Traveling abroad requires mastering some basic English words. This vocabulary guide will allow you to communicate effectively in all travel situations, from the airport to restaurants and hotels. Mastering this vocabulary is particularly useful when traveling for business. To go further, check out our business English courses.
Transportation
Airplane and Airport
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Airport | A place where aircraft regularly take off and land |
| Flight | A journey made by air, especially in an airplane |
| Plane / Aircraft | A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings |
| Departure | The action of leaving, especially to start a journey |
| Arrival | The action or process of arriving |
| Check-in | The process of registering upon arrival at a hotel or airport |
| Boarding pass | A pass that allows a passenger to board an aircraft |
| Boarding | The process of getting on an aircraft |
| Gate | A numbered exit leading to an aircraft |
| Passport | An official document certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship |
| ID card | An identity document |
| Luggage / Baggage | Suitcases and bags containing personal belongings |
| Suitcase | A case with a handle for carrying clothes when traveling |
| Hand luggage / Carry-on baggage | Small bags passengers carry onto aircraft |
| Baggage reclaim | Area where passengers collect their checked luggage |
| Overhead locker | Storage compartment above passenger seats |
| Delayed | Made to happen at a later time than originally planned |
| Cancelled | Decided that a planned event will not take place |
| On time | Punctual; not late |
| Take-off | The action of an aircraft becoming airborne |
| Landing | The action of an aircraft touching down |
| Connecting flight | A flight that requires changing planes |
| Direct flight | A flight with no intermediate stops (or with stops but the same flight number) |
| Aisle seat | A seat next to the walkway in an aircraft |
| Window seat | A seat next to the window in an aircraft |
| Seatbelt | A safety strap securing a person in a seat |
| Jetlag | Extreme tiredness felt after a long flight |
| Customs | The official department that administers duties |
| Shuttle | A vehicle traveling regularly between two points |
Train and Station
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Train | A series of connected railway carriages |
| Station | A regular stopping place on a public transportation route |
| Platform | A raised surface alongside a railroad track |
| Ticket | A piece of paper that gives you the right to travel |
| Return ticket | A ticket for a journey to a place and back |
| One-way ticket | A ticket for traveling in one direction only |
| Departure | The action of leaving |
| Arrival | The action of coming to a destination |
| Conductor | A person who collects fares and checks tickets |
| Seat | A place to sit |
| Reserved | Set aside for a particular person |
Public Transport
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bus | A large motor vehicle carrying passengers |
| Subway / Metro / The Tube (UK) / The Subway (USA) | An underground electric railway |
| Tram | A passenger vehicle powered by electricity |
| Bus stop | A designated place where buses stop |
| Bus station | A building where buses arrive and depart |
| Taxi | A vehicle licensed to transport passengers |
| Bicycle / Bike | A vehicle with two wheels powered by pedaling |
| Ship | A large boat for transporting people or goods |
| Rush hour | A time when traffic is at its heaviest |
| Off-peak | Times when demand is lower than usual |
| Ticket machine | An automated machine that sells tickets |
| Driver | A person who drives a vehicle |
| Passenger | A traveler in a vehicle who is not driving |
Car Rental
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Car rental | The business of renting cars to customers |
| To rent a car | To pay to use a car temporarily |
| Rental car | A car that is rented to customers |
| Driving licence | An official document permitting someone to drive |
| Insurance | Protection against financial loss |
| To pick up the car | To collect the rental car |
| To return the car | To bring back the rental car |
| Car keys | Keys used to start and lock a car |
| Mileage | The number of miles traveled |
| Unleaded | Gasoline without lead additives |
| Diesel | A type of fuel for vehicles |
| LPG | Liquefied petroleum gas |
| Gear | A mechanism for changing speed |
| Accelerator | A pedal that controls engine speed |
| Brake | A device for slowing or stopping a vehicle |
| Lights | Devices that provide illumination |
| Indicator | A signal showing the direction of turn |
| Tire | A rubber covering for a wheel |
| Speed | The rate of movement |
| Petrol / Gas station | A place where fuel is sold |
| Services | A roadside area with facilities for travelers |
Travel Verbs
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| To travel | To go from one place to another |
| To travel around | To visit many places |
| To go | To move or proceed |
| To visit | To go to see someone or something |
| To take the train | To use train transportation |
| To take the bus | To use bus transportation |
| To take the plane | To use air transportation |
| To leave | To go away from |
| To go home | To return to one’s residence |
| To fly back home | To return home by air |
| To depart | To leave, especially to start a journey |
| Abroad | In or to a foreign country |
| A voyage | A long journey by sea or in space |
