire a car and drive about the remote Lofoten Islands in Norway than if you’re popping over to Rome for the weekend . But that’s ok. The formula I’ll be sharing with you is flexible. It gives you the building blocks so that you can use and reuse them on any kind of trip you take.

Once you implement what you’ve learned, you’ll see how enjoyable it is to communicate with others in their language. Who knows, it may even inspire you to learn the language more seriously.

How to be Fluent for Travel in 10 Simple Steps

Step 1. use the 80/20 rule.

The Pareto Principle (also known as the 80/20 rule) states that 80% of the results in any endeavour come from 20% of the input, material, or effort. 

This principle was coined by Management consultant, Joseph M. Juran and named after the Italian economist, Vilfredo Pareto who in 1896 showed that approximately 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. 

The Pareto Principle can be applied to any aspect of your life. It even works for language learning too! 

Think about this.

Do you know every single word in the English dictionary? Of course not! Does the fact that you don’t prevent you from having a conversation with English speakers? No! 

When it comes to travel, the same is true. You can have an even smaller and targeted vocabulary and still have meaningful conversations.

You don’t need to learn how to express your political views, articulate your thoughts about the origin of the universe, or even know how to say what your favourite colour is because these aren’t common topics you’ll be discussing with people as a traveller.

If you adopt the 80/20 rule and apply it to language learning for travel purposes, you’re forced to focus on and choose only what you need to learn based on the likelihood and frequency in which you’ll need to use it.

For example, what percentage of time in any given trip do you think you’ll need to ask how much something costs, where the bathroom is, or placing an order at a restaurant? I’d say 80% of the time, wouldn’t you?

Think about the 20% of vocabulary in your target language that you’ll need in order to respond to 80% of the situations you’ll find yourself in. What things will you need to know how to say?  The answer to this question is exactly what I include and how I teach languages in my Intrepid Languages courses – using the 80/20 method.

In the following steps, we’ll take a look at how you can break this down even further and use building blocks to form your own unique phrases and questions.

Step 2. Master Modal verbs

Wouldn’t it be great if you could start speaking your target language without having to learn a bunch of grammar or memorise long phrases? Wouldn’t it be great if you could easily create your own phrases just by using a few keywords? Well, you can!

Modal verbs are a language learner’s best friend. They give you loads of flexibility for the minimum amount of work it takes to learn them. 

If you’re not familiar with the term, the most commonly used modal verbs in English are can , could , may , might , must , will , would , shall , should , ought to , have to , and need .  

By learning how to use the equivalent of these modal verbs in your target language, you’re already half-way to creating your own unique phrases really easily and quickly.

You don’t need to learn every modal verb listed above either. If you can master the verbs could (be able to), want (want to), and must (to have to, ought to) that’s enough to cover your bases. In order to find modal verbs in your target language, a simple Google search will do the trick.

The reason why modal verbs are so powerful is because you only need to learn how to conjugate these three verbs, instead of countless others. 

How do modal verbs work?

Modal verbs allow you to create a phrase by placing an infinitive verb after any conjugated modal verbs. Conjugating verbs isn’t a very sexy term and it’s usually something many students dread. Simply put, you conjugate verbs in order to communicate one or more of the following: person, number, gender, tense, aspect, mood, or voice.

To learn these 3 key modal verbs, start by learning the basic structure of how they’re used in a sentence. This is what the formula looks like:

Conjugated Modal Verb + Infinitive Verb + Noun

Since Pareto’s Principle was inspired by an Italian, let’s use the Italian language as an example of how you can be fluent for travel whilst travelling in Italy. 

Since the Italian modal verb could (be able to) is potere , the conjugation of potere looks like this:

• (io) posso – I can
• (tu) puoi – you can
• (Lei) / (lui) / (lei)  può – You (formal)/he/she can
• (noi) possiamo – we can
• (voi) potete – you can (plural)
• (loro) possono – they can

The Italian modal verb for want , or want to i s volere . The conjugation of volere looks like this:

• (io) voglio – I want 
• (tu)  vuoi – you want 
• (Lei) / (lui) / (lei) vuole – You (formal)/he/she want/s 
• (noi) vogliamo – we want 
• (voi) volete – you want 
• (loro) vogliono – they want 

The Italian modal verb for to have to , ought to , or must is dovere . The conjugation of dovere looks like this:

• (io) devo – I must
• (tu) devi – you must 
• (Lei) / (lui) / (lei)  deve   – You (formal)/he/she must
• (noi) dobbiamo – we must
• (voi) dovete – you must
• (loro) devono – they must

Once you learn these three versatile modal verbs you’ll use them to form the first part of any question you ask or response you give. 

Step 3. Learn your top 10 verbs for travel

Now let’s focus on the second part of the formula covered above – infinitive verbs . If you never learned grammar in school and have no idea what a verb is, then all you need to know is that it’s any word you can place the word ‘ to ’ in front of. For example, to go, to eat, to sleep, to find….you get the idea.

When it comes to travel, there are certain questions and things you’ll need to say repeatedly. Below is a list of the most useful verbs for travel that I recommend you learn in your target language along with examples of how they can be used in various situations. Of course, you can add more than 10 or swap out any of them for different verbs. I’ve kept this list to 10 as it makes things more manageable and less overwhelming to learn.

Top 10 verbs for travel

• Take → Prendere (eg. Can I take a bus /taxi/train there?)
• Go → Andare (eg. I want to go to the airport/museum/Colosseum…)
• Eat → Mangiare (eg. I cannot eat meat)
• Order → Ordinare (eg. May/can I order now?)
• Have → Avere (eg. May/can I have a menu? )
• Buy → Comprare (eg. I want to buy …)
• Pay → Pagare (eg. Can I pay by credit card?)
• Find → Trovare (eg. Where can I find the train station?)
• Speak → Parlare (eg. Can you speak English?)
• Understand → Capire (eg. I cannot understand Italian)

Let’s bring it all together. Using what you’ve learned and following the formula above, we can create sentences such as:

Voglio andare …. I want to go ….

Possiamo comprare … Can we buy …

Dobbiamo andare …. We have to go …

Choose the 10 most useful verbs you’re most likely going to need and use on your trip.

Step 4. Learn your top 10 Nouns for travel

Below is a list of useful nouns to know and their Italian prepositions . Don’t worry too much about how prepositions work as this will overcomplicate what you’re trying to do here, which is to communicate effectively, not perfectly.

The nouns you choose to put in your list are entirely up to you. For example, you may not be vegetarian and decide to remove this word from your list. 

Top 10 nouns for travel

• the/a ticket / two tickets → il/un biglietto / due biglietti
• to/the/a bathroom → al/il/un bagno  
• Italian (Learn how to say the name of the language in its native form) → l’Italiano 
• to the/the/a bank → alla/la/una banca 
• to the/the/a train station → alla/la/una stazione ferroviaria 
• to the/the airport  → all’/l’aeroporto 
• Il/un pullman/bus → the/a bus
• vegetarian (male/female) → vegetariano/a 
• the/a receipt → la/una ricevuta 
• the change → il resto

Let’s bring it all together. Using what you’ve learned in the past 3 steps we can use the formula Conjugated Modal Verb + Infinitive Verb + Noun to create sentences such as:

Voglio andare al bagno I want to go to the bathroom

Possiamo comprare due biglietti , per favore? Can we buy two tickets , please?

Dobbiamo andare all’aeroporto We have to go to the airport

Choose the 10 most useful nouns you’re most likely going to need and use on your trip.

Here’s everything you need to know Italian prepositions  plus tonnes of examples.

Step 5. Learn your top 10 Adjectives for travel

For shorter sentences where you want to express your opinion or the state of something, you can use ‘it is’ ( è ) followed by the adjective. An adjective is a word where you can place is,   am or are in front of it. For example, is big, are beautiful.

If you want to emphasise these adjectives, you can use ‘very’ ( molto ) or ‘too’ ( troppo ) in front of the adjective. 

Top 10 adjectives for travel

• Big → grande (eg. è grande)
• Small → piccolo ( eg. è troppo piccolo)
• Expensive → caro (eg. è troppo caro)
• Beautiful → bello (eg. è molto bello)
• Nice → carino (eg. è carino)
• Good/well → buono/bene (eg. è molto buono/bene)
• Interesting → interessante (eg. è interessante)
• Open → aperto (eg. è aperto?)
• Closed → chiuso (eg. è chiuso?)
• Perfect → perfetto (eg. è perfetto!)

Choose the 10 most useful adjectives you’re most likely to need on your trip.

Step 6. Learn how to use question words

While you can turn a modal verb phrase into a question just by adding an inflection at the end of the phrase, you can also use question words. Here are the most useful questions words to learn:

• Where? → Dove?
• Where is? → Dov’è?
• Who? → Chi? 
• When? → Quando? 
• What? → Cosa? / Che cosa?
• How? → Come? 
• How much? → Quanto
• How much is? → Quant’è?
• Why? → Perché? 

Question words can also be paired with modal verbs, for example.

Where can I find the train station? Dove posso trovare la stazione ferroviaria?

How much must I   pay ? Quanto devo pagare ?

When do you want to go ? Quando vuoi andare ?

Practice forming sentences using question words followed by modal verbs.

Step 7. Learn your biography, greetings and pleasantries

As part of your travels there will be moments where you’ll have more meaningful conversations outside of the general day-to-day getting around and survival phrases we’ve already covered.

During my encounter in that restaurant in Palermo, I didn’t use modal verbs to get to know the family across the table from us, I used common Italian greetings and told them a bit about myself. I told them my biography.

Learning your biography is a great hack because your background never changes. Once you learn it, you’ll barely need to change it. The most important and reusable set of vocabulary you will ever learn is all about you, funnily enough. 

Every time you meet someone new, what do you do? You introduce yourself, you may talk about your job, where you’re from and why you’re learning the language. By focusing on learning your biography you’ll not only be able to comfortably hold your first 15-minute conversation but it will build up some much-needed confidence in speaking the language.

Again, you don’t need to overthink this and learn too much. Here are some key phrases to focus on.

• My name is… → Mi chiamo…
• I come from… [learn how to say your country name] → Vengo da…
• I’m a… [learn how to say your profession] → Sono…
• I can’t speak [insert language] very well → Non so parlare…

Start your journey to biography fluency with my travel phrase guides. I’m constantly adding to the list but, so far there is Afrikaans , Arabic , Basque , Bulgarian , Catalan , Czech , Danish , Dutch , Flemish Dutch , Finnish , French , German , Swiss-German , Greek , Hebrew , Hindi , Icelandic , Irish , Italian , Portuguese , Norwegian , Spanish , Latin American Spanish , Scots , Swedish , Thai , Vietnamese .

Also, try doing a Google Search on introductions then refer to an online language dictionary for any missing vocabulary.

When it comes to greetings and pleasantries, stick with the basics and always focus on learning the formal option (if available) to be respectful. 

Top 10 greetings and pleasantries for travel

• Hello → Salve
• Good morning → buongiorno
• Good evening → buonasera
• Goodbye → Arrivederci
• How are you? – Come sta?
• I’m well, and you? – Bene, e Lei?
• Thank you →  Grazie
• Please → Per favore
• You’re welcome → Prego
• It’s a pleasure to meet you → è un piacere conoscerLa

Step 8. Bring it all together

With a pen and paper, write down all your chosen verbs, adjectives, nouns, modal verbs, questions words, greetings, pleasantries, and biography. The reason why I suggest you physically write it all down and not jump in Google Docs straight away is that it improves your memory.

Related:  10 Proven Memory Hacks: How to Remember New Vocabulary Faster

Once you have gathered everything, start to form your own phrases and questions using the formula above. Again write this down by hand. Write down as many as you can. Do this until you feel comfortable that you won’t forget the structure. Now put everything in a Google Doc to refer back to it ahead of and during your trip.

Once this framework has been transferred to your long-term memory, remembering vocabulary is just a matter of learning by spaced repetition.

Step 9. Practice and revise before you fly

At this point, you know what you need to do, you just need to practice! Use spaced repetition apps like Quizlet to help you review and retain what you’ve learned. On top of that, also practicing saying things out loud, this is another great way to improve your memory when you hear your own voice say the words.

I recommend studying on a regular basis at least one week ahead of your trip so you’ll be travel fluent before you fly. Aim to squeeze in 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted study time every day at a time where you’re most alert.

Don’t worry about not being able to remember it all, you’re learning more than most other people do so you should be very proud of yourself. 

Want more? Check out my guide on top-rated languages tools and apps.

Step 10. Bon voyage!

Once you arrive at your final destination, start putting into practice what you know. Start small with greetings then build up to asking questions as you gain more confidence. 

Remember, have fun with the language. Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves or to speak slower so you can understand them. Smile and when in doubt refer to your notes, use gestures, or refer to Google Translate.

Watch the video

BONUS Tip: Learn languages with me, The Intrepid Guide!

Travelling aboard? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn the local for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”.  I’ve made it even easier for you to master the local language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Who knows you, you may even be invited over for afternoon tea by a lovely Sicilian family, like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life  and check out The Intrepid Guide languages courses here.

Here’s what my students are saying: 

I really enjoyed the Master Italian for Travel FAST course, it  certainly exceeded my expectations. The learning methodology is great,  and easy to follow and found that I  progressed much faster in the last 4 weeks  than I ever did on my own or using other language apps. Grazie mille Michele, I can’t wait until I can put my new skills into action! – Roma Small

Click here for instant access!

Want more? Read my other popular Language Guides

• How to Learn Languages Like Crazy, Even If You Have a Crazy Life [3-Step Method]
• 10 Proven Memory Hacks: How to Remember New Vocabulary Faster
• How to Get Fluent: 9 Reasons You’re Not Fluent…YET! [& What To Do Instead]
• 10 Pro Tips: How to Learn a Language with a Full-Time Job
• How to Order Food & Drinks in Italian [Italian for Beginners]
• 203 Most Beautiful Untranslatable Words from Around the World: The Ultimate List A-Z
• 44 Best Movies on Disney Plus for Learning Languages
• 6 Language Learning Tips: How to Learn a Language from Home
• What Type of Language Learner Are You? Your 4-Step Personalised Learning Plan
• 7 Reasons Why You Should Go on a Language Holiday
• How to Learn Your First Foreign Language in 8 Simple Steps: A Beginner’s Guide
• 20 Best Language Learning Tools & Apps You Should Use in 2020

13 Ways to Seamlessly Integrate Language Learning into Your Daily Life

• 11 Life-Changing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Language
• 23 Cool Gift for Language Learners They Will Actually Use and Love
• 42 beautiful Inspirational Quotes for Language Learners
• Language learning tips: 11 Polyglots Reveal The Secrets of Their Success
• Top 10 Best Ways to Learn a Language Better and Faster
• How to Learn Italian Before Your Trip
• Language Learning Tips for Anyone Who’s Ever Doubted Themselves
• Free Travel Phrase Guides
• How a ‘Potato’ improved my French Pronunciation
• How Many Languages are there in the World?
• Hilarious Idiomatic Expressions that Will Brighten Your Day
• How to Master Common Italian Phrases for Travel (Like a Local!)
• Mondly Review: 10 Ways Mondly Drastically Improved My Language Learning
• 78 FREE Dictionaries to Learn a Language Fast [Free eBook Download]
• 22 KEY Travel Phrases That Will Transform Your Travels [Free Guide]

Like it? Pin it for later!

Over to you!

Where are you travelling to next? Which language do you want to learn? Got a question about this method? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Self-Guided Banksy Walking Tour in Bristol: Where to See 10 Original Banksy Art

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

32 Essential Travel Phrases to Learn Before You Travel

One of my favorite things about traveling is connecting with the locals – about their home, their food and their culture. This means going beyond the top 10 lists of things to do or shouldn’t-be-missed cafes. These essential travel phrases have helped me to connect with people all over the world.

Sure, learning a few phrases will help you find the bathroom in a pinch, but it also gives you more freedom to explore. When I learned Italian for our road trip through Italy , a few people asked why since in the cities most people would speak English. Assuming English is enough to get by is a huge travel mistake (and comes from a huge place of privilege, rubs people the wrong way, and is just plain rude). It allowed me to start discussions with anyone – including a very excited restaurant owner who spoke wayyyy too fast for me to actually understand but was so happy I learned his language and talked to him.

I try to be conversational in the language of the places I am visiting. Unfortunately, I lose them after the trip because I don’t use them. However, it’s been really fun and challenging to learn – Spanish, Italian, Swahili, Mandarin, and Japanese. I’m currently learning Hindi for our trip to India. Even if my accent is terrible or the person speaks English, I still use these phrases as a sign of friendship and respect. Often, they’ll help me with pronunciation and (at least seem) happy that I am trying!

If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .

How to Learn Short Travel Phrases

Before we start talking about the phrases that you should know, it’s important to know how to learn them.

I used to love Duolingo – a few minutes every day learning a few phrases. It was odd at the beginning “apple” is not something I expected to use too frequently – but it gradually built on everything which was nice. However, they recently changed the lessons to using hearts to get through a lesson which I don’t like. Since they don’t have time to go over what you’re learning for the lesson, the first time is a lot of guesswork until you start to understand. So learning Hindi which is a new alphabet, and very different grammatically from English turned into quite a long lesson.

A language app is a great way to practice no matter where you are. There’s a few different styles of apps to choose from so feel free to test a few out. Some are translation apps where you translate exactly what you want, while others are more conversational. I prefer the conversational ones so I also learn the accent and how to pronounce something instead of just what to say.

Google Translate is probably the app I use the most abroad. You can download a language to use offline to save on data abroad as well. There is a phrasebook to keep phrases handy. While learning the language, be careful with context – if you type in the word “bill” it could bring up the bill at a restaurant or a legal document. Be sure to translate it back to English to make sure it’s correct.

The app also has a camera to translate menus and signs as well as a conversation tool so that people can talk into it and it translates! Awesome for making new friends abroad!

10 Basic Travel Phrases to Learn

These are the ten basic travel phrases to learn and show that you at least respect their culture a bit.

• Do you speak English? [or other langues]
• I do not understand
• I need help

Travel Phrases for Getting Around

• Where is …..?
• Does this go to ….?
• Which way to ….. ?
• Train Station

Extra Travel Tip: Feel free to learn how to ask where things are – but if you can’t understand what they say back you’re not really going to help yourself – so learn basic directions.

Travel Phrases for Eating

Food is a crucial part of any culture – and therefore at the forefront of many of my travels. While there are plenty of “where to eat” posts (including my own guides) most of the best places I’ve found were discoveries. I pretty much ask any local who I come in contact with where they recommend – bonus points if they don’t have an English menu. So these are the essential travel phrases for finding somewhere to eat.

