travel topic in english

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60 Travel Conversation Questions

One of the dreams that people have is to travel around the world and know more places, meet new people and enjoy some adventures.

People love traveling and there are many reasons for doing so, such as:

How about you? What are your reasons for traveling?

Talk about it with this list of travel conversation questions

Table of Contents

Travel Conversation Questions: Places

Travel conversation questions: people, travel conversation questions: your next vacations, travel conversation questions: your last vacation, travel conversation questions: your luggage, travel conversation questions: preferences, travel conversation questions: general questions, travel questions: channels, travel questions: safe places.

Instead of having a long list of travel conversation questions, it is better to have them categorized to make everything easier.

These are 60 travel conversation questions that have been divided into different categories such as:

Let’s explore each one of these different categories

When we search on the internet, we can find a list of recommendations about places to visit.

These are conversation questions to discuss the best and worst places to visit:

• Have you ever been abroad?
• How many countries have you visited?
• Have you visited many touristic places in your country?
• What tourist places do you like to visit?
• Do you prefer visiting beaches or mountains?
• Have you ever visited a European country?
• Have you ever visited an African country?
• What’s your best vacation memory?
• What’s your worst vacation memory?
• What countries would you like to visit?
• What countries would you not like to visit?
• What’s the best place for a vacation in your country

I understand that some people like traveling alone but others prefer some company and have better memories.

These questions have to do with your favorite people to go on vacation:

• Who do you travel with?
• Have you made friends while you are on vacation?
• Do you like to travel with children?
• Do you like to travel with your parents?
• Do you like traveling alone or in a group?
• What are some of the benefits of traveling alone?

Some people plan their vacation since they have to ask for permission, save money and choose the best time of the year to do it.

These questions will help you talk about plans that you have for your next vacation:

• What places are you planning to visit?
• Who are you planning to go with?
• When are you planning to go?
• Where are you planning to stay?
• What sights are you planning to see?
• When will you next go to the beach? Which beach is your favorite?

Some people love sharing information about their last vacation and some people don’t.

These are some questions to discuss your last vacation

• Where did you go on your last vacation?
• Who did you go with?
• Where did you stay?
• What did you do there?
• What did you see there?
• How much money did you spend there?
• Who was the most interesting person you met?
• How long did you stay there? Did you want to stay longer?

Most people don’t have a problem with their luggage when they travel, while others find issues such as:

These are some conversation questions that have to do with preparing stuff to travel:

• How much luggage do you usually carry?
• Do you bring electronic devices when you travel?
• What are some things you always take with you on a trip?
• Do you like to pack light when you travel?
• Do you think that everyone overpacks?
• How many of the things do you pack do you actually use or need?
• Have you ever lost your luggage?
• Do you worry about your luggage when you travel?

These are some questions about what you prefer to do when you are on vacation:

• Do you prefer to travel by car or plane?
• Have you ever bought a package tour?
• Where do you prefer to stay when you go on a vacation?
• How often do you travel?
• How often do you go camping?
• How long do you like vacations to be?
• What means of transport do you like to use when you are on vacation?
• Do you like to try local food when you travel?
• What is the best age to travel?
• Where do you like to stay when you go on vacation?

These are some general questions about traveling:

• Are you a traveler?
• What do you miss the most when you are traveling?
• Have you ever had an accident while traveling?
• Have you ever been on a cruise?
• What do you think about hitchhiking?
• If money was not an issue, what type of holiday would you take?
• Have you ever missed a flight? What happened?

Travel blogs and YouTube channels have become very popular.

Channels tend to have an edge over travel blogs since you get a better idea of the country you are planning to visit

• Do you follow travel blogs?
• Do you follow Travel Youtube channels?
• Do you usually search for videos or posts about the countries or places you are trying to visit?
• Have Travel blogs or channels make you want to travel more

If you are a traveler, you don’t want anything to happen to you, your friends, and your family.

These are some questions about safe countries and places to travel to:

• What are some of the safest places to travel to?
• Have you ever been robbed when traveling?
• Do you only travel to the safest countries?
• Do you share your travel information with someone you trust?
• Do you worry about how much you drink when traveling?
• Do you try not to draw attention when traveling?
• Do you wear jewelry when you travel?
• Are you aware of scams when you travel?
• Do you Keep digital copies of important documents?

Manuel Campos

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English

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61 Questions About Travel: The perfect English Conversation Practice 

Have you ever been stuck for words when a friend told you they took a trip or a vacation? Be stuck no more! These 61 questions about travel can be used as an English conversation practice – letting you work on your speaking and vocabulary!

Travel questions: A good way to boost our English fluency!

Here is why asking questions about travel , generally talking about it, and being enthusiastic about it, is a handy English conversation practice, and a good way to boost our English fluency:

• Expands Vocabulary: We can learn new words and phrases related to destinations, activities, and cultures!
• Enhances Speaking Skills: Helps us practice and improve our English speaking skills, such as pronunciation, fluency, and expressing ideas clearly.
• Builds Confidence: Talking about travel topics encourages us to communicate with others, boosting our confidence in using English.
• Cultural Awareness: Exploring different travel experiences helps us understand diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right into today’s travel questions. Remember – try to answer the questions as best you can!

Questions about travel

Here are the first of our questions about travel . They are easy and simple for beginners and focus on the past tense.

• Where did you go?
• What did you do?
• Who did you go with?
• What did you eat?
• Whose idea was it to travel there?
• How was the weather?
• What was the hotel like?
• How were the people?
• Was it a safe place?
• Was it an expensive place?
• Did you try to speak the local lingo?

Related: 61 Hypothetical Questions For ESL: Native English Speaking Practice

Questions about travel: Travel likes and dislikes

Here are 10 questions about travel that focus on preferences. These are things we like better. This is a great English conversation practice for general discussion – we don’t even need to have recently traveled to use these questions!

• What are some things you enjoy about traveling?
• Is there anything you don’t like about traveling? Why?
• Do you prefer visiting busy cities or quiet countryside destinations?
• What kind of weather do you prefer when you travel? Why?
• Are you an adventurous eater when trying new cuisine during your travels?
• Do you enjoy exploring famous landmarks or off-the-beaten-path locations more?
• What are some must-have items you always take with you when you travel?
• Are you a fan of souvenir shopping while traveling? Why or why not?
• Do you enjoy meeting new people and making friends while traveling?
• How do you feel about experiencing different cultures through local festivals and celebrations?

Questions about travel: About your next trip

These next travel questions are about future holiday plans. Exciting!

• Where are you planning to go on your next trip? Why did you choose that destination?
• Are you more interested in relaxation or adventure for your upcoming trip?
• What activities or attractions are you looking forward to during your next trip?
• Are you traveling alone or with friends/family on your next trip?
• What is the one thing you absolutely must do or see on your next trip? (For example, visit The British Museum )
• Have you already booked accommodations for your upcoming trip? If so, where are you staying?
• Are there any specific local dishes or cuisines you are excited to try during your next trip?
• What are some items you will pack in your suitcase for your upcoming trip?
• Do you have any specific plans or itinerary for your next trip, or will you go with the flow?
• How do you think your next trip will be different from your past travel experiences?

Travel questions: Past experiences

Here are some travel questions that focus on past experiences:

• What was the most memorable trip you have taken so far? Why was it memorable?
• Have you ever had any travel mishaps or funny incidents during your trips?
• What is the longest journey you have ever been on? How did you pass the time?
• Have you ever traveled to a place where you didn’t know the local language? How did you communicate?
• What is the most breathtaking natural scenery you have witnessed during your travels?
• Have you ever participated in any unique cultural traditions or festivals while traveling?
• Did you have any encounters with wildlife during your travels? Tell us about it!
• Have you ever experienced a major culture shock while visiting a different country?
• What travel destination exceeded your expectations the most? Why?
• Have you made any long-lasting friendships with people you met while traveling?

Questions about traveling: If you could…

The next questions about traveling use a particular structure. We use “if you could” to talk about things or wishes that are unreal – but we’d really like to do. For instance, I’d really like to speak 7 languages fluently!

• If you could travel back in time, which historical era or event would you like to experience?
• If you could become fluent in any foreign language instantly, which language would you choose?
• If you could travel with any famous person, who would you choose as your travel companion?
• If you could have a travel-related superpower, what would it be?
• If you could spend a year living and traveling in any country, which one would you choose?
• If you could only visit one more country for the rest of your life, which country would you pick?
• If you could stay at any luxury hotel or resort in the world, where would you choose to stay?
• If you could erase one travel memory from your mind and experience it again, which memory would it be?
• If you could write a travel book, what would be the focus or theme of your book?
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Questions about travel: Problems

Travel is certainly fun and exciting, but let’s be honest: sometimes there are mishaps! For example, I once lost my wallet and spent 3 hours looking for it, and eventually found it in the hotel lobby. Lucky!

• Have you ever encountered any travel difficulties or challenges? How did you handle them?
• What is the most frustrating thing that has happened to you while traveling?
• Have you ever had any issues with lost luggage or delayed flights during your travels?
• What is your worst experience with accommodations while traveling?
• Have you ever missed a connecting flight or had to deal with travel delays? How did you cope with it?
• Do you have any tips or tricks for avoiding common travel problems?
• Have you ever faced a language barrier problem while traveling? How did you overcome it?
• What is the most uncomfortable transportation experience you have had during your travels?
• Have you ever encountered any dangerous situations or scams while traveling?
• How do you deal with homesickness or loneliness when traveling alone?

Questions about travel: a handy vocab and fluency exercise

I hope you have enjoyed today’s questions about travel , and have found them a useful English conversation practice! Here is a quick summary of why it’s so good to talk about this topic if you are an English learner:

• Talking about travel is a fantastic vocabulary and fluency exercise for English study.
• It helps us expand our word bank and become more confident in expressing ourselves.
• By discussing travel topics, we enhance our fluency, becoming better at articulating our thoughts and ideas.
• Furthermore, exploring travel-related questions encourages us to think creatively and critically while improving our overall language skills.
• In a nutshell, travel is an exciting and effective way for us to boost our vocabulary and fluency in English!

Even if you can’t travel anytime soon, the topic is always open for discussion – we can use ” If you could…” questions. There is always something to talk about when it comes to taking trips. Thanks for reading!

TRAVEL ENGLISH/ENGLISH FOR TOURISTS

Learn/practice common english phrases used by travelers.

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40 Basic Vocabulary Words and Common Phrases for Travel in English

Embarking on a journey to a foreign country can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially when language barriers come into play. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! This page is dedicated to all the globetrotters out there who are keen on enhancing their English language skills specifically for travel.

We’ve curated a list of 40 essential English words and phrases that will prove to be your best companions on your travels.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first overseas trip, mastering these words and phrases will not only boost your confidence but also enrich your travel experiences. So, let’s dive in and start preparing for your next adventure with our comprehensive travel vocabulary guide. Happy learning and safe travels!

40 essential English words and phrases for travel

• Passport – “Don’t forget to bring your passport to the airport.”
• Luggage – “Please make sure your luggage is not left unattended.”
• Reservation – “I have a reservation under the name Smith.”
• Itinerary – “Our itinerary includes stops in Rome, Paris, and London.”
• Destination – “Our final destination is Sydney.”
• Accommodation – “I’ve booked accommodation for three nights in the city center.”
• Sightseeing – “We’re going sightseeing in the old town tomorrow.”
• Currency – “What’s the local currency in Japan?”
• Boarding Pass – “Please have your boarding pass and identification ready.”
• Departure – “Our departure time is 6:00 PM.”
• Arrival – “Our estimated arrival time is 8:00 PM.”
• Customs – “You’ll need to declare any items at customs.”
• Visa – “Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?”
• Tourist – “As a tourist, I love exploring new places.”
• Landmark – “The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.”
• Guidebook – “I bought a guidebook to learn more about the city’s history.”
• Souvenir – “I bought a souvenir from each city we visited.”
• Jet Lag – “I’m feeling a bit of jet lag after the long flight.”
• Travel Agency – “The travel agency arranged all of our accommodations.”
• Backpack – “I prefer to travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase.”
• Could you help me, please? – When you need assistance.
• How much does this cost? – When you want to know the price of something.
• Where is the nearest…? – When you’re looking for something specific, like a bathroom or a subway station.
• I would like to book… – When you want to make a reservation.
• Do you speak English? – When you need to find someone who speaks English.
• I’m lost. Can you help me? – When you need directions.
• Can I have the menu, please? – When you’re at a restaurant and want to see the menu.
• I’m allergic to… – When you need to inform someone of your allergies.
• Can I have the bill, please? – When you’re ready to pay at a restaurant.
• What time does it open/close? – When you want to know the operating hours of a place.
• Can I have a ticket to…, please? – When you’re buying a ticket.
• Where can I catch the bus/train? – When you need to find the bus or train station.
• Is it far from here? – When you want to know the distance to a place.
• Can you recommend a good…? – When you’re looking for recommendations.
• Do you accept credit cards? – When you want to know if you can pay with a credit card.
• What’s the Wi-Fi password? – When you need to connect to the internet.
• I’d like to go to… – When you’re telling a taxi driver your destination.
• Is there a pharmacy nearby? – When you need to find a pharmacy.
• Can I try this on? – When you’re shopping for clothes and want to try something on.
• Could you take a picture of us, please? – When you want someone to take a photo of you and your group.

Wrapping Up Our English Travel Vocabulary Journey

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through 40 essential English words and phrases that will help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, language is a powerful tool that can open doors to understanding new cultures, making new friends, and creating unforgettable experiences.

Don’t worry if you can’t memorize all the words and phrases at once. The beauty of language learning is that it’s a continuous process. Keep practicing, and soon these words will become second nature to you.

