73+ Essential Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know

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How do you say “You have a nice smile” in Samoan?
How to say “You have beautiful eyes” in Fijian?

Those might not be the essential travel phrases, like Hello or Thank you.

But we can all agree that (mis)communication is part of traveling. And language barriers are real. That is why I always find it extremely useful to learn words and phrases in the language of a country I am visiting.

Why?

It shows respect. People will be nicer to you. A new language will enhance local experiences and understanding of the culture. IT will make traveling easier and it is a great way to make new friends. So what are those common travel phrases?

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

Hi, I’m Anja!
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Traveling to 40+ countries I’ve learned that only knowing Slovenian will not help me. Shocking right! I was also wrong to assume that everyone speaks English.

Knowing KiSwahili gave me a better starting point when bargaining for the prices in Zanzibar. Knowing essential phrases in French helped me in Vanuatu, and knowing how to ask for directions helped me in Japan. And learning Samoan and Fiji helped me when buying fruits in local markets.

So next time, when planning your trip, don’t just search for the best things to do in Zanzibar, Japan itinerary, or about Dubai hotels. You should also learn useful phrases for traveling. What are those phrases?

Let’s have a look at some useful phrases for traveling.

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1. What are Travel Phrases?

Travel phrases are useful phrases to know when traveling abroad. They are a collection of
the most common and frequently used words and expressions we use when visiting foreign countries. 

From basic greetings to phrases for seeking directions, ordering food, and engaging in cultural exchanges. From a simple ‘’hello’’ and ‘’thank you’’ to longer phrases like ‘’where is the bathroom” and “what is the WiFi password”.

Travel phrases equip you with the confidence and ability to connect with locals, by speaking their language, and immerse yourself in authentic experiences.

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2. How to learn short Travel Phrases and Travel Terms

Before we find out what those useful travel phrases are, let’s talk about how to learn them. It might seem daunting but it is actually fun.

The reality is, if you will be traveling for at least a couple of days, you will pick up the basic words while abroad. And if you will be spending some time with locals, they will teach you the bad words first anyway. Which you will remember the fastest. 🙂

Now, depending on your destination country, some travel words and phrases will be easier for you to remember than others. People who know these things say that a person can memorize 50 new words per day. My humble estimation would be 10. This would potentially mean, you can learn all the essential travel phrases in a day or two. I am a realistic optimist and would say to start learning sooner. Like a week before or more.

2.1. Duolingo

I love using Duolingo. It is a free app, where you choose how many minutes you can invest in learning a language and the purpose of your learning (travel). You can choose from more than 30+ languages and I love that lessons are bite-sized. Currently learning Italian for my Tuscany trip but love Polynesian languages – like Hawaiian and Samoan.

Duolingo makes learning a language easy. It uses text, speech and is showing cards. So you can hear the pronunciation, see how the word is written and the translation of it plus a visual representation of the words. A great way to learn no matter where you are.

Language: Italian, Hawaiian, Swahili  (40+ languages)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free & In App purchases

There are other apps, that have a free trial and then offer paid memberships. Among those, I tried and loved Babbel and Innovative languages. When I was using those two, I was more invested in actually learning the language and not just common travel phrases.

Feel free to test out a few and find which one works best for your learning style.

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3. Essential travel phrases

3.1. Basic travel phrases

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

• Hi
• Please
• Thank you
• Excuse me
• Sorry
• Yes / No
• I don’t understand
• Do you speak [language]?
• What is the WiFi password?
• Could you take my picture?
• Where is the bathroom?

3.2. Common travel phrases for greetings and introductions

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

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

3.3. Essential travel phrases for directions and getting around

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

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

3.4. Useful phrases for traveling when ordering food and drinks

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

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

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3.5. Practical travel terms for shopping

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

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

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

3.6. Useful phrases for travelling when checking in a hotel

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

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

3.7. Helpful travel terms in case of emergencies

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

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

3.8. Beyond essential travel phrases to compliment someone

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

• Love
• Friend
• You have beautiful eyes
• You have a beautiful smile

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4. Best language Apps for traveling abroad

When it comes to language learning, the options are diverse. You can choose from apps, traditional textbooks, and language courses to podcasts and YouTube videos. I would recommend the previously mentioned Duolingo.

In case you fell short and can’t learn the essential travel phrases, or if the situations come your way when those phrases won’t be enough, below you will find language apps I use for you to download before your next trip.

4.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places.

I’m sure you are already familiar with this best language app for travel. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘camera translation’.

All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone.

Language: 133 languages
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

4.2. VoiceTra

VoiceTra is a language translation app that translates speech into another language. It is a perfect app for all travelers, supports 31 languages and can be used for free. Although, to make VoiceTra work you will need an Internet connection.

The app translates in both ways. From English to foreign language and vice versa. It also offers text input. VoiceTra is great for simple, everyday conversations that you may encounter. Perfect to conquer the language barrier and even more amazing since it allows instant switching between two languages.

Use it when buying admission tickets, asking for directions, when on a train or bus, while shopping, or when checking in at a hotel.

Language: English, French, Spanish (32 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

4.3. SayHi Translate

SayHi Translate language app is an easy-to-use app, designed to be quick, and simple. All you have to do is press a button and start speaking. The app will transcribe your speech quickly and accurately. It supports 101 languages and dialects.

It is a free app without any advertisements or hidden fees. In order for the app to work, you will need an internet connection. As soon as you speak, the app will return text and audio in another language. It super easy to change languages quickly and you can even speed up or slow down your speech and choose between male and female voice.

Use it on your travels when in an UBER or taxi in a foreign land, when buying local souvenirs from a local lady or when checking in a lovely and unique homestay.

Language: English, Arabic, Polish (101 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

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5. Final thoughts on Essential Travel Phrases and Words

Whether it’s a warm greeting, ordering a meal, or expressing gratitude, are only a few useful phrases when traveling that not only open doors to easier communication but also show respect and help you to understand the destination in a different way.

Before traveling abroad, learn at least a couple of common travel phrases that will help you navigate through various situations abroad. Travel terms for greetings and introductions and words showcasing politeness. Basic phrases for asking for directions, ordering food, and checking in a hotel. 

Learn useful phrases for traveling with the help of a language app like Duolingo, learn words when on a destination, or combine both with a language translation app like Google Translate. Find what works best for you and overcome language barriers.

What travelling phrases do you think are essential?

Bon voyage,
Anja

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❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester.

Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me.