Travel Tip: Learn about the types of food you want to try instead of the restaurants. For example, I knew I wanted to try sea urchin in Japan – so I had a few places on my Google Maps in case I couldn’t find one ‘by accident’ but was able to find a place easily!

• I would like….
• What do you recommend?
• Is this spicy?
• Does this food have ….. (for any dietary restrictions)
• What is your favorite restaurant?
• What is the one food you recommend to eat?

Travel Tip: Bring a small notebook or post its to write down recommendations. This way when you actually go to the place, you still have the name of the food that was recommended to you!

Keep an eye out for more language related posts!

Pin “Essential Travel Phrases to Learn” for later!

Do you have any travel phrases you learn that aren’t on the list? Let me know below!

About the author.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

60 Common Travel Phrases to Learn Before Traveling Abroad

Communication barriers can be very difficult when traveling to countries that speak different languages. At times, it can be really frustrating to try and find your way around or complete basic tasks. Traveling to Europe , I learned a lot of these phrases in Spanish and French. It was particularly helpful in San Sebastian where our bartender only spoke Spanish. Trust me, the drunk Australians I was partying with were very thankful for my knowledge. Turns out knowing some foreign language basics doubles as a way to make new friends. Knowing Spanish was also really handy for my trip to Peru . Here are some common travel phrases everyone should learn before traveling abroad.

This post contains affiliate links .

Table of Contents

Common Travel Phrases to Learn

Here are some phrases you’ll definitely  want to learn.

• Do you speak English?  (substitute with your native language)
• Where is the bathroom?
• Where is…?
• How much does this cost?
• I would like to have…
• Please write that down for me.
• Speak slowly, please.
• I do not understand.
• Do you take credit cards?
• Is there a bank/ATM nearby?
• What do you recommend?

Greetings and Manners

It’s always good to know how to greet others. Furthermore, don’t forget your manners!

• I’m sorry
• Nice to meet you.
• My name is _______.
• How are you?

Don’t forget about other greetings as well. For example, good morning/afternoon/night/evening.

Phrases to Learn for Getting Around

Finding your way around is one of the more difficult tasks in a country that doesn’t speak your native language. Learn these words and phrases to help you navigate.

• Left/right/up/down/straight/back/corner
• North/south/east/west
• Turn around
• How far is…?
• Bus/train/metro stop/station
• How long does it take to get to….?
• How far away is…..?
• What time is it?
• Do you have a map?
• Where can I find a taxi?

In Case of Emergency

Stuff happens, right? At home or abroad, emergencies are very stressful situations. Nothing makes it more stressful than not being able to communicate. Learn some of these phrases, just in case.

• I need help.
• I need a doctor.
• Where is the hospital?
• I’m having an emergency.
• I’m allergic to…
• Please call the police.
• Where is the ____ embassy?
• This hurts.
• I need medicine.
• Where is the pharmacy?
• I lost my passport.
• I am at…

Common Phrases for your Accommodation

• Hotel/hostel/resort/house/room
• Toilet paper
• Can I drink the tap water?
• I lost my key.
• _____ is broken.
• Air conditioner/fan/heater
• I have bed bugs/There are bugs in my room.
• How do I access the internet?
• I need my room cleaned.

Other Important Words and Phrases

• Learn how to say the names of foods you’d like to try. It’s also important to know how to order that food and ask for a menu.
• Speaking of food, know how to say  beverages as well. Water is especially important.
• Even if traveling to another country that speaks the same language as you, it’s good to learn about their currency . Learn the names of their bills, notes, and coins.
• Know your numbers . Typically, 1-10 is essential. From there, learning 20, 30, 40, etc. should suffice by combining the two, but all languages are different.
• Learn how to make emergency phone calls . For example, in America, you would dial 9-1-1. In Europe, it’s 1-1-2.
• Some more basics , such as who/what/where/when/why.

Where to Learn Common Travel Phrases

There are a lot of apps and websites these days to help you learn common travel phrases.

• Brainscape  (flashcards)
• I’ll Teach You a Language
• Rosetta Stone
• Google Translate

Book Your Travel

Subscribe today to download my free national parks checklists!  

Plus, you'll receive access to my resource library with exclusive content and my latest posts right to your inbox.

Author: Riley

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment.

 Subscribe to Riley's email list

Receive Exclusive Content

35 of the Most Useful Travel Phrases in English

1. Hello/Hi 

2. Is it okay if I...

3. Thank you/Thanks

4. Excuse me

5. What is the baggage allowance?

6. I'm sorry

8. I’d like to...

9. Sorry, I don't understand

10. Do you have any vacancies?

11. Can you help me?

13. I've lost my…

14. I'm lost

15. Can you recommend...?

16. Where is...?

17. Could you take a photo of me, please?

18. What time is it?

19. Can I get a taxi, please?

20. Nice to meet you

21. Can you speak slowly, please?

22. What's your name?

23. I have a reservation under the name of...

24. Can I have a receipt, please?

25. Do you offer discounts? 

26. Is there free Wi-Fi here?

27. I need...

28. How do I get to...?

29. Does my seat have...?

30. I would like to drink…

31. My room needs...

32. I will be here for...

33. Are there any rules or restrictions I should know?

34. I missed my stop

35. Can I pay by credit card?

Navigate Your Trip with Ease with BoldVoice

share article

Keep Reading

Download on the

Google Play

By Language

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Travel English Phrases

English is essential for communication in most countries.

Wherever you are going, you need to have a good grasp of the basics of the language to get around and communicate at the airport, hotel and everywhere in between.

This post has dozens of travel English phrases to help you navigate any foreign country. Learn what they mean and how you can use them! 

At the Airport

On the airplane, arriving at your destination, riding public transportation, at the hotel, at a restaurant, sightseeing, emergencies, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Excuse me, how do I… ?

If you are flying for the first time, you will need information on how to:

• Check in. When you check in , you are letting the airline know you have arrived. If the person you are talking to tells you to go to the check-in counter, you can follow up this question with “how do I get to the check-in counter?” to get directions. At the check-in counter, you present your ticket , a document that allows you to get your  boarding pass. The boarding pass, in turn, will allow you to board (ride) your airplane.
• Board the airplane. If you are not sure about what you should do before you get on a plane and during your flight, you can ask the airline staff about this. 

Where is the… ?

You will likely ask for general directions to one or more of the following:

• Information desk. As you can guess from the name, the information desk is where you can learn everything you need to know about getting around the airport. You can even ask for a map (a picture guide of the area) from them.
• Gate. A gate is where you will enter to get to the airplane. It is also the place where you wait before boarding your flight. The gate is usually written on your boarding pass. 
• Restroom. A restroom is a place where you take care of personal business like combing your hair, washing your face or using the toilet. Depending on the country you are visiting, this room may also be called a bathroom , washroom, comfort room, loo or toilet .
• Charging station. If your phone has low or no battery, these places can get your device’s battery up to 100 percent again. 
• Restaurant. If you feel hungry while waiting for your flight, you can visit a restaurant where you can eat in the meantime. 

How do I get to… ?

Although they both seem to ask for directions, there is a slight difference between “where is the… ?” and “how do I get to… ?”

“Where is the… ?” will get you a general answer like “(The place you want to go to) is at Building A.”

Meanwhile, “how do I get to… ?” asks for specific directions, so the person you are talking to will reply with “From here, you turn left, and when you see this sign, turn right…” and so on. 

What time is my flight?

Often, it may not be clear what time your specific flight is—in which case, this question will be useful.

What items am I allowed to bring on board?

Airlines usually have rules on what you can and cannot take into the airplane. 

How much luggage am I allowed to carry on?

Your  luggage includes all the bags you are bringing with you for the flight. Airlines often have limits on how much and how heavy your luggage should be.

Are meals included?

A  meal is a collection of food served at one time. Not all airlines provide meals, so it may be good to ask if you will get these before you board.

Excuse me, can you please help me put my luggage away?

Airplanes have baggage  compartments or closed spaces above each of the seats. You can ask the  flight attendant, an airplane employee in uniform who is usually female, to help you put your luggage in its compartment. 

Can I please change my seat?

Once you get on the plane, you may want to change your seat because other seats are more comfortable, have a better view, etc.

How much does… cost?

You can ask about the cost of anything you want to buy like the following:

• water bottle
• snack (a small meal)

I would like… , please.

This phrase is the standard and polite way to ask for something that is usually free or something you do not have to pay for. For example, if you are thirsty, you might say “I would like a glass of water, please.”

Does my seat have… ?

For example, if you want a device to return your phone’s battery charge at or above acceptable levels, you can say “does my seat have a charging port ?” And if you want to move the seat back so you can lie down, say “does my seat have a  recline button ?”

Excuse me, I need to…

There are a few things you can ask permission for on a plane. You can say “Excuse me, I need to…”

• Get out of my seat
• Use the restroom
• Move my luggage

What time is it?

This is a standard question for figuring out what time of the day it is. It is useful when you are flying over different time zones and when the plane finally lands.

For more vocabulary and phrases related to air travel, take a look at this post—it’s aimed at flight attendants, but you’ll learn a thing or two as well! 

Knowing English for flight attendants is essential in today’s interconnected world. These 60+ English words and phrases will prepare you for the job before, during and…

Once you are at your destination (the place you are visiting), some of the useful phrases you can use are the following. 

Just like at the airport when you first arrived, “Where is the… ?” and “How do I get to… ?” are useful phrases when you are at your destination.

Some of the places where you might need directions are:

• Baggage claim area. Remember when you checked in your luggage? This is the place where you claim or get it.
• Currency exchange. A currency exchange is a place where you take the money you use in your own country and get it changed to the money used at your destination.
• Bus stop. Finding a bus stop will be especially helpful if you want to find a cheap way to get around. Asking “where is this bus going?” can also help you know if you are riding the right bus.
• Taxi / Taxi stand. No bus? Take a taxi instead, which is also called a cab in some places. You can usually find a group of taxis at  taxi stands.
• Hotel. Of course, you should provide the name of your specific hotel. 
• Immigration or customs. Immigration or customs is the place where you have to explain why you came to a country and tell officers what your intentions are. 

Sorry, I do not understand what you are saying.

This phrase will help native English speakers know English is not your first language. You can also say “I do not speak English very well” and ask them to “please speak slowly” if you are still having trouble.

I recommend that you prep before you go by studying authentic English media like movies and TV shows. These can help you prepare for real interactions in English.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

I have items to declare. 

Aside from explaining why you are in a certain country, you also have to  declare (make a formal or official statement on) the items that you may need to pay duties  (taxes on items from another country) for.

If you do not have such items, you can simply say “I have nothing to declare.”

I have a connecting flight.

This is how you say you will board another plane to go somewhere else.

I am traveling for…

Depending on why you came to the country, you can say you are traveling for:

• Leisure. Say this if you are traveling because you are on vacation.
• Work. Say this if you are traveling because your company asked you to .
• Family. If you are traveling because you are visiting relatives, let the customs officer know.

I will be here for… days.

You will need to provide the number of days you will be staying in the country, like “I will be here for 90 days.”

If you have it, you can also show your visa , a document that proves you are allowed to enter the country for a certain purpose within a certain period. 

I am staying at…

The customs officer may ask you where you will be sleeping. You can say “I am staying at (the name of your hotel)” or “I am staying at (the address of your family or friend in the country).”

Check out more airport vocabulary here .

Now that you have arrived, you need to know how to get around. Here are some useful phrases you can use whether you are riding a bus, train or any other form of public transportation.

Does this go to… ?

Before you get on a bus or train, ask whether it is going to the place you want to go. If the driver says no, you can ask “how do I get to… ?” and take note of the directions they give you.

How long does it take to get to… ?

Here, you are asking how many minutes, hours, etc. it will take for the vehicle to get to your destination. 

How much is the fare?

The  fare is the price of riding your public transport.

“Do you accept… ?”

End this question with a mode of payment , which includes cash and cards . 

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

This phrase is useful if you see someone with an empty seat beside or near them, but you want to be 100% sure they do not have a companion. 

I missed my stop. Can you please let me know when we are at the next one?

In an ideal world, traveling would go smoothly. But sometimes, things like not being able to get off at your stop happen! Luckily, you can use this phrase to  get you out of a pickle (get you out of trouble). 

Of course, if you are staying with friends and family, you can skip this section. But if you will stay at a hotel, keep the following phrases in mind.

Greetings! I have a reservation under the name of…

End the phrase with your full name or the name you used to make your reservation. 

When you get to your hotel, go to the front desk.  It is easy to find because that is usually where you will first meet the hotel’s employees. Also, that is where the other guests will probably be!

You want to confirm that you have a  reservation first—that is, proof that you have a room at the hotel where you are staying. Otherwise, you have to look for somewhere else to stay.

What is included in my reservation?

This question asks what services you have already paid for. Of course, there is your room, but you may also want to check for other things like breakfast, pool, spa, etc.

What time is check-in / check-out?

Since you will not be staying at the hotel all the time, you will want to know what time you can  check in and  check out.  

Check in means the time you will be allowed to enter your room, while  check out means the time you should leave your room. 

Does the room have a… ?

You may also want to know about your room’s  amenities (things to help make your stay more convenient and comfortable). For example:

• Bathroom / restroom. Again, the correct term for this place depends on where you are.
• Refrigerator / fridge. A refrigerator or “fridge” is a place to keep your food and drinks cold. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for any food or drinks you take out of hotel refrigerators.
• Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is simply a wireless internet connection. You should probably also ask for the Wi-Fi password. ( “What is the Wi-Fi password?” )
• Air conditioner. An air conditioner is a piece of equipment that cools a room.

How many beds are in the room?

This question will help you know if there is enough space to sleep for the number of people in your hotel room.

What floor am I on?

A  floor in this situation refers to the level of the hotel.

If you are on a high floor (like the 30th, for example), you may want to use the elevator , the device that lifts and lowers you between floors of the hotel, to help you get to your room.

My room needs…

Most of the time, housekeeping (the people who clean the room) will make sure you have everything you need. Should they forget, you can say “My room needs…” and finish with:

• Towels. Towels are soft, thick materials you use to dry yourself after taking a bath.
• Toilet paper. Toilet paper are thin white sheets rolled up on tubes. They help you wipe yourself in the bathroom. 
• Bedsheets. “Bedsheets” is a term that includes pillowcases, blankets and all the other pieces of cloth that cover your bed.

Could I please have room service ?

As a guest, you can request services by saying “Could I please have… ?” For example, you can request room service , where someone will come up to your room to deliver food, drinks and other things you may need.

Where is the best… around here and how do I get there?

Since the hotel employees are locals, they will probably know the area more than you do.

Before you check out of your hotel, you can use this phrase and replace “…” with:

• Grocery store. Grocery stores are places where you can buy most types of items.
• Hospital. If you or someone you are traveling with gets sick or injured, you need to know where to go.
• Bank. If you run out of money, you may need to go by a bank to get more.
• Restaurant. Make sure you ask for a restaurant that offers local cuisine or food. 

A table for two, please.

The number indicates how many people will be eating with you at the restaurant. It does not have to be just two: it can be any number of people with and including you. 

I would like to drink…

Finish this phrase with the name of the drink you want. Popular drinks are:

• soda pop (carbonated sweet drinks) 

May I see a menu? 

A  menu will help you decide what you want to eat. 

I would like to order, please.

Once you have decided what to eat and drink, raise your hand and wait for a waiter to come to your table. Then, say this phrase to indicate that you are ready to order or ask questions about the food. 

Could you recommend any popular dishes?

This is a good question to ask if you are not sure what to order.

May I ask if you have dishes that are… ?

You may prefer certain foods to others for personal reasons. For example, you can finish the question with any of the following:

• Vegetarian / Vegan When you say that dishes are vegetarian , that means they are mostly made of plant-based ingredients. When you say they are vegan , it means they do not have any animal ingredients (even eggs or milk!) at all.
• Halal. If you are a Muslim, you want to make sure that what you eat does not go against the laws of your religion. You may need to explain what ingredients make a food halal  or  haram , though.

Can you tell me about any potential allergens in this dish?

Allergens are ingredients in your food that can cause you to have a negative reaction. It may be a good idea to ask about these before you order a dish. The last thing you want is to not enjoy your meal because you got sick!

Can I please have… ?

Fill in the blank with an item off of the menu or one of these items:

• Appetizer. An appetizer is a small dish you eat before the main course (meal).
• Soup. Soup is a common way to start meals. 
• Salad. If it is too warm for soup, try a salad!
• Dessert. A dessert is a sweet dish you eat after the main course.
• A glass of water. If you are not interested in any particular drinks, a glass of water is always a good option. 
• Extra sauce / salt / spice. If you think your dish could use a little more sauce, salt or spice, you can ask if you can have more. 

Can I ask for a refill?

The word  refill comes from the prefix  re- (which usually means “to repeat”) and  fill . If your glass of water is empty and you want more, you can ask for a  refill so your empty glass will have water again. 

May I have the bill? 

The  bill  indicates how much you have to pay after you eat the meal. Make sure to ask for this. In some restaurants, the waiters will not bring it to your table unless you ask.

If you want more useful English phrases to use in restaurants, check out this post on ordering food in English .

Of course, your trip would not be complete without souvenirs or items you buy to remember the place you visited! To make the most of your visits to shops, here are a few phrases to keep on hand.

Excuse me, where can I find… ?

Finish the question with what you are looking for.

Excuse me, how much is this?

This is a standard phrase for asking the price or cost of items.

Do you offer discounts?

When you ask for  discounts , you are asking if the item comes at a lower price. Usually, the discount is shown in percentages (%). For example, if an item is $10 and there is a 50% discount on it, the final price would be $5. 

Do you have a sale?

Another way to save money is to watch out for sales or events when you can buy items for much lower than their original cost.

Does this come in a bigger / smaller size?

If you are buying clothes, you may not be able to find something that fits you. In that case, use this phrase to check if they have your size. You can also ask “can I try this on?” to make sure the piece of clothing really fits!

What is your return and exchange policy?

Sometimes, you end up buying an item that you do not like or has defects (something wrong with it). A  return and exchange policy allows you to either return (give back) the item to the store or  exchange (switch or change) it with a similar one. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

Here, you are asking if they accept cash, cards or any other form of payment you have on hand.

Can you recommend something similar to this?

If you find something you like  but not quite or you want more varieties (colors, sizes, etc.) of the same item, this is a good question to ask. 

For more shopping vocabulary you should know, go here .

Aside from the stores, you also want to check the sights and sounds of your destination! For those, here are the phrases you can use.

Where is the visitor information center?

The  visitor information center is where you can get everything you need to know about an area—maps, landmarks, restaurants, shops, etc. 

Excuse me, can you tell me what attractions I should check out around here?