But why stop at 40? If you’re eager to expand your travel vocabulary even further, we have an exciting offer for you. Follow us on Instagram and send us a direct message to get your hands on our comprehensive eBook (write “Travel eBook”), which features 200 essential English words and phrases for travel, plus 2 special bonuses!

We hope this guide will be a valuable resource for your travel adventures. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, tranquil countryside, or exotic beaches, these phrases will help you navigate your way with confidence.

Thank you for joining us on this linguistic journey. We wish you all the best in your English learning and your future travels. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, or in this case, a single word. Happy travels and happy learning!

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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.”

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Travel and Transport

Travel vocabulary: using english for travel.

Travel vocabulary is one of the most useful areas of language learning today, as more people than ever are travelling far and wide for business and pleasure. There are many useful words and phrases we use when travelling and dealing with transport.

Although our travel plans have been put on hold for a while due to the Coronavirus pandemic , the world is slowly starting to open up again. This means we need to be ready with our travel language and vocabulary for when we can get a flight, a bus or a train!

For non-native speakers , travel vocabulary is a particularly useful topic of study and always a popular subject, allowing you to enjoy organising your travels without worrying about language issues.

Explore travel  vocabulary  here and learn useful  vocabulary related to travelling and using public transport. We have included useful words related to using trains, buses, cars, taxis, planes and boats, so you can have your travel phrases covered, whatever your mode of transport.  

General English Travel Vocabulary:

to arrive , to depart, to leave, to stay,

to cancel, cancellation, cancelled, delay, delayed

to book, to reserve, reservation, to cancel a reservation

holiday, business trip

suitcase, bag, luggage

trip, journey, to travel, map

travel agent, brochure

ticket office, fare, price, single/return ticket

by foot, on foot

travelling by plane, by train, by taxi, by car, by boat

roundabout, road, traffic lights, speed limit, junction, cross roads, road signs

Image source

Transport Vocabulary and Useful Phrases:

Wheels, steering wheel, dash board, indicators, headlights, roof, bonnet, boot, engine, battery, windscreen wipers, garage, car mechanic, petrol station, service (a ‘check up’ for a car)

Double decker, single decker, passengers, bus driver, bus stop, bus station, bus conductor, coach, luggage hold, bus lane

Bus travelling phrases:

the next stop, the last stop, to get on/off the bus, to buy a ticket

Train station, platform, track, level crossing, locomotive, underground, cross-country, local, return, single, ticket, carriage, first/second class, train driver, ticket inspector, waiting room, seat, timetable, guard, season ticket, fare, travel card, buffet car

Train travel phrases:

to catch a train, to check the timetable, on the platform, to travel cross-country

to get on the train, to embark, to set off (on a journey)

to get off the train, to disembark, to alight

ticket machine – a machine where you can buy your train tickets

ticket gate – a mechanical gate blocking access, where you need to insert your ticket to pass through

the buffet car – a carriage on a train where you can buy drinks and snacks

Grand Central Station , New York City – image source

Cab, black cab (official English taxi), fare, taxi rank, taxi driver, tip ( noun and verb )

Taxi travel phrases:

to hail a taxi / to flag down a taxi (when you raise your arm to get a taxi driver’s attention to encourage it to stop in the street)

to pay the fare (the fare is the fee for the journey)

to tip the driver (verb) / to give the driver a tip (noun)

Aeroplane, airport, airline, wing, runway, pilot, gate, passport, excess baggage charge, cabin crew, flight attendant, air steward/stewardess, security, turbulence, seatbelt

take off, landing

turbulence (uncomfortable, sudden movements of a plane due to air pressure/temperature changes)

hand luggage (luggage you take into the cabin with you)

hold luggage/checked luggage (luggage you check in for stowage under the aircraft)

over-head locker (where you can put your hand luggage)

boarding card, customs, departures, arrivals, lounge, aisle seat, window seat, check-in, in-flight movie, in-flight entertainment

terminal 1, terminal 2 / T1, T2 (a terminal is where passengers go to buy tickets, check in luggage, go to their boarding gate etc.)

boarding gate – where passenger go to board the plane (i.e. to get on the plane), located inside the terminal building

A plane takes off – image source

Plane travel phrases:

to put luggage/bags in the hold

to board the plane

prepare for take off, the plane will be taking off in 30 minutes

prepare for landing, the plane will be landing in 20 minutes

to fasten your seatbelt, to buckle up (‘buckle up’ is slang for ‘fasten your seatbelt’)

the flight was quite turbulent, to experience some  turbulence,  there was some light/heavy turbulence

“How was your flight?”

“It was good, thanks, except there was some turbulence during the descent that made me spill my drink!”

“Great – it was a smooth flight and I slept most of the time.”

Ferry, cruise ship, harbour, deck, port, sea, ocean, cabin, captain, sail, sea sickness , crossing, on board, life belt/jacket, foot passenger, buffet, port side, starboard

• The difference between a boat and a ship: boats are small to mid-sized vessels, often used for pleasure trips. Boat is also a generic term for water vessels. Ships are normally larger and are used to carry cargo, passengers or smaller boats.

Boat travelling phrases:

to embark  (to get on the boat) / to disembark (to get off the boat)

‘choppy’ seas / rough seas / strong waves

Calm waters will provide a peaceful cruise for this ship  –  image source

calm waters / still waters

to sail, to have a good crossing (a ‘crossing’ is when you go from one place to another on a boat/ship) – e.g.  “Did you have a good crossing?”

to go out on deck (to go outside on the ship)

welcome aboard/on board (you might hear this when you embark for the first time)

the captain’s table (where the captain sits at dinner – sometimes passengers might get an invitation to site at the captain’s table at some point during their cruise)

• ‘Plain sailing’ is an idiom that means an event that goes smoothly: ‘It’s all plain sailing from here’

It’s a great day to be ‘out on deck’ – image source

English at the Train Station

Useful travelling vocabulary for using the train, including phrases you may want to say, phrases you may hear and comments you might want to make about travelling by train:

• Train times on timetables are always given in the twenty-four hour clock format. So, 5.15 pm would be 17.15 and 9.05 am would be 09.05.

A busy airport – image source

“How was the journey?”

“It was fine, the train arrived on time and I managed to buy a coffee from the buffet car.”

“Terrible, the first two trains were cancelled and then I had to stand up for the entire journey.”

“My train was delayed, so I passed the time by browsing in the station bookshop”

English vocabulary at the airport

Travelling vocabulary for using planes and visiting the airport, including phrases you might hear at the airport and sentences you might need to say when travelling by plane:

Click here to explore more essential English vocabulary and phrases for everyday situations.

When travelling and using transport, you might also need to ask for directions. Check out how to ask for directions in English when travelling around a city with our directions page. Our article includes possible questions you might want to ask and answers you could receive when navigating your way around a new town.

Let us know your thoughts on travel vocabulary

What do you find most difficult about using English when travelling?

Do you find any of these phrases related to travel and transport confusing?

Can you think of other useful English travel vocabulary for using different modes of transport?

TEFL teachers, how do you incorporate travelling vocabulary into your English lessons?

2 thoughts on “ Travel and Transport ”

Thank you for the provided phrases and words. I would also like to see a short dialogue or common phrases when someone got lost in a city or trying to get somewhere, so that there should be various options for speaking about traveling ina city

Hi Tatyana, thanks for your comment. A dialogue like this is a great suggestion. We will looks to add something like this to the travel and transport page soon. In the meantime, you might find our directions page useful, as this contains phrases for asking for directions when travelling in a city.

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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.

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.

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!

Related posts:

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Vacation Speaking Fluently While on Vacation

Level intermediate [ 3 learning units ].

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

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50 fun travel conversation questions

Travel conversation questions.

Free discussion worksheets with pictures to describe the topic of travel. Difficult words on this first printable include – pack, prefer, cruise, destination, thoroughly, gotten, accommodation, backpacking, international, furthest, and distance.

The travel conversation questions on worksheet 1 are –

1 – When was the last time you traveled? Where did you go?

2 – What is your favorite thing about traveling?

3 – Where would you like to travel to next? When do you think you will go there?

4 – How long can you travel before you start to miss home?

5 – What are the most important things to pack before you go traveling?

6 – What kinds of transport do you prefer to travel by?

7 – Are there any places in your country that you never want to travel to? Why not?

8 – Who in your family is the best person to travel with?

9 – Have you ever been on a cruise ship? Would you like to take a cruise?

10 – What kinds of activities do you like to do when you are traveling?

11 – Have you ever learned or tried to speak another language while traveling?

12 – What are the top travel destinations in your country? Have you been to them?

13 – How do you usually decide on a travel destination?

14 – Do you like to plan your travel thoroughly or just make it up as you go along?

15 – What do you think of backpacking? Would you like to try it?

16 – Have you ever gotten lost on your travels? What did you do?

17 – What kind of accommodation do you usually stay in when you take trips?

18 – What is the best way to keep your money safe when you go traveling?

19 – Have you ever felt scared or been in danger on your travels?

20 – How has COVID-19 changed travel in your country and internationally?

21 – Where is it your dream to visit? Do you think you will ever get there?

22 – What is the furthest distance you have ever been from your home?

23 – Do you prefer to travel alone, with friends , or with family?

24 – What is the first thing you do when you arrive in a new city?

25 – Do you use any websites or apps when you travel? What for?

Travel conversation questions 2

Before starting the discussion with this second set of questions, be sure the students are familiar with the terms – landscape, ecotourism, issue (problem), journey, baggage, and souvenir.

On this second worksheet, the travel conversation questions are –

26 – What kinds of landscapes do you like to see when you travel?

27 – How do you plan for the weather when you go somewhere?

28 – Do you prefer hot or cold destinations for vacations?

29 – If money was not an issue, where would you go and what would you do?

30 – How is ecotourism different to normal tourism?

31 – Have you ever lost something on your travels? What was it?

32 – What things do you dislike about traveling?

33 – Do you remember meeting any strange or interesting people when traveling?

34 – What is the most popular time of year for people to travel in your country?

35 – Where are some good places to find travel information? Do you use them?

36 – What are the best and worst places you have traveled to?

37 – Have your parents traveled much? Where have they been?

38 – What are some useful things to learn in another language for traveling?

39 – Do you think it is best to take a package tour or plan your own trips?

40 – What is the longest journey that you have ever taken?

41 – Where do you think would be the best place to go on a shopping holiday?

42 – When you are on vacation do you like to relax or look for adventure?

43 – Are you careful with money when you travel or do you like to spend a lot?

44 – Have you ever had any bad travel experiences? What happened?

45 – Do you like to try strange foods when you travel? What things have you eaten?

46 – What kinds of baggage do you usually take when traveling?

47 – Do you have any souvenirs at home from traveling? What are they?

48 – What kinds of things do you buy for other people on your travels?

49 – What is something that you would love to go and do while traveling the world ?

50 – What is the best photograph that you have taken while traveling? Where were you?

Related activities

For further discussion you may want to use the transport conversation questions or the airport conversation questions . There are also transport and airport activities in the vocabulary worksheets archives.

For talking about weather and cities around the world there is also the weather pair work speaking activity.

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Travel Vocabulary in English with Travel Stories

Apr 27, 2016 | Advanced Vocabulary

I know you love to travel as much as do. So today I want to share some of my favorite advanced travel vocabulary in English so you can tell your own travel stories more easily. 

I have 3 different travel stories for you today. In each, I’ve highlighted useful vocabulary and groups of words that often go together or collocations.

Here’s what I want you to do:

• Read the stories.
• Note the highlighted vocabulary and groups of words – can you identify the meaning from the context? (If you need help, you can use the definitions I’ve provided to help you.)
• Write your own travel story using some of the new vocabulary and expressions. You can write about a past travel experience, a business trip, a future vacation or any other travel opportunity. Then share your story in the comments.

The goal is for you to use the same keywords in your own sentences.

This is the best way for you to truly learn and remember new vocabulary. And this means the next time you talk or write about travel, you’ll have all these words available to you in your mind!

Advanced Travel Vocabulary in English with Real-Life Stories

Sharon’s travel story: a staycation on a tight budget.

When I was younger, I had a real  sense of adventure . I loved backpacking, camping in the woods, sleeping in tents and spending the evening next to the campfire. As a child, I remember trying to build a fire  from scratch  by rubbing two sticks together. I think my entire family laughed while I worked at it for an hour. Unfortunately, I never succeeded.

But I do have such good memories of camping and hiking with my family. Every summer my parents would  pack up  the kids and the dog into the car, pack all our  outdoor gear  on the roof of the car and fill coolers full of food.

My mom would pack all the usual stuff:  trail mix , fruit, marshmallows to  roast over the fire , stuff to make sandwiches, etc. We’d take a road trip to the mountains in Colorado, find our spot to  set up camp  and pitch our tents near the river. I loved listening to the sound of the river at night!

I haven’t camped for years! Neither David nor I can take that much time off of work. It makes me a little sad that Sophie, our daughter, won’t have those same memories.

But last year we did do something a little fun, a little different: we had a  staycation . The two of us could only get 4 days off of work and we were  on a tight budget . We hadn’t enjoyed everything the city has to offer for ages so we decided to just pretend to be on vacation here at home. We visited the museums, went to the theater, we even took a day trip to the coast a few hours away for a day of sun, sand, and surf.

We have some wonderful photos (and memories) of our picnic dinner watching the sunset on the beach.

sense of adventure

The desire to explore and to take advantage of adventurous opportunities.

outdoor gear

Generally used to describe items or equipment needed for outdoor recreation: tents, skis, bicycles, snowboards, etc.

set up camp

To prepare and position everything in a campsite.

from scratch

To make (or create) from the beginning with the basic ingredients.