| A visit | An act of going to see someone or something |
Accommodation
Types of Accommodation
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hotel | An establishment providing accommodations and meals |
| B&B (Bed and Breakfast) | Small lodging with breakfast included |
| Hostel | Inexpensive lodging for travelers |
| Inn | A small hotel, typically in the country |
| Accommodation | A place where someone can live or stay |
| Residence / Apartment complex | A group of apartments |
| Apartment hotel | Furnished apartments for short-term stays |
| Holiday resort | A place designed for vacations |
Hotel Services
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Reception / Front desk | The area where guests check in |
| Receptionist / Front desk clerk | Person who greets and assists guests |
| Guest | A person staying at a hotel |
| Check-in | The process of registering at a hotel |
| Check-out | The process of leaving a hotel |
| Early check-out | Leaving before the standard time |
| Late check-out | Leaving after the standard time |
| Vacancies | Available rooms |
| No vacancies | No rooms available |
| Key | A device for opening locks |
| Booking | A reservation |
| Reservation | An arrangement to secure accommodations |
| To book a room | To reserve a room |
| To cancel a booking | To withdraw a reservation |
| Room service | Service of food to hotel rooms |
| Housekeeping | The cleaning and maintenance of rooms |
| Lobby | The entrance hall of a hotel |
| Lift / Elevator | A platform for moving between floors |
| Car park / Parking lot | An area for parking vehicles |
| Floor | A level of a building |
| Stairs | Steps leading from one floor to another |
Room Types and Amenities
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Room | A space within a building |
| Single room | A room for one person |
| Double room | A room for two people |
| Suite | A set of rooms designated for one person’s use |
| Bed | A piece of furniture for sleeping |
| Single bed | A bed for one person |
| Double bed | A bed for two people |
| Bathroom | A room containing a bath or shower |
| Shower | A device for washing the body |
| Sink | A basin for washing |
| Bath towel | A large towel for drying after bathing |
| Air conditioning | A system for cooling indoor air |
| Breakfast | The first meal of the day |
| Half board | Accommodation with breakfast and one other meal |
| Full board | Accommodation with all meals included |
Restaurants and Food
Types of Restaurants
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | A place where people pay to eat meals |
| Sushi restaurant | A restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine |
| Seafood restaurant | A restaurant specializing in fish and shellfish |
| Fast food restaurant | A restaurant serving quick meals |
| Bakery | A place where bread and cakes are made or sold |
| Café | A small restaurant selling light meals and drinks |
Staff and Service
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Waiter | A man who serves food and drinks |
| Waitress | A woman who serves food and drinks |
| Chef | A professional cook |
| A table for two | A request for seating for two people |
Meals and Dishes
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Menu | A list of food and drinks with prices |
| Breakfast | The first meal of the day |
| Lunch | A meal eaten in the middle of the day |
| Dinner | The main meal of the day |
| Dish | A particular variety of food |
| Appetizer | A small dish before the main course |
| Starter | The first course of a meal |
| Main course | The principal dish of a meal |
| Dessert | The sweet course at the end of a meal |
| Snack | A light meal |
| Traditional dish | A dish typical of a particular region |
| Dish of the day / Today’s special | A specially featured dish |
| Meat | Animal flesh used as food |
| Fish | An aquatic animal used as food |
| Vegetables | Plants or parts of plants used as food |
| Cheese | A food made from milk |
Cooking and Dietary Requirements
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Well done | Cooked thoroughly |
| Medium | Cooked to a moderate degree |
| Rare | Cooked for only a short time |
| Very rare | Barely cooked |
| Vegetarian | Not containing meat |
| Vegan | Not containing any animal products |
| Gluten-free | Not containing gluten |
Drinks and Payment
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Beverage | A drink |
| To eat | To consume food |
| To drink | To consume liquid |
| Bill | A statement of charges for food and drink |
| Tip | Money given for good service |
| Change | Money returned when payment exceeds the amount due |
| Reservation | A booking for a table |
Activities and Attractions
Tourist Places
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Museum | A building displaying objects of interest |
| Monument | A structure built to commemorate something |
| Park | A public area of land for recreation |
| Beach | A sandy or pebbly shore |
| Theatre | A building for dramatic performances |
| Castle | A large fortified building |
| Lake | A large body of water |
| Gallery | A building for displaying art |
| Exhibition | A public display of art or items |
| Zoo | A place where animals are kept for public viewing |
| Aquarium | A transparent tank of water with fish |
| Concert | A musical performance |
| Festival | A celebration or series of events |
| Market | A place where goods are sold |
| Shopping center | A large building with many shops |
Types of Tours