There may be so many attractions in the area, you will not know where to start. This question can help you make your itinerary or travel plans for the day.

Are there any guided tours for this area?

Then again, you may not need to explore the area on your own. With a  tour guide , you can plan where you want to go, get information on each attraction and even some interesting tidbits (facts) about them!

Are there any rules and restrictions I should know?

As a visitor, the last thing you want is to get into trouble. You want to know what you should do (the rules) and what you should not do (the restrictions). 

Can you take a photo of me in front of… ?

A trip is not complete without pictures you can post on social media! There are times when you may want to take pictures of yourself in front of a site and that is where this phrase comes in. 

Are there any events or festivals around here?

If you want to enjoy the place the way the locals do, this is a question you should ask. 

Even with careful planning, you may encounter some problems with your travels. Here are some phrases to help you out if something bad happens.

I have lost my…

End this phrase with any  valuables (important items) you lose, such as:

• Passport. If you lost your passport, you need to find an embassy or state organization that represents your home country in the place you are visiting. To ask for directions to the embassy, say “where is the embassy for… ?” and end the question with your country’s name in English.
• Wallet. If someone stole your wallet or something else from you, you need to contact the local police , the organization responsible for dealing with crimes. In the United States, for example, you can call 911 on a phone.
• Way. When you say you have lost your way , you mean you are not sure where you are and where you should go. If you have a destination in mind, you can say “how do I get to… ?” and end the question with where you want to go.

If something bad is happening to you, calling out this word will get people’s attention and—hopefully—get you the help you need.

I feel…

Sometimes, the people who come to help you may need more information about what you need help with. For example, you could say “I feel…”

• Dizzy / Faint. Dizzy or faint means your head feels light, as though it is being turned around and around.
• Sick. If you do not feel well in any way, you should say “I feel sick.”

If your body hurts, you can also say “I am in pain.”

With these travel English phrases, you should be able to get around most countries without much trouble.

Enjoy your trip!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Related posts:

Enter your e-mail address to get your free pdf.

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

English Travel Phrases Guide

If you plan on traveling to the United States (or another largely English-speaking country) soon, you’ll definitely want to know some English travel phrases. Even if you’re not fluent in English yet, it’s important to know how to effectively communicate with the people you’re going to encounter—bus drivers and train station managers, hotel staff, shop clerks, and the list goes on.

Increasing your English travel vocabulary is an essential step in your visit to the United States.

Knowing just a few basic English travel phrases will ultimately make your life easier as you navigate this new place. Instead of struggling to find words when ordering at a restaurant or asking for directions, you’ll have these most common English travel phrases at the back of your mind for safekeeping, to use whenever the need arises.

English travel phrases are the most important phrases to know, because they’ll help you get from point A to point B with ease. Whether that means getting from the airport to your hotel, from your main course to dessert, or from casual acquaintances to friends with someone you meet. These are English phrases for traveling you’ll use constantly during your visit to the U.S., and you’ll be glad to know them.

The ease factor aside, knowing English travel phrases can also help you out in a pinch—if you lose your luggage, get terribly lost yourself, or encounter an emergency, knowing these phrases can be a real lifesaver.

And let’s not forget that if you happen to be traveling for business purposes, knowing basic conversational English along with additional phrases will make you look good. It’ll greatly impress your U.S. associates and colleagues, and will grant you their favor more quickly than if you couldn’t communicate with them effectively.

With these things in mind, let’s move forward with EnglishClass101.com and learn about the most basic English travel phrases you should know. (Think of this as your very own online travel English booklet!) Let’s learn English travel phrases!

Table of Contents

• Basic Phrases: Greetings and Manners
• Phrases for Transportation
• Hotel Phrases
• Phrases to Use When Shopping
• Restaurant Phrases
• Phrases to Use in an Emergency
• Flattery Phrases and Compliments
• Useful Phrases to Go Through Language Problems

1. Basic Phrases: Greetings and Manners

The first English travel vocabulary we’ll go over are some basic greetings. You probably know some of these English language phrases for tourists, but if not you’ll find this section very helpful. (We also have an entire article dedicated to English greetings , in case you want a more in-depth look at these.)

1- Hello / Hi / Hey

These three words are the most common English greeting words. These words are basically interchangeable, meaning you can say any of these when first meeting someone. However, they do express different levels of formality.

“Hello,” is the most formal greeting word of the three, and is what you should probably use when meeting with a business colleague or when greeting someone for the very first time.

“Hi,” is a little bit less formal, and is probably the most versatile of the three; you can use this word to greet just about anyone in any situation (unless “Hello” seems more proper).

“Hey,” is the least formal, and is best used with people you’re very familiar with. If you make close friends while traveling in the U.S., this phrase is totally acceptable to use with them (and is even expected).

2- Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening

After you’ve said your initial greeting (or sometimes in place of one of the above phrases), you can tell the person “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon,” or “Good Evening,” depending on what time of day it is.

You can say “Good Morning,” any time before noon. “Good Afternoon,” is best used from noon to about five o’clock PM, and “Good Evening,” can be used any time after that until the next morning.

Each of these phrases is basically doing one of two things (or both):

• Wishing the person has a good day.
• Telling the person that you hope their day has been good up until that point.

However, these phrases are often said out of habit and so their meaning is sometimes vague or not actually implied.

3- How are you? / How have you been?

After you’ve greeted someone it’s polite to ask, “How are you?” You can ask this to anyone you’ve met, though you shouldn’t expect an in-depth answer if this is someone you hardly know. They’ll probably reply with, “Good” or “Well,” and ask how you are.

If you’re talking with someone you’ve met before or someone you know pretty well, you can ask, “How have you been?” instead. This question implies that you want to know how they’ve been since the last time you met. Depending on how well you know this person, the answer can be vague ( “Good,” ) or more in-depth. The person you’re talking with is likely to ask how you’ve been as well.

4- Please / Thank you

In the United States, it’s very much expected to say “Please,” when asking for something or making a request. For example, “Can you please give me directions to the hotel?” or “Please let me borrow your phone.” This word shows that you know the weight of the favor you asked, and that the other person is totally capable of refusing; it’s a sign of respect and humility, and is considered good manners in general.

You say, “Thank you,” after you receive what you asked for or a request you made is completed. This phrase shows that you appreciate the other person (or people) for their help.

5- Excuse me

“Excuse me,” can be used in a variety of situations and for multiple reasons, making it one of the most useful English travel phrases. For instance, you can say this to someone if you’re trying to get around them or if you accidentally run into someone while walking. You can also use this phrase to get someone’s attention.

For example, imagine you’re trying to get a store clerk’s attention to ask them where something is in the store:

“Excuse me , where can I find ____?”

This is one of the most important English phrases for travel due to its versatility and general usefulness.

6- I’m sorry

It’s always good to know how to say sorry , even if it’s only for small inconveniences or mistakes. Especially in the United States, it’s considered polite and common practice to apologize often. This may also be one of the most appreciated English language travel phrases to natives.

For instance, imagine you accidentally stepped on someone’s foot while walking in a crowded store or street. You can quickly say, “I’m sorry,” or simply, “Sorry,” and then keep walking.

2. Phrases for Transportation

Finding a good mode (or modes) of transportation is very important when traveling in the United States. Luckily, there’s a variety of options available depending on where you are and where you’re going. But to get the most out of your transportation experience, you’ll want to know a few basic English travel phrases related to transportation.

1- Taxi Phrases

• When hailing a cab (or taxi), first make sure that it’s actually available. You can find lots of good information on how to effectively hail a taxi online. If it’s available, one common way to signal for the driver’s attention is to extend your arm in the cab’s direction.
• If you’re going to call a cab instead, it’ll be good to have taxi company phone numbers for the area you’re in written down or saved on your cell phone. You can also use the increasingly popular services of either Uber or Lyft instead, as it may be easier to find availability this way.
• “I need to get to ___.” Once you’ve gotten the attention of a taxi driver or your Uber/Lyft driver has arrived, you’ll need to tell them where you need to go. You can do this by saying, “I need to get to ___” and say the name of the place where the blank is. For example, if you’re visiting Oregon, USA, you could tell your driver, “I need to get to the Oregon Zoo.”
• “Could you please take me to ___.” This is a more polite way of telling your driver where you need to go, and is basically interchangeable with the above phrase.
• “What’s the fastest (or easiest, or best) route?” or “Please take the fastest (or easiest, or best) route.” You should ask your driver which route is the fastest if you’re in a hurry; asking this indicates that you would like them to take that route, or discuss it with you. Or, if you’re less concerned with discussing the route, you can simply tell them, “Please take the fastest route.”
• “How much will this cost?” It can be hard to keep an eye on your spending when traveling, especially out of the country. To ensure that you don’t spend more than you need to (or to get a better idea of what you can expect to spend on taxis for the rest of the trip), you can ask your driver how much the route you discussed will cost.

An example conversation when getting a taxi ride could go something like this:

You: [Hails a cab] “Could you please take me to the Oregon Zoo?” Cab driver: “Sure. Is there a route you want me to take?” You: “What’s the fastest route?” Cab driver: [Tells you the fastest route] “Is that okay with you?” You: “Yes. How much will this cost?” Cab driver: “About $30.00 if traffic is good.”

2- Bus Phrases

• “May I have the bus schedule?” or “What is the bus schedule?” You can use the first phrase if you would like to receive a copy of the bus schedule for future reference (if there’s one available). The second phrase may be more helpful if you just want to know the day’s schedule, because you plan on going somewhere later.
• “How much will this ticket cost?” When purchasing a bus ticket, it’s very important to know how much you’re spending on a single trip. This is especially true since certain buses and certain bus-to-bus routes will cost much more than others. You can simply ask the driver or the ticket salesperson, “How much will this ticket cost?” once you’ve decided on the route you need.

3- Train Phrases

While trains are not the most popular mode of transportation in the United States, you may decide you’d like to travel by train anyway. (Depending on where you are, the scenery can be gorgeous and the service wonderful!) There are also the infamous “subway” trains of New York City that you may find convenient to take if you’re staying there for a while. Here are a few phrases you should know:

• “ What’s the schedule for this train?” To inquire about a train’s schedule while you’re at the train station, you can ask someone who works there, “What’s the schedule for this train?”
• “What route does this train take?” Once you know what the train’s schedule is, you may want to ask about the actual route of the train. You can simply ask, “What route does this train take?”
• “I would like to buy a ticket to ___ for ___ train.” When buying a ticket for a train, you need to state two things: 1.) Where you’re going, and 2.) Which train you want to take you there. You can use this phrase to do just that.
• “How much will this cost?” If you can’t find train ticket prices listed anywhere, you should ask the ticket salesperson how much a particular ticket will cost before you make a firm decision.

3. Hotel Phrases

Chances are you’ll be staying in a hotel for at least part of your trip to the United States. Here are a few common travel phrases in English that you should know during your hotel stay:

• “What rooms are available?” or “Do you have available rooms for [date] to [date]?” If you didn’t book a room prior to your trip, these are the first questions you may want to ask at the reception desk. The person at the front desk should answer by telling you about a couple of available rooms. If you plan on staying from one specific date to another date, you can use the second phrase to ask about rooms available for this specific time frame.
• “How much will my stay cost?” When telling you about available rooms, the person at the front desk should also tell you the approximate cost per night; once you’ve indicated how long you’ll stay, they should also tell you the total cost and give you payment options. However, don’t shy away from asking about this if they didn’t give you enough info.
• “When is check-out time?” In case it wasn’t made clear what time you need to check-out of your room on the last day, you’ll need to ask the person at the front desk.
• “Is there free breakfast?” If free breakfast is important to you, feel free to ask the front desk about this with this phrase.
• “Is there free WiFi?” The vast majority of hotels in the U.S. should have free WiFi, and most will offer you the WiFi password upon check-in. However, if they didn’t make it clear that they have WiFi, you can ask the front desk.
• “I need new towels/bed sheets.” There’s a good chance that you’ll want clean towels and bed sheets before your stay is over. Room service should take care of this while you’re out and about, but some hotels prefer that you ask for fresh towels or bed sheets before they’re given. You can either ask room service for these directly if you happen to be in your room when they arrive, or you can go to the front desk and request them. (Some hotels allow you to request multiple items free of charge, such as soap and razors; you can ask about these as well.)

4. Phrases to Use When Shopping

Shopping! Whether for groceries, clothing, or a swanky souvenir, shopping is just about inevitable when visiting another country. Here are some common travel phrases in English to use during your shopping experience:

• “Excuse me.” You can use this phrase to get a store clerk’s attention.

You: “Excuse me, do you have canned tomatillos?” Clerk: “I’m not sure what a tomatillo is. Can you describe it?” You: “It’s like green tomatoes, in a can.” Clerk: “I’m not sure we have those… Let me check.” You: “Okay, thank you.”

• “There’s a problem with my ___.” It happens all too often that you find an issue with a product after you’ve left the store. You discover a tear in your new (and expensive!) blouse, your souvenir falls apart for no reason, and the list goes on. To inform a store clerk about an issue like this, you can return to the store with the item and receipt, get the clerk’s attention, and say, “There’s a problem with my ___,” where the blank is the item you bought.
• “Can I have a refund?” Once you’ve shown the clerk (or staff at a Customer Service desk) what the problem is and that you still have the receipt, you can ask them, “Can I have a refund?” Most stores have some sort of refund policy, which the clerk will then explain to you.
• “Can I exchange this product?” If you would like to exchange your damaged product for another product, you can ask the clerk, “Can I exchange this product?” The rules and specifications for this vary by store, but some stores do allow exchanges.

By using these travel phrases in the English language, you can make your way around just about store or shop in the United States—and ensure that you get the best products from your visit to them.

5. Restaurant Phrases

No matter where you are, good food and restaurants are an essential part of the trip. Here are some English travel phrases you should know when eating at a restaurant.

1- Seating and Ordering

• “I would like a table for [number].” When you first enter a restaurant, the first thing you’ll be asked is, “How many?” To this, you can respond with the phrase, “I would like a table for [number],” or simply, “A table for [number],” where you replace [number] with the number of people in your group. You’ll then either be led to a table, or told how long you’ll need to wait for an available table.
• “Excuse me.” Here’s yet another good use for the phrase “Excuse me.” You can say this in order to call your waiter or waitress’ attention if you’re in need of something (more water or the check, for example).
• “Water, please.” Your server will ask you what you would like to drink, usually in the form of, “Can I get you started with something to drink?” though sometimes they’ll ask more specifically, “Would you like coffee, orange juice, milk?” You can reply with “Water, please,” if you would like water, though you can also say, “Coffee, please,” etc.
• “I’ll have the ___.” After your server asks you what you would like to eat, or what you’ll have, you can respond with, “I’ll have the ___,” where the blank is the name of a dish (or food) on the menu. For example, if you’re eating at an Italian restaurant you might say, “I’ll have the Chicken Alfredo.”

2- Types of Courses

You may find it helpful to have a breakdown of the different types of courses available to you, and the types of foods you can expect to be served for each one.

1. Breakfast

In English, the first meal of the day is called “Breakfast.” In most restaurants, this is only served in the morning (if breakfast is served there at all), with the exception of certain places which specialize in breakfast dishes.

Some common drinks served during breakfast hours include:

• Juice (orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, etc.)

Common food items include:

• Cereal or oatmeal
• Eggs (you can have these prepared in a variety of ways)
• Bacon or sausage links
• Potatoes or “hashbrowns”
• Toast (plus butter and jam)
• French toast
• Biscuits and gravy (yummy biscuits covered in thick, usually meaty gravy)

“Lunch” is usually served and eaten around the middle of the day (usually from around eleven o’clock in the morning until about two o’clock in the afternoon). When it comes to lunch, there are a variety of things you can eat and drink, mainly depending on the type of restaurant you find yourself in.

When it comes to classic American food, however, you’re likely to find the following items on your menu for lunch:

• Hamburger (or cheeseburger)
• Sandwiches or wraps

Many classic American lunch dishes come with side items, the most common of which are:

• Fries (basically just fried, long-cut potatoes)
• Onion rings (ring-cut onion slices dipped in batter and fried)
• Side salad (usually a small bowl of greens with tomato, cucumber, red onion, and croutons)
• Coleslaw (cabbage with carrots and sometimes other veggies, in a special dressing)
• Side soup (there are usually a variety of options available for the type of soup)

The most common lunchtime drinks are water and soft drinks (such as soda).

Especially if you’re visiting the United States on business, you’ll probably find yourself eating out for “dinner,” or the last meal of the day. For most restaurants, dinner meals are served from around 3 o’clock in the afternoon until late at night. Dinner is probably the most versatile meal in the United States.

Plates served for dinner are usually larger than those used for serving lunch, and the meals are often more expensive (depending on where you’re eating). Meal types range from classical American, like we described above, to other things like:

• Steak meals (a portion of steak, usually served with multiple sides)
• Fish meals (depending on where you are, any type of fish fillet served with multiple sides, such as rice)
• Various pasta dishes (most restaurants serve some kind of pasta dish, though the best pasta is usually from Italian-style restaurants)

4. Appetizer

An “appetizer” is usually served before a lunch or dinner meal is served, and is prepared upon request; it’s usually served to the table as a whole. It’s called an appetizer because it’s supposed to prepare your appetite for the meal to come. There may just be more types of appetizers in the United States than there are actual meals. Appetizers are sometimes unique to a specific restaurant, so be sure to have a good look at the appetizer section of the menu.

For some people, the “dessert” is the best part of the meal. It’s usually served after lunch or dinner. In the United States, this is usually some type of a sweet treat to eat after you’re done eating the main meal. Common U.S. dessert items include:

• Ice cream or frozen yogurt (this can be prepared a number of ways)
• Slice of cake
• Slice of pie

Some restaurants may also serve healthier desserts, such as fruit trays.

For this section, I sought to provide an array of example for classic American foods, but keep in mind that the types of food available fully depends on where you’re eating, and in the U.S. you can find restaurants serving food based on just about any other country’s food as well. So get out there and explore!

3- Money/Payment Words and Phrases

When you’re done eating, you’ll need to pay. Here are some useful phrases for you:

• “Check, please,” or “May I have the check?” You can use these phrases interchangeably to ask your server for the check. The first phrase is less formal, but is a simpler and more efficient way of asking for the check; the second one is a little more formal, so you may want to use it if you’re eating at a nice restaurant.
• “Credit card.” If you’re asked how you’ll be paying for your meal, you can simply answer “credit card,” if you’ll be using a credit card. Other possible answers are “cash,” and “check,” (though be aware that some restaurants don’t accept these). Further, a “debit card” can be used in place of a credit card.
• “May I have the receipt?” Oftentimes, you’ll be asked after paying if you would like a receipt, to which you can reply “yes” or “no.” However, if you would like your receipt and it wasn’t offered, you can simply ask, “May I have the receipt?”
• “How much should I tip?” While this may be an awkward question to ask the server, it can still be helpful to ask this to someone in the party you’re eating with. Tipping is always much appreciated, and asking a colleague how much you should tip definitely won’t be frowned upon.