A snack mix with a combination with dried fruit, grains, and/or nuts.

The combination of stay-at-home and vacation. A vacation where you stay at home and enjoy local sites.

pack up (the kids/the car)

To prepare one’s belongings; to gather one’s things together and prepare to depart. With “the kids” this refers to prepare the kids and their belongings for departure.

roast over the fire

To cook over the fire.

on a (tight) budget

To be on a budget means to not have a lot of extra money. A “tight” budget means very little extra money.

Lara’s Travel Story: Anything All-Inclusive

Ugh! I hate planning vacations. I mean, I do love traveling but I don’t want to think about it. All those little details – I  can’t be bothered !

I prefer those  all-inclusive  kinds of vacations for a  little R&R . You know, those places where  all you do is show up  and that’s it.

You have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Activities, the beach, the pools, dancing. Sure, they usually cost a little more but if I don’t have to plan everything then it’s worth it. The only thing is you have to be careful of those  hidden extras ! I’ve definitely been surprised by the final bill a few times.

My fiancé and I are talking about an all-inclusive cruise for our honeymoon. It sounds amazing but I’ve never been on a ship for that long.

can't be bothered

Don’t want to waste time doing something.

all you do is show up

Show up = to arrive for an appointment or gathering. “All you have to do is …” means that there is nothing else expected of you.

An exaggerated way to say, “a lot of.”

all-inclusive

(Almost) all activities and food are included in the total cost.

hidden extras

Expenses that are not included (or unexpected) in the final cost.

The services or perks that a hotel provides with the reserved room.

a little R&R

A little r est and r elaxation.

island-hopping

To visit one island after another.

To pack too much.

Jean-Luc’s Travel Story: Exotic Adventure

I’m always dreaming of my next  far-off, exotic destination . I’ll go anywhere as long as it’s adventurous.

Last year I  chartered a boat  with a friend to sail around the Greek Islands. In the afternoons, we’d  pull into ports , dive into the water, enjoy dinner on the beach and then  head back  to the boat for the night. On really warm nights we actually sleep right on the deck  under the stars .

What’s next? I don’t know. Maybe Colombia, Peru, or Chile? I’ve never been to South America and I love the idea of spending time in the Andes Mountains. Hiking in the  middle of nowhere , you know what I mean?

Those kinds of places give you such a better  perspective on life . It’s easy to forget we’re all just a tiny piece of this earth.

Or maybe Thailand? That’s another of my  bucket list  destinations.

far-off destination

A destination remote (in time or space).

To return to a place.

perspective on life

A particular attitude toward or belief about something; a point of view.

charter a boat

The reservation of a plane, boat, or bus for private use.

under the stars

To be outside with no covering.

bucket list

The achievements or experiences a person hopes to have or accomplish in their life.

pull into port

The place where a vehicle or driver stops into. In this case, a boat stops in a port.

middle of nowhere

A remote place far from any city, town, or village.

Now I’d love to hear your travel story!

Practice and build your vocabulary by sharing your own travel story in the comments below!

Using the vocabulary from the stories above, describe your favorite travel experience or tell me about a trip you’d like to take in the future.

Don’t forget to read and comment on stories from other Confident English readers. You might learn something new or have an interesting question to ask.

Happy travels!

~ Annemarie

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Thank you for this lesson ,Annemarie ,

Very useful to me and as complete as possible

There is a typo. The last line should be a bucket list for not of.

Good eyes, Harsha, and thank you. We’ve corrected the sentence.

Dear Annemarie, Am new to this site and blog .AM very thank ful to you for sharing all these good phrases and vocabularies which helped a lot . looking forward for great lessons .Your videos are so good which helped me alot to get the correct pronunciation and also i have seen you are reading all the comments and giving a positive feedback which is so appreciated am looking forward for your comment. I have read and seen lot of english leaning sites but they usually wont reply to the comments . thanks Neetha

I’m very happy to hear you’re enjoying the Speak Confident English website and the lessons we have here. We definitely work hard to create lessons that will truly help you advance your English skills. And yes, my team and I definitely read all the comments and respond. 🙂

Hi Annamarie,

Thanks so much for this lesson. I have an advanced student and new vocabulary is always helpful.

I live in Chile, so if you need any tips or recommendations, plesase let me know, I would be happy to help you out if you are still planning to visit South America,

Awesome! I’m so glad this lesson was helpful to use with your student. And I’d LOVE to visit Chile one day. I’ll definitely ask you for recommendations if I get the opportunity. 🙂

Wow, Your have shared here such an amazing and best post which is useful for all of us. I like it and wanna say that your travel story is really fantastic and know I want to bookbus for visiting NY after reading your post.

Hi Ammy, thanks so much. I’m glad to know enjoyed and felt inspired by the lesson.

Dear Annemarie I’ve been to Iceland two years ago and I had a wonderful vacation! As Sharon, I had a real sense of adventure so I convinced my best friend to come with me, we packed up our backpacks and then we departed. We chartered a car and we traveled all over the country for 11 days. We saw amazing landscapes, waterfalls, geyser, volcanos, glaciers, and we did whale watching. We had nothing but our backpack, our tent and a burning desire to explore. Iceland is a great place. I look forward to come back there and have one more …  Read more »

Sounds like an amazing opportunity and adventure, Davide! Thanks for sharing. I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland. I really liked your use of “a burning desire to explore.” What a great expression!

Hi Annamarie, my last trip was in the city of Madrid. A wonderful city. At the time I was always without money because of I was unemployed but in the same time I craved traveling. So my sense of adventure took me to packed up my stuff buying an airline one-way ticket for Madrid. After few days in Madrid I found a job just in the week ends. I didn’t waste my time because there’s no time like present and every day I walked through the parks , visited museums and, I always looked around the city, the square, I …  Read more »

Hello Annemarie I’m from Thailand. I just learned your lesson. It was very useful. I have to say that I really like your blog, especially this topic because I love traveling. So today I have my travel story to share with you. Last month, I went to Phuket, which is an island in Thailand. I’ve already been there two or three times actually but I couldn’t get enough of it. Somebody even calls me an “island queen” and yes I truly am. I got a chance to do some diving and island hopping with one-meter-high waves. And of course, I …  Read more »

Dear Annemarie , I love these adventaures and I love going and having a trips with my friends and my family,Ande mountains I love pack packing that is my adore and I did it before with my family in sinai we climbed the mountains of sinia I loved it because the sunset seen was wonderful and we took exactly 6 hours with the tour guide and we had a rest so I wish to make a trip like me in sinia with your family or you friends Egypt is wondeful Thank you

Dear Annemarie , I really enjoyed reading Sharon’s Travel Story” A Staycation on a Tight Budget ” , it has little details which helped me in imagining the story , I felt every line in the story and how enjoyable was the trip . In addition I’ve learned many expressions like : – sense of adventure – outdoor gear – set up camp – from scratch – trail mix – stay cation – pack up – roast over the fire – on a tight budget Waiting for more ….. 🙂

Hello Rana,

Thank you for your comments. I’m so glad to know that you enjoyed this lesson and found some useful vocabulary. I hope you have the opportunity to use that vocabulary soon.

Hi Ms Annemarie! I loved this story about travel it have lots of adventures, i also loved your interesting language, and i`ve learned more vocabulary from you. I wish you more success on your project.

Hello Renad,

Thank you. I’m happy you enjoyed this lesson and I hope you’ll have the opportunity to use the vocabulary you learned. Learning + immediately practicing is the best way to improve your vocabulary knowledge.

Dear Annemarie thanks for this beautiful stories , it’s very useful and i have loved them so much. the most beautiful one is the “Jean-Luc’s Travel Story: Exotic Adventure” it’s really simple , understandable, meaningful and exciting . the most expression i had loved it in this story is “under the stars”. i hope you can do more than this , by the way you can make this stories like in an audio track or on a cd , it will be more helpful and skillful to the students who are get bored from reading stories. great job hope to …  Read more »

Hello Arwa,

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson and learned some useful vocabulary.

Hi Annemarie , I really enjoyed getting to read your story about jean ,also i liked your language so much it was so helpful , although i love reading adventurous stories. I wish you every success on your projects, I will continue following and sharing them on social networks. yours, ahmed

Thank you for the kind comments, Ahmed. I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson.

Dear Ms Annemarie, I’ve read your story “Lara’s Travel Story: Anything All-Inclusive”. And I learned so much new vocabulary expressions such as; – can’t be bothered -all you do is show up -a ton of -all-inclusive -hidden extras -amenities -a little R&R -island-hopping -over pack I liked the idea of it, it is creative and simple. And I’m waiting for another one, and looking forward to reading your next stories. Every good story you get here in this website and upload it gives you a push froward to reach your goal, so I advice you to complete uploading stories alike …  Read more »

Thank for sharing your thoughts, Bishoy. I appreciate them and I’m glad you learned so much useful vocabulary.

Dear Annemarie My name is Abdullah, i am a student in the 8th grade. I am from Egypt. It’s the first time to read stories with this exciting an I would be so glade to read more for your stories. At first, my teacher in the school told us to read it as a homework and Summarizes, but now I would to read more from you. best wishes , abdullah

Hello Abdullah,

Wonderful. I’m glad this lesson was interesting for you and I hope you’ll continue to find useful lessons on this website.

Hi , I like this type of stories , I’ve learned new vocabulary and new phrases . This type of stories make me excited to continue reading and choosing another one.

Hello Ahmed,

I’m so glad you enjoyed this lesson and that it makes you want to continue reading. Thank you.

I’m really very thankful to you because travel stories helped me so much in teaching my students new vocabulary about journeys . Hope to find more and more in future lessons

Hello Antar,

Thank you for the comment. I’m very happy to know this has been helpful to you in your classroom and with your students.

Hi Annemarie , Thanks a lot for sharing this post on travel stories. Actually my English not well but I can understand at all, I really like that it help me improve my English as well. Thanks again 🙂

Thanks for your comment, Sakuta. I’m happy that you enjoyed this lesson and have learned some new vocabulary!

Hi Annemarie, First of all, thank you very much for sharing this post on travel stories. I have been following your weekly posts since a couple of weeks, I like this post a lot, it is always exciting listening and talking of travel stories. Sharon’s staycation story resonates well with me as I like going out with family even if it is not such a significant or a popular place to go visit. The feel of going out together and experience the joy of spending time with family outside is worth experiencing and treasure the memories. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go …  Read more »

Hello Hari,

Thank you so much for your comments. I’m thrilled to have you following my Confident English lessons.

Very impressive vocabulary with your sentence, “Sharon’s staycation story resonates well with me…” Nicely said.

This was very well written and you did a great job using vocabulary from the lesson.

Hey AnneMarie to be honest the traveling now is the most important thing in my life, I sounds good when i travel abroad and discouvir a new places, traditions, cultures, countries. I love that !! when I’m thinking of my next trip I be happy for searching for a cheap fly and think in all little details (hotels, food , bus from airoprot to the city centre then to hotel, mesuems, things to do in that city) so for the me the word of cant be bothered doesnt exist in this kind of things. and i dont like all inclusive …  Read more »

Hello Alami,

Thank you for sharing about your travel preferences. Your love of travel is like many of us here. 🙂 As you described, I think planning a vacation can be fun, almost as fun as the vacation.

Do you have a favorite country or place that you like to visit? Best, Annemarie

Mahmoud on May 06.05.2016 Hi Annmarie As this is my first challenge I hope that you like it and that it’s good. On Last May and during a party I won a two hotel full board nights pouch for two in Aqaba_Jordan. Me and my wife were very existed and started to plan for when,how and what kind of activities we can do in Aqaba while staying there, off course budget wise it was affordable due to the pouch, First of all we picked the right weekend to do so, and then I rented a car. Meanwhile, using the net …  Read more »

Hello Mahmoud,

Welcome and thank you for sharing your story!

How wonderful to win an all-inclusive two-day trip to Aqaba! It sounds wonderful. And Petra! I have always wanted to visit Petra! And was this the first time you or your wife scuba dived? How was it?

A few small corrections: “… I won a [full-board two-night hotel stay …]” “My wife and [I] were very [excited] …”

It sounds like the perfect two-day quick trip to get away! Thanks again for sharing. ~ annemarie

Hello Annemarie! Fortunately, I have some free time to accomplish the task and to tell about my vacations. A new trip always means that I will open something new. I always have a sense of adventure when taking some journey, so I always look forward to my holidays and therefore to travelling. It doesn’t matter what kind of holidays I’m going to take, the main thing is what emotions I will have. It may be a camping where I can spend wonderful time roasting meat over the fire, singing campfire songs, eating some trail mix and chatting with my friends …  Read more »

Hello Alexandra – I loved this! You used so many of the key words and expressions! Fantastic work. And I really like the expression: “… if I’m squeezed like a lemon …” I assume that means to feel really stressed, is that correct? What a perfect description for feeling stressed and needing a break! One question, when you say “the main thing is what emotions I will have” do you mean emotions or experiences? When I see emotions, I think of happy, sad, angry, frustrated, joyful, etc. If that is what you mean, that is okay but I wanted to …  Read more »

Thanks a lot for your comments, Annemarie! I appreciate them greatly!!! Frankly speaking I’ve thought that the expression “to be squeezed like a lemon” (that really means “to be very tired and stressed” as you have said) really exists in English, because I leart it at university, but now I doubt… Do native speakers use it in their speech? As for the phrase “the main thing is what emotions I will have”, I’ve meant here that I always get some positive emotions after having travelled, because travelling enriches me, gives the opportunity to meet new people, to get to know …  Read more »

Hello Alexandra,

You are so welcome.