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Guided tour | A tour led by a guide |
| Self-tour | A tour done independently |
| Tour | A journey for pleasure |
| Tour guide | A person who leads tours |
| Travel guide | A book of information for travelers |
| Tourist attraction | A place of interest to tourists |
| Tourist trail | A route for tourists to follow |
| Sightseeing | The activity of visiting interesting places |
| Booking | A reservation |
Activities
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hike | A long walk in the countryside |
| Cruise | A voyage on a ship for pleasure |
| Map | A diagram showing geographical features |
| Souvenir | A thing kept as a reminder of a place |
Practical Information
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | The times when a place is open |
| Closing hours | The times when a place closes |
| Ticket | A piece of paper allowing entry |
| Entrance fee | The cost of admission |
| Closed | Not open |
Practical Situations and Emergencies
Asking for Help
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Excuse me | A polite way to get attention |
| Can you help me? | A request for assistance |
| Where is…? | A question asking for location |
| How much is it? | A question asking for price |
| Do you speak English? | A question about language ability |
| I don’t understand | A statement of confusion |
| Can you repeat? | A request to say something again |
| Thank you | An expression of gratitude |
| You’re welcome | A response to thanks |
| Sorry | An expression of apology |
| Please | A word used to make a polite request |
Emergencies and Problems
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Help! | A cry for assistance |
| Emergency | A serious, unexpected situation |
| Police | Law enforcement officers |
| Hospital | A place for medical treatment |
| Doctor | A medical practitioner |
| Pharmacy | A place where medicines are sold |
| I’m lost | I don’t know where I am |
| I lost my passport | I cannot find my passport |
| I lost my room key | I cannot find my room key |
| Call the police | Contact law enforcement |
| I need help | I require assistance |
| I need help with my luggage | I require assistance with my bags |
Money and Exchange
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Money | Medium of exchange |
| Cash | Money in coins or notes |
| Credit card | A card for making payments |
| Exchange rate | The value of one currency in terms of another |
| Change | Money returned after a purchase |
| Bank | A financial institution |
| ATM | Automated teller machine |
Travel Idioms and Expressions
Common Expressions
| English | Definition |
|---|---|
| Business trip | A journey for work purposes |
| Road trip | A journey by car |
| Honeymoon | A vacation taken by newlyweds |
| Go on honeymoon | To take a honeymoon trip |
| Package holiday | An organized vacation |
| School trip | An educational journey with school |
| Study trip | A journey for educational purposes |
| Round trip | A journey to a place and back |
| One-way trip | A journey in one direction only |
| Day trip | A journey completed in one day |
| Travel insurance | Insurance covering travel risks |
| Jet lag | Tiredness from crossing time zones |
| Be going on the trip | To be part of the journey |
| Break a journey | To stop during a long journey |
| Guilt trip | Making someone feel guilty |
| Travel journal | A diary of travel experiences |
| Travellers / Travelers | People who travel |
| Travelling companion | Someone who travels with you |
| Trip down memory lane | Remembering the past |
| You’re in for a shock! | You’ll be surprised! |
Essential Travel Phrases
At the Airport
- “Where is the nearest subway station?” → Asking for directions to public transport
- “The flight to London is delayed” → Information about flight status
- “Boarding starts 40 minutes before take-off” → Airport announcement
- “Can you show me your boarding pass please?” → Request from airport staff
- “Fasten your seatbelt” → Safety instruction on aircraft
- “Where is the rental car agency?” → Asking for car rental location
On Transport
- “When is the next train to London?” → Asking about train schedules
- “Where can I buy a train ticket?” → Asking about ticket purchase
- “What platform does the train leave from?” → Asking about departure platform
- “Where is the subway station?” → Asking for directions
At the Hotel
- “I would like to book a room” → Making a reservation
- “We have a reservation in the name of…” → Confirming a booking
- “Check-out is before 12 AM” → Information about departure time
- “Could you give me the Wi-Fi code please?” → Requesting internet access
- “I lost my room key” → Reporting a problem
At the Restaurant
- “I would like to book a table for two please” → Making a reservation
- “What would you like to drink?” → Waiter’s question
- “Are you ready to order?” → Waiter’s question
- “Do you have any vegetarian dishes?” → Asking about menu options
- “I will take the cheeseburger please” → Placing an order
- “Can I get the bill please?” → Requesting the check
- “Keep the change!” → Giving a tip
For Sightseeing
- “Could you recommend a good restaurant around here?” → Asking for recommendations
- “Can I have a map of the city, please?” → Requesting a map
- “Is there a guided tour in English?” → Asking about tour availability
- “What time does the museum open?” → Asking about opening hours
- “How do I get to the hotel from here?” → Asking for directions
- “What is the exchange rate for euros?” → Asking about currency exchange