4- Allergies and Special Accommodations

If you have a food allergy or are following a strict diet, don’t be afraid to speak up. Here are a few phrases you may find helpful for communicating your needs to your party or the restaurant staff:

• “I’m allergic to ___.” Use this phrase to let someone know you’re allergic to something, where the blank space is the food (or foods) you’re allergic to. For example, you could say, “I’m allergic to peanuts,” or “I’m allergic to shellfish,” both of which are common food allergies . If you’re allergic to multiple foods, you could say, “I’m allergic to fish, milk, and tree nuts,” for instance.
• “I’m a vegetarian,” or “Do you have vegetarian options?” You can use the first phrase to inform either the server or someone in your party that you don’t eat meat, so that they can help you find a tasty meatless meal on the menu. You can use the second phrase if you want to simply ask the server for recommendations on vegetarian options. (Keep in mind that you can replace “vegetarian” with whatever type of diet you’re following. E.g.: “I’m a vegan,” “I’m on a keto diet,” etc.)
• “Can I have this without ___?” You can make this request to your server, filling in the blank with whatever ingredient in the meal you don’t want. For example, if you ordered a steak meal that usually comes with mashed potatoes, green beans, and rice, you could say, “Can I have this without the green beans,” if you don’t like green beans.
• “Can I have extra ___?” On the other hand, if you absolutely love green beans and can’t get enough of them, you could ask the server, “Can I have extra green beans?” You may just be surprised how many restaurants are willing to accommodate requests like this.
• “Can you substitute ___ for ___?” or “Can I have ___ instead of ___?” You can ask these questions pretty much interchangeably, and both are used to ask for one food item instead of another. For example, if you ordered a fish meal that’s usually served with rice and steamed broccoli, but you want mashed potatoes on the side instead of rice, you could say: “Can you substitute the rice for mashed potatoes?” Many restaurants will accommodate for things like this.

6. Directions

You’ve just finished eating your meal, the table conversation is starting to slow, and your U.S. colleagues are getting up to leave. You suddenly panic and realize that you don’t remember the way back to your hotel. As the table empties, you hurry to get one of your colleagues’ attention…we’ll call him Phil. So how do you ask Phil how to get to the hotel?

1- Asking for Directions

Asking for directions can be embarrassing or awkward, but it’s nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, learning these travel phrases in English can really get you out of some sticky situations. Here are some common travel phrases in English you can use to ask for directions:

• “Where is ___?” Probably the simplest way to ask for directions is to ask the question, “Where is ___?” The blank represents the destination you’re trying to get to.
• “How do I get to ___?” This is another simple way to ask for directions, and is a more straightforward way of asking. (“How do I get to,” implies that you want specific directions, whereas “Where is,” implies that you need more general information.)
• “How do I get to ___ from here?” This is a little bit more complex, but has the same meaning as the two phrases above; the only difference is that you’re adding “from here” to the end, which indicates you want directions with your current location as the starting point.
• “Can you tell me where ___ is from here?” This has the same meaning as the phrase above, though it’s a little bit more formal and polite. In the case of asking your colleague Phil for directions, this may be the best option. (Tip: Be sure to say something like “excuse me,” before you ask the actual question as this is seen as generally polite.)
• “I’m trying to get to ___. Can you point me in the right direction?” If you want to add a little flair to your directions-asking, this is a good option. It’s a little bit more complex than the others, but it has a more conversational tone and will be particularly well-received by the person you’re asking.

2- Giving Directions

How is Phil going to answer your question?

1. Common Directional Words

2. common directional phrases.

• “Find ___ and make a right/left.” The blank here is usually a street name, though it can also be some kind of landmark. Phil may tell you, for instance, “Find Coyote Road and make a left ,” and then, “At the fork in the road, make a right.”
• “Stay ___ on ___.” In this phrase, the first blank is usually a direction (north, east, south, or west), and the second blank is usually a highway, road, or street name. For instance, Phil may tell you, “Stay north on Highway 89. “

If Phil is a less technical kind of guy or if you happen to have a hard time remembering street names, he may use more general directional phrases and words. These are usually associated with some kind of a landmark, such as a certain building or park.

• “___ is near ___.” In this phrase, the first blank can either be the place you’re looking for, or a road he mentioned. The second blank is some kind of landmark. For instance, Phil may tell you: “ Your hotel is near Heritage Park .”
• “You’ll find that road around ___.” In this phrase, Phil is seeking to give you a better idea of where a road he mentioned is. For instance, he could say: “You’ll find that road around the Heritage Park Zoo .”

7. Phrases to Use in an Emergency

Just because you’re on vacation or a business trip doesn’t mean emergencies won’t happen. It’s very important that you know how to communicate serious problems with those around you and with those trained to handle emergencies.

Here are some useful travel phrases in English to help you out in an emergency, as well as other important information. Keep in mind that these are some of the most important travel phrases in English.

1- Emergency Numbers

Before anything else, it’s important that you know what phone number to call in case of an emergency, how to dial it, and what to expect during the call. Here’s a list of some of the most common numbers:

• 911: This is the catch-all emergency phone number in the United States. Whatever your emergency is, dial 911 on your phone and answer their questions to the best of your ability. In particular, you’ll need to know where you’re located at the time of the emergency and what the emergency is. If you’re unable to talk on the phone for whatever reason, you can also request that someone else makes the phone call.

2- Phrases to Ask for Help

Here’s a list of useful travel phrases in English you can use to ask for help in a pinch:

• “Can you help me?” or “Please help.” The first phrase here is a more polite way of asking someone for help, and should probably be started with “Excuse me.” You can use this for emergencies that aren’t particularly urgent (such as if you lost something that’s not ultra-important to you). The second phrase is less polite, but also suggests more urgency; this should be used for more urgent emergencies, such as if someone’s been seriously injured or you’re in some kind of trouble.
• “I lost my ___.” or “My ___ was stolen.” These are two phrases that you can use if you’ve either misplaced something important to you or if somebody took off with it. For instance, if you can’t find your cell phone anywhere, you can declare to someone, “I lost my cell phone ,” and then ask them if they’ve seen it. Or, if you definitely saw someone pick up your phone and walk away with it, you can say, “My cell phone was stolen.”

3- List of Common Health Emergency Words

The first thing to do if you or someone around you is experiencing an urgent health emergency is call 911. Here are just a few of the most common ailment words to describe what’s happening:

• Headache: Most headaches aren’t an emergency, but if it’s very severe or is impairing your (or someone else’s) ability to go about normal daily tasks, it may be time to call 911. This is characterized by a dull or sharp throbbing in or around your head, and can be caused by various factors.
• Heart attack: If you think that you or anyone around you is experiencing (or about to experience) a heart attack, dial 911. Be sure to learn some of the most common heart attack symptoms, so that you can know it when you see it (or feel it!).
• Dehydration: When you’re dehydrated, it means that you haven’t been consuming enough fluids. Common symptoms include headache, weakness, and stomach ache/nausea. Be sure to drink a lot of fluids during your visit, and then keep drinking lots of fluids when you get back home!
• Stroke: A stroke is a serious medical condition which can be caused by an array of things. Be sure to brush up on your stroke knowledge so that you’ll know the symptoms and how to help.
• Stomach ache: A stomach ache can either mean that you feel pain in your stomach, or that you’re very nauseous (though it can be both at once). While not always an emergency, a stomach ache can be a sign that something is very wrong; if a stomach ache is very painful or persists for a long time, be sure to call 911.
• Injury: While most injuries aren’t serious or life-threatening, they can be; for instance, if a deep wound won’t stop bleeding or you’re in a lot of pain, you should see a doctor.
• Doctor: A doctor is someone who usually works at a hospital, and has extensive medical knowledge as well as the authority to prescribe medication or treatment. If you’re in an emergency where you need a doctor but can’t get yourself to the hospital or dial 911, you can simply tell someone, “I need a doctor,” and they should get you help immediately.
• Ambulance: An ambulance is a large vehicle that’s used to transport someone to the hospital if they’re in very bad condition or can’t get there themselves. Oftentimes, an ambulance is sent after someone dials 911.
• Emergency: It’s important to know the word “emergency.” This word will be very useful in a pinch, as you can use it to explain the severity of a situation. For example, you enter the hospital with a friend who’s about to have a stroke and tell the person at the front desk, “It’s an emergency!” Your friend should then be taken to the emergency room for immediate attention.

8. Flattery Phrases and Compliments

Travel phrases in English language learning aren’t all formal!

When you travel, English conversation is likely to take an informal turn. Nearly everyone appreciates a well-placed compliment, and this is especially true in the United States. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, knowing a few flattery phrases and compliments will certainly be useful. Not to mention the flair it’ll add to your English-speaking!

That said, here’s some English for tourism conversations:

You can also say the phrases “I really like your ___” and “I love your ___.” Both of these phrases add emphasis to your compliment. The word “really” in the first phrase indicates an additional level of approval, while the word “love” in the second phrase means that “like” isn’t even a strong enough word to describe your approval.

• “You look nice today.” This is a more generic compliment, and can be used in most situations for most people. It’s a simple way of expressing your approval about someone’s physical appearance. This compliment is always well-received; you’ll typically receive a “thank you,” or “thanks,” in response, along with a big smile.

1.) [A friend came to pick you up from your hotel so you could go to the zoo together.] You: “Thank you for picking me up .”

2.) [A U.S. colleague took the time to introduce you to other colleagues after a meeting.] You: “Thank you for introducing me .”

• “Do you have a Facebook?” You can ask this to someone you’re becoming friends with (or would like to become friends with). While it may not be good to ask this after first meeting someone, by the second or third meeting, this should be fine to ask. Also note that you can replace “Facebook” with any other social media platform you use (e.g. Twitter, Instagram, etc.). If the other person has this social media account and is also interested in becoming friends, they will give you their information so you can stay in touch.
• “Can I have your phone number?” In the United States today, asking for someone’s phone number usually comes after asking for their social media information. Also, this question is better asked to someone you’ve met a few times already (unless you’re asking a colleague for their number so you can work on a project together or something). If the person you ask wishes to give you their number, they’ll probably ask for your number too. This is called “exchanging numbers.”

9. Useful Phrases to Go Through Language Problems

Finally, how do you tell someone that you don’t speak English very well yet? How do you effectively communicate to work around these issues? Learn some travel sentences in English for going through language problems with someone.

• “Can you repeat that?” This is a phrase that you’ll likely need to use often while visiting the United States. (Heck, even U.S.-born, native English-speaking folks say this often!) This is a simple way of asking someone to repeat what they said because you didn’t understand it the first time; they’ll likely say it slower, more loudly, or with clearer pronunciation so you can understand what they said easier.
• “Can you speak more slowly? I don’t understand English very well.” This is a more complex phrase, and does two things: 1.) It makes a request for the speaker to speak more slowly, and 2.) It informs the speaker that you don’t speak English well, which is important for them to know. After you use this phrase, the speaker will likely repeat what they said more slowly, and pronounce their words more clearly in future dialogue.
• “How do you say that in my language?” This is a helpful phrase to use if someone you’re with knows your native language (even if only a little bit). Some English words just don’t translate easily, and others are hard to learn; with a little research, however, you and the people you’re speaking with should be able to find similar words or phrases from your own language.

For example, let’s say you don’t know what the word “bashful” means and someone brings it up in a conversation. It may go something like this:

• “How do you read/pronounce this?” Maybe you can speak and understand spoken English pretty well, but have a more difficult time reading and writing it. Or maybe you just came across a particularly tricky word to pronounce. Whatever the situation is, it never hurts to ask someone how you read or pronounce a word or phrase. In fact, it will show the person that you’re interested in learning and that you want to speak/read English to the best of your ability. They should be more than happy to help you out.

10. Conclusion

Whew! That’s quite a mouthful of English travel words and phrases. We hope you learned some useful travel words in English and other English phrases about travelling.

You’re definitely not expected to memorize all of them right away, but we do hope that you’ve gained some insight into the types of phrases you should know and when to use them. When you learn to use English travel phrases, you can expect a few bumps in the road—but with enough practice, the struggle will be well worth it! With a few of these phrases under your belt, you should have a much smoother trip to the United States. Enjoy!

If you want to learn even more about the U.S. English language, be sure to visit us at EnglishClass101.com . We have an array of helpful blog posts , vocabulary lists on a range of topics, and even an online community forum where you can chat with fellow English learners! And if you want a one-on-one approach to your English learning, you can also download our MyTeacher app !

We wish you all the best on your trip to the United States. Have fun and be successful in all of your English-learning endeavors! And be sure to practice these useful English phrases for tourists.

Or sign up using Facebook

Got an account? Sign in here

How To Say ‘Thank you’ in English

The Best Ways To Say Hello In English

How to Say I Love You in English – Romantic Word List

40 Basic English Phrases for Beginners

Advanced English Words

Master a Conversation with These English Phone Call Phrases

How to celebrate april fools’ day in english.

• Feature Spotlight
• General Announcements
• English Phrases
• English Words
• New Features
• Word of the Day

Copyright © 2024 Innovative Language Learning. All rights reserved. EnglishClass101.com Privacy Policy | Terms of Use . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

20 English Travel Phrases You Should Know

• Blog Detail

Going on vacation? It’s a great idea to improve your English speaking skills before you go! Knowing some essential English travel phrases will make your trip safer, smoother and more enjoyable. 

Luckily, we’ve got a list of 20 useful travel phrases you can rely on for your next trip.

GETTING AROUND IN ENGLISH

Are you the kind of person who tries to plan every moment of your trip? Or do you prefer to figure things out as you go? Either way, it’s all too easy to get lost. The important thing is knowing how to ask for directions.

“Pardon me, do you know where I could find…?”

Don’t forget your manners, even if you’re stressed. At the end of the phrase, just insert the name of the place you’re looking for or a general place. “Do you know where I could find the bus stop?”

You can do the same with these phrases:

“Where is the closest…?”

“How far is it to…?”

STAYING AT A HOTEL

You’ve arrived at your destination and managed to get to your hotel. Now what?

“Hello. I’d like to check in.”

You also might like to ask questions about your stay, such as:

“What time do we have to check out?”

“Is there Wi-Fi/a pool/a restaurant?”

If you choose to stay at a hotel that serves breakfast, it’s a good idea to know what time to eat.

“What time is breakfast?”

Missed out on breakfast? If your hotel has room service available, you can simply call and say:

“I’d like to order room service.”

EATING AT A RESTAURANT

What’s a trip without tasting the local cuisine? If you’re hoping to celebrate at a nice or popular place, you’ll want to have the word “reservation” as part of your travel vocabulary.

Use “I’d like to make a reservation,” ahead of time and “I have a reservation,” when you arrive.

If no reservation is needed, you can simply say: “We’d like a table for 2, please.”

During dinner, you might also need the following:

“I have an allergy to peanuts/shellfish/dairy.”

“Could you please tell me where the restrooms/toilets are?”

“Could we have the check/bill, please?”

SHOPPING IN ENGLISH

Unless you’re ordering or shopping online, you’ll have to go into a store to buy everything from souvenirs to clothes to replace the ones from your lost luggage. That means you’ll need phrases like:

“How much does this cost?”

“I’m looking for…/Do you have…?” Simply insert whatever it is you need at the end of the question, as in “Do you have any postcards?”

“Can I pay with cash/credit card?” Sometimes, you’ll come across a shop that doesn’t take one or the other. It’s always good to ask if you’re not sure.

ASKING FOR HELP IN ENGLISH

Nothing is perfect, which means it’s always good to be prepared.

For instance, if you ever feel overwhelmed or don’t understand what’s being said, you might need the phrases, “I don’t understand” and “Could you please repeat that?”

We’ve all misplaced things from time to time as well. If you ever need help, you can ask, “Could you help me please? I’ve lost my room key/ticket/passport.”

Remember that speaking in a foreign language doesn’t have to be so difficult or scary. Use these travel phrases to help you practice before your trip so you can focus more on relaxing and having fun.

Popular posts

• Reading Strategies: Skimming, Scanning, and Detailed Reading
• Word of the Day "One-off"
• Prefixes and Suffixes. English Language Learning Tips
• How to Learn English with Movies - Top 10 Best Films
• How to write a CV: Tips for 2022

Free English Placement Test

Check your Score - Try our Free English Quiz + Get a Free Bonus

Learning English will improve your chances of Getting a better Job , Earn More Money , Travel Abroad , Study Internationally & Make new international Friends Start Learning your first English lesson within 5 Minutes!

Registered students, language certificates, satisfaction rate.

Great site to keep my english skills updated for work and travel. I am really enjoying the lessons!

Loved the course. Abitlity to improve my grammar and spelling in a step by step method has really helped me. Thanks!

[email protected]

• Why On-Line?
• The Science of ONIT
• Behind the Program
• Begin your Journey
• Earn your Certificate
• How to claim a Discount Code

Information

• Privacy Policy

© 2021 Copyrights by Oxford Language Club - All Rights Reserved

Press ESC to close

Conversational English for Travel: Essential Phrases and Tips

When you are traveling or talking about traveling, conversational English for travel is a must! It helps you communicate with locals and enjoy a greater cultural experience. Here are some phrases for navigating various situations confidently.

Start your journey by learning basic greetings like “Hello” and “Goodbye”. Showing politeness with “Thank you” and “Please” is important.

Directions like “Where is the nearest bus station?” or “How do I get to the city center?” are also key. Knowing these can help you avoid getting lost or wasting time.

Ordering food is made easier with phrases like “I would like…” and “Could I have the menu please?”. Understanding dietary restrictions and allergies beforehand will make things simpler.

Be aware of emergency phrases such as “Help!” and “Call the police!” for safety. Learning some medical terms can help in emergencies.

Having a grasp of numbers is good for bargaining and understanding currency exchanges. Locals appreciate when travellers take the time to understand their monetary system.

Overall, conversational English is essential for travel. It makes cultural immersion smoother and fosters meaningful connections. Use these phrases and have a memorable journey!

Essential Phrases for Travel:

Traveling? Make sure you know some essential phrases for navigating a foreign country! Here are some key phrases that can help you communicate :

• “Hello” and “Goodbye” – To make a great impression and leave a positive memory when talking to locals.
• “Thank you” – Show your appreciation in the local language. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
• “Where is?” – Ask for directions or find key places, like the nearest hotel or restaurant.

Plus, having basic knowledge of numbers and money phrases can be very helpful when shopping or eating out. These phrases can make your travel experience better and help you connect with locals.