As for “to be squeezed like a lemon” it is possible that it is an idiomatic expression. Idioms can be regional, so it is possible that it is used in another country or a specific region. For me it was new, but I understood what you meant. It was easy to understand from the context. I’ll have to do some research to see if I can find where they use it. 🙂

Best, Annemarie

Thank you, Annemarie!

Hello Annemarie! I miss our challenge and such short stories :)) I will tell you about my nearest travel just in a few days – from Saint-Petersburg to Helsinki by bus. If my budget not so tight, I would prefer the train because it is faster and more comfortable, but I am going to spend two nights in a bus… awesome! It is a business trip just for one day and I will have a lot of free time in the city. So, I hope weather will be well and I have pleasure of the walking and sitting near the …  Read more »

Hello Yulia, I miss our daily challenges too!! It makes me excited for the June challenge. And how fun to go to Helsinki for work! It sounds like you have some good plans for your free time there – the idea of coffee and a sandwich by the sea sounds perfect. A few things: “If my budget [wasn’t] so tight …” — we need to have a verb. ” …spend two nights [on] a bus.” Prepositions are so tricky. We can say “in a car” or “in a truck” but for larger vehicles we say “on a bus,” “on a …  Read more »

Hello Annemarie! I missed your reply on my travel story. Thank you very much for your comments and correction of my text. As you already know, my trip was success and also I had extra practice in English. And weather was really amazing! The local people jocked that we have a chance to get very unusual gift from Helsinki – a sunburn!

A sunburn in Helsinki! That is the first time I’ve ever heard about that! 🙂

I’m so glad it was a successful trip, Yulia. It really made me happy to hear about your experience! ~ annemarie

Everybody loves traveling and I’m not an exception! There is no point in choosing the best way of traveling, all of them are good to get new impressions, to relax and to reload your mind. As a rule it’s me who arranges family vacation from scratch. The choice of vacation depends on a budjet, on a season and its length. Especially I love short holidays for 3-4 days because they are so dynamic, full of events; it’s really a great short break in a busy life. We usually stay at small private hotels without many amenities but with picturesque views …  Read more »

This sounds like the perfect long weekend, Olga! Especially now that spring is starting, I’m dreaming of an easy 3-4 day trip on the countryside. Do you enjoy the planning for vacations or is it stressful for you?

Perfect use of: from scratch, without many amenities, not any hidden extras.

A few changes for articles: “…it’s me who arranges [the] family vacation” “…on [the] season and its length.” “… [a] friendly atmosphere.”

I hope you get to go on a vacation like this soon! 🙂 ~ Annemarie

Hello, I am Rafif Last summer I travelled to Turkey with my family ; my husband and my four daughters, my father and mother, my sisters and brother and their own families . We were 21 persons which means different ages, different needs and expectations about vactions, and I can’t be bothered by all those details. For that I have chosen All_inclusive kind of vactions. Our choice settled on Kartepe (green park ) for a littlr R&R. They also offer breakfast, dinner and afternoon snack time and a lot of amenities like Turkish bath, ( sauna and Jacuzzi), paint ball …  Read more »

Hello Rafif – great travel story! And wow, 21 people! I can imagine that packing was a problem and I love that you watched a Mr. Bean video to help. Great use of: I [couldn’t] be bothered, I [chose an] all-inclusive kind of vacation, all we [had to do was] show up, hidden extras and several more. Two corrections: There were 21 of us (instead of We were 21 persons). The final bill was acceptable [,it wasn’t that much] or [, it wasn’t that big.] I really enjoyed this and you did a great job using some of the more …  Read more »

Thank you Anne marie for your comment and the correction

I love traveling, I do believe that traveling gives you a better perspective on life, it changes you. When you come back home you are a bit different! You have tons of new ideas, stories to tell! I think it is a good way to reboot all your system and we all need a little R and R after all! I remember when a child we would go to the seaside like every year. Our parents would pack up a car and all our belongings and our trip would begin. You know Ukraine is the biggest country in Europe, so …  Read more »

Excellent!!!! You described your memories in that way I felt I was there!!! It’s wonderful that you love traveling and can go anywhere easily without a doubt! I think you are really interesting person to have among friends!

Thank you so much! You are adorable!:) It is always fun to travel with a great company!:)

What wonderful details, Maria! I can imagine getting up early and into the car to start a 10-hour road trip! And I love your 3 must-haves (don’t forget the ‘s’ on ‘haves’ since it’s 3). Like you, I love the idea of the seaside, the sunset, and grilling over the fire! Great use of: sense of adventure, perspective on life, a little R&R, tons of, on a tight budget and several more! A couple things: I remember when [I was] a child or I remember [as] a child, stroll [on] the beach Thanks so much for sharing this! I enjoyed …  Read more »

Thank you! I do have a quick question (this is your phrase, I know:)): stroll on – is it always with “on”? Or it depends? Could you help me with this one, please? I like this word and want to use it correctly! Thank you!

Great question. Actually, it isn’t the verb (stroll) that is important. It is the noun that follows: on the beach. We can use any verb with this: jog on the beach, run on the beach, stroll on the beach, etc. Other examples: along the river, around the city. So you could say: stroll along the river, stroll around the city.

Frankly speaking, I love travelling a lot. I love spending my free time or vacation with my family and my friends! By the way, I can have a great vacation even if I’m on a tight budget. The alternative variant is to have a staycation. My city is so amazing and beautiful! There are a lot of places of interest here. I also like to go out of the city, to go to the country, for example. Love that feeling when you pack up the kids, friends, dogs into the car, pack all outdoor gear. And It goes without saying …  Read more »

And here we go – well marinated meat is a must-have thing!;)

We have something in common- we both love shashlik))

Tatyana, you’ve done such a great job creating your own story and sharing your memories! Great use of: on a tight budget, staycation, pack up the kids, outdoor gear, all-inclusive. I was quite impressed with your use of prepositions and articles. There are just a couple missing: [the] outdoor gear, [an] all-inclusive. Really impressive! And I agree with you completely, with some inspiration and desire, any vacation can be magical! Thank you so much for sharing your story! ~ Annemarie

Dear Rachel, I am Tanja Kuzmanoska from Macedonia. I follow your posts and videos, but I resonate with this post the most, it came just in time. I love traveling, I have traveled places and been on interesting vacations. Recently I started a blog on traveling , the first post I wrote was in Macedonian, but few days ago I translated it in English. It is written in a different style, rather a blend of travel guide and prosaic, emotional text. I would love if you read it and give me a feedback. I send you the link below. Thank …  Read more »

Thank you for your comment. How exciting that you have started a blog on traveling! I’d be happy to read it.

I do have a quick question – I wasn’t sure who Rachel was?

Thanks again for the comment. I’ll be sure to email you with any feedback on your English travel story! ~ Annemarie

Hi again Annemarie, I am so sorry I have mistaken your name for Rachel, I hope you will forgive me! Regards, Tanja

🙂 Hi Tanja, No problem. It happens. I just wasn’t sure who you meant. I’ll look forward to reading your blog later today! ~ Annemarie

Dear Tanja,

I really enjoyed getting to read your story about your hometown or where your ancestors are from. You have a gift with words. I could really get a feeling for the area. How interesting that there are only two families there now!!

Thank you for sharing your site. I hope you will continue to write! ~ Annemarie

Dear Annemarie

Thank you so much for your time to read my story, your comments mean a lot to me. I am happy that you enjoyed reading it, and I appreciate your support very much. I will certainly continue to share my stories in words and photos and you are welcome to visit my site 🙂

I wish you every success on your projects, I will continue following and sharing them on social networks!

Many thanks and all the best, Tanja

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40 Amazing Conversational English Topics To Kick-Start Discussions In English

Would you like to have conversations in English but don’t know what to talk about?

Don’t panic. 

In this post, I’ll share some of the best conversational English topics that you can discuss with native speakers, teachers, or other learners.

Asking and answering questions is key to having an enjoyable conversation in English. So you’ll find some example questions that you can use for each of these conversational English topics.

These will help you practise your conversational skills and connect with others, so you can improve your speaking and learn from other people too.

Let’s check out these 40 conversational English topics!

1. Travel And Tourism

Discussing travel experiences is a great way to practice English. You can describe places, activities, and cultures. You can talk about holidays, places that you’ve visited and would like to visit. And don’t forget to ask for travel recommendations for your next trip!

• What's your favourite place that you've travelled to?
• I’d like to go to___________. Have you ever been there?
• What are your top 3 countries that you’d like to visit?

2. Food And Cuisine

We all love food, don’t we? Talking about food is a universal topic and can lead to discussions about cultures and traditions.

• What’s your favourite restaurant?
• What’s a typical dish from your country that I should I try?
• In my country, we have a typical dish called________. Have you ever tried it? 

There's music you hate, music you love and music you don’t care about. Talk about it. You can learn a lot about someone's personality and interests, and you might even discover some new artists that you’ll love.

• Do you like Ed Sheeran? 
• What music do you not like?
• Can you play a musical instrument?

4. Movies And TV Shows

Humans love stories because we think in stories. Movies and TV series tell stories so these make the perfect topic for conversation, especially if you’re a movie enthusiast. TV shows are also worth discussing.

• Have you ever watched ________?
• Can you recommend some great TV series?
• Who’s your favorite movie star?

5. Education

Don’t tell me you’ve always liked going to school. This could be a great topic of discussion because you might have some great stories to tell about this topic.

• Tell me about your first day in school.
• How many hours of English do students have?
• Did you / do you like going to school?

Everyone has a hobby. For example, I love learning languages, as you probably know!. I can talk to you about this for hours and I bet you love discussing your hobbies too.

• What do you like to do in your free time?
• What are your hobbies and passions?
• Do you have any hobbies that are unique to your culture?

I love my family and I hope you love yours too. Let’s have a conversation about it.

• Would you like to start a family one day?
• How big is your family?
• How do you spend time with your family members?

Maybe you’re a football fan or a tennis player. Or maybe you don’t do sport but you like watching it on TV. A friend of mine can talk about his favourite football team all night. Can you do that too?

• Are you into sports at all?
• What sports are people crazy about in your country?
• Do you prefer watching sports or doing sports?

9. Technology

Technology is everywhere and we all have our own opinions about it. Some people hate it, some people are addicted to it. This is why technology is a topic that can make anyone talk.

• What’s your relationship with technology?
• Will the world be dominated by robots one day?
• What are the disadvantages of technology?

We’ve all read at least one book in our life and you don’t need to be an avid reader to discuss books (although here at StoryLearning we're a bunch of book lovers!).

By the way, if you like reading, check out these book recommendations for English learners.

• Please give me some book recommendations. 
• Do you ever read books in English?
• What book changed your life?

11. Fashion

I have a friend who dislikes the world of fashion but when he buys a new pair of shoes, he’s always keen to talk about them. So, it doesn’t matter if you don’t follow fashion trends. You can always talk about the clothes you like wearing.

• What’s the latest fashion item you bought?
• Do you follow any fashion influencers?
• Who’s your favourite fashion designer?

12. Environment

We should do more to protect our planet. So why not start talking about how we could pollute less?

• Do you think you live in a “green” area?
• What do you think of environmental activists like Greta Thunberg?
• How “green” are you?

13. Culture And Customs

Traditions, celebrations, national events, religion, special days. You can talk about culture and customs for hours.

• Have you ever experienced culture shock?
• What’s your favourite national holiday?
• How is your culture unique?

14. Career And Work

This is a topic that is relevant to most adult learners of English. You can talk about jobs you’ve done, jobs you wouldn’t like to do, and weird jobs that are unique to your country.

• Have you ever had a mean boss?
• Is there a job you wouldn’t like to do?
• Is it easy to find a job where you live?

15. Health And Fitness

I bet you care about your health. I care about mine a lot! So let’s have a conversation about what we do to stay healthy. Be careful though. Asking about someone else’s health might not be polite in some cultures.

• Do you think diets are useful or not?
• What do you usually eat?
• How much do you exercise?

16. Personal Growth And Development

Personal growth and development is a motivational and inspiring topic. Once I even discovered something new about myself simply by talking about this topic.

• What are your life goals?
• What do you do to develop as a person?
• Do you think helping others makes us grow?

17. Teachers

I'm sure you disliked some of the teachers you had but you also have a teacher that has a special place in your heart. Discussing teachers can bring back lovely memories.

• Who's the best/worst teacher you've ever had? 
• Would you rather learn from a young teacher or an older teacher?
• Do you think we could learn without teachers?

18. Weekends

People spend their weekends in different ways and weekends are always good topics for conversation. This is especially true at the beginning and end of the working week!

• What was the best and worst part of your weekend?
• What's your ideal weekend like?
• How do people spend weekends in your country?

19. News And Current Events

There’s always something newsworthy that you can talk about. I talk about current news events all the time and this is a conversation topic that will never die.

Questions: 

• What's an interesting news story you've recently heard? 
• What topics are often discussed in the news in your country?
• Do you think it’s essential to watch the news every day?

20. Life Experiences

This is a great topic to practice the present perfect in English !

Questions :

• Have you ever seen__________?
• Have you ever eaten______________?
• Have you ever played ______________?

21. Favourite People 

This topic can include any people (celebrities, writers, athletes, singers, etc.).

• Who’s your favourite writer?
• Who’s your favourite footballer?
• Who’s your favourite movie director?
• Who’s your least favourite artist?
• Who’s your least favourite chef?

A great topic to practise vocabulary for furniture and objects around the house.

• Which room is the most important for you in your home?
• What would your ideal house be like?
• Do you prefer to live in a big or a small house?

23. English

Speak in English about English so you can improve your English. It sounds like a slogan, but it’s true!

• What’s your favourite English word and why?
• Do you have any English learning strategies?
• What’s your favourite website to learn English?

