Traveling is a wonderful way to see new places, meet people, and make lasting memories. During the holiday season, it becomes even more meaningful as we visit family, go on vacations, or explore new destinations.

To make your trip easier, learning some must-know English phrases for traveling can be incredibly helpful. These simple and practical phrases will guide you through common situations at airports, hotels, restaurants, and more.

Let’s explore 30 useful phrases to help you feel confident and prepared during your holiday travels!

Must-Know English Phrases for Traveling

At the Airport

1. Where is the check-in counter?
Use this to find where to check in for your flight.

• “Excuse me, where is the check-in counter for Flight 789?”
• “Can you tell me where the check-in counter for Delta Airlines is?”

2. What time does my flight leave?
Perfect for confirming your flight schedule.

• “What time does my flight to Paris leave?”
• “Can you tell me what time Flight 123 departs?”

3. Could I have a window seat, please?
Ask this when you prefer sitting by the window.

• “Could I have a window seat for this flight, please?”
• “Is it possible to change my seat to a window seat?”

4. How long is the flight?
Find out how much time you’ll be in the air.

• “How long is the flight to New York?”
• “Could you tell me the flight duration to Sydney?”

5. Where is the boarding gate?
Ask for directions to your boarding area.

• “Excuse me, where is the boarding gate for Flight 456?”
• “Can you help me find Gate 12?”

On the Plane

6. Could I have some water, please?
A polite way to ask for a drink.

• “Could I have some water, please?”
• “May I have a glass of water?”

7. Where is the restroom?
Ask this for directions to the bathroom.

• “Excuse me, where is the restroom on this plane?”
• “Could you tell me where the nearest restroom is?”

8. Can I use my phone during the flight?
Check if phones are allowed in airplane mode.

• “Can I use my phone during the flight?”
• “Is it okay to use my phone now that we’ve landed?”

At the Hotel

9. Do you have any available rooms?
Great for finding a place to stay.

• “Do you have any available rooms for tonight?”
• “Are there any double rooms available for two nights?”

10. What time is check-out?
Ask this to plan your departure time.

• “What time is check-out tomorrow morning?”
• “Could you let me know the check-out time?”

11. Is breakfast included?
Check if your room rate covers breakfast.

• “Is breakfast included in the price?”
• “Does my booking include breakfast?”

12. Could you send someone to clean my room?
Request room cleaning politely.

• “Could you send someone to clean my room, please?”
• “Can housekeeping tidy up my room this afternoon?”

Getting Around

13. How do I get to the city center?
Ask for directions to the main area of a city.

• “How do I get to the city center from here?”
• “What’s the best way to reach the city center?”

14. Is this the bus to [destination]?
Confirm if you’re on the correct route.

• “Is this the bus to the airport?”
• “Does this train go to downtown?”

15. Can I buy a ticket here?
Ask where to purchase transportation tickets.

• “Can I buy a bus ticket here?”
• “Is it possible to buy a train ticket at this station?”

16. How much is the fare?
Find out the cost of your ride.

• “How much is the fare to the museum?”
• “What’s the price for a taxi to the hotel?”

Shopping and Eating Out

17. How much does this cost?
Essential for shopping.

• “How much does this T-shirt cost?”
• “What’s the price of this souvenir?”

18. Do you accept credit cards?
Check if card payments are allowed.

• “Do you accept credit cards here?”
• “Can I pay with my Visa card?”

19. Can I see the menu, please?
Request a menu at a restaurant.

• “Can I see the menu, please?”
• “Could you bring me the menu?”

20. What do you recommend?
Ask for food suggestions.

• “What do you recommend from the menu?”
• “Could you suggest something popular here?”

21. Is there a vegetarian option?
Ask about dietary preferences.

• “Do you have vegetarian options?”
• “Is there a vegan dish on the menu?”

Emergencies

22. I need help. Where is the nearest hospital?
Ask for assistance in emergencies.

• “I need help. Can you tell me where the nearest hospital is?”
• “Where can I find the closest clinic?”

23. I lost my passport. What should I do?
Important if you misplace your documents.

• “I lost my passport. Can you help me?”
• “What should I do if my passport is missing?”

24. Can I call the police?
Use this in serious situations.

• “Can I call the police for assistance?”
• “How can I contact the police?”

Making Friends and Small Talk

25. Where are you from?
Start a conversation with someone new.

• “Where are you from? I’m from Spain.”
• “It’s nice to meet you. Where do you live?”

26. What’s the weather like today?
Great for small talk.

• “What’s the weather like here today?”
• “Is it going to be sunny or rainy this afternoon?”

27. Do you speak English?
Check if someone can communicate in English.

• “Do you speak English? I need some help.”
• “Can you speak English, or should I ask someone else?”

28. Could you take a photo of me?
Ask for help capturing a moment.

• “Could you take a photo of me in front of this statue?”
• “Excuse me, would you mind taking my picture?”

29. It was nice meeting you!
A polite way to end a conversation.

• “It was nice meeting you! Have a great trip.”
• “I hope we meet again. It was nice meeting you!”

30. Where can I exchange money?
Ask this to find currency exchange services.

• “Where can I exchange money near here?”
• “Can you tell me where the nearest exchange office is?”

Make Your Travels Stress-Free with ELSA Speak

These 30 must-know English phrases for traveling are your go-to guide for smoother and more enjoyable trips. Practice these phrases with ELSA Speak, our AI-powered app that helps improve your English pronunciation and confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your next adventure or brushing up on your speaking skills, ELSA Speak is the perfect companion to make your holiday travels stress-free.

Download the app today and get ready to communicate with ease wherever you go!

Learn more useful phrases here