Pro Tip: Carry a pocket-sized phrasebook or download a language app to aid your communication.

Tips for Improving Conversational English:

Tackle English fluency head-on! Converse with native speakers daily. Boost listening skills by watching movies, shows, and podcasts. Expand your vocabulary with books and newspapers. Join convo clubs or language exchange programs for confidence. Utilize online resources like apps and websites to practice grammar and pronunciation.

Immersion is key! Make connections, watch flicks, read books, and use tech to learn. Don’t get stuck in a rut.

Once upon a time, Samuel Johnson compiled the first English dictionary. His hard work led to many linguistic breakthroughs that still shape how we talk today.

Also Read: 5 Effective Ways to Learn English

Cultural Tips for Using Conversational English in Different Countries:

Cultural tips are essential when speaking conversational English in different nations. Knowing the exact cultural norms and social customs can improve communication and avoid misunderstandings.

Here is a table that shows some vital cultural tips for using conversational English in various countries:

It’s important to remember that each country has its own special details regarding conversational English. Be aware of non-verbal cues, respect personal space, and adjust to the local customs.

A study by Cambridge University found that navigating cultural differences effectively can significantly help successful communication when using conversational English in various countries.

Also Read: Top 100 Commonly Used A to Z Phrasal Verbs for English Fluency

Conclusion: Importance of learning conversational English for a smooth travel experience.

Learning conversational English is vital for a smooth travel experience. It helps you communicate with locals fluently, making navigation and interactions simpler. Immersing in the local culture boosts understanding and brings more joy to the journey. Furthermore, speaking English gives access to new opportunities – such as finding secret gems or getting directions correctly.

A study by Cambridge University Press supports this idea, highlighting the importance of learning conversational English for travelers. Know More – The Fluent Life

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you greet someone in English? A: The common greetings in English are “Hello” or “Hi” for informal situations, and “Good morning/afternoon/evening” for more formal situations.

Q: How do you ask for directions in English? A: To ask for directions, you can say “Excuse me, could you please tell me how to get to [location]?” or “Can you help me find [location]?”

Q: What are some essential phrases for ordering food in English? A: You can use phrases like “I would like…” or “Can I have…” to order food in English. Additionally, you can ask for recommendations by saying “What do you recommend?”

Q: How do you apologize in English? A: To apologize, you can say “I’m sorry” or “I apologize” followed by the reason for the apology. For example, “I’m sorry for being late.”

Q: How do you ask for help or assistance in English ? A: You can ask for help by saying “Excuse me, can you help me?” or “I need some assistance, please.” Be polite and clear about what you need help with.

Q: How do you handle misunderstandings in English conversations? A: If there is a misunderstanding, it’s best to politely ask for clarification by saying “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite understand. Could you please explain again?” or “I’m not sure I understood correctly.”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Share Article:

You might also like

Which English Speaking Course is Best?: Your Ultimate Guide

Is Fluent English Better than Intermediate?: Fluent vs Intermediate

Which English Certificate Course is Best?: A Comprehensive Guide

Other stories, the role of non-verbal communication in english conversations, master the art of small talk: engaging conversation tips.

• 29 Essential English Phrases for Traveling Abroad (and Connecting with People)

Traveling abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also pose some challenges, especially if you’re not familiar with the local language.

English , being a widely spoken language around the world, can come to your rescue in various situations.

Whether you’re exploring a bustling city or relaxing on a tropical beach, knowing some essential English phrases can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

In this article, we’ll explore twenty-nine essential English phrases that will help you navigate through different aspects of your travel adventure.

I. Greeting and Introduction Phrases

When you’re traveling abroad, it’s always a good idea to start your interactions with a friendly greeting.

English phrases for greetings and introductions can help you establish a connection with the locals and make a positive impression. Here are some essential short travel phrases:

• “Hello, how are you?” : A simple and versatile greeting that can be used in any situation.
• “My name is [your name]. Nice to meet you!” : Introduce yourself and express friendliness when meeting new people during your travels.
• “Excuse me, do you speak English?” : Useful for determining if someone can communicate with you in English.

II. Asking for Directions Phrases

Getting around in a new place can be a bit confusing, but asking for directions in English can greatly simplify the process. These phrases will help you find your way:

• “Excuse me, where is the nearest [landmark/place]?” : Use this phrase to ask for directions to a specific location.
• “How do I get to [destination]?” : When you need directions to a particular destination, this question will come in handy.
• “Is it far from here?” : Use this phrase to determine the distance between your current location and the destination you’re seeking.

III. Ordering Food and Drinks Phrases

Exploring local cuisine is an integral part of traveling. Knowing English phrases for ordering food and drinks will enhance your dining experience:

• “I would like to order [dish/drink].” : Use this phrase to express your food or drink preferences.
• “Could you recommend a local specialty?” : Engage with the locals and get suggestions for authentic and delicious dishes.
• “Is there a vegetarian/vegan option?” : If you have specific dietary requirements, this phrase will help you find suitable options.

IV. Shopping Phrases

Shopping is a fun activity while traveling, and these English phrases will assist you during your retail therapy:

• “How much does this cost?” : Use this phrase when you want to inquire about the price of an item.
• “Do you have this in a different color/size?” : If you’re looking for variations of a particular item, this question will be useful.
• “Can I try this on?” : When shopping for clothes, this phrase allows you to check the fit before making a purchase.

V. Transportation Phrases

Navigating public transportation systems in a foreign country can be overwhelming, but these English phrases will help you communicate your transportation needs:

• “Is this the right bus/train to [destination]?” : Use this phrase to confirm if you’re on the correct mode of transportation.
• “When is the next bus/train?” : If you’re unsure about the departure times, this question will provide you with the necessary information.
• “How do I get to [landmark/place] by [mode of transportation]?” : Use this phrase to ask for directions using a specific mode of transportation.

VI. Accommodation Phrases

When you’re staying in a hotel or any other accommodation during your travels, these English phrases will assist you:

• “I have a reservation under [your name].” : Use this phrase when checking in at your accommodation.
• “Is breakfast included?” : If you’re unsure about the meal arrangements, this question will clarify.
• “Could you please provide extra towels/toiletries?” : If you need additional amenities, use this phrase to make your request.

VII. Emergency Phrases

While we hope you won’t encounter any emergencies during your trip, it’s crucial to know some English phrases to seek help when needed:

• “I need help!”: Use this phrase to attract attention and seek assistance in emergency situations.
• “Where is the nearest hospital/police station?” : If you require urgent medical attention or need to report a crime, this question will guide you.

VIII. Making Small Talk Phrases

Engaging in small talk with locals can help you learn more about the culture and create memorable connections. These phrases will assist you:

• “What is the weather like today?” : A common conversation starter that can lead to further discussions.
• “What are some popular attractions around here?” : Use this question to gather recommendations for places to visit.
• “Tell me about local customs and traditions.” : Show interest in the local culture and encourage people to share their knowledge.

IX. Expressing Gratitude Phrases

Showing gratitude is essential when interacting with locals during your travels. These phrases will help you express your appreciation:

• “Thank you very much!” : A simple phrase to convey your gratitude.
• “I really appreciate your help.” : Use this sentence to express sincere appreciation for someone’s assistance.
• “You’ve been very kind. Thank you!” : Express gratitude for someone’s kindness and hospitality.

X. Farewell Phrases

As your journey comes to an end, bid farewell to the people you’ve met along the way with these English phrases:

• “It was lovely meeting you. Goodbye!” : Use this phrase to say goodbye to someone you’ve had a pleasant interaction with.
• “Take care and have a safe journey!” : Show concern for the well-being of others as you part ways.
• “Hope to see you again someday!” : Express the desire to meet again in the future and maintain a connection.

FAQs: Travel Phrases in English

What phrases to know when traveling abroad.

When traveling abroad, it’s helpful to know phrases such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” “Where is…?” “How much does it cost?” and “Can you help me?” These basic phrases will assist you in various situations during your travels.

What is the idiomatic expression for traveling?

An idiomatic expression for traveling is “hitting the road” or “going on a journey.” These expressions convey the idea of embarking on a trip or exploring new places.

How do you say I am traveling in different ways?

You can express “I am traveling” in different ways, such as “I’m on a trip,” “I’m going on vacation,” “I’m exploring new destinations,” or simply “I’m traveling.”

What are some useful vocabulary words related to travel?

Useful vocabulary words related to travel include “passport,” “boarding pass,” “luggage,” “airport,” “hotel,” “sightseeing,” “reservation,” “departure,” “arrival,” “tourist,” “currency,” “adventure,” and “itinerary.” These words are essential for discussing and understanding travel-related topics.

Why is it important to learn English phrases for traveling?

Learning English phrases for traveling can help you communicate with locals, navigate unfamiliar surroundings, and make your trip more enjoyable. It allows you to connect with people, seek assistance when needed, and explore the local culture with greater ease.

Can I use translation apps instead of learning English phrases?

While translation apps can be helpful, they may not always provide accurate translations or convey the nuances of the English language. Learning essential phrases will enable you to have more meaningful interactions and adapt to various situations effectively.

How can I practice and improve my English for traveling?

Practicing English phrases regularly before your trip and engaging in conversations with native English speakers or language exchange partners can help you improve your language skills. You can also listen to English podcasts or watch travel-related videos to familiarize yourself with the language.

Are there any online resources for learning English travel phrases?

Yes, there are several online resources available, such as language learning websites , mobile apps, and YouTube channels, that provide lessons and tutorials specifically tailored for learning English travel phrases. Some reputable platforms include Preply and FluentU .

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using English phrases abroad?

When using English phrases abroad, it’s essential to speak clearly and slowly, especially if English is not the locals’ first language. Avoid using complex or slang expressions that may be difficult to understand. Additionally, be respectful of cultural differences and adapt your communication style accordingly.

There you have it – phrases for travel lovers!

Learning essential English phrases for traveling abroad can significantly enhance your travel experience. From greetings and directions to ordering food and engaging in small talk, these phrases will help you navigate various situations and connect with locals.

Remember to practice these phrases before your trip and embrace the opportunity to communicate in English during your travels.

Now, get ready to embark on your adventure and enjoy the journey!

Interested in igniting your creativity? Dive into the world of my  literary works  and experience the power of imagination.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to boost your English language skills – check out our other posts!

• How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking English (Tips and Tricks)
• How to Improve Your English Pronunciation (5 Simple and Effective Ways)

15 Easy English Learning Hacks for Busy People

5 online learning fears holding back esl students (and how to overcome them), about the author.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Join The Newsletter

Travel + Beauty

Helpful Travel Expressions & Travel Phrases To Learn For Your Next Trip

Communication is a very important aspect when traveling.  Here I have compiled this list of super helpful travel expressions and travel phrases to learn before your next trip. 

It’s highly useful to learn words and travel phrases specific to the country you are visiting. Wherever you go you should have at least a basic knowledge of the local language and know some of the more common travel terms to get around and make connections with the people you meet along the way. 

My collection of helpful expressions and questions will help you communicate whether you are in Greece admiring the Acropolis , searching for dolphins in Mauritius , or riding a camel in Abu Dhabi’s desert .   These phrases will make exploring during your trip much easier and super enjoyable. 

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our  disclosure here.

Related posts:

• 66 Genius Traveling Hacks
• Idioms About Travel
• Carry On For Long Flights
• Souvenir Ideas To Collect When Traveling

HOW TO LEARN TRAVEL EXPRESSIONS

Whether you are already familiar with that language or just starting to learn, these travel phrases and travel expressions will be a perfect addition to your vocabulary to help you get by easily when traveling abroad. 

If you learn some of these key travel phrases, you will be able to interact with locals, deal with various situations, and have a much more enjoyable and authentic experience during your trip.

There are many great sources these days to learn travel phrases for the country you are going to. You can listen to songs, movies , and books, and even watch a popular TV show from the country on Youtube. 

An easy and convenient way to learn a new language fast is through applications. Most of us carry our phones with us 24/7 anyways. So when you get a spare minute you can review some words quickly by whipping out your mobile device. 

Some of my favorite applications for learning languages are listed below: 

• Google Translate : This is a free application that will translate your spoken words into the target language. This application is perfect to add all the travel expressions I listed below. 
• Michel Thomas Method : One-time payment application that provides visual and auditory feedback to the language you are learning. This application goes more into depth for conversational tasks but is very easy to follow. I was able to learn Greek rather quickly using this application. 
• Duolingo : Free version or paid subscription available. With the free version, you are able to get a good base of the preferred language you want to learn. Duolingo is set up as a game that makes it fun to learn a new language.

If you’re not into applications, Preply is an e-learning platform that allows you to learn a language one on one with a tutor. Get 50% off your first lesson right here .

VERY COMMON TRAVEL PHRASES

There may be common and obvious travel expressions, but they are of significant importance in many situations and vital for communication in most countries. It is recommended to keep these phrases and the translation handy by putting them in your notes section on your phone. I find this travel hack to be handy when the internet connection isn’t available. 

Most of these expressions are short, so it won’t be difficult to memorize them! You can use them at the airport, at the bus or train station, when asking for directions, or simply as a sign of friendship and respect. A little effort can be quite useful in many places! Here are some examples:

• Hello/Goodbye 
• Do you speak ____?
• Where is ______? / I’m going to _____? 
• Thank you!  If there is only one phrase I suggest you learn in a new language as a foreigner, is “thank you”. Travelers often find themselves relying on the kindness of strangers to help them navigate unfamiliar cities, plan their trip, and get home safely. Learning to say “thank you” is a good way to show your appreciation, and most people will respect the effort you have made to acknowledge in their own language. 
• You’re Welcome
• Yes/No 
• I don’t understand 
• Taxi, Bus, or Train

FREQUENTLY USED GREETING & FAREWELL TRAVEL TERMS

Greetings and farewells seem simple and easy, but should not be underestimated and are very important in a conversation.  Knowing the basic greetings and farewells is crucial to be understood when traveling to another country. Some of the most common words that anyone should know are:

• Good morning
• Good afternoon
• Good evening
• How are you?
• Nice to meet you

TRAVEL EXPRESSIONS FOR THE AIRPORT

For those who have traveled somewhere in the world, you know how difficult it is to communicate with others, especially when you are at an airport . If you have never been in such a situation, or if you have come through it well at some point, it is probably because your knowledge of the language of the country is already quite good. Below are some phrases and vocabulary that will help you communicate with ease at the airport:

• What time is my flight?
• Where is my gate?
• I would like…
• What airline is my flight?
• Where is customs and immigration?
• Where are the restrooms?
• How much is _____?
• Do you accept payment in ________?
• Why is my flight delayed?
• Is there a shuttle bus?
• Where is baggage claim?
• Where is my suitcase?
• I cannot find my bag.
• I have a connecting flight to ______.
• Where is the taxi/bus stop?

TRAVEL PHRASES TO USE ON THE AIRPLANE

You may ask to eat, to buy, to change seats or simply to find out what time it is. These  are some of the expressions you may need while on the plane:

• May I have a drink or something to eat?
• What is the time?
• Can I purchase ____?
• Can I have an aisle/middle/ end seat?
• Can I change seats?

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR CUSTOMS

All travelers know you have to go through customs when you arrive and leave a country.. So here are some helpful travel phrases and travel terms you will need to learn in the language of the country you will be visiting: 

• Where is my connecting flight?
• I will be visiting for ____ days.
• I am here for leisure/work.
• I will be staying at ______?

MOST COMMON PHRASES TO USE AT YOUR DESTINATION

You will inevitably have to ask for something at some point during your trip. Learning how to do so will help make your travels go a little more smoothly. These short travel phrases will definitely help you :

• Where is ______?
• Where can I exchange my money?
• I want to go _______?
• How much is ________?
• Where is the bus stop?
• I don’t understand.
• Where can I get a taxi?

IMPORTANT PHRASES FOR THE HOTEL

If you are traveling abroad, whether on business or at leisure, you will probably stay in a hotel. Choosing the right accommodation is an essential part to have a successful trip to a foreign country. However, staying in the wrong hotel can quickly disrupt your trip. Learn the hotel vocabulary the language wherever you are visiting to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you arrive.  Here are some useful phrases when traveling that will be of help to you when you stay in a hotel:

• How many beds does the room have?
• What floor is the room located? 
• Is a free breakfast included?
• Where are the elevators located?
• May I have more towels?
• What is the number to the concierge? 
• I would like my room cleaned.
• I don’t need my room cleaned. 
• Do you have Wifi?
• What is the Wifi password?
• When is check in/out?
• Can I have a late checkout?
• Can I have an extra key?
• What’s the combination for the safe?
• Are there good restaurants around?

USEFUL TRAVEL EXPRESSIONS FOR TRAVELING AROUND TOWN

These phrases are helpful when exploring the town:

• Where is the grocery store?
• Where is the nearest hospital?
• How can I get to ____?
• What is the admission to enter?
• Do you have a discount?

USEFUL TRAVEL TERMS TO SPEAK WITH THE LOCALS

Traveling is about making connections across the world and creating memories, especially with the locals or others who are visiting. 

If you’re wondering how to strike up a conversation with locals, there are many ways to mingle and meet people around the world. The best way to talk to local people is to do this in their own language. People appreciate it if you make an effort to speak their language when you visit their country, even if it’s only a few words.

Below are some sentences that may help you: 

• Will you take a picture ?
• Where are you from? /How long have you lived here? 
• Where is the best cafe?
• Where is the best place to eat ______? Insert a local food you have been wanting to try.

DINING OUT TRAVEL EXPRESSIONS

Food is undoubtedly one of the main features of cities and my highlight to traveling. The most useful travel phrases you will need are probably those you would use in a restaurant. Here are some of them:

• Table for _____ please.
• I would like to order ________.  
• May I have a menu? 
• Check please.  Don’t forget to ask because in some countries it’s the norm for waiters to bring it to the table when requested.
• Water please! 
• There is a mistake on my check. It is very common to make mistakes when it comes to the bill so remember this sentence.
• What are the specials? 
• What are your recommendations? 
• May I see the dessert menu? 
• Can I have a to-go bag? 
• You have a service charge? 
• Do you take credit cards? 

SHORT TRAVEL PHRASES FOR SHOPPING

More than likely you will end up doing some shopping during your travels for clothing or souvenirs. The less you know, the less you will be able to negotiate against tourist price hikes. So take note of these questions:

• Do you take cash or card? 
• You have a bigger/smaller size? 
• May I have a receipt? 
• When do you open/close? 
• Where are the fitting rooms? 
• Is this on sale? 
• How much? 
• Can I return? 

TRAVELING PHRASES FOR EXPLORING

Whether you decide to stay in town or go exploring outside for a day trip there are some phrases that would be beneficial to keep handy to help you on your exploration. 