Nobody knows what will happen in the future, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t talk about it. It’s also a great topic to practise future forms.

• What life plans do you have for the future?
• Do you think humans will still be around in 1000 years?
• How do you see yourself in 5 years?

25. Would You Rather…?

This is a question that can get anyone to talk. You can make it fun or serious, up to you. Here are some possibilities.

• Would you rather travel to the past or the future?
• Would you rather have a dog or a cat?
• Would you rather have more money or more free time?

25. If You Could…?

This is one of my favourite questions. It can be adapted to any topic and it’s especially useful if you want to practise the English conditional tense .

• If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
• If you could travel back in time, what era would you visit?
• If you could learn any new skill overnight, what would it be?

26. Friends

A light topic that's useful to practise vocabulary around personality, relationships and activities. You can use it to make new friends too!

• Do you make friends easily?
• What do you like doing with your friends?
• What things should friends never do?

I have many apps and I can tell you my top three favourite apps that I like using and why. I’m sure you can do that too. By the way, if you want to learn English with apps, here are the 20 best apps to learn English.

• What is your favourite app on your phone and why?
• What is an app that you use frequently, but you feel like not many people know about?
• Have you ever developed your own app? If yes, what was it and if not, what kind of app would you like to develop?

28. Social Media

I have a friend who’s on every social media platform that exists. He would be a great conversation partner for this topic!

• How do you use social media in your daily life and which platforms do you use the most?
• What do you think are the positive and negative effects of social media on our society?
• How has social media impacted your personal relationships and connections with others?

29. Personality

We all know what we’re like so we naturally have something to say about our personality. This might be a little hard though because we don’t normally do it, but talking about your own personality can help you discover new things about yourself too.

And it’s the perfect topic to practise advanced English vocabulary to describe characters and personality traits.

• How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
• How do you think your personality has changed or evolved over time?
• Are there any aspects of your personality that you would like to change?

30. Emotions

Simply asking “How do you feel today?” might be all you need to have a great conversion. But here are more questions that you could use to talk about emotions.

• What is one thing that always makes you feel better when you're feeling sad or stressed?
• How do you deal with difficult emotions like anger or frustration?
• What makes you feel bored?

Once I talked with a friend about what loved about his city and he made me fall in love with it too. I think this is a good reason why we should talk about cities.

• What’s your favourite city and why?
• Is your city safe?
• What do you love about your city?

This is a personal topic that can help you make a deeper connection with the person you’re discussing it with.

• What is something that scares you, and why do you think you feel that way?
• Have you ever faced a fear and overcome it? How did you do it?
• How do you typically react when you're feeling afraid or anxious?

33. Weather

This is probably one of the most popular conversational English topics. Don’t talk about it for too long though. Some people don’t find it very interesting!

• What's your favourite season and why?
• What's your favorite type of weather, and why do you like it?
• Do you prefer sunny or rainy weather, and why?

This is a controversial topic. A friend of mine always talks about aliens because he believes in them. I’m not sure, but I don’t mind talking about them.

• Do you believe in aliens?
• Have you ever seen a UFO?
• What do you think aliens might look like?

Telling jokes is an art and you might know some jokes in your first language. Can you tell them in English? 

Here’s one: I couldn’t repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder!

• Do you have a joke that you always tell people? 
• Have you ever heard a joke that you didn't find funny, but others around you did? 
• What jokes do you not like?

36. Stereotypes

Stereotypes are often based on false assumptions about certain groups of people. If you talk about them, you might discover why these ideas are not correct. This is a topic that can really help you build an open mind.

• What is a stereotype that you have heard about your country? 
• Have you ever been a victim of a stereotype?

37. Animals And Pets

This is a topic that anyone who has a pet would love talking about!

• Do you have any pets? If not, would you like to have one?
• What's your favorite type of pet?
• Have you ever had a funny or interesting experience with a pet?

What do you think of when you think of “art”? A friend of mine can’t think of anything but paintings. But there are many forms of art that you can talk about: music, sculptures, literature, theaters, and many others. Oh, and you don’t need to be an artist to have a conversation about art.

• What is your favourite type of art?
• Have you ever created any art yourself?
• What do you think makes art valuable or important in our society?

Not everyone is into cars, but if you meet someone who likes them, you might have a never-ending conversation with them!

• What car do you own?
• What’s your favourite type of car?
• Do you like car racing?

40. Childhood

I could spend entire nights telling you about my childhood memories. Is it the same for you?

• What is your earliest childhood memory?
• Did you have any favorite childhood toys or games? 
• Did you have any childhood heroes?

Conversational English Topics To Kick-Start Discussions

What do you think of these conversational English topics? Do they make you feel like you want to go out there and have conversations? 

Having conversations in English can open a whole new world of opportunities. 

So, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and start talking. 

The more you talk, the more you will learn, and the more doors will open up for you!

If you need a little bit more help to start speaking, check out these common English phrases to sound more natural when you speak.

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Travel Vocabulary for English-Language Learners

With a follow-up quiz for extra practice

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The travel-related words below are the most important terms to know when talking about travel or taking vacations . Words are categorized into different sections depending on the type of travel. You'll find example sentences for each word to help provide context for learning, as well as a short quiz at the end to test your knowledge.

Air Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Airport : I went to the airport to catch a flight to San Francisco. Check in : Make sure to get to the airport two hours early to check in. Fly : I like to fly on the same airline to get mileage points. Land : The airplane will land in two hours. Landing : The landing took place during a storm. It was very scary! Plane : The plane is packed with 300 passengers. Take off : The airplane is scheduled to take off at 3:30 p.m.

Vacation Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Camp : Do you like to camp in the woods? Destination : What is your final destination? Excursion : I'd like to take an excursion to the wine country while we're in Tuscany. Go camping : Let's go to the beach and go camping next weekend. Go sightseeing : Did you go sightseeing while you were in France? Hostel : Staying in a youth hostel is a great way to save money on vacation. Hotel : I'll book a hotel for two nights. Journey : The journey will take four weeks and we'll visit four countries. Luggage : Can you carry the luggage upstairs? Motel : We stayed in a convenient motel on our way to Chicago. Package holiday : I prefer to buy package holidays , so I don't have to worry about anything. Passenger : The passenger felt ill during the voyage. Route : Our route will take us through Germany and on to Poland. Sightseeing : The sightseeing in this town is rather boring. Let's go shopping . Suitcase : Let me unpack my suitcase and then we can go swimming. Tour : Peter went on a tour of the vineyard. Tourism : Tourism is becoming an important industry in almost every country. Tourist : Every May, many tourists from around the world come to see the flower festival. Travel : Travel is one of his favorite free time activities. Travel agent : The travel agent found us a great deal. Trip : The trip to New York was lovely and interesting. Vacation : I'd love to take a nice long vacation on the beach.

Overland Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Bicycle : One of the best ways to see the countryside is to ride a bicycle. Bike : We rode a bike from shop to shop. Bus : You can catch a bus for Seattle at the bus station. Bus station : The bus station is three blocks from here. Car : You might want to rent a car when you go on vacation. Lane : Make sure to get into the left lane when you want to pass. Motorcycle : Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exciting, but it's also dangerous. Freeway : We'll have to take the freeway to Los Angeles. Highway : The highway between the two cities is quite lovely. Rail : Have you ever traveled by rail? Go by rail : Going by rail offers the opportunity to get up and walk around as you travel. Railway : The railway station is down this street. Road: There are three roads to Denver. Main road : Take the main road into town and turn left at 5th Street. Taxi : I got in a taxi and went to the train station. Traffic : There's a lot of traffic today on the road! Train : I like riding on trains. It's a very relaxing way to travel. Tube : You can take the tube in London. Underground : You can take the underground in many cities throughout Europe. Subway : You can take the subway in New York.

Sea / Ocean Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Boat: Have you ever piloted a boat? Cruise: We will stop at three destinations during our cruise through the Mediterranean. Cruise ship: It's the most elegant cruise ship in the world! Ferry: Ferries allow passengers to take their cars with them to their destination. Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean takes four days to cross. Port: There are all kinds of commercial ships in the port. Sailboat: The sailboat requires nothing but the wind. Sea: The sea is very calm today. Set sail: We set sail for the exotic island. Ship: Have you ever been a passenger on a ship? Voyage: The voyage to the Bahamas took three days.

Travel Vocabulary Quiz

Test your knowledge by taking this short quiz.

• destination
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• Vocabulary Quiz - Travel
• Top Vocabulary Building Books
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• Beginner English Language Practice: In a Motel / Hotel
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• 1 Topics: How to use the lessons
• 2 Topics: Business
• 3 Topics: Christmas
• 4 Topics: Crime
• 5 Topics: Easter
• 6 Topics: Environment
• 7 Topics: Family
• 8 Topics: Food
• 9 Topics: Health
• 10 Topics: Hobbies
• 11 Topics: Identity
• 12 Topics: Jobs
• 13 Topics: Love
• 14 Topics: Museums
• 15 Topics: Music
• 16 Topics: Phobias
• 17 Topics: Politics
• 18 Topics: Sport
• 19 Topics: Travel
• 20 Topics: Weather

Topics: Travel

By Adrian Tennant

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Students are introduced to the topic of travel in this instalment of Adrian Tennant’s Topics series. The lesson is available at two language levels (Pre-intermediate and Intermediate) and gives students practice in reading, listening and speaking skills, as well as exercises focusing on grammar and vocabulary.

Topics: Travel: Pre-intermediate: Lesson plan

Topics: travel: intermediate +: lesson plan, topics: travel (pre-intermediate), topics: travel (intermediate +).

• everyday vocabulary
• Integrated Skills
• Intermediate
• Lesson Plan / Teacher's Notes
• Mixed Ability
• Pre-Intermediate
• Printable Worksheet
• Up to 60 mins
• Up to 90 mins
• Whole Class

Topics: Business

Topics: Christmas

Topics: crime.

Topics: Easter

Topics: Environment

Topics: Family

Topics: Food

Topics: Health

Topics: Hobbies

Topics: identity, topics: jobs.

Topics: Love

Topics: museums, topics: music, topics: phobias, topics: politics.

Topics: Sport

Topics: Weather

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Communicative Language Learning: Designing a Travel Itinerary

Get your students talking about fun holiday activities while designing a travel itinerary in teams.

Language for… air travel (how to avoid delays at the airport)

By Tim Bowen

In this lesson, students will learn the necessary vocabulary for checking in for a flight and navigating airport security.

Theme-based expressions: travel

Head out on  the open road  with Tim Bowen as he introduces some travel-themed expressions.

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Only registered users can comment on this article., more from topics.

Introduce your students to the topic of Easter while they practice reading, listening, and speaking.

Use this jolly instalment of Adrian Tennant’s popular series and get your students into the holiday spirit.

Students are introduced to the topic of museums in this instalment of Adrian Tennant’s Topics series. The lesson is available at two language levels (Pre-intermediate and Intermediate +) and gives students practice in reading, listening and speaking skills, as well as exercises focusing on grammar and vocabulary. 

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ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

in Icebreakers + Warm-Ups · Listening · Reading · Speaking · Writing

Travel & Holidays ESL Games, Worksheets | ESL Travel Activities

If you need some fresh, new ideas for the ESL travel and holiday unit that you can find in most textbooks, then you’re in the right place. We’ll share our top ideas for games and activities, along with travel vocabulary, worksheets and lesson plans. Let’s get to the best ESL holiday activities.

ESL holiday and travel-themed activities

Let’s get into everything you need to know for an ESL holiday lesson. Keep on reading!

ESL Travel and Holiday Activities

Here are the top ESL travel activities that you may want to try out with your students.

#1: Plan a Trip

Have your students plan a dream vacation in English! Instead of researching in their first language, use Google in English. In order to practice writing, keep notes only in English. Here’s an example of how you might plan your trip using English. You can have your students add as little, or as much detail as you’d like. However, the point of the activity is to practice writing in point form which is useful when writing outlines for tests or essays.

Day 1: Monday, January 1

Fly Seoul (3pm) —-> Vancouver (7am) Check in Hotel ABC, 123 Avenue Rest, relax

Day 2: Tuesday, January 2

Stay Hotel ABC Tour Stanley Park Eat Pub XYZ dinner

Day 3: Wednesday, January 3

Check out Hotel ABC Rent car Budget 123 Drive Whistler Rent skis shop ABC Go Skiing Lunch ski lodge Check in Hotel ABC Whistler Bed early

Procedure for one of my favourite ESL travel activities:

• Give students time to do some Internet research about a place they want to go. It’s helpful to specify the number of days. I generally make a rule that they must do this research in English. Suggest some helpful websites where they might like to start (Trip Advisor, Air BnB, etc.).
• Students can make a day-by-day itinerary of what they’re trip is going to look like.
• They can share about their trip with the class or turn it in for a graded assignment.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 78 Pages - 03/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#2: A-Z Alphabet Game

If you know that your students already know a fair bit about holiday and travel, you may want to try this quick warm-up game. Or, you could consider using it as a review game at the end of a class.

The way it works is that students, in pairs or small groups write down the alphabet on a piece of paper. Then, they have to think of one travel related word for each letter. It doesn’t have to be done in order. For example:

P: Passport

The winner is the team with the most completed letters at the end of the allotted time. Do you want to find out more? Check this out: A-Z Alphabet Game ESL .

#3: Travel Word Association

This is nice ESL activity to do if you know that your students have studied about travel and holidays before. They can shout out vocabulary words related to this and you can make a mind map or sorts on the board. Group similar things together. For example, articles of clothing.

Find out more about this quick ESL warmer right here: ESL Vocabulary Word Association.

