Travelling to a new country is an exciting experience, but it can also be challenging if you lack the necessary vocabulary. Knowing English vocabulary for traveling is beneficial when you’re at the airport, checking in to a hotel, or seeking directions. In this blog post, we will explore useful words and expressions for travel and show you how to use them in real-life situations. This will make it easier for you to speak confidently and comprehend others while you are on the road. Whether you’re learning English or simply want to be more prepared for your next trip, this guide is a great starting point.
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Vocabulary List for Travelling
Here is an essential vocabulary list you should know while travelling.
Boarding pass | Backpack / Carry-on |
---|---|
Check-in | Luggage / Suitcase |
Check-out | Travel insurance |
Departure gate | Visa |
Customs | Passport |
Baggage claim | Itinerary |
Layover | Excursion |
Cancelled | Souvenir |
Delayed | Tour guide |
Hotel | Tourist attraction |
Hostel | Tip |
Reservation | Bill / Check |
Room service | Order |
Taxi / Cab | Menu |
Rental car | Restaurant |
Public transport | Landmark |
Ticket | Intersection |
Schedule | Go straight ahead |
Board / Get off | Turn left/right |
Map | GPS |
Useful Expressions for Travelling
It’s important to learn how to use common travel vocabulary in real situations, even if you already know them. Here are some useful expressions you might need when traveling. These examples will enhance your ability to speak naturally and feel more confident during your trip.
At Airport
Here are some expressions you can use at the airport.
“Can I check if my flight is on time?”
“Is there a lounge I can use while waiting?”
“Can I bring my carry-on luggage onboard?”
“How much time should I arrive before my flight?”
“Where can I exchange currency?”
“Is this the priority boarding line?”
“Is there a delay with my flight?”
“Do I need to show my boarding pass again?”
“Could you confirm my gate number?”
“Where can I pick up my luggage?”
“Is there a taxi stand here?”
“How do I get to [location] from the airport?”
“Where is the nearest ATM?”
“Can I get a SIM card here?”
“Hi, I’d like to check in for my flight to [destination].”
“Can I have a window seat, please?”
“Is there a baggage fee for this flight?”
“What time does boarding start?”
“Is there a direct flight to [destination]?”
“Do I need to remove my shoes/belt for security?”
“Where is the security checkpoint?”
“Can I bring liquids in my carry-on?”
“Where can I find the duty-free store?”
“What gate is my flight departing from?”
“Is this the right line for boarding?”
“Can I get assistance with my luggage?”
“Where is the nearest restroom?”
“Could you help me find my gate?”
“Is there a lounge I can access?”
“Where can I buy a SIM card for my phone?”
Hotels and Hostels
Planning to stay in a hotel or hostel? Here are some expressions that will make your stay easier!
“I have a reservation under the name [your name].”
“Is breakfast included in the price?”
“Can I get a room with a view of [city, ocean, etc.]?”
“Is there a shuttle service to the airport?”
“What time is check-out?”
“Can I get extra towels/pillows?”
“The air conditioning/heating isn’t working. Could you send someone to fix it?”
“Is there free Wi-Fi in the room?”
“Is there a fitness center here?”
“Do you have a swimming pool?”
“What time does the restaurant close?”
“Are there any tours or activities you would recommend?”
“I’ll be checking out today. Could you help with the bill?”
“Can I leave my luggage here for a few hours?”
“Can I get a taxi to the airport?”
“Could I get an early check-in if possible?”
“What’s the check-out time?”
“Do you have any rooms with a private bathroom?”
“I need a room for one night/two nights, is that possible?”
“The Wi-Fi password doesn’t work. Could you help?”
“Can I get a non-smoking room?”
“Could you send housekeeping to clean the room?”
“Is there a safe in the room?”
“The air conditioning isn’t working. Can someone fix it?”
“There’s a problem with the plumbing. Can you send someone to check it?”
“My room is quite noisy. Could I get a quieter room?”
“Could you please email me a copy of the bill?”
“I’ll be checking out a bit earlier than expected. Is that okay?”
“Do you offer a late check-out option?”
“Can I leave my bags here for a few hours before I go?”
Food and Restaurants
Here are some expressions you can use when ordering food.
“Do you have a menu in English?”
“I’d like to make a reservation for [number of people] at [time].”