• I’m lost.  Getting lost in a foreign country is very common; I advise you to learn this phrase by heart so you get help. 
• Where is a bank?
• You have a map?
• How can I get to ____? 
• How far is __________?

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL EXPRESSIONS FOR PROBLEMS AND EMERGENCIES

If we never had an emergency during our travels, that would be great, but things do happen. While we can do our best to travel safely and use our best judgment in every situation, there are certain words and phrases that are vital to know in case of an emergency. 

When traveling abroad, remember to memorize the emergency number for each country as well as these phrases to help others to help you:

• My passport was stolen.
• My money was stolen.
• Call for the police
• Help me please.   If you encounter something serious, shouting this word will attract people’s attention and provide an opportunity to get help.
• Where is the _______ Embassy?
• Call an ambulance 
• Where is the pharmacy? Knowing the location of the pharmacy is essential in case you are ill or need medication.
• I am allergic to _______? I t is important to learn how to communicate your dietary restrictions to the people who prepare your meals.  Be sure to learn to express what you can and can not eat, and if you are unsure,.Keep your dietary restrictions handy and written in the local language so that you do not risk being misunderstood. 

You will hopefully not need any of these phrases in an emergency. But it’s better to be prepared anyway!

TRAVEL EXPRESSIONS CONCLUSION

I hope you found these travel phrases extremely helpful for you to prepare you for your journey.  Learning the language of the country you are visiting is vital for communication, whether you are at the airport, exploring the country, or simply looking to make friends; you will need it wherever you go. 

You may not speak it perfectly and you may not be sure of your accent, but the locals will certainly appreciate your efforts! The phrases above are useful expressions that you can use on your trip. Try them out, I sincerely hope you find them helpful as I do.

As an added bonus I have included all these travel phrases in English PDF as a FREE download so you can keep them handy.

RELATED POSTS:

My Honest Preply Review

• 66 Effortless Traveling Hacks 
• 30 Essential Carry-On Items You Need For Long Flights
• 11 Long Flight Tips 
• How To Take Care Of Your Skin While Traveling
• Things To Do When Stuck At The Airport
• Gifts For Travel Lovers

LIKE THESE TRAVEL EXPRESSIONS? SHARE IT WITH OTHERS AND PIN IT IN YOUR TRAVEL PHRASES BOARD!

Recommended Articles

Things to do when stuck at home for bored travelers.

3 Free Travel Lightroom Presets To Brighten Your Photos

18 Comments

This is such a great guide! Unfortunately, I don’t have a natural flair for languages but I do really try to learn some important basics before I travel. This list is perfect to remind me of the top phrases I will need to know so I can focus my practice in the best place. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for reading Hannah. I few phrases goes a long somewhere. So glad you enjoyed this list.

These are such helpful phrases to know. We always try to learn a little bit of the language wherever we are going to make it as smooth as possible (and because it’s fun, haha!)

So glad to hear you learn some phrases Megan. It is super fun learning another language.

What a helpful post! Pinned for future travel planning. I still laugh at my arrival in Switzerland after spending a week in France. We learned all the basic French we could. Then we asked how to say “hello” in Swiss German, and it’s “hello,” same as English. The poor guy kept yelling hello! Hello! He must have thought we were nutty tourists.

Oh what a funny story Sharon. So great you learn a few basic phrases when traveling. It always helps.

Great post! It kills me when people don’t even try to learn the basics when traveling somewhere new so I appreciate your suggestions for making it easy.

Thanks Melinda for reading. Yes, it is so polite when you learn some phrases. It kills me too!

Wow, this is a big list! I agree on learning a few key phrases, I’d have to write these down to remember them all!

Thanks for reading Cynthia! I have a free downloadable pdf for these phrases at the bottom of the post. No need to write them down!

This is such an incredible list!! We always learn some basics before we travel. It really makes it a little easier when a place is unfamiliar!

Hi Deb! It really does a lot! I couldn’t agree more!

This is such a great post. Some places are complete culture shocks and it’s great to know how to respect the culture when visiting . The locals will be more willing to help if they know you are trying .

Yes so true! They always seem more willing to help when you attempt the language.

Very useful, and hooray for Google translate that you don’t have to carry around a travel dictionary like in the good ol’ days

Right? It’s such a handy tool!

This is most helpful. Learning key phrases can be challenge. I like the apps with both the visual (printed pronunciation) and audio with natural speakers. I’ve been relying on Fodors Travel Phrases for some time. Another approach I found useful was to place post-it notes on the fridge with the fridge access password consisting of practising at least two phrases before opening the door.

Yes so true Anne they can be a challenge. I will have to check out that app!

Comments are closed.

What is this site?

What are the phrases.

1) Where is my room? 2) Where is the beach? 3) Where is the bar? 4) Don't touch me there!

Ao Naga, Chinese  (Huizhou, Jinyu, Min Bei, Min Zhong, Pu-Xian, Xiang) , Dehong Dai/Tai Le, Demotic Egyptian, Garo, Ho/Lanka Kol/Bihar Ho, Kashmiri, Kayah Li, Lisu, Mon, Nisi/Nissi, Northeastern Dian Hmong, Tai Dam, and Tai Lu/Lü.

Suggestions and Corrections

"thank you" to our contributors, links to other language related sites.

• Foreign Languages for Travelers
• Jennifer's Language Page , several words and phrases in hundreds of languages, with links to other "phrase collections"
• The numbers 1-10 in over 5,000 languages
• Wikipedia 's index of writing systems.
• Omniglot 's guide to writing systems.

• 2024 TRAVEL UPDATE
• Work with us
• Beyond Bologna
• Italy Travel Guide
• Itineraries
• Accommodation
• Regions of Italy
• Ultimate Italy Travel Planner
• City Planners
• Essential Guides
• Italy themed gift ideas
• Trip planning services

Learn Italian

101 basic italian phrases for travel you need to know for your trip to italy.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

If you’re planning on visiting Italy then it’s a good idea to learn some key Italian phrases, words and sentences. In this guide to basic Italian phrases for travel, we step you through the most useful ways to communicate on your trip to Italy. After all, language is a big part of Italian culture and you want to experience it all, am I right?

Making an effort to understand and speak Italian on your trip is not simply a matter of respect – although we think this is very important too. When you talk to people in their language they appreciate it and experiences open up to you that would not have been possible if you had been speaking English.

So let’s get started with the common Italian phrases and words that will be most useful to you on your travels.

Basic Italian phrases

When you visit Italy, these are the most common words and phrases that will demonstrate you have made some effort to speak the local language. Learning these useful Italian words will help you talk to all manner of people during your trip.

Note – We’ve provided a phonetic pronunciation guide after the Italian translation for each word. If you really want to get the accent right a little extra study is recommended. We’ve provided some useful resources at the end of this article to help you learn Italian travel phrases useful for your trip.

Yes – Si – See

No – No – Noh

Please – Per favore – Pehr fah- voh -reh

Thank you – Grazie – Grah -tsee-eh

You’re welcome – Prego – Preh -goh

Cheers! (To your health) – Salute! – Sah -loo-tay

Excuse me (for attention) – Scusi – S kooh – zee

Excuse me (to pass by) – Permesso – Pehr- mehs -soh

Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? – Parh-la een-glay-zeh

I don’t understand – Non capisco – Non kah -pee-skoh

I’m sorry – Mi dispiace – Mee dees- pyah -cheh

Common greetings in Italian

One thing we really love about visiting Italy is the cultural differences and norms. In Italy, saying “good morning” is not simply a throwaway line. You should always greet people wherever you go – when entering a shop or restaurant, to hotel staff, on the bus or at a cultural sight. It’s the expected thing to do.

A friendly “buon giorno!” with a smile will go a long way. So here are the most common Italian greetings and their context so you get it right! Generally you use the formal with people you don’t know, especially older people. The informal is used between friends.

Good morning (formal) – Buon giorno – Bwohn- johr -noh

Good afternoon (formal) – Buona sera – Bwoh -nah- seh -rah

Good night (formal) – Buona notte – B woh – nah – noh – teh

Hi / Bye (informal) – Ciao! – C how 

Good bye (formal) – Arrivederci – A hr -ree-veh- dehr -chee

My name is … – Mi chiamo – Mee kyah -moh

What is your name? – Come si chiama? – Koh -meh see kyah -mah?

Pleased to meet you – Piacere – Pyah- cheh -reh

How are you? (formal) – Come sta? – Koh -meh stah?

Good thank you – Bene grazie – B eh -neh  grah -tsee-eh

How to say numbers in Italian

While you don’t need to be able to count to 100, a good grasp of numbers up to 12 at least (for the hours of the day) will stand you in good stead. After all, you need numbers when you’re at a restaurant – una pizza per favore! (a pizza please!)

One – Uno – Oo -noh

Two – Due – Doo -eh

Three – Tre – Treh

Four – Quattro – Kwah -troh  

Five – Cinque – Cheen -kweh

Six – Sei  – Say

Seven – Sette – Seht -tey

Eight – Otto – Oh -toh

Nine – Nove – Noh -veh

Ten – Dieci – Dee- EH -chee  

Eleven – Undici – Oon – dee-chee

Twelve – Dodici – Doh -dee-chee

To learn more about counting in Italian click here

Telling the time and days of the week

Here are the basics of telling time in Italian, plus days of the week and other useful sentences for making reservations and plans. Italians generally use a 24 hour clock but also understand the 12 hour clock if you specify morning and afternoon.

In the morning – Di M attina  – Dee mah- teen -ah

In the afternoon – Di p omeriggio – Dee poh-meh- reed -joh

In the evening – Di Sera – Dee se h – rah

Noon – Mezzogiorno – Mehd-dzoh- johr -noh  

At what time? – A che ora? – Ah kay oar-ah?  

Nine o’clock in the morning – Le nove – Le noh-vay

Eight o’clock in the evening – Le otto di sera /  – Le ot-to dee seh-rah 

Monday – Lunedì  – Loo-neh- dee

Tuesday – Martedì – Mahr-teh- dee  

Wednesday – Mercoledì – Mehr-koh-leh- dee

Thursday – Giovedì – Joh-veh- dee

Friday – Venerdì – Veh-nehr- dee  

Saturday – Sabato – Sah -bah-toh

Sunday – Domenica – Doh- meh -nee-kah

Today – Oggi – Ohd -jee

Yesterday – Ieri – Yeh -ree

Tomorrow – Domani – Doh- mah -nee

Want to speak more Italian?

Check out our review of Rocket Italian , one of the best online courses for learning Italian.

Useful phrases at restaurants

No doubt your Italy trip includes a plan to enjoy a few meals at restaurants. And we’re sure ordering a gelato or two is also high on your list. Let’s get you ready with these essential Italian phrases you need for ordering food or at restaurants. These may be the times that you interact with Italians the most so practice your greetings too!

Can I see the menu please? – Il menu, per favore – Eel men-oo, pehr fah- voh -reh

What do you recommend? – Che cosa ci consiglia? – Kay koh-za chee kon-seel-ya?

I’m allergic to… – Sono allergica/o a.. . – Son -oh ah -ler-gee-koh / kah ah

Gluten / Dairy / Fish – Glutine / Lattecini / Pesce  – Gloo-teen-ay /  Lah-tay-cheen-ee / Pesh-ay  

House wine – Vino della casa – Vee -noh del-lah car-sah

Red / white wine – Vino rosso / bianco – Vee – n oh ross-oh /  bee-ahn-koh

A glass / bottle – Una bicchiere / una bottiglia – OO -nah beek- kyeh -reh / boht- tee -lyah

Appetizer – Antipasto  – Ahn -tee-pah-stoh

First course – Primo – Pree -moh

Second course – Secondo – Sek -kon-doh

Dessert – Dolci – Doll -chee

Two flavors please – Due gusti, per favore  – Doo -eh goo-stee, pehr fah- voh -reh

Where’s the bathroom? – Dov’è il bagno?  – Doh- veh eel bahn -yoh?

The check (bill) please – Il conto, per favore – Eel kon-toh, pehr fah- voh -reh

Can I pay by card? – Posso pagare con la carta? – Pohs -soh pah- gah -reh kon la cahr-tah?

Words to know when you are visiting museums

Visiting museums and attractions is a big part of many Italian itineraries. In this section, we’ve given you some useful phrases in Italian to help you buy tickets and ask common questions.

When does it open / close? – Quando si apri / chiude?  – Kwahn -doh see ah-pree / chee-oo-deh?

Two adults / one child – Due adulti / un bambino  – Doo -eh ah-dool-tee / oon  bahm-bee-noh

One / two ticket/s – Un / due biglietto/i  – Oon  beel-yet-toh / tee

One senior – Un pensionato  – Oon pen-seyoh-nah-toh

One student – Uno studente – Ooh -noh stoo-den-teh

Where is the bag store / cloak room? – Dov’è la guardaroba? – Doh-veh lah gard-ah-robe-ah?

Asking for directions in Italian

If you get lost or need help with directions, these helpful words in Italian will come in handy.

Where is… ? – Dov’è…? – Doh-veh … ?

Entrance – Entrata  – En -trah-tah

Exit – Uscita  – Ooh -shee-tah

Left – Sinistra  – See – nee-stra

Right – Destra – Deh -stra

Straight ahead – Dritto – Dree-toh

Forward – Avanti  – Ah -vahn-tee

Back – Dietro – Dee-et-roh

Useful words for transport and getting around

Most visitors to Italy will need to take a train or bus, or ride in a taxi. These phrases will be useful in these situations when it is likely you may need to ask for help to reach the right platform or bus stop.

Where is the train station? – Dov’è la stazione? – Doh-veh lah stah-tzee-oh-neh?

Where is the bus stop? – Dov’è la fermata – Doh-veh lah fur-mah-tah?

One way – Andata  – Ahn – dah-tah

Return – Ritorno – Ree -torn-oh

What platform for Rome? – Da quale binario per Roma? – Dah kwah-lay bin-ah-rio pehr Roh-mah?

Newstand (for bus tickets) – Tabacchi  – Tah-back-kee

Shopping words in Italian

Time to go shopping! Make sure you’re ready with these key phrases.

I would like… – Vorrei…  – Vor-ray…

How much is this? – Quanto costa questo?   –   Kwahn -toh kohs -tah kwehs -toh??

OK I’ll take it – Va bene, lo prendo – V ah beh -neh , loh prehn- doh 

I don’t want it – Non lo voglio – N ohn loh voh- lyoh

Can you ship to…? – Puoi spedire a?   –   Pwoy   sped -ear-eh ah?

What to say if you need help in Italian

We hope you never need to use these phrases but it’s a good idea to know them “just in case”.

Help! – Aiuto! – Ay-oo-toh!

I need a doctor – Ho bisogno di un dottore   – Ho biz-ohn-nyo dee oon dot-tor-reh

Call the police – Chiami la polizia  – Kee-ya-mee la po-lee-zee-ah

Look out! – Attento!  – At – ten-toh

Go away! – Vai via! – Vy vee-ah!

Want to get beyond basic Italian phrases for travel?

These days there are a wealth of resources to help you learn Italian. You can use handy apps , books and podcasts to get started and we outlined some of the best of these in this article .

But, if you want to construct your own basic Italian sentences and perfect your accent, a systematic approach with a proven method will help you make progress quickly. After much trial and error, we enjoy using Rocket Italian . This online course combines verbal cultural situation lessons with grammar and vocabulary to get you speaking Italian quickly. My accent also improved significantly thanks to the voice recognition tasks.

Another option for travelers wanting a quick start to learning Italian for their trip is the fast track method developed by our friends at Intrepid Italian. Designed to get you speaking the key phrases you need for your trip, this short course aims to get you speaking travel ready Italian in 2 weeks > more info .

Katy is the founder of Untold Italy and host of our eponymous podcast . Passionate about helping travelers planning their dream trips to Italy full of unforgettable experiences and memories, she has produced this site since 2018 – more info .

Planning a trip to Italy?

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our popular Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy Travel Planning Community . Our 140,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

Sign up for our news and podcast updates where we share mini guides, tips, exclusive deals and more and we'll send you our Italy Trip Planning Checklist to say grazie ! >> click here to subscribe

Please share if you found this article useful

Unconventional language hacking tips from Benny the Irish polyglot; travelling the world to learn languages to fluency and beyond!

Looking for something? Use the search field below.

Home » Articles » 60+ Essential French Phrases for Beginners to Start Speaking Now

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. ?

written by Benny Lewis

Language: French

Reading time: 18 minutes

Published: Jan 11, 2021

Updated: Jun 6, 2024

60+ Essential French Phrases for Beginners to Start Speaking Now

What are some French sayings? What are the most common phrases in French? And can learning a few powerful French phrases really help you start speaking right away?

Absolutely!

Even if you'll only be spending a short time in the country, learning a few basic French phrases can be very rewarding and make a big difference to your trip.

Let’s start by mastering some of the most common French phrases you need to know as a beginner:

I've long advocated that set phrases are the best thing for beginners to learn when starting out.

After all, isn't the goal of language learning to communicate?

How do you expect to communicate with anybody if the only thing you've learned so far is a verb table?

So whether you're planning to travel to Paris for a week or move to Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! for the rest of your life, here are the most important and useful French phrases that you should learn A.S.A.P.

Listen to the French Phrases:

Here's a quick “French phrases” video I made that will help you with pronunciation for most of the phrases in this article:

Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online French course, here’s the course I recommend: French Uncovered – Learn French Through the Power of Story, a course with a fascinating new method by my friend Olly.

French Greetings and Polite Phrases

Bonjour – “hello”.

There are many ways in French to say “hello” , but bonjour is undoubtedly the most well-known. It's universally polite and friendly, whether the situation is formal or informal.

Bonjour is a combination of the words bon (“good”) and jour (“day”).

In the evening, you could also say bonsoir (“good evening”). A more casual way to greet people is salut , which can mean either “hi!” or “bye!”.

S'il vous plaît / s'il te plaît – “Please”

As a tourist, the last thing you want to be is rude. So when in France, remember what your mother taught you, and say s'il vous plaît (“please”) when making a request.

You can also say s'il te plaît. What's the difference? It's all about “you”:

In French there are two ways of saying “you”.

Tu is what you'd use when addressing a friend. Vous is a more polite and formal version, best used when talking to a stranger or older person.

( Vous is also what you should use when addressing a group of people in any situation, similar to saying “you guys” or “you all” in English).

So s'il vous plaît and s'il te plaît both mean “please” (literally, “if it pleases you”), but s'il vous plait is the more polite version. If in doubt, use s'il vous plaît .

(Why is it s'il te plait and not s'il tu plait ? It's a grammatical thing that you don't need to worry about as a beginner. Just learn the phrase as a whole for now, and things will become clear later.)

