Travel English: Airports, Hotels, and Directions
The practical vocabulary and phrases you actually need when travelling — checking in, asking directions, and handling problems.
Travel English is small and repetitive. A few dozen words and phrases cover almost every situation.
At the airport
Key words: departures, arrivals, gate, boarding pass, check-in, luggage / baggage, delayed, cancelled
- Where is the check-in desk?
- Is the flight on time? — No, it's delayed.
- Which gate is it?
- I'd like a window seat, please.
Security and passport control
This is where you are asked direct questions, and the answers are short:
| You'll hear | You say |
|---|---|
| Anything to declare? | No, nothing. |
| What's the purpose of your visit? | Tourism. / Business. |
| How long are you staying? | Ten days. |
| Where are you staying? | At a hotel in the centre. |
| Any liquids or laptops? | Just a laptop. |
Other words on the signs: security, passport control, customs, baggage reclaim, transfer, boarding.
At the hotel
Key words: reservation, single / double room, key card, check-in, check-out, floor
- I have a reservation under the name Petrov.
- What time is check-out?
- Is breakfast included?
Included is worth learning well — it decides whether you pay extra.
When the room isn't right
- Sorry, the wifi isn't working.
- The room is very noisy — could I change rooms?
- The air conditioning doesn't work.
- Could I have a late check-out?
- Could you keep my luggage until this evening?
Asking for directions
- Excuse me, how do I get to the museum?
- Is it far? — No, about ten minutes on foot.
Understanding the answer matters more than asking:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| go straight on | continue forward |
| turn left / right | change direction |
| take the second right | the second turning on your right |
| it's on your left | you will see it on that side |
| opposite the bank | facing the bank |
| next to the station | beside the station |
Public transport
Key words: single / return ticket, platform, timetable, change (trains)
- A return ticket to Oxford, please.
- Which platform?
- Do I need to change?
Note: single = one way, return = there and back.
Money
- Where's the nearest cash machine? (US: ATM)
- Do you take card?
- Could I have the receipt, please?
- Is there a charge for that?
When something goes wrong
- I've lost my luggage.
- My flight was cancelled.
- I think I'm lost.
- Could you help me, please?
And when you don't understand
These four phrases are worth more than any amount of vocabulary, because they buy you a second attempt:
- Sorry, could you say that again?
- Could you speak a bit more slowly, please?
- Could you write it down?
- Do you speak English? — and if not, point and use numbers.
Nobody expects a full sentence. Two tickets, please · Where's the gate? · Is breakfast included? Travel English runs on short fixed phrases, and using them is not rude — it's exactly what everyone in the queue behind you is doing.
Checking in, with a problem
A: Good evening — I've got a reservation under Petrov.
B: Two nights, double room. Here's your key card, room 304.
A: Thanks. Is breakfast included?
B: It is, seven till ten. Check-out's at eleven.
A: Sorry, could you say that again? Eleven?
Reservation, room, key card, included, check-out — and one repair phrase when the numbers came too fast.
Try it yourself
The quiz below puts these into real travel situations.