Communication is such an important part of our daily life, and more so when we are travelling. Good communication skills help us to make connections with the people we meet on our journeys. Being able to speak English is a plus point, as many people can speak English to some extent. However, I have always found it extremely useful to learn some important basic words and phrases in the language of the country I am visiting. In smaller towns and villages especially, it is quite important to have some basic knowledge of the local language and to know some of the most commonly used terms and phrases. Therefore, do make the effort to go through some essential travel expressions a few days before your trip. If you do not have time to do this before you leave home, try to find some time during your plane, car or train journey to review and learn some common travel phrases.
Where To Learn These Important Expressions and Phrases
The first place that comes to mind is Google translate (but of course!), YouTube (if you want to hear how to pronounce the words) and also platforms like Duolingo. You can also look up some specific travel expressions and terms by doing an internet search which will give you several responses. Most of these programs also have an app version, which you can download on your phone for easy access when traveling. Regardless whether you are a first time or seasoned traveller, these important phrases and travel expressions will always be useful when you arrive at your destination.
The Most Common Terms And Phrases When Travelling
Although the words and phrases may seem very obvious, you will find them very useful in many situations and essential for communicating in almost every country. Make a note of these phrases and their translations by writing them in your notebook or your phone (so that you will have it even if you do not have an internet connection). If you can learn them by heart, that’s even better! Most of the phrases are quite short, so it will not be difficult to memorize! Practise using them when having a conversation with someone at the airport, at the bus/train station, or when asking for directions. Even if the person you are talking to is a local who speaks English, they will appreciate the effort that you make to speak their language as a sign of friendship and respect. A bit of effort can go a long way and take you many places! Here are some examples of useful words and phrases to learn:
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 are welcome
Yes
No
Goodbye!
Essential Expressions To Use In Case Of Emergency When Travelling
When planning and preparing a trip, we must consider many things: where to stay, where to eat, transportation, weather, etc. However, we often overlook simple things. One of those things is, how to ask for help in case of emergency. While we hope that we won’t encounter such emergencies, it is always best to be prepared. Therefore, don’t forget to learn the following words and phrases.
Where is the (name of your country) 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, it is not always 911!
Other Useful Phrases For Travelers
Below, I have compiled some useful phrases and expressions for travelers that you can use in different situations during your travel adventures. You will find them useful for 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 should not 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 hope you will find them useful for your next adventure!
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?
At the Hotel
Which floor am I on?
Where are the elevators?
What is the Wifi password?
Is there free breakfast?
What time is check in/check out?
Could I have a late check out?
At the Restaurant or While Eating Out
A table for one/two/three please (you could also indicate the appropriate number of people with your hands or simply point to yourself or your group)
May I see a menu, please?
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 is a mistake on the bill/check
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 am lost
Which way to …
How do I get to …?
How far is it to get to …?
I hope these travel expressions and phrases will help you be better prepared when taking a trip, especially to those faraway destinations where you don’t speak the local language. Once you have started learning at least one other language besides your native one, you’ll find that it gets easier to learn a 3rd and 4th one. After all, we all have to start somewhere! Try to enjoy the learning process and don’t worry so much about whether you are pronouncing it right.