In fact, when asking for something in French – e.g. asking a stranger for directions or asking to see a menu in a restaurant, you should start with “ Bonjour. S'il vous plaît… ” It literally means “Hello, please…”, which would sound a bit strange in English, but it's the normal way to start a polite request in French.

Comment vous appelez-vous? / Comment t'appelles-tu? – “What’s your name?”

When meeting anyone, one of the first things you'll want to know is their name.

In French, you can find it out by asking “ Comment vous appelez-vous? ” (formal) or “ Comment t'appelles-tu? ” (informal).

Literally, these questions mean “what do you call yourself?”. You could also ask “ c'est quoi ton nom? ” – which is a more literal translation of “what's your name?”

If you're on the receiving end of this question, answer with “ Je m'appelle… ” (“my name is”, literally “I call myself”) or a simple “ Je suis… ” (“I am…”).

Oui/Non/Si – “Yes/No”

Two essential words to learn in any language are “yes” and “no”. In French, “yes” is oui and “no” is non .

Informally, it's also common to say ouais or ouaip instead of oui – like saying “yeah” or “yep” in English.

Then you have si . This is a handy little word that has no direct equivalent in English. Use it to say “yes” when someone asks you a negatively phrased question.

To illustrate what I mean, imagine that someone asks you, in English, “haven't you been to Paris?”

If you reply “yes”, it's not exactly clear what you're saying. Do you mean “yes, I have been to Paris – contrary to your assertion” or “yes, you're correct: I haven't been to Paris”?

French avoids this confusion with the word si . It means “yes”, but more specifically it contradicts the assertion in the question. In the above example, if you say si , it clearly conveys that you have, in fact, been to Paris.

Si is one of many linguistic features that I sorely miss when I speak English.

Comment allez-vous? – “How are you?”

This is the polite way of saying “how are you?” in French. Note the use of the polite vous rather than the informal tu .

Another, more informal way to say “how are you?” is ça va ? This phrase is extremely common – when in France you'll likely hear it several times per day.

If someone asks you “ ça va? ”, you can respond with a simple “ ça va bien ” – “it's going well”.

Excusez-moi – “Excuse me”

To get someone's attention, whether they're a waiter in a restaurant or a stranger on the street, say “ excusez-moi ”, “excuse me”.

This is also the polite way to ask someone to get out of your way. For example, if you're trying to exit a crowded train, a soft “ excusez-moi ” should (hopefully) be enough to make people step aside.

Pardon – “Sorry”

Picture getting off a crowded train, being careful you don't bump into anyone as you walk through the crowded metro station. But if a collision does occur, it's fine. Just say pardon , “sorry”, and all will be forgiven.

“ Pardon? ” is also how you'd ask someone to repeat themselves if you didn't hear or understand what they said. In this case, you should say it with a rising tone to indicate that it's a question.

Another way to say this is “ pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?” – “Could you repeat, please?”

Merci beaucoup – “Thanks a lot”

And of course, don't forget to say thank you!

The French word for “thank you” is merci . Or you can make it stronger by saying merci beaucoup – “thanks very much”.

Use merci in all the same situations you'd say “thank you” in English.

Other Must-Know French Greetings and Polite Phrases:

• Nice to meet you – Enchanté
• How’s it going? – Comment ça va?
• And you? – Et toi?
• Are you well? – Vous allez bien?
• What’s new? / What’s up? – Quoi de neuf?
• Good, thanks! – Bien, merci!
• So-so / It’s okay – Comme ci, comme ça (Literally: “like this, like that”)
• Same as always – Comme d’hab
• It could be worse – Ça pourrait être pire
• You’re welcome – Je t'en prie
• Don’t mention it / You’re welcome – De rien
• Goodbye – Au revoir
• See you soon – À bientôt!

French Phrases for Maintaining a Conversation

Je voudrais parler français – “i would like to speak french”.

The French are famously protective of their language. Sometimes they can be a bit impatient with us anglophones, and reply in English to your imperfect French questions.

It's frustrating when this happens, but if you ever want to make progress in a foreign language, you absolutely must stop speaking English !

Be polite but firm when someone tries to speak English with you – tell them “ Je voudrais parler français ” – “I'd like to speak French.”

Note that, unlike in English, names of languages are not written with a capital letter in French.

Je ne comprends pas – “I don’t understand”

Sometimes pardon doesn't quite cut it. If you really can't figure out what the other person is saying, try telling them “ je ne comprends pas ” – “I don't understand.”

There's no shame in being a beginner! Just remember not to fall back to English when the going gets tough. If you don't understand something, persevere in French anyway – it's the only way you'll learn.

Que veut dire ça? – “What does that mean?”

Maybe the reason you didn't understand is because there was a specific word you didn't recognise. If that's the case, say “ que veut dire X? ” – “What does X mean?”

You can also phrase this as “ ça veut dire quoi? ” – “What does that mean?”

Plus lentement – “More slowly”

Sometimes, vocabulary isn’t the problem. You’d know the words if you could make them out, but you can't because the other person is talking too fast!

In this case, try saying plus lentement – “more slowly”.

Better yet, say a full sentence: “ Pourriez-vous parler plus lentement, s’il vous plaît? ” – “Can you speak more slowly, please?”

Comment dit-on __ en français? – “How do you say __ in French?”

What if you need to say something in French, but the exact word escapes you?

Just fill in the blank in the above sentence: “ Comment dit-on X en français? ” means “How do you say X in French”?

A side note: the pronoun on , seen above, is an interesting one. It’s a colloquial alternative to nous (“we”). However, on is also used to refer to an unspecified person or people in general, like the word “one” is sometimes used in formal English. (If you speak German, note that on in this sense is like the German word man .)

One doesn't use the word “one” very much in modern English – one finds it rather old-timey and stuffy. These days you normally use “you” when you're talking about people in general.

Comment ça s'écrit? – “How do you spell that?”

If you learn a new French word using the phrase above, you might want to write it down before you forget it.

Unfortunately, French spelling isn't the easiest.

The relationship between spelling and French pronunciation can be complicated. Generally, it's easier to figure out a word's pronunciation from its spelling than it is to know its spelling from its pronunciation. I wrote a guide to help you with French pronunciation here .

So if you're not sure, ask someone “ comment ça s'ecrit? ” – “How do you spell that?” Literally: “How does that write itself?”

Or if you don't trust your own transcription abilities, try asking them to write it for you: say “ Est-ce que vous pouvez l'écrire? ” – “Can you write it (down)?”

Other Helpful Phrases for Maintaining a French Conversation:

• Can you speak more slowly please? – Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement s'il vous plaît?
• Can you say it one more time? – Pouvez-vous le dire une fois de plus?
• Do you speak French? – Parlez-vous français?
• Do you understand? – Comprenez vous?
• What do you do for a living? – Qu’est-ce que tu fais dans la vie?
• How old are you? – Quel âge as-tu?
• I’m _ years old – J’ai _ ans
• Where are you from? – D'où êtes-vous?
• I’m from… – Je viens…
• Are you married? – Es-tu marié?
• Are you single? – Es-tu célibataire?
• When can we meet? – Quand pouvons-nous nous rencontrer?
• What’s your phone number? – Quel est ton numéro de téléphone?

French Phrases for Getting Around

Où est… – “where is…”.

Struggling to find your way around? Not to worry. Just get a stranger's attention (remember what phrase would you use to do this?) and ask “ où est X ” – “Where is X?”

“X” could be many things: la Tour Eiffel, le Louvre, Notre Dame … or perhaps something less exotic, like le metro or un restaurant .

Où se trouve la station de métro la plus proche? – “Where is the closest metro station?”

Another way of saying “where is it?” is où se trouve , literally “where is (it) found”.

Here's an example of où se trouve combined with another handy phrase to know: la station de métro la plus proche means “the closest metro station”.

One more piece of useful vocabulary: once you're in the metro station, you might want to ask someone “ où est le guichet? ” – “Where is the ticket window?”

Je voudrais acheter un billet – “I would like to buy a ticket”

Now that you've found the guichet , you probably want to buy a billet – a ticket. But what type of ticket do you want?

• un billet aller simple – a one-way ticket
• un billet aller retour – a round-trip ticket

Make your decision, and tell the assistant “ je voudrais un billet aller simple/retour pour X ” – “I would like to buy a one-way/round-trip ticket to X”, where X is your destination.

C'est combien? – “How much is it?”

France isn't the cheapest of countries – so whether you're at the guichet or elsewhere, it doesn't hurt to be price-conscious.

To ask how much something costs, say “ c'est combien? ” – “how much is it?” You can also say “ Combien ça coûte? ” – literally, “how much does it cost?”

Où sont les toilettes? – “Where are the toilets?”

It's worth learning this phrase, because you might need it in a hurry! Où sont les toilettes means “where are the toilets?”

Although if you want to use a public toilet, you could be searching for a long time.

They aren't very common in France – and if you do find one, you'll probably have to pay to use it. You're probably better off buying something in a café and using their toilets instead.

(Why is it “ où sont “, when previously we used “ où est “? Easy: sont means “are” while est means “is”. Since toilettes is plural, you must use sont , not est – “where are the toilets?”, rather than “where is the toilets”, which wouldn’t make sense.)

À quelle heure est-ce qu’il faut régler la note? – “What time is check out?”

If you're checking into a hotel in a French-speaking country, one useful thing to know the checkout time.

One way to find this out is to ask “ à quelle heure est-ce qu’il faut régler la note? ” – “What time must we check out?”

Another similar expression is: “ quelle est l'heure limite d'occupation? ” (Lit: “What is the occupancy cut-off time?”

La carte/le menu, s’il vous plaît. – “The menu, please.”

France is famous for its food, so while you're there, you'll probably want to dine in a restaurant or two!

When dining out in any language, there are usually a few subtleties around how to order. Here I'll explain one of the more important things to know in French: the words for “menu”.

I say “words” because there are two main ways to say “menu” in French.

The general word is carte , which you may recognise from the expression à la carte .

A carte is what you typically think of when you hear the word “menu”. It's a list of individually-priced options; you pick and choose what you want, then add up the prices to get your total bill.

But you can also ask for a menu , which is usually called a “fixed-price menu” in English. When ordering from a menu , you pick an option for each course (starter, main course, etc.) and pay the same, fixed price no matter what you selected.

Whichever option you choose, inform the serveur/serveuse (“waiter/waitress”) by saying “ la carte/le menu, s’il vous plaît ” – “the menu/fixed-price menu, please.”

Je ne peux pas manger… – “I can’t eat…”

This doesn't apply to everybody, but for those to whom it does apply, it's very important: informing the waiter about your dietary restrictions.

The simplest way to do this is to say “ je ne peux pas manger de X ” – “I can't eat X”. Here are some of the more common ways to fill in the blank:

• cacahuètes – peanuts
• noix – nuts
• gluten – gluten
• fruits de mer – shell fish
• œufs – eggs
• poisson – fish
• produits laitiers – dairy products
• viande – meat

If you're vegetarian, say so with “ je suis végétarien ” (for men) or “ végétarienne ” (for women.)

A vegan is a “ végétalien(ne) “, although végan/végane is sometimes used too.

You could also explain “ je ne consomme pas de produits animaux .” – “I don't consume animal products”

Nous voudrions commander maintenant. – “We would like to place an order now.”

To “order” in French is commander , when you're talking about ordering something in a restaurant.

Don't confuse this with ordonner , which is used in the sense of “to order a person to do something”, such as in the military.

After receiving the carte or the menu , and perhaps informing the waiter of your dietary restrictions, you may be given some time to make a decision. When you're ready, say “ nous voudrions commander maintenant ” – “we'd like to order now.”

It’s also acceptable in nearly any restaurant to use on instead of nous for we, as I mentioned earlier: On voudrait commander maintenant.

Or if you're by yourself, say je voudrais (I'd like) instead of nous voudrions (we'd like). Bon appétit!

L’addition, s’il vous plaît. – “The bill, please”

One final bit of restaurant-related vocabulary – the bill (or “check” if you're American) is l'addition .

So when you're ready to leave, say l’addition, s’il vous plaît – “the bill, please”.

You’ll often hear la facture used in Quebec instead of l’addition – however both are perfectly understandable to waitstaff.

Other French Phrases for Out and About in France:

• Can you help me please? – Pouvez-vous m'aider s'il vous plaît?
• I would like… – Je voudrais…
• I’d like one of those please – J'en voudrais un s'il vous plait
• Three: Trois
• Four: Quatre
• Five: *Cinq

Learn more: French Numbers: Counting in French from 1 – 100+

Romantic French Phrases

Je t'aime – “i love you”.

Finally, let’s talk about love.

They say that French is a romantic language, so maybe in your travels you'll find love on the road? Or maybe after you get home, you'll want to use your newfound French skills to woo that special someone.

So how do you say “I love you” in French?

The French word for “to love” is adorer – but you generally only use this word when talking about things rather than people, for example to say that you love a place, book, or song.

When talking to a person, say je t'aime . Aimer usually means “like”, but in this context it means “love” in the most romantic of senses. Use it wisely!

Here are some other romantic French phrases:

• My heart – Mon cœur
• My love – Mon amour
• You’re beautiful – Tu es belle (to a woman); Tu es beau (to a man)
• You’re too cute – Tu es trop mignon
• I like you (Lit: “You please me”) – Tu me plais

Bonus: French Slang

Wondering what a famous French saying is that you could use in everyday life? Or how do you say “cool” in French slang?

Here are some bonus French sayings and slang to level up your French:

• Cool – Cool (yes, really! Just say it with a French accent 😉)
• Awesome – Génial
• That sucks – C’est nul
• That’s great – C’est top
• Don’t worry – T'inquiète
• Losing my mind – Perdre la tête

Over to You

Can you think of any other useful French phrases for tourists? What are the most important words and phrases for beginners to know? Let us know in the comments.

And if you’re ready to learn more French, check out the 111 core French words that are commonly used. Or learn some more fun French slang !

Benny Lewis

Founder, Fluent in 3 Months

Fun-loving Irish guy, full-time globe trotter and international bestselling author. Benny believes the best approach to language learning is to speak from day one .

Speaks: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Esperanto, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language, Dutch, Irish

Have a 15-minute conversation in your new language after 90 days

Essential Phrases

Must know phrases for taveling, speaking to locals, asking for directions. Basic and useful terms in french, german, japanese, italian, spanish

Apple IOS Version coming soon! Try out the free version for Android Devices.

Multilingual

English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese. More languages will be added soon, including: Chinese, Dutch, Swedish

Phrase Sections

5 different conversation topics: Talking, Eating, Moving & Staying, Shopping and Trouble

Smartsearch

Phrase search in your native and translated language with spelling correction and similar phrase suggestion

User Content

Enter information like hotel address, telephone, age and more for easier and faster communication

Get your favourite phrases right away without searching with your personal bookmarks

Works Offline

The Application works offline and can be used without internet connection

Application Screenshots

How do i say ... in German, French, Japanese, Italian, Spanish

For new travel phrases check out our phrase travel blog .

Must know phrases for taveling, speaking to locals, asking for directions and more.

Papiamento Phrases: Beginner’s Guide to Basic Words, Pronunciation

Papiamento is a blend of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and African languages. Spoken primarily in the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, it’s as vibrant and colorful as the cultures it represents.

In this guide, you’ll learn basic Papiamento phrases and words for your upcoming trip.

Common Papiamento Greetings and Introductions

Diving right in, greetings are an ideal starting point.

In Papiamento, you say “ Bon dia ” for ‘Good Morning’, “ Bon tardi ” for ‘Good Afternoon’, and “ Bon nochi ” for ‘Good Evening’. These can break the ice while interacting with locals.

If it’s your first time meeting someone, a great way to introduce yourself is by saying “ Mi nomber ta… “ , meaning ‘My name is…’. Follow that with your name and voilà – you’ve just made your first introduction in Papiamento!

Everyday phrases such as ‘How are you?’ and ‘Nice to meet you.’ translate to “ Con bo ta? ” and “ Contento di mirabo “.

There’s a host of ways you can express politeness in Papiamento. Saying ‘ Masha danki ‘ instead of ‘Thank you very much’ can earn you a lot of respect from the locals.

If apologies are in order, “ Mi ta pidi dispensa “ is a polite way to say ‘I apologize’.

So, let’s dive in. I’ll be providing a list of basic Papiamento words and phrases in the next sections. Stay tuned! Let’s feel the rhythm of Papiamento together.

What Does Bon Bini Mean?

Bon Bini means “Welcome!”.  You’ll hear this phrase used frequently by the friendly and accommodating Arubans.

Essential Travel Phrases

Here are more phrases that will make your travel smoother and help you make stronger connections with the locals.

Navigating the Terrain

What’s travel without a little adventure? As you saunter down the winding lanes of an island, you might need to ask for directions. “Unda e caminda pa (insert place)?” will be your go-to phrase. It means Where is the way to…?

If you’re completely lost, “Mi ta perdi.” or I am lost. ought to get you some help.

• bin aki:  Come here
• ban sali:  Lets go out
• ban goza:  Lets enjoy
• tur kos ta bon:  Everything is going well
• ban sigi:  Lets continue
• ban come:  Lets eat
• awa:  Water
• awacero:  Rain
• lamper:  Lightning
• strena:  Thunder
• nubia:  Cloud
• lama:  The beach, also the ocean
• tera:  Sand, also country
• kunuku:  The country side
• den stad:  In the city
• na waf:  At the port
• brug:  Bridge

Numbers and Money Matters

Whether you’re haggling in the local market or counting the change, a basic understanding of numbers is essential. Practice your ‘cero’ to ‘dies’ (zero to ten) as verse numbers are sure to come in handy.

• 0  zero, nul, nada
• 1  unu prome(r), di prome(r)
• 2  dos di dos
• 3  tres di tres
• 4  kwater, cuater (and so on)
• 5  sinku, cincu
• 6  seis
• 7  shete, siete
• 8  ocho
• 9  nuebe
• 10  dies
• 11  diesun
• 12  diesdos
• 13  diestres
• 14  diescuater
• 15  diescincu
• 20  binti
• 30  trinta
• 40  cuarenta
• 50  cincuenta
• 60  sesenta
• 70  setenta
• 80  ochenta
• 90  nobenta
• 100  cien

Here’s more about numbers in Papiamento and Papiamentu .

Mouth-watering local cuisine is one of the greatest joys of travel. Ask for a table by saying “Mi kier un mesa.” which translates to I want a table.

To appreciate the delicious food, say “E cuminda ta dushi.” meaning The food is delicious.

