English Travel Vocabulary: Complete Guide

"Every word you learn is one step closer to your next adventure."

Traveling abroad is an amazing experience, but if you don’t speak the language, it can be challenging. That’s why learning English travel vocabulary is essential for communicating in airports, hotels, restaurants, and during your trips.
In this guide, you’ll find the most useful words and phrases to make your journey easier and safer.

Why is it important to learn travel vocabulary in English?

English is the most widely used language in airports, hotels, and tourist destinations around the world. Having a basic vocabulary will help you:

  • Check in at a hotel without any problems.
  • Order food in restaurants.
  • Ask for directions.
  • Understand important signs and announcements.

Table of Contents

Airport and Flight Vocabulary

When traveling by plane, these words and phrases will be very helpful:

English Spanish
Passport Pasaporte
Boarding pass Tarjeta de embarque
Gate Puerta de embarque
Check-in counter Mostrador de registro
Baggage claim Reclamación de equipaje
Customs Aduana

Useful phrases:

  • Where is the check-in counter? – ¿Dónde está el mostrador de registro?
  • What time is boarding? – ¿A qué hora es el embarque?

Hotel Vocabulary

In hotels and accommodations, you’ll need these expressions:

English Spanish
Reservation Reserva
Room Habitación
Key card Tarjeta de acceso
Check-in / Check-out Registrarse / Salida
Reception Recepción

Useful phrases:

  • I have a reservation under the name… – Tengo una reserva a nombre de…
  • What time is check-out? – ¿A qué hora es la salida?

Restaurant Vocabulary

When eating out, these words are essential:

English Spanish
Menu Menú
Bill / Check Cuenta
Tip Propina
Waiter / Waitress Camarero/a

Useful phrases:

  • Can I have the menu, please? – ¿Me puede dar el menú, por favor?
  • Can I have the bill, please? – ¿Me puede traer la cuenta?

Transportation Vocabulary

English Spanish
Bus stop Parada de autobús
Subway / Metro Metro
Ticket Boleto / Billete
Taxi Taxi

Useful phrases:

  • Where is the nearest bus stop? – ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús más cercana?
  • How much is the ticket? – ¿Cuánto cuesta el boleto?

Asking for Directions

English Spanish
How do I get to…? ¿Cómo llego a…?
Is it far from here? ¿Está lejos de aquí?
Turn left / right Gire a la izquierda / derecha
Straight ahead Todo recto

Useful Emergency Phrases

  • I need help! – ¡Necesito ayuda!
  • Call the police! – ¡Llame a la policía!
  • Where is the nearest hospital? – ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?

Tips for learning travel vocabulary in English

  • Practice with flashcards or apps like Duolingo.
  • Listen to travel-related podcasts in English.
  • Learn complete phrases, not just single words.