• 146 Pages - 06/18/2020 (Publication Date)

#4: Postcards ESOL Travel Activity

If you can get your hands on some cheap postcards or have some laying around your house or teacher’s office, try out this fun writing activity. It may just be the novelty factor, but students seem to love it. This activity is ideal for working on common greetings, the past tense (more ideas here: ESL past tense games ), and using descriptive words, as well as using synonyms to avoid repetition.

Distribute the postcards to the students. You can do one per student, or put the students into pairs. They have to look at the picture on the front of the postcard and imagine that they went on this vacation. Then, they can write about their trip to a friend or family member.

Next, the students trade postcards with another student or group. After reading them, they can write a response back of at least a few sentences. Finally, you may want to display them around the class as they’re colourful and fun and other students may enjoy reading them! Have some fun with this ESOL travel activity.

• Give each student or pair a postcard. They look at the picture and imagine what they did on that vacation, and then pretend that they’re writing to a friend or family member.
•  Exchange postcards and another student or group have to write a response to what they read.
• Display the postcards around your classroom (optional).

#5: Travel or Holiday Videos

I’m ALL about using videos with my ESL/EFL students. They’re fun, engaging and a nice way to grab student’s attention and introduce a topic. Of course, you can base an entire class around one too if you design the activities well.

If you want to find out more about using them in your classes and some activities and games to do with them, you’ll want to check this out: Using Videos for Teaching English .

#6: Dictogloss ESOL Travel Activity

This is a challenging activity that works on listening and writing skills. Find a short story related to holiday or travel. It could even be a description of your own vacation that you took recently.

Then, you read out the story to your students in a way that is a bit challenging for them to catch every word. Students have to take notes and then try to reconstruct what they heard based on their notes in small groups. You can read it again so that students have a chance to make some additions or corrections. Finally, students compare their version with the original.

Do you want to try it out with your students? You can learn more about one of the best ESL travel activities here: ESL Dictogloss Activity .

#7: Holidays ESL Lesson Plan

It’s easy to plan an ESL lesson about any topic, including holidays. Check out this video for the steps to follow:

#8: Yes/No Questions and Answers

If you think about it, holidays and travel lend themselves to a ton of yes/no questions. For example:

• Did you fly or drive?
• Did you eat some delicious things?
• Was the food good?
• Did you have nice weather?

If you want to see some activities or games to work on these kinds of questions, you’ll want to check this out: Yes/No Activities and Games.

• 279 Pages - 07/12/2020 (Publication Date)

#9: ESL Food Activities and Games

I’m not sure if it’s the same for you, but when I travel, it’s ALL about the food. I want to try all the delicious things where I’m staying! The good news is that I have a ton of fun, interactive games and activities for food. You can easily adapt most of them to focus on holidays.

You can find out more details here: ESL Food Activities.

#10: ESL Surveys

I love to use surveys in my classes because they lend themselves to just about any topic. In the case of travel, they’re ideal for working on the present perfect and simple past together.

For example:

Have you ever travelled to another country?

Where did you go?

If you want to know more about how to design and use surveys in your classes for an ESL travel lesson, then you’ll want to check this out: Surveys for ESL Students.

ESL Travel Games and Activities

I also love to use ESL surveys to get students to express an opinion in English.

#11: Present Perfect Activities Related to Travel

The present perfect is often used to talk about vacations, travel and holidays. For example:

• Have you ever been to another country?
• Have you travelled to ______ before?

In order to incorporate this grammatical construction into some of your lesson, you’ll want to check this out: Present Perfect ESL Activities.

#12: Brochure Scanning

This is an excellent travel activity! You’ll have to get your hands on some travel brochures first. The way it works is that students get tons of practice with a reading sub-skill (scanning) because they have to look quickly through the brochures to find specific bits of information. For example, cost or number or days.

Do you want to try out this reading activity? You can find out all the details here: Brochure Scanning Reading Activity for ESL .

#13: Odd One Out ESL Warmer

This is a quick English warm-up activity that you can try out with your students. The way it works is that you write words, in groups of 4 on the board. 3 are similar and 1 is the odd one out. Students have to choose this one and say why it doesn’t fit. For example:

Bathing suit, sunglasses, boots, flip-flops

Answers: Boots because it’s not for a beach vacation. I accept many different answers as long as students support it well.

You can learn more about this ESL warm-up here: Odd One Out for ESL .

• 87 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date)

#14: Would you Rather? 

I’m sure you’ve done this before with friends. You have to choose between two negative things, or two positive things. For example, how you want to die, or what you want to eat. In this case, students could choose between two types of vacation. For example:

Would you rather have a beach or forest vacation?

Would you rather stay in a big hotel, or an AirBNB?

Learn more about this nice activity for an ESL travel lesson here: ESL Would You Rather?

• 99 Pages - 06/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#15: Task Based Activity: Dream Vacation

I love to incorporate this style of teaching into my holiday lessons. It allows students more freedom to choose what they want to learn about and also builds opportunities for some serious teamwork.

In this case, I’ll have students work in groups of 2-3 to plan a dream vacation. They can do some research to find out all the details including how to get there, food, budget, where to stay, etc. Then, they either have to write a report and hand it in to me and/or do a short presentation to the class.

Need some more ideas for this style of a lesson? Check this out: Task-Based Learning .

#16: Travel Themed Charades

I love to play charades with my students. The way it works is that you can think of some travel-related phrases. For example:

• Flying on a plane
• Sleeping on a bus
• Eating noodles
• Buying souvenirs

Then, students have to act this out and their teammates have to guess what the phrase is. More details here: ESL Charades.

#17: Travel Journal

Encourage students to keep a travel journal for a fictional trip. They can describe their experiences, sights, and sounds, using new vocabulary.

Travel and Holidays ESL

#18: Eliciting in an ESL Travel Lesson

Unless your students are absolute beginners, then it’s likely that they already know a good amount of travel and holiday vocabulary. That’s often why I like to start off my ESL traveling lesson by using some eliciting techniques. There are two main reasons for this.

The first reason is that it’s possible to find out what the students already know about this topic to avoid wasting class time covering these things. The second is that it helps students activate their prior knowledge about travel/holidays to make the new things they learn more memorable. Learn how to do this tactic for an ESL holiday lesson here:

ESL Eliciting Advice .

#19: Travel Listening Lesson

A nice way to talk about any topic is through a listening lesson. In this case, find a conversation between two people talking about an upcoming vacation plan. Or, someone talking about a favourite vacation from the past (it could even be you). Then, design an entire listening lesson around that. Find out how here:

#20: Idiom ESL Traveling Activity

There are lots of idioms related to holidays, travel and transportation. Here are just a few of them:

• All hands on deck
• To send flying
• Bump in the road
• Off the rails
• Train wreck
• Asleep at the wheel
• Fall off the wagon
• Hit the road

One of the best ways to make these idioms super memorable is to do this fun activity. Afterwards, your students will never forget! Learn more about this ESL activity:

Idiom Activity for Language Learners .

#21: Concentration ESL Traveling Vocabulary

One of the best ways to review new words during an ESL holiday or travel lesson is to play this memory game. Depending on the level of the students, make some matching pairs of cards with the following:

• Word/picture
• Word/definition
• Word/clue about the word

Then in small groups, students play the game to find the matches. Find out all the details about how to set it up and play:

ESL Concentration Game .

#22: Speaking Fluency Activity

To use this activity with a unit on holidays or travel, have students talk about a past, or upcoming vacation.

#23: Me Too!

Students have to make a true statement about themselves related to holidays and travelling. For example:

• I’ve been to Japan.
• I hate the beach.
• My family goes on a big vacation every summer.

If other students can agree, they stand up and say, “Me too!”

#24: Labour Day Guessing Game

#25: Holiday Interviews

Pair students and have them interview each other about their favorite holidays. They can then present their partner’s holiday to the class.

#26: Travel Bingo

Create bingo cards with images or words related to travel and holidays. Students mark off the squares as they learn new vocabulary.

#27: Travel-Themed Role-Plays

Set up role-plays where students act as travelers, airport staff, or hotel receptionists. This helps them practice common travel dialogues.

#28: Travel Vocabulary Pictionary

Play Pictionary using travel-related words. Students take turns drawing and guessing the vocabulary words.

#29: Travel Storytelling

Ask students to create and share short stories about a memorable travel experience they’ve had or wish to have in the future.

#30: Travel Debate

Have students debate the pros and cons of traveling. This encourages critical thinking and speaking skills.

Travel and Holiday Vocabulary

Here are some of the most common vocabulary words that you may want to teach your students related to traveling for an ESL holiday lesson.

• bathing suit
• boarding pass
• vaccination
• The months of the year in English

Do you have any ESL travelling vocabulary that you’d like us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know!

Travel Worksheets and Lesson Plans for ESL

If you’re looking for some worksheets or lesson plans related to holidays and travel, then you’ll want to check out some of our top resource recommendations:

ESOL Courses

ISL Collective

Lingua House

ESL Travel Vocabulary Worksheets

If you want students to get some practice with ESL travel vocab, here are a few recommendations:

English Club

Did you Like these Travel Games for ESL?

• 68 Pages - 11/12/2019 (Publication Date)

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book: The Emergency English Teacher: No-Textbook, No-Prep, No-Materials ESL Activities.

If you’re always in need of last-minute activities and games for your classes, then this book is exactly what you might need. It’s English teaching made easy in a serious way.

You can get the book in digital or print formats. Take the e-version with you to your favourite coffee shop for lesson planning on the go. Or, keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide. But the best idea is to have it with you at all times for those English teaching emergencies.

Do you want to find out more? Head on over to Amazon to pick up your copy today:

FAQs about ESL Travel Lessons

There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching this unit. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What is the purpose of teaching the travel and holiday unit to English learners?

The purpose is to help English learners develop vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills related to travel and holidays.

What topics can be covered within the travel and holiday unit?

Topics can include modes of transportation, booking accommodations, tourist attractions, holiday activities, travel phrases, and cultural aspects of different destinations.

How can I introduce vocabulary related to travel and holidays?

You can introduce vocabulary through visual aids, realia (actual objects), flashcards, and interactive activities such as matching games or vocabulary quizzes.

What grammar structures can be taught in the travel and holiday unit?

Grammar structures such as present simple for schedules and timetables, past simple for recounting travel experiences, future tenses for making travel plans, and modal verbs for expressing preferences or asking for permission can be taught.

What speaking activities can be used to practice travel and holiday-related topics?

Role-plays, group discussions about dream destinations, travel itineraries, or describing holiday experiences are effective speaking activities. Additionally, pair work activities like “Find Someone Who” or “Guess the Destination” can engage learners in conversation.

ESL Travel Activities and Games: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts about these Holiday ESL activities? Do you have another one that you’d like to recommend to us? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource for ESOL travel lessons.

ESL Travel Lesson

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder , 67 ESL Conversation Topics ,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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IELTS Topics: Travel and Tourism

Posted by David S. Wills | Oct 12, 2020 | IELTS Tips | 0

One of the common IELTS topics that appears in the exam is that of travel and tourism. In today’s lesson, I will help you learn about this topic so that you can do well in your next test.

First we will look at a little vocabulary about travel and tourism , then we will explore some IELTS speaking and writing questions to give you an idea of what to expect.

Vocabulary about Travel and Tourism for IELTS

When you prepare for IELTS, you never need to know any specialist vocabulary, so for questions about travel and tourism you may find that you can give a brilliant answer with just simple language, as long as it is used with grammatical accuracy. Knowing the difference between “I went to London” and “I was going to London” is very important, for example.

Of course, there are other things to know. It helps to know modes of transport and related vocabulary. [You can learn about transport here .] Another interesting aspect is knowing things you might encounter while travelling, such as accommodation.

I made this PPT about travel accommodation many years ago, but I have just uploaded it today. 🙃 I hope you find it useful.

You should also know the necessary language to talk about types of travel or reasons for taking a trip. Sometimes, new words enter the language, such as “staycation,” which is a very recent portmanteau .

You might also find this list of synonyms for “trip” quite useful:

Travel and Tourism Questions [IELTS Speaking]

The topic of travel and tourism is really common in IELTS speaking. It could easily occur in any of the three parts of this test, so you should be prepared to answer a wide range of questions. [You can find some examples here .]

These questions will be pretty general and simple. It is entirely possible that the same basic question could be asked in a number of different ways.

Perhaps the most common question would be “do you like travelling?” This is very similar to “have you done much travelling?” Of course, the focus has changed slightly but the overall meaning is similar: it’s about you and travel .

I’ll give two sample answers to these questions so that you can understand better:

Q: Do you like travelling?

A: Yeah, I absolutely love travelling. I have visited many countries over the past few years, but of course this all stopped recently because of the virus.

Q: Have you done much travelling?

A: I have done quite a lot of travelling in my life. Altogether, I’ve visited about 50 countries and I try to spend a few weeks each year seeing new places.

Note: It is unlikely that these questions would be asked together because they are very similar. Also, I pretty much answered the second one in the middle of the first answer. I just included them to show how a “do you like travelling” IELTS answer example.

Vaguely Related: Space Travel

I definitely consider space to be a separate topic from travel, but there is some small degree of overlap here. For example, there is a reported IELTS speaking question that goes something like this:

• Do you want to travel in outer space?
• Would you want to travel in outer space?

You might also see this incorrectly reported as “do you want to travel in the outer space?” but this is not correct. We cannot say “the” before “outer space.” It is not a single, definite place. [Read about definite articles here .]

There are numerous possibilities for IELTS cue cards about travel. Here are two of them:

• Describe a place you have visited.
• Describe a place you would like to visit.

Of course, these would require basically the same sort of vocabulary to answer them, but the key difference would be the grammar. In the first instance, you are talking about the past, but in the second you are talking about a possible future.