• I am hungry:  mi tin hamber
• I want to eat:  mi ke kome
• Food:  cuminda
• Water:  awa
• Bread:  pan
• Sugar:  suku
• Salt:  salo
• Pepper:  pika
• Butter:  manteca
• Cheese:  keshi
• Fish:  Pisca
• Cold cuts:  beleg
• Milk:  lechi
• Soda:  refresco
• Sweets/candy:  mangel
• Aruban lollipop:  chupa bebe

Here’s our full guide to food phrases in Papiamentu and Papiamento .

11 Papiamento  Words For a Loved One

• Mi amor:  My love
• Mi dushi:  My sweetheart
• Ku tur mi amor:  With all my love
• Un sunchi:  A kiss
• Un braza:  A hug
• dushi ‘om:  Delicious or great
• Ranka Lenga:  To french kiss
• frei:  A loved one
• ranka orea:  To cheat on someone
• hole dushi:  Smells good
• Hopi bon:  Very good

7 Papiamento  Days of the Week

When planning activities or simply trying to keep track of time, knowing how to refer to days and months is crucial.

• Sunday:  dia domingu
• Monday:  dia luna
• Tuesday:  dia mars
• Wednesday:  dia rason
• Thursday:  diaweps
• Friday:  diabièrne
• Saturday:  dia sabra

12 Papiamento  Months

• January : Januari
• February : Feruari
• March : Maart
• April : April
• June : Juni
• July : Juli
• August : Augustus
• September  September
• October  Ooctober
• November  November
• December  December

Tips for Pronouncing Papiamento Words

One of the first things to consider when diving into pronouncing Papiamento words correctly is syllable stress .

Papiamento, like Spanish, gives equal stress to each syllable in a word. So, for a word like “bonbini” (which means welcome), you wouldn’t put particularly heavy emphasis on any one part—just keep the stress equal across the board.

Understanding the sounds of the letters in Papiamento will also be crucial and that becomes quite easy once you keep in mind that each letter has only one sound.

Unlike English, Papiamento doesn’t have silent letters or multiple pronunciations for single letters, which could make things easier for you.

Here are a few Papiamento pronunciation rules you might find helpful:

• Vowels in Papiamento are pronounced as in Spanish. So, ‘a’ is pronounced ‘ah’, ‘e’ as ‘eh’, ‘i’ as ‘ee’, ‘o’ as ‘oh’, and ‘u’ as ‘oo’.
• ‘c’ is always pronounced as ‘k’.
• ‘g’ is always a hard ‘g’ as in ‘game’.
• ‘j’ is pronounced like ‘y’ in ‘yes’.
• ‘y’ by itself is pronounced ‘i’.

To make the learning process more interesting, you could play some quality online Papiamento audio to get a feel of how each letter and word should sound. Or use a language app with pronunciation guides.

Don’t rush through the learning journey. It’s okay to make mistakes – they’re a part of the process. It’s more important to learn at your own pace and have fun as you acquire this new language skill.

History of Papiamento Language

Papiamento is not a constructed language . Rather, it naturally evolved over several centuries through the contact of diverse cultures and languages.

Some historians feel that Papiamento dates back as early as the 15th century .

Others feel that the language didn’t emerge until the 17th or 18th century after the Dutch captured the islands from the Spanish. Under this theory, Papiamento developed as a Creole language on the plantations. This language then evolved and absorbed elements from the languages of the Portuguese, Spanish, English, and Dutch administrators on the islands.

Reviewing the Papiamento lexicon, we see a strong presence of Portuguese and Spanish. For instance, over 80% of Papiamento words have a Portuguese or Spanish origin . But we can’t ignore the contribution of Dutch, English, and a range of African languages.

In the late 19th century, Papiamento was given formal recognition in Curaçao . Over the years, Papiamento has cemented its place in the society and culture of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. It’s their native language, used in daily conversation, literature, education, media, and even government discourse.

Here are the 7 countries with Papiamento speakers .

And here’s how they compare: Papiamento vs Papiamentu

Importance of Learning Basic Papiamento Phrases

When you visit the ABC Islands, you’ll notice that most locals speak Papiamento. Although English is widely spoken, having a few phrases under your belt will give you a more authentic experience.

It’s not just about getting by or being polite. But also about connecting with the local culture .

Being able to say ‘Bon dia’ (good morning), ‘Danki’ (thank you) or ‘Con ta bai?’ (how are you?), goes a long way in making connections.

It opens up conversation , shows respect for their culture, and makes you more than just a tourist visiting their land.

Papiamento is not a complicated language to learn, especially the basics. As a Creole language, it has combined elements from several languages including Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and African languages, making it resonant with a broad range of people.

You might even find some words are similar to ones you know from other languages!

I hope you’ve found my tips helpful. Remember, it’s all about practice, patience, and perseverance. Don’t be afraid to stumble on your words or make mistakes – that’s how we learn!

Use the resources I’ve suggested and embrace the process. I’m confident that with time and effort, you’ll be chatting away in Papiamento like a pro.

How did it go for you? Have a tip or correction to share? Please join me in the comments!

Hi, I'm Bryan Haines . And I'm a co-founder of Storyteller.Travel . I'm a traveler and photographer.

I also blog about photography on Storyteller Tech .

Similar Posts

12 Ways to Say “I Love You” in Spanish (Plus 7 Other Heartfelt Expressions)

Curious how to say “I love you” in Spanish? Here are 12 expressions to share how you feel, without embarrassing yourself. You’ll learn differences between expressions so you can express yourself accurately. Perhaps you have a love of traveling. Or maybe you want to converse with someone from a Spanish background. You might just have…

How to Order Food in Spanish (Simple Restaurant Phrases, Questions)

Planning a trip and not sure how to order food in Spanish? In this post and video, you’ll learn the basics of ordering food in Spanish. Prefer a printed list? Jump to the end of the post for 11 Spanish phrases to use at a restaurant. How to Order Food in Spanish Ordering food at…

Papiamento vs Papiamentu: Language, Culture & Identity in the Caribbean

When comparing Papiamento vs Papiamentu, you’ll see that they are closely related, but aren’t quite the same. Papiamento and Papiamentu are Creole languages, a mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, and African languages. And they’re used in different parts of the Caribbean. Papiamento vs Papiamentu Papiamento is one language and it has 2 main…

11 Spanish Learning Books and Courses We Used (Print and Audio)

Despite Ecuador being a Spanish country, we are asked if it’s necessary to learn Spanish before moving. The short answer is: “No, you don’t have to learn before you move.” We didn’t and we got by fine. But if you do learn Spanish (even in a basic form) before you move, life will be much easier. 11…

How Many Spanish Speaking Countries Are There? Complete Travelers Guide

Are you wondering how many Spanish speaking countries there are? Perhaps you have learned a little bit of Spanish in school, and are wondering where this could prove useful. Or maybe you love the culture and want to explore it further. There are 20 Spanish-speaking countries. This includes countries where Spanish is either the official…

How to Pronounce the Letters B and V in Spanish

Confused about how to pronounce the letters B and V in Spanish? In this post, you’ll learn the difference and how to pronounce each one. How to Pronounce the Letters B & V in Spanish Correctly Pronounce the Letters B and V in Spanish In Spanish, the letters “b” and “v” can be confusing to us native…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All the Basics of Spanish: 100+ Essential Words, Phrases, and Grammar for Beginners

• Learn Spanish , Spanish

Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or hoping to make more international friends?

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. While your Latino friends or locals may understand English, communicating with them in Spanish will not only help you connect better but will also show your appreciation for their language.

So, where should you begin? Start with the most common basic Spanish words and useful phrases that every beginner should know.

Table of Contents

100 Basic Spanish Words and Phrases for Beginners

This section will be divided into four key themes (daily life, travel, shopping, and restaurant), each containing 25 of the most useful Spanish phrases and words to help beginners in real-life situations.

Spanish Words and Phrases – Daily Life

Spanish words and phrases – travel, spanish words and phrases – shopping, spanish words and phrases – restaurant.

Spanish Alphabet and Pronunciation

For beginners, one of the most important things is to figure out how to pronounce words correctly. Otherwise, there’s no point in learning new words if you can’t use them in real life. That’s why we’ve put together the basics of Spanish pronunciation:

The Spanish Alphabet

The Spanish alphabet contains 27 letters, including one unique letter, “ñ.” Here’s the full list:

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, Ñ, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

• Ñ (pronounced as “enye”) is unique to Spanish and has a distinct “ny” sound.
• The letter R can have a single flap sound or a rolled double sound, especially at the beginning of a word or when doubled.

Pronunciation Guide

A (ah), E (eh), I (ee), O (oh), U (oo)

Consonants :

C before e or i is pronounced like “th” in Spain or “s” in Latin America.

G has a hard “g” before a, o, u but sounds like a throaty “h” before e, i.

J is pronounced as a rough “h” (e.g., “José”).

LL is typically pronounced as a “y” sound, though some regions pronounce it as “sh.”

Common Mistakes for English Speakers

Over-pronouncing vowels.

Mispronouncing “j” and “r” sounds.

Confusing “b” and “v,” as these are often pronounced similarly in Spanish.

Introducing Yourself & Greeting in Spanish

• Me llamo… (My name is…)
• ¿Cómo te llamas? (What’s your name?)
• Hola (Hello)
• Adiós (Goodbye)
• Encantado/a (Nice to meet you)

Polite Words and Expressions in Spanish

• Gracias (Thank you)
• Por favor (Please)
• Perdón (Sorry)
• Con permiso (Excuse me)
• Lo siento (I’m sorry)

Question Words in Spanish (5W1H)

With this list of Spanish question words, you’ll be able to ask about anything and everything. Mastering the 5W1H questions—Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How—is essential for beginners to communicate effectively in any situation.

¿Quién? (Who?)

If you want to ask about a person, use “¿Quién?” For example, if you’re at a party and want to know who someone is, you can say: ¿Quién es esa persona? — Who is that person?

¿Qué? (What?)

To ask about something, use “¿Qué?” When shopping and you want to inquire about a product, you could ask: ¿Qué es esto? — What is this?

¿Dónde? (Where?)

For asking about locations, use “¿Dónde?” If you need directions while traveling, ask: ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?

¿Cuándo? (When?)

To ask about time or schedule, use “¿Cuándo?” If you want to know when an event is happening, simply ask: ¿Cuándo es la fiesta? — When is the party?

¿Por qué? (Why?)

To inquire about reasons, use “¿Por qué?” When curious about someone’s decisions, you might ask: ¿Por qué elegiste este restaurante? — Why did you choose this restaurant?

¿Cómo? (How?)

To ask for clarification or instructions, use “¿Cómo?” For example, if you’re at a café and want to know how to order something, you could ask: ¿Cómo se pide un café aquí? — How do you order a coffee here?

Common Spanish Verbs

With this list of Spanish verbs, you’ll have a solid foundation for creating sentences in different situations. Basic Spanish for travelers often revolves around these simple verbs: tener (to have), querer (to want), necesitar (to need). Let’s look at how you can use them in practical scenarios.

Asking for What You Have or Need

If you want to ask whether someone has something you need, use “¿Tienes…?” (Do you have…?) followed by the item. This is especially useful when you’re staying at a hotel or asking for information.

For example, at a hotel, you might ask the receptionist:

• ¿Tienes las amenidades de baño? — Do you have bathroom amenities?

If you specifically need something, you can use the verb “necesitar” (to need). For instance, if you’re at a railway station and want to buy a ticket, you could say:

• Necesito un boleto a Madrid. — I need a ticket to Madrid.

Expressing Wants and Desires

When expressing something you want, the verb “querer” (to want) comes in handy. Let’s say you’re in a café and want to order coffee:

• Quiero un café, por favor. — I want a coffee, please.

This verb is versatile and helps in various scenarios, from shopping to dining out.

Checking Abilities with “Poder”

If you want to ask if someone can do something, or if you want to say that you can, you use “poder” (to be able to). For example, if you’re asking for help:

• ¿Puedes ayudarme con esto? — Can you help me with this?

Or, when offering help, you could say:

• Puedo hacerlo. — I can do it.

Compliments and Celebrations in Spanish

• ¡Feliz cumpleaños! (Happy Birthday!)
• ¡Enhorabuena! (Congratulations!)
• ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
• ¡Que tengas un buen día! (Have a good day!)
• ¡Salud! (Cheers!)

Now you’re ready to dive into everyday Spanish! With these basic words and phrases, you’ll be navigating conversations like a pro in no time. Whether you’re off on a new adventure, shopping for souvenirs, or making new friends, these beginner-friendly expressions will boost your confidence and have you chatting away with ease. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

If you want to put what you’ve learned into practice , learning with a native Spanish speaker can help you gain fluency faster. AmazingTalker offers 1-on-1 online Spanish tutoring , where you can practice comfortably and improve your speaking skills in no time!

What’s the Best Way to Learn Spanish?

How to learn Spanish on your own?

How to learn Spanish from beginning?

About AmazingTalker

AmazingTalker offers professional online language tutors and teachers from around the world. We offer personalized one-on-one online tutoring that can help you master Korean more quickly and know your needs more clearly. flexible schedules with no joining fee. It’s a great way to start your Korean learning more systematically with a low budget.

Related Articles

Top 6 best platforms to learn Korean online

Top 10 Spanish class online free 2022

14 ways to learn American English online and speak like a native!

Best 10 French Podcasts to Learn French: For All Levels

Top 10 Accredited Online Writing Courses in 2022

How to Learn French Efficiently: A Step-by-Step Guide for All

Days of the Week in Spanish: “Lunes” (Mon) to “Domingo” (Sun)

Japanese Characters: Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji with Charts

12 things you MUST know in your first month of Japanese learning!

How to Learn English Quickly: Top 5 Tips to Learn Faster

Watch now how language controls you.

Best Way to Learn Spanish: Apps, Courses, & Tips to Become Fluent

Best GMAT Prep Courses 2024 | Reviews & Top 5 Picks

30 Cheesy Spanish Pick-up Lines: Step Up Your Spanish Flirting Game

Learn a New Language: Best Language Learning Tips 【2024】

Learn Spanish from Beginning – Best 5 Tips for Beginners

Popular language tutors.

• English Tutors
• Chinese Tutors
• French Tutors
• Spanish Tutors
• Japanese Tutors
• Korean Tutors
• German Tutors

AmazingTalker

• Apply to Teach
• AmazingTalker Reviews

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

Mexican Slang Terms You Need To Know

Published: September 17, 2024

by Lorry Mccutchen

Traveling to Mexico soon? Knowing some Mexican slang terms can make your trip more fun and help you connect with locals. Imagine ordering tacos and using the right words to sound like a native. Whether you're chatting with new friends or just trying to understand street signs, these phrases will come in handy. From greetings to expressions of surprise, Mexican slang adds color to conversations. Plus, it shows respect for the culture. Ready to impress your friends and make your trip smoother? Let's dive into some essential slang that will have you speaking like a true Mexican in no time!

Greetings and Everyday Expressions

Mexican slang adds flavor to daily conversations. Knowing a few terms can help you blend in and make friends quickly.

Qué onda : This phrase means "What's up?" or "How's it going?" It's a casual greeting among friends.

Chido : Used to describe something cool or awesome. If you like something, just say, "Está chido."

No manches : Expresses surprise or disbelief, similar to "No way!" or "You're kidding!"

Órale : A versatile word that can mean "Come on," "Wow," or "Let's go." Context is key.

Food and Drink Slang

Food is a big part of Mexican culture. Knowing these terms will help you navigate menus and food stalls.

Taco : Not just a dish, but also slang for a quick bite or snack.

Chela : A casual term for beer. Asking for a "chela" will get you a cold one.

Guácala : Used to express disgust, especially with food. If something tastes bad, say "¡Guácala!"

Chupar : Means to drink alcohol. "Vamos a chupar" means "Let's go drinking."

Describing People

Mexican slang has colorful ways to describe people. These terms can be endearing or humorous.

Cuate : A close friend or buddy. Similar to "pal" or "mate."

Chavo/Chava : Informal terms for a young man or woman. "Ese chavo" means "That guy."

Naco : A derogatory term for someone with bad manners or poor taste. Use cautiously.

Fresa : Describes someone who is snobby or preppy. Often used to poke fun at wealthy people.

Compliments and Insults

Compliments and insults are part of any language. Mexican slang has some unique ones.

Chingón : A strong compliment meaning "badass" or "awesome." Use it to praise someone's skills.

Güey : A common term for "dude" or "bro." Can be friendly or insulting, depending on tone.

Pendejo : A harsh insult meaning "idiot" or "fool." Not for polite company.

Chafa : Describes something of poor quality or cheap. If something breaks easily, it's "chafa."

Love and Relationships

Talking about love and relationships? These slang terms will come in handy.

Amor : Means "love," but also used as a term of endearment, like "honey" or "sweetheart."

Novio/Novia : Boyfriend or girlfriend. "Mi novio" means "my boyfriend."

Ligarse : To hook up or flirt with someone. "Voy a ligarme a esa chica" means "I'm going to flirt with that girl."

Te quiero : Means "I love you," but less intense than "Te amo." Often used among friends and family.

Work and Money

Work and money are common topics. These slang terms will help you understand and join in.

Chamba : Informal term for work or job. "Tengo chamba" means "I have work."

Lana : Slang for money. "No tengo lana" means "I have no money."

Morro/Morra : Young boy or girl, often used to refer to younger coworkers or employees.

Patrón : Means boss or employer. "El patrón" is the person in charge.

Fun and Entertainment

When it's time to relax and have fun, these slang terms will be useful.

Pachanga : A big party or celebration. "Vamos a la pachanga" means "Let's go to the party."

Cotorrear : To chat or hang out. "Vamos a cotorrear" means "Let's hang out."

Rola : A song or tune. "Esa rola está buena" means "That song is good."

Desmadre : A wild, chaotic situation or event. "La fiesta fue un desmadre" means "The party was wild."

Travel and Transportation

Getting around in Mexico ? These slang terms will help you navigate.

Camión : A bus. "Voy a tomar el camión" means "I'm going to take the bus."

Ranfla : Slang for car. "Tengo una ranfla vieja" means "I have an old car."

Tirar paro : To give someone a ride. "¿Me tiras paro?" means "Can you give me a ride?"

Metro : The subway. "Voy en el metro" means "I'm taking the subway."

Embracing Mexican Slang

Learning Mexican slang can make your travels more fun and help you connect with locals. These words and phrases give you a peek into the culture and daily life in Mexico. Using slang shows respect for the language and can make conversations more relaxed.

Practice these terms before your trip. Try using them in casual chats or when ordering food. Locals will appreciate your effort and might even teach you more slang. Remember, language is always changing, so stay curious and open to learning new words.

Whether you're exploring markets, enjoying street food, or making new friends, knowing some slang can make your experience richer. So, get out there and start speaking like a local. Enjoy your time in Mexico and have fun with the language!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.