Essential English Phrases for Travelling Abroad

Going abroad is exciting — until you need to ask for help and don't know what to say. These are the phrases every traveller needs, grouped by situation, ready to use the moment you land.

English is the global language of travel. From airports in Tokyo to hotels in São Paulo to restaurants in Lisbon, English is the common ground between travellers and locals worldwide. Knowing the right phrases for each situation gives you confidence and independence wherever you go.

✈️ At the Airport

"Where is gate B12?"

Finding your gate

"I'd like a window seat, please."

Check-in request

"Is this flight on time?"

Checking delays

"My bag didn't arrive."

Lost luggage

"How long is the layover?"

Connecting flights

"Where can I get a taxi?"

Leaving the airport

🏨 At the Hotel

"I have a reservation under [name]."

Check-in

"Could I have a wake-up call at 7am?"

Morning alarm

"The air conditioning isn't working."

Room problem

"Could I have some extra towels?"

Room request

"What time is checkout?"

Leaving the hotel

"Is breakfast included?"

Meal enquiry

🍽️ At the Restaurant

"A table for two, please."

Getting seated

"What do you recommend?"

Asking for suggestions

"I'm allergic to nuts."

Dietary needs

"Could we have the bill, please?"

Paying

"Is service included?"

About the tip

"This is not what I ordered."

Wrong order

🛍️ Shopping

"Do you have this in a larger size?"

Asking for sizes

"How much does this cost?"

Asking the price

"Can I try this on?"

Fitting room

"Do you accept credit cards?"

Payment method

"I'd like to return this."

Returning an item

"Is there a discount?"

Looking for deals

🚌 Getting Around

"How do I get to the city centre?"

Asking directions

"Does this bus go to [place]?"

Public transport

"One ticket to [destination], please."

Buying a ticket

"Could you take me to this address?"

In a taxi

"Is it far from here?"

Distance question

"I'm lost. Can you help me?"

When you're lost

🎯 Pro travel tip

Learn these phrases out loud before your trip, not just by reading them. Your brain needs to practise producing them, not just recognising them. Spend 10 minutes saying each phrase out loud — and if possible, practise them in a real conversation with your AI tutor.

Emergency Phrases Every Traveller Needs

Hope you never need these — but knowing them gives real peace of mind:

"I need a doctor."

Medical emergency

"Please call the police."

Security emergency

"I've lost my passport."

Document problem

"My wallet was stolen."

Theft

Practise these phrases before your trip

Have a real travel conversation with Bruno or Gemma. Role-play the airport, hotel, restaurant — and arrive confident.

Start Practising Free →

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of English do I need for travelling?

A basic to intermediate level — roughly A2 to B1 — is enough for comfortable travel. You don't need perfect English to navigate airports, hotels and restaurants. Knowing the key phrases for each situation is more important than grammar.

What if I don't understand the answer?

These phrases always work: "Could you repeat that, please?", "Could you speak more slowly?", "Could you write that down?". Don't be embarrassed to use them — people in tourist areas are used to helping non-native speakers.