Here is another one:

• Describe a memorable holiday.

This is pretty similar to the first cue card above, but the word “memorable” must guide our approach. You can see my answer in this video:

In part three of the IELTS speaking test, the questions will become more difficult. These will include abstract topics like age, gender, ethics, and so on. You might encounter questions like this:

Q: Do you think men and women enjoy different types of holiday?

A: I suppose that in general they probably do have different preferences, but of course we should acknowledge the fact that everyone is different and so there are women who enjoy stereotypically male holidays and men that enjoy stereotypically female ones. To give an example, it could be argued that men prefer more active, robust holidays that involve uncertainty, adventure, and even danger. However, I know some women who love this type of thing and so it is not really smart to make assumptions about people.

Q: Do you think that travelling abroad always changes people’s perspective on life?

A: No, not at all. While it certainly is possible that travelling can change people’s perspectives, it is by no means guaranteed. In fact, when you travel to places like Thailand, you see that most tourists have no understanding of the local culture and just hold on to their own original views. The experience may change some people, but I think most people live in a little bubble when they go abroad, and this prevents them from really learning anything.

Notes: I described the sort of travel that men like in interesting terms: “men prefer more active, robust holidays that involve uncertainty, adventure, and even danger.” This is good, descriptive language!

Travel and Tourism Essays for IELTS Writing

Now we shall move on from speaking and instead look at the IELTS writing test. In this section, I will show you some questions about travel and tourism, then show you my sample band 9 answer.

Here is a question that features data about people travelling. I thought that this travel and tourism essay was really interesting, so I have included it here alongside my sample answer.

The line graph displays the numbers of tourists that visited an unnamed Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. The tourists are divided into two groups – those staying on cruise ships and those staying on the island itself – and these had a loosely inverse correlation. The total number of visitors, however, rose more or less continuously throughout the eight-year period.

In the first year recorded, which was 2010, there were about twice as many tourists staying on the island as those staying on cruise ships. A year later, the number staying on cruise ships doubled to a half million, but this dropped back to around a quarter million in 2012. When the figures for tourists on cruise ships dropped, the number staying on the island rose quickly and over the coming few years, as this sudden increased levelled off, the number of people who stayed on board their ship continued to grow again.

Between 2012 and 2017, there were more and more visitors staying on cruise ships. From just a quarter million, this rose to two million, while the figures for those on the island levelled off at just one and a half million and then dropped slightly in the penultimate year, before finishing at one and a half. This meant that, for the final two years, more tourists stayed on cruise ships than on the island.

Notes on the Answer

In the introduction, I said “an unnamed Caribbean island.” It can sometimes be difficult to introduce something whose name you don’t know, and this is a really convenient way to do it. I strongly recommend you say “an unnamed ___” when this situation arises.

I have also used very few numbers in this essay. Instead of writing 250,000 or 2,000,000, I have said things like “a quarter million” and “two million.” This is much easier. [You can read more about IELTS and numbers here .]

Here is another travel and tourism essay question:

In future, more people will choose to go on holidays in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday.

Do you agree or disagree?

Sample Band 9 Answer

In recent years, people have coined the word “staycation” to describe the phenomenon of taking a holiday closer to home. This essay will argue that such holidays will become more common in the future.

First of all, it may seem as though international travel will become increasingly common, but in fact it is quite clear that it is an unsustainable trend. The carbon cost of flying to another country is enormous, and so many people have begun to ask whether it is ethical to continue doing this. Beyond just the personal level, it is clear that pretty soon governments will have to impose restrictions to limit the number of flights; otherwise, the world will suffer immensely from the burden of so many journeys.

In many parts of the world, people are probably ready to embrace this situation. Humans have had a terrible impact upon the world and many feel that it is time to undo the damage done. This involves some measure of personal sacrifice, which in this case could be forgoing the sort of international trips that used to be quite common. However, this is not all bad. Although foreign countries and exotic locations are exciting, there are treasures almost everywhere. Countries like the UK have poor weather, which is why so many people travel to warmer climates, but the natural beauty of the landscape and the extraordinary historical and cultural sites present myriad options for curious travellers. There will likely be a resurgence of interest in such trips.

In conclusion, it is quite possible that in the future people will realise how much damage humans have done to the world. Many of them may endeavour to make the sort of sacrifices necessary to counteract this ecological destruction, and one small step is embracing local travel.

Notes on the Essay

First of all, you can see that I incorporated the word “staycation” right at the beginning. When you use modern language like this, please don’t just jam it carelessly into your essay. Often, it is very informal, so you can only use it when properly introduced. In this case, I clearly explained its meaning and commented upon it from a sociological perspective.

Here is some more travel and tourism vocabulary from my essay:

• unsustainable trend
• carbon cost
• impose restrictions
• international trips
• exotic locations
• warmer climates
• myriad options
• ecological destruction

You can see that a lot of my language related to the environment, and of course that is often tied to the topic of travel and tourism because of the negative impacts these have on our planet.

I hope that you enjoyed my IELTS essays on travel and tourism, as well as the sample speaking answers I provided. Please remember that your own answers should be unique to you . Don’t try to copy others too much. Your vocabulary will depend upon your life experiences and the places you would or wouldn’t like to visit.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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July 14, 2017

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English for travel – useful phrases and travel expressions in English

The holiday season is in full swing, so the only thing that you and your children think about is holidays, rest, relaxation by the water, in the mountains or in the allotment garden. Any form of outdoor entertainment that you offer to children will give them satisfaction, but when it comes to special holiday plans and trips, it is worth preparing something extra for the whole family.

In recent years, trips and excursions abroad have become extremely accessible, and what is more, competitively priced. For this reason, we more and more often decide to book a flight ticket for a flight abroad: to Croatia, Spain, Italy, Malta, Turkey or Greece. These are just a few of the most popular holiday destinations among the British people. You can also use the holiday time to visit European capitals, London, Paris, Prague or Copenhagen.

All these holiday trips have a common denominator – they require at least a basic knowledge of English so that both children and parents can communicate safely abroad. English phrases for travelling are useful to communicate in a shop or hotel, ask for directions, learn something about local attractions and monuments, or simply not to get lost at the airport in the maze of English-language information.

Knowledge of the English language in today’s world is really a necessity. Even 3 4-year-olds are learning English now, and many parents bravely follow in their footsteps. If you do not know English well, and your child is only on a beginner level – no problem! Here you will find useful travel English phrases that will come in handy when traveling .

All you need to do is master a few basic phrases, and you’ll be fine on your next family vacation abroad! English for travel and vacation is easy – try yourself! In this article you’ll find plenty of English travel terms and phrases. 

English phrases for traveling – why you should learn English for travelers?

Learning travel phrases in English can open up a world of possibilities for both you and your children. Here are five compelling reasons why you should prioritize English language skills for your next travel experiences:

• Easy Communication: English is widely spoken across the globe, making it the go-to language for international communication. By learning English, you and your kids can confidently navigate through different countries, interact with locals, ask for directions, order food, and fully immerse yourselves in new cultures.
• Safety and Security: When traveling, it’s crucial to be able to express yourself and understand important safety instructions. Knowing English provides an added layer of security, allowing you to ask for help when needed, communicate with authorities, and ensure the well-being of your family in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Enhanced Cultural Experiences: Language is a gateway to culture. By learning English, your children can engage in meaningful conversations with locals, learn about traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit. This enriching experience will create lasting memories and broaden their global perspective.
• Educational Opportunities: English is the language of academic excellence. By mastering English, your children can seize educational opportunities while traveling. They can attend summer schools, participate in language exchange programs, and even consider studying abroad in the future. Learning English opens doors to a world of educational possibilities.
• Independence and Confidence: As your children develop their English language skills, they become more independent and self-assured travelers. Being able to communicate in English empowers them to explore new destinations, interact with fellow travelers, and navigate transportation systems, fostering a sense of confidence and resilience.

Don’t miss out on the chance to equip your children with essential English language skills for their travel adventures. With the flexibility and convenience of an online English class for kids , such as the one offered by Novakid, your kids can continue learning throughout the summer from any location. All they need is a computer with internet access to participate in engaging lessons led by experienced, native-speaker teachers. Make this summer a time of growth and discovery for your children with the gift of English language proficiency with Novakid!

English for travellers: The airport

Here are some useful English phrases for travel at the airport or on the plane . It is good to know what is the meaning of popular airport signs, which you should pay attention to. You should also know and how to search for lost luggage in English, which, of course, we do not wish anyone! 

Vocabulary:

• Departure: The act of leaving or the point of leaving from the airport.
• Arrival: The act of arriving or the point of arriving at the airport.
• Boarding pass: A document that allows you to board the airplane.
• Check-in: The process of registering and obtaining your boarding pass at the airport.
• Security check: The procedure of going through security screening before entering the departure area.
• Baggage claim: The area where you collect your checked-in luggage after arriving.
• Gate: The designated area where passengers board the aircraft.
• Customs: The area where your luggage may be inspected and you may have to declare items.
• Immigration: The process of clearing passport control to enter or exit a country.
• Duty-free: Shops that sell goods without taxes or duties.
• Delay: A situation in which a flight is postponed or held up.
• Terminal: The building at the airport where passengers board and disembark from flights.
• Announcement: A public statement made over the airport’s PA system.
• Baggage allowance: The maximum weight or number of bags allowed on a flight without extra charges.
• Security checkpoint: The area where passengers are screened for prohibited items before entering the departure area.

Expressions and phrases used at the airport

• Can you tell me where the check-in counter is?
• Excuse me, which gate is my flight departing from?
• Where can I find the baggage claim area?
• Is there a currency exchange desk in the airport?
• Could you please direct me to the nearest restroom?
• I need to declare some items at customs. Where should I go?
• Is there a designated smoking area in the airport?
• Can you recommend a good place to grab a quick bite to eat?
• What time should I arrive at the security checkpoint?
• Could you help me find a taxi or transportation to my hotel?

English for travellers: The airplane

English is also useful on the plane, when you want to find your place, ask the flight attendant for water, or when you want to be up-to-date with the messages displayed on the screen.

• Seat: The place where you sit during the flight.
• Seat belt: A safety device worn around the waist to secure passengers during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.
• Tray table: A small table that folds down from the seat in front of you.
• Overhead bin: Storage compartments above the seats for carry-on luggage.
• Cabin crew: The flight attendants responsible for passenger safety and comfort.
• Lavatory: The restroom facilities on board the airplane.
• Emergency exit: A designated door for evacuating the airplane in case of an emergency.
• Call button: A button to summon a flight attendant for assistance.
• In-flight entertainment: Entertainment options available on board, such as movies, music, or games.
• Beverage cart: A trolley that serves drinks and snacks during the flight.
• Window seat: A seat located next to the aircraft window.
• Aisle seat: A seat located on the side of the aircraft’s aisle.
• Oxygen mask: A mask that provides oxygen during an emergency situation.
• Seat recline: Adjusting the angle of the seat back for added comfort.
• Fasten seat belt sign: The illuminated sign indicating passengers should fasten their seat belts due to turbulence or approaching landing.

Expressions and phrases for traveling on the airplane

• Excuse me, is this seat taken?
• Can I have a blanket and pillow, please?
• How long is the flight expected to be?
• Do you have any vegetarian meal options available?
• May I have a glass of water, please?
• Could you assist me in stowing my carry-on luggage?
• Is there a power outlet or USB port near my seat?
• Are there any in-flight entertainment options on this flight?
• What is the current altitude and cruising speed of the aircraft?
• Excuse me, could you please lower the window shade?

English for travellers: The train

During summer vacation, many families travel by train to their destinations. Here are some common phrases, that may come in handy while travelling via rail. 

• Train station: The location where trains arrive and depart.
• Platform: The raised area where passengers wait for trains.
• Ticket: A document that allows you to travel on the train.
• Ticket office: The place where you can purchase or collect your train tickets.
• Timetable: A schedule that shows the departure and arrival times of trains.
• Departure: The act of leaving or the scheduled time for a train to leave.
• Arrival: The act of arriving or the scheduled time for a train to arrive.
• Platform number: The assigned number indicating where your train will arrive or depart.
• Train carriages/cars: The individual sections of the train where passengers sit.
• Seat reservation: A pre-booked seat on a specific train.
• Luggage rack: The area above the seats where you can store your bags.
• Train conductor: The person who checks tickets and assists passengers on the train.
• Boarding: The act of getting on the train.
• Announcements: Public messages or announcements made at the train station.
• Connection: The transfer from one train to another at a specific station.
• Compartment: A separate area in a train carriage with a group of seats facing each other.
• Dining car: A designated carriage where passengers can purchase meals and drinks.
• Intercom: A communication system used for announcements or emergencies on the train.
• Ticket inspector: A person who checks tickets and ensures passengers have valid tickets.
• Platform sign: Signs indicating the platform number, train schedules, and destinations.

Expressions and phrases for traveling on a train

• What platform does the train to [destination] depart from?
• Excuse me, is this seat reserved?
• How long is the journey from here to [destination]?
• Does this train have Wi-Fi onboard?
• Is there a dining car or food service available on this train?
• Can you help me with my luggage?
• Are there power outlets on the train to charge electronic devices?
• Is there a restroom on board the train?
• Is there a designated quiet or silent zone on the train?
• Excuse me, what time is the next stop?
• Can I buy a ticket on board the train?
• Is there a conductor on the train who can assist me?
• Are there any stops or transfers along the route?
• How often do trains run on this route?
• Can I see the train schedule or timetable?
• My ticket is already paid.
• Is the internet connection working? 

English for travel: Hotels and hostels

After arriving at the holiday destination, English will also be useful for checking in at the hotel , asking for the room number and its amenities.