“Can I see the wine list?”
“Do you have any vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options?”
“Could I have the bill, please?”
“I’ll have the [dish] with a side of [side dish].”
“Could you make it less spicy, please?”
“What’s the specialty of the house?”
“I’m allergic to [ingredient]. Can you make sure it’s not in the dish?”
“Is service charge included?”
“Can I pay by card/cash?”
“Do you accept [specific payment method]?”
“My food is cold. Can you heat it up?”
“I think there’s a mistake on the bill.”
“The service has been excellent, thank you!”
“Could you recommend something local to try?”
“Is there a kids’ menu?”
“Can I get this to-go?”
“Do you have any daily specials?”
“Can I make a reservation for [time] for [number] people?”
“I’ll take the [dish] and add [ingredient] to it.”
“Could I have a glass of water with no ice?”
“Can I substitute [ingredient] for something else?”
“Could I get that with the sauce on the side?”
“How spicy is the [dish]?”
“Could you split the bill into two?”
“Is tipping included, or should I leave extra?”
“Do you accept credit cards?”
“Can I pay with [payment method]?”
“Could you make the [dish] without [ingredient]?”
“Can I have a vegetarian version of this dish?”
“Is it possible to add extra cheese?”
“Could I have my steak cooked medium-rare?”
Transportation
Here are some expressions that can help you when using transportation.
Taxis:
“How much will it cost to get to [destination]?”
“Can you take me to [address/place]?”
“Is there a flat rate to the airport?”
“How far is it to [destination]?”
“Can you take me to the nearest hospital?”
“Can you avoid the highway? I want to avoid traffic.”
“How much is the fare to [destination]?”
“Do you take credit card or cash only?”
Trains/Metro:
“Which platform is the train to [destination] on?”
“How much is a ticket to [destination]?”
“Do I need to change trains to get to [destination]?”
“Where can I buy a ticket for [train/metro]?”
“Is this train going to [destination]?”
“How do I transfer to another line?”
“Does this train stop at [station]?”
“Is this a direct train to [place]?”
Renting a Car:
“I’d like to rent a car for [number of days].”
“Do you have a GPS system available?”
“What’s the fuel policy?”
“Can I pick up the car at [location]?”
“How much is the daily rate for a compact car?”
“Do you offer insurance coverage with the rental?”
“What’s the fuel policy for the car?”
“Do I need an international driving permit?”
General Communication
Here are some useful expressions for talking to others while traveling.
“Excuse me, could you help me with directions to [place]?”
“Do you speak English?”
“Can you recommend a good place to eat around here?”
“Where can I buy tickets for [activity or transport]?”
“How far is it to [place] from here?”
“What time does [place] close?”
“How much does it cost to get into [museum, attraction]?”
“Is it safe to walk around here at night?”
“How do I get to [place] from here?”
“Is it far to [place]?”
“Can you show me on the map where [place] is?”
“I’m lost. Could you help me find my way back to [location]?”
“Which bus goes to [place]?”
“How long have you lived here?”
“What’s your favorite thing to do in this city?”
“I’ve heard a lot about [place]. Can you recommend it?”
“What’s the weather like this time of year?”
“Is this your first time visiting [place]?”
“How much does this cost?”
“Do you have this in a different size/color?”
“Can I get a discount on this?”
“What time do you close?”
“Is this the best price you can offer?”
“Could you please repeat that?”
“Excuse me, I don’t understand.”
“Thank you for your help!”
“Sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
Frequently Asked Questions AboutTravel English: Useful Vocabulary & Expressions
Why is it important to learn travel-related English vocabulary?
Travel-related English proficiency can assist you in communicating in critical situations, such as asking for directions, ordering food, or checking into a hotel. It makes your trip easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Do I need to speak perfect English to travel?
No, you don’t need to speak perfect English. Conveying your message and understanding others can often be achieved through the use of simple words and common phrases.
Can beginners learn these travel expressions easily?
These expressions can be quickly mastered by beginners due to their simplicity and practicality. With practice, you can use them with confidence when traveling.
How can I practice these travel expressions?
Practice by repeating the phrases out loud, writing your own example sentences, or using language learning apps is an effective way to do it. By watching videos or listening to conversations in English, you can gain a better understanding of how they are used.
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