Communication is such an important part of traveling abroad, not only for logistics but also for making connections with the people you meet on your journeys. Traveling through most regions of the world is often easier as an English speaker, as so many people speak it fluently (or at least well enough to have a conversation or ask questions!). However, I have always found it extremely useful to learn travel words and phrases specific to the country I am visiting. In smaller towns and villages especially, I often find it’s quite important to have at least a basicknowledge of the local language and to know some of the most commonly used travel terms and phrases. Even though I have some language skills background, (Spanish is my first language, which is great because I can also pick up on some Italian and even Portuguese occasionally, and I’ve also studied other languages like French and German) I believe it's important to go through some essential travel expressions a few days before your trips. If you don’t have a lot of time off the week before, then you can easily take some time during the plane, car or train ride to review and learn some common travel phrases.
Where to learn essential travel expressions ?
My go to places to learn key phrases about travel are Google translate (of course!), YouTube (which is extremely useful for pronunciation purposes) and also platforms like Duolingo or Memrise. If you want to learn specific travel expressions and terms, you can also do an internet search which likely will give you several responses. Don’t forget that most of these programs also have an app version, which you can download on your phone for easy access when traveling. No matter if this is your 1st time traveling or your 33rd, these are important phrases and travel sayings that will always be useful when you arrive to your destination.
The most common Travel Terms and Phrases
These phrases may be generic and obvious travel terms, but they are of great importance in many situations and essential to communicate in most every country. I recommend writing the phrase and the translation down on the notes section of your phone (so you’ll have it even if you don’t have an internet connection) or simply learning them by heart. Most are catchy and short travel phrases, so it won’t be difficult to memorize! I personally use them often, especially while having a conversation with someone I just met at the airport, at the bus/train station, or when asking for directions! And even if the person you are talking to is a local who speaks English, you can still use them as a sign of friendship and respect. A bit of effort goes a long way in many places! Here are some examples:
Hello
Excuse Me
Please
I need help
Do you speak (...) ?
Where is…?
I am going to…
I don’t understand
Taxi
Help
I’m sorry
Thank You
You’re Welcome
Yes
No
Goodbye!
Essential Travel Expressions to use in case of Emergency
When planning and preparing a trip, we take many aspects into consideration: where to stay, where to eat, transportation, weather, etc. However, we often overlook simple things. One of those are the travel expressions and phrases that we might need to ask for help in case of emergency. While we don’t want to encounter these cases, the smart thing to do is “hope for the best but be prepared for the worst”. As part of your trip preparation, don't forget to learn some of these essential phrases, especially when traveling without knowing the language.
Where is the (American) Embassy?
I am …( your name / your nationality / etc)
Help / Help me / I need help
Call an ambulance
Call the police
Fire
Where is the closest hospital?/ I need a hospital / pharmacy
I am hurt
I need a doctor
I am allergic to…
I have lost my passport
Someone stole my money
Note: Don’t forget to look up each country’s emergency number! Every country has a different number for their emergency services. So if you are visiting Paris, you’ll need to dial 112 instead of its American version 911.
Other useful phrases for travelers
In this section I’ve compiled some useful phrases for travelers and some miscellaneous travel expressions and traveling terms that you can use in different situations during your travel adventures. Many of them are perfect to facilitate communication with the locals in places like the airport, restaurants, hotels, or simply while exploring an area or a town. Some are quite basic (to make them easier to memorize) so you shouldn’t have any problems with them! Remember that you can always make a basic phrase more polite by adding excuse me, please, or thank you every time you ask for directions or help. I have taken inspiration from my own experiences and the phrases I’ll regularly use in my travels, as well as from friends and travelers who have been all over the world and have learned everything from japanese travel phrases to suahili’s most difficult words. I hope you’ll find them useful for your next adventure!
Travel expressions used at the airport
I have a connecting flight
I can’t find my bag
Where are customs and immigration?
Where is the currency exchange?
Where is the taxi line?
Where is the bus stop?
Travel expressions used at the hotel
What floor am I on?
Where are the elevators?
What’s the Wifi Password?
Is there free breakfast?
What time is check in/check out?
Could I have a late check out?
Travel expressions used while eating out
A table for one/two/three please ( you can always say the number with your hands or simply signal to yourself or your group).
May I see a menu?
What do you recommend?
Water, please
Coffee, please
I would like…
This is not what I ordered / this is not my order
The bill / the check , please
There’s a mistake on the check
Travel expressions used while exploring
Does this go to…?
Do you have a map?
Where is the closest gas station?
Where is the closest ATM?
Where is the bank?
I’m lost
Which way to…?
How do I get to ...?
How far is it to get to ...?
I hope these travel expressions and phraseswill help you and your family be more prepared when taking a trip, especially to those exotic destinations where sometimes we can encounter big language barriers. I often find that once you have started learning at least one other language besides your native one, it's much easier to learn a 3rd and 4th one, even if that means only knowing small phrases like the ones in this guide. After all, each and every one of us started somewhere! I know it can sometimes be scary to learn a complete different language and try to master the pronunciationwithout feeling shy or nervous about how you sound. Just remember that people are not judging your language skills, they are trying to help you or communicate with you!
Share these travel terms and phrases with your family and friends, pin this article, save them and come backevery time you decide to embark on a new adventure. No matter how big or small the city or town, you’ll always find them useful.
Be sure to also share with us in the comments what your go-to travel phrases are, and which apps and programs you usually use to learn and translate them.
We also have an article about:
Safe Journey Quotes To Wish To Your Fellow Traveler (you might be interested in reading).
To read our most popular travel guides, head to our Travel Guide section and select your destination. There you’ll find articles such as:
What To Do In NYC In Two Days: An Itinerary For First Time Visitors
The Ultimate Copenhagen Travel Blog
Besitos from the road,
Laura
Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves. All opinions are our own. This post may contain some affiliate links and if you choose to purchase some services or products using these links, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We participate in the Amazon LLC Associates Program. Thank you for being part of our community and prance around the world with us!
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