Must-Know Travel Phrases

Between us, we know twelve languages — and counting. Of course, they range from “fluent” to “causal, but in every language, we’re at least “travel fluent” — able to converse fluently in travel scenarios in countries in which they’re used.

Over the years, we’ve gradually refined our process of developing travel fluency to the point where with around a month of lead time and just around 30 minutes a day, we can arrive in any new place and feel reasonably confident that we’ll be able to use a language in situations where we need to.

We’ve dialled in the most common phrases we repeatedly use, without fail in almost every country. They’re not the words and phrases most phrase books teach.

We’ve never had to ask for complex directions, for example (at most, just “Where is the…?”), nor have we often had to ask where the bathroom is (it’s usually obvious). But there are many other words and phrases we have had to learn, and these are the ones we mention below.

As for how we learn — we usually consult with a tutor on italki to get the local translations. We recommend getting a tutor as opposed to using Google Translate as you’re guaranteed to get a natural and accurate translation that’s usable by you — language can vary dramatically based on things like your age, the genders of the people involved (both you and the other person), and other situations dictating formality.

Related: An italki Review by Language Obsessives — 200+ Lessons, 10+ languages

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If you want to peruse the list, here it is below.

Basic Phrases

1. Bye!
2. Goodbye!
3. Hello!/Hi!
4. Good morning/Good day!
5. Good evening!
6. Yes
7. No
8. Please
9. Thank you
10. You’re welcome
11. Excuse me (to get someone’s attention)
12. Excuse me (to get through a crowd)
13. Excuse me (when bumping into someone)
14. Do you speak English?

Common Travel Questions

1. How much does it cost?
2. Where is the bathroom?
3. What is the wifi password?
4. Do you have WiFi?
5. Where can I find a taxi?
6. Is this seat free?
7. What time is it, please?
8. Where can I buy tickets?
9. Where is the bathroom?

Greetings

1. Hello
2. How are you?
3. It’s a pleasure (to meet you)
4. Hello (on the phone)

Asking for Help

1. I’m lost.
2. Could you help me?
3. Is there anyone who speaks English?
4. Can I help you?

Polite phrases

1. I’m sorry
2. Excuse me (informal)
3. Don’t worry about it / It doesn’t matter
4. Excuse me (when requesting to let you pass in a crowd)

Dining Phrases

1. Can I have the bill?
2. A table for two, please.
3. The menu, please.
4. I would like…
5. The bill, please.
6. I am allergic to…
7. What do you recommend?
8. I’d like to book a table for tonight.
9. A table outside/inside, please.
10. Do you have any vegetarian/vegan options?
11. Is this dish spicy?
12. Bottle of water
13. Glass of wine

Conversational Phrases

1. What’s your name?
2. Where are you from? (informal)
3. Where are you from (formal)
4. My name is…
5. I’m from…
6. Thank you!
7. What do you do for a living?
8. I like…
9. Sorry, I don’t understand.
10. Can you repeat, please?
11. Do you like it here?
12. What do you do in your free time?
13. I speak a little {target language}
14. See you soon!
15. Have a good day
16. Have a good night
17. Have a good trip!
18. See you later!

Sightseeing Phrases

1. Where is the museum?
2. How much is the entrance fee?
3. Is it open today?
4. I’d like a guide in English.
5. Where can I buy tickets?
6. Is there a guided tour?
7. Can you take a picture of me?
8. Would you like a photo?
9. Is it possible to take photos here?
10. When does it close?

Shopping Phrases

1. How much is this?
2. Do you accept credit cards / Apple / Google Pay?
3. I’ll pay with card.
4. I’m looking for…
5. I’m just looking, browsing
6. No, I don’t need any help, thanks.
7. I need some help, please.
8. I need…
9. Do you have size…?
10. Can I try it on?
11. Where are the fitting rooms?
12. Do you have something less expensive?
13. Can I pay with cash?

Transportation and Getting Around

1. Where is the station?
2. One ticket to…, please.
3. How long does it take to get to…?
4. What time does the train leave?
5. What time is the next bus/train?
6. Which stop is for…?
7. Is this seat taken?
8. Where is the bus stop?
9. Does this bus stop at…?
10. How much is a ticket to…?

Travel Directions

1. Can I have directions to…?
2. How far is…from here?
3. Is this the right way to…?
4. Where can I catch the bus?
5. I’m looking for this address.
6. Is it far from here?
7. Which road should I take?
8. Straight
9. To the left
10. To the right
11. Near
12. Far

Phrases at the Market

1. I’d like to buy…
2. How much per kilo?
3. Can I taste?
4. What are these?
5. Do you have…?
6. Can I have a bag?
7. Do you accept card payment?
8. What time does the market close?

Other important phrases

1. I don’t know
2. There is/There are
3. Let’s go!
4. So/Then
5. Maybe
6. Okay/Fine/All right
7. I understand
8. With
9. Without
10. Also/Too
11. Always
12. Never
13. Very/Much
14. Little/Not much
15. and
16. or

Link to view and download: Travel fluent phrases