• Reservation: The act of booking a room in advance.
• Reception: The front desk or area where you check in and out of the hotel or hostel.
• Check-in: The process of registering and receiving your room key or key card.
• Check-out: The process of settling your bill and returning your room key or key card.
• Room key: A card or key that grants you access to your room.
• Single room: A room with a single bed for one person.
• Double room: A room with a double bed for two people.
• Twin room: A room with two single beds for two people.
• Suite: A larger, more luxurious room with additional living or sleeping space.
• Amenities: The facilities and services available at the hotel or hostel, such as a gym, pool, or spa.
• Breakfast included: The provision of breakfast as part of the room rate.
• Wi-Fi: Wireless internet access provided in the hotel or hostel.
• Room service: The service of delivering food and beverages to your room.
• Housekeeping: The staff responsible for cleaning and maintaining the rooms.
• Late check-out: The option to stay in the room past the regular check-out time for an additional fee.
• Key card: A card with a magnetic strip or chip used to access your room.
• Reservation number: The unique identifier for your booking.
• Front desk: The area at the reception where guests are attended to.
• Bellboy/Porter: A staff member who assists with luggage and escorts guests to their rooms.
• Invoice/Bill: A document detailing the charges for your stay, including room rate and any additional services.

Expressions and phrases for stayin in hotels / hostels

• Do you have any available rooms for tonight?
• How much is a room for one night?
• Can I see the room before I make a decision?
• Is breakfast included in the room rate?
• What time is check-in and check-out?
• Could you please bring extra towels to my room?
• Is there free Wi-Fi available in the rooms?
• Can you recommend any good restaurants nearby?
• Could you arrange a taxi for me tomorrow morning?
• Is there a safe deposit box where I can store my valuables?
• Can I have a wake-up call at [desired time] tomorrow?
• I’m having trouble with the air conditioning/heating in my room. Can you assist?
• Are there any laundry facilities or services available?
• Is there a gym or fitness center in the hotel/hostel?
• Could you please provide a map of the local area?

English for travel: Asking about directions

When you reach your holiday destination, you can start blissful relaxation or intensive sightseeing – it depends on your preferences and the will of your children. In each of the vacation situations, however, a few basic phrases will be useful. This will make it easier to navigate around a new place, ask local residents for specific information or find interesting attractions.

• Excuse me: A polite phrase used to get someone’s attention.
• Can you help me?: A question asking for assistance or directions.
• Where is…?: A question asking for the location of a specific place.
• How do I get to…?: A question asking for directions to a specific destination.
• Go straight: Proceed in a direct or linear path without turning.
• Turn left: Change direction by moving to the left.
• Turn right: Change direction by moving to the right.
• Cross the street: Move from one side of the road to the other.
• It’s on the left/right: Indicating that the destination is located to the left or right side.
• Is it far? Is it close?: Questions to inquire about the distance of the destination.
• Is there a bus/train station nearby? : Inquiring about the proximity of public transportation.
• Can you show it on the map?: Asking someone to mark or indicate the location on a map.
• Excuse me, I’m lost: Informing someone that you are unable to find your way.
• Landmark: A prominent or recognizable feature used as a point of reference.
• Can you repeat that, please?: Asking someone to repeat or clarify the directions given.

Expressions and phrases you need to know to get to your destination

• Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to [destination]?
• Can you please give me directions to [location]?
• Which way is [landmark]?
• I’m a bit lost. Can you help me find my way back to [point of reference]?
• Is it far from here?
• Could you point me in the right direction for [place]?
• Can you recommend the quickest route to [destination]?
• Is there a bus/train station nearby?
• How long does it take to walk/drive to [location] from here?
• Excuse me, but I seem to have taken a wrong turn. How can I get back on track?

English for travel: Food and restaurants

Getting to know the local culture and culinary delicacies is also an essential element of holidays abroad. On holidays, we often eat in restaurants , go out for ice cream with the children or buy souvenirs . In all these situations, in a restaurant or in a store, you will also need a handful of English words and phrases, which will help you get along with the waiter or seller.

• Menu: A list of food and beverage options available at a restaurant.
• Appetizer/Starter: A small dish served before the main course.
• Main course/Entrée: The primary dish of a meal, typically larger than an appetizer.
• Dessert: A sweet dish or course served at the end of a meal.
• Beverage/Drink: A liquid consumed with a meal, such as water, soda, juice, or wine.
• Vegetarian: A person who does not eat meat. Vegetarian dishes are prepared without meat.
• Vegan: A person who does not consume any animal products. Vegan dishes are free from meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived ingredients.
• Special of the day: A dish or menu item that is unique or highlighted for that particular day.
• Reservation: The act of booking a table at a restaurant in advance.
• Waiter/Waitress: A server who takes orders and serves food and beverages at a restaurant.
• Chef: The professional cook responsible for preparing and overseeing the kitchen.
• Bill/Check: The statement of charges for the meal that needs to be paid.
• Tip/Gratuity: An additional amount of money given to the server as appreciation for good service.
• To-go/Takeaway: Food ordered to be packaged and taken away instead of dining in the restaurant.
• Table for [number]: Requesting a table for a specific number of people.
• Gluten-free: Food items that do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
• Condiments: Sauces, dressings, or spices used to enhance the flavor of food.
• Allergies: Dietary restrictions or adverse reactions to specific ingredients.
• Non-alcoholic: Beverages that do not contain alcohol.
• Self-service/Buffet: A style of dining where customers serve themselves from a selection of food.

Travel expressions to use at the restaurant

• Could we have a table for [number] people, please?
• What do you recommend from the menu?
• Is the [dish] spicy/mild?
• Can I see the wine/beer list, please?
• Are there any vegetarian/vegan options available?
• Can I have the bill/check, please?
• Is service included in the bill/check?
• Can we split the bill/check, please?
• Excuse me, could I get some extra napkins, please?
• I’d like to order the [dish], please.
• Could I have a glass of water, please?
• Can I make a reservation for [time] tonight?
• Is it possible to customize the [dish] to my dietary preferences?
• What are the daily specials or chef’s recommendations?
• Excuse me, I have a food allergy. Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Travel English phrases: Shopping

While travelling, we often see colorful souvenir shops around every corner. Buing souvenirs from travels is something families with kids often do. Let’s find out how to buy a souvenir in English and how to communicate with shop owner.

• Grocery store/Supermarket: A large retail store where you can purchase food and household items.
• Shopping cart/Trolley: A wheeled basket used for carrying items while shopping.
• Aisle: A pathway between shelves or displays in a store.
• Brand: A specific company or manufacturer of a product.
• Price: The cost of a product or item.
• Sale: A discounted price or special promotion on a product.
• Cashier/Till: The person or area where you pay for your purchases.
• Receipt: A document that serves as proof of purchase and itemizes your purchases.
• Cash: Physical money used for making purchases.
• Credit card/Debit card: Plastic cards used for making electronic payments.
• Discount: A reduction in price for a product or item.
• Checkout: The area or process of paying for your purchases.
• Shopping bag: A bag provided by the store to carry your purchases.
• Souvenir shop/Gift shop: A store that sells mementos and unique items related to a specific location or event.
• Souvenir: An item purchased to remember a place or experience.
• Local specialty: A product or food item that is unique to a particular region.
• Size: The measurement or dimensions of a product, particularly for clothing or shoes.
• Shelf: A flat surface where products are displayed and stored in a store.
• Salesperson/Shop assistant: An employee who assists customers and provides information in a store.

Travel questions you might need to ask while shopping 

• How much does this cost?
• Do you have this in a different size/color?
• Is there a discount on this item?
• Can I try this on, please?
• Do you accept credit cards?
• Could you gift-wrap this for me?
• Is there a return/exchange policy?
• Can I get a receipt, please?
• Do you have any other similar items?
• Is there a warranty for this product?
• Can I see some more options in that category?
• What material is this made of?
• Can I get a discount if I buy multiple items?
• Are there any sales or promotions happening?
• Do you offer international shipping?
• Do you accept foreign currency? 

Travel English: Sightseeing

Here are some other useful phrases to help you communicate in English during sightseeing in an English speaking country. 

• Tourist attraction: A popular place or site that is visited by tourists.
• Landmark: A well-known feature or structure that is easily recognizable and often of historical or cultural significance.
• Guidebook: A book or publication that provides information about tourist attractions, maps, and recommendations.
• Map: A visual representation of an area, showing roads, landmarks, and points of interest.
• Tour: A guided visit or journey to explore and learn about a place or attraction.
• Sightseeing: The activity of visiting and observing interesting places and attractions.
• Museum: A place that exhibits collections of historical, artistic, or cultural artifacts for public viewing.
• Gallery: An establishment that displays and sells works of art.
• Monument: A structure or statue built to commemorate a person, event, or historical significance.
• Cathedral: A large and important church, usually the seat of a bishop.
• Historical site: A place that holds historical significance and provides insights into the past.
• Architecture: The art and science of designing and constructing buildings.
• Sculpture: Three-dimensional artwork created by carving, molding, or casting.
• Plaza/Square: An open public space in a city, often surrounded by buildings and used for gatherings or events.
• Fountain : A decorative structure that releases water into a basin or jets it into the air.

Useful English expressions for sightseeing 

• Can you recommend any must-see attractions in this city?
• How do I get to [landmark/attraction] from here?
• Is there a guided tour available for [landmark]?
• What time does [museum/attraction] open/close?
• Are there any entrance fees for [landmark/attraction]?
• Can you provide a map or brochure of the local sights?
• Is photography allowed inside [museum/attraction]?
• Are there any discounts available for students/seniors?
• Is there an audio guide or guided tour available in English?
• Can you tell me a bit about the history of this [monument/landmark]?
• Are there any nearby viewpoints for panoramic views of the city?
• Are there any specific guidelines or restrictions for visiting [attraction]?
• Can you recommend any good walking routes or scenic trails in the area?
• Is it possible to book tickets for [attraction] in advance?
• Are there any special events or exhibitions happening at [museum/attraction]? 

Travel phrases in English: Emergencies / Health

We do not wish anyone any problems with health or emergencies during their vacation, but once they happen, it’s good to know some English phrases useful during communication with doctors or other authorities. 

• Emergency: A serious or unexpected situation requiring immediate action.
• Help/Assistance: Requesting aid or support in a difficult situation.
• Hospital: A medical facility where people receive treatment for illnesses and injuries.
• Doctor/Physician: A medical professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries.
• Ambulance: A vehicle equipped for transporting people who are ill or injured to the hospital.
• Injury: Physical harm or damage to the body.
• Illness/Sickness: A state of poor health or a specific medical condition.
• First Aid: Initial medical treatment provided to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives.
• Medication: Prescribed or over-the-counter drugs used for treating or preventing illnesses.
• Allergy: A negative reaction of the body’s immune system to a specific substance.
• Pain: Unpleasant physical sensation or discomfort.
• Emergency contact: A person to be notified in case of an emergency.
• Insurance: Coverage that provides financial protection in case of unexpected events, including health emergencies.
• Pharmacy/Drugstore: A store where medications and medical supplies are sold.
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): A life-saving technique used to revive a person whose heart has stopped beating.

Useful English expressions for emergency situations and at the hospital

• Help! There’s an emergency!
• Call an ambulance, please!
• I need urgent medical attention.
• Is there a hospital/clinic nearby?
• I’ve been injured. Can you please get me some help?
• I’m feeling unwell. Is there a doctor available?
• Where is the nearest pharmacy?
• I’ve lost my medication. Can you help me replace it?
• Is there an emergency contact I can reach out to?
• I need to go to the emergency room immediately.
• I’m allergic to [specific substance]. Please be cautious.
• I’m feeling dizzy/nauseous. Can you provide any assistance?
• Can you please notify my family/friends about the situation?
• I’ve been involved in an accident. Is there someone who can assist with the paperwork?
• Is there a translator available? I don’t speak English fluently.
• Where I’ll be able to get help?

Useful English idioms for traveling

• Hit the road: To begin a journey or start traveling.
• On the go: Constantly moving or traveling from one place to another.
• Catch some rays: To sunbathe or enjoy the sunshine.
• Break the ice: To initiate or start a conversation with strangers or in a new environment.
• Off the beaten path: Away from the usual tourist routes or popular destinations.
• Take a rain check: To postpone or reschedule a planned activity or event.
• Travel light: To pack only essential items and avoid carrying excessive luggage.
• Get lost: To explore without a specific destination in mind or to become disoriented in a new place.
• Breathe-taking view: An extremely beautiful or stunning sight.
• Itchy feet: A strong desire to travel or move from one place to another.
• Jet lag: The fatigue and disorientation experienced after traveling across different time zones.
• Home away from home: A place where you feel comfortable and at ease, as if it were your own home.
• Go the extra mile: To make additional effort or go beyond what is expected.
• Live out of a suitcase: To constantly travel or move around, often with limited possessions.
• Have a whale of a time: To have a great or enjoyable experience.

As you can see, memorizing useful phrases for travelling in English is not so complicated. We hope, that with all the examples, you’ll be able to travel comfortably on your next family vacation. Remember to encourage your kids to speak English on vacation abroad as much as possible, since it’s always best to practice English travelling phrases and other vocabulary in real life situations. Now you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions regarding directions in English, ask about your hotel stay and check out from which platform your bus or train departures. Transportation, attractions and getting around in any English-speaking country and other EU countries will be much easier now!

Did you find this article helpful? 

Good information for travelling, It is interesting. Thanks so much!

Well done. I found it very useful and in fact I was rather impressed to find a website with complete different vocabularies and expressions for all traveling necessities one could think of. Thanks very much.

Thanks for this wonderful article. It is so very helpful!

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