Traveling is an exciting adventure, but it can be expensive. But, with the right knowledge and expressions, you can still travel with a low budget. 

Today we will explore some important expressions in English for traveling that can help you save money while enjoying your journey.

1. Airport 

Did you know that you can save money if you know suitable English expressions at the airport while traveling? Let’s find out!

• Are there any duty-free stores at this airport?
• Where can I find the bus stop/train station from the airport?
• Can you show me the way to the low-cost carrier kiosks?
• Are there any airport shuttles or public transportation options to the city center?
• Where can I exchange money with no extra fees?

Using these phrases in English for traveling at the airport, you can find ways to save money. 

Vocabulary

Duty-free goods: goods cheaper than goods from a regular retail store without paying taxes

Low-cost carrier or budget airline: an airline offers cheaper prices than traditional airlines, but charges extra fees such as baggage, in-flight meals, etc.

Airport shuttle: a bus used to transport people to and from, or within airports

Public transportation: buses, trains, subways,… that run on fixed routes and open to everyone  

2. Accommodation

Finding cheap accommodation is important to save more money while traveling. Here are some useful expressions in English for traveling to help you stay with low fees.

• Do you have any budget-friendly rooms available?
• Are there any discounts for booking in advance?
• Do you offer any deals for long-term stays?
• Is breakfast included in the room rate?
• Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
• Are there any off-peak seasons when prices are lower?

By using these expressions, you can ask for discounts and special offers that can lower costs.

Vocabulary

Budget-friendly: not too expensive

Discount: A reduction in the usual price

Off-peak season: not at the most popular and expensive time

3. Eating

Food prices can increase quickly while traveling. Here are phrases in English for traveling that you can ask local people to help spend less on meals.

• Do you have any money-saving menu options?
• Are there any special promotions available?
• Where can I find tap water?
• Do you offer a discount for children?
• Do you have any combos for 2 people?

If you ask about cheap food choices, you may luckily have tasty food without spending too much money. 

Vocabulary

Promotion: the act of encouraging something to happen or develop

Meal deal: a specially priced combo offer that includes a main dish, a side, and a drink

4. Transportation

Transportation costs a lot of money, but with these questions in English for traveling, you can find ways to save them while traveling.

• Is there a cheaper way to get to [destination]?
• Are there any discounts for purchasing tickets in advance?
• Do you offer student or senior discounts?
• Is there a local bus or train that’s more affordable?
• Can you recommend a taxi service with reasonable prices?
• Are there any sightseeing spots that I can walk there?

By asking about discounts and other types of transportation, you can spend less on transport while you travel.

Vocabulary

In advance: before a time

Sightseeing: the activity of visiting interesting places, especially by people on holiday

5. Bargaining in Shopping

In many countries, bargaining is a common practice, especially in shopping. Use the following expressions in English for traveling for the best shopping prices.

• Is this the best price you can offer?
• I’m on a tight budget. Can you offer a discount?
• Would you consider lowering the price if I pay in cash?
• Are there any additional fees I should know about?
• I saw a similar item for a lower price at another shop. Can you match it?
• Can I get a discount if I buy more than one?
• Is there a sale or promotion happening soon?

By dealing with prices and searching for discounts, you can get the best value for your money while shopping.

Vocabulary

Bargain: to try to make someone agree to give you something that is better for you, such as a better price

Additional fee: extra fee

Also, you can check out the blog about Expressions for Shopping in English to prepare well for shopping experiences while traveling. 

6. Free and Low-Cost Activities

Exploring a new destination doesn’t have to be expensive. To help you find free and low-cost activities, here are some expressions in English for traveling you might need to know.

• Are there any free guided tours available?
• Do you know of any parks or gardens that are free to enter?
• Can you recommend any spots whose fees are reasonable?
• Are there any local festivals or events happening during my stay?
• Which public places are worth visiting?

By asking about free and low-cost activities, your journey will be happier and more comfortable. 

Vocabulary

Reasonable: not expensive

Public place: a place open to everyone

7. Useful Tips

Besides actively asking the local people, it’s important to have a careful plan before traveling. Here are some general tips to help you save money during your journey.

• Plan Ahead: Book your accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance for early bird discounts and promotions. 
• Travel Off-Peak: Avoid traveling during peak tourist seasons when prices are higher. 
• Use Price Comparison Websites: Compare prices for flights, accommodations, and other traveling activities to find the best deals and save money.
• Pack Light: Bring only essentials to avoid extra baggage fees
• Set Daily Budget: Stick to the daily budget to avoid overspending, and also track your expenses after each day of traveling. 
• Take Public Transport: Use buses or tramways or just take a walk instead of taxis or rental cars to save money and explore the place like local people. 
• Practice English 1:1 with ELSA AI: Make real conversations with ELSA AI about English for traveling to communicate confidently without paying for translators or tour guides.

Vocabulary

Early bird discounts: reduced prices to customers who buy a product/service early

Overspending: spend more money than you want 

Essentials: very important things

Improve your English and save money!

Traveling with a low budget does not mean you will lose your fun and comfort during the journey. By using these expressions in English for traveling, you can save more money on accommodation, food, transportation, shopping, and other entertaining activities; which allows you to enjoy your journeys without worrying about money, 

If you want to practice your English for traveling, ELSA Speak is the perfect tool for you. This tool allows you to improve your English, especially pronunciation and speaking fluency, which allows you to prepare before traveling abroad. ELSA Speak also offers each user a personalized learning plan based on their ELSA scores.  

Upgrade your English with ELSA Speak now.