Vocabulary for Travel: Essential Words for Travelers

As a perspective getting instruction from an English teacher, I must acknowledge that going to a different country has a lot of exciting features, but it can be daunting as well, especially if you are still in the process of learning a language. Knowing the right words and phrases can enhance your travel experience. This article will focus on vocabulary related to travel that a beginner English student must learn. These words will assist you in every major area during your trip such as different airports, hotels, restaurants etc.

1. At the Airport

Airports can be a little disorienting at times especially in a place where you do not know the language. Here are some terms that you will come across when you are looking for any flight as well as when you are at the airport waiting for your flight.

Ticket : This is the document you obtain and pay for before you are allowed to board the aircraft.
Example: How can I do a ticket check on the internet?
Boarding pass : You will receive this document which can be either in paper or electronic form in order to get access to the plane.
Example: Remember to keep the boarding pass either saved to your mobile or take a hard copy.
Gate : This is the waiting area for the passengers before they board the aircraft.
Example: At 3 p.m. we will be departing gate 12.
Departures : The term used to refer to the part of the airport in which aeroplanes take off.
Example: Visit the departures terminal when it is time for your flight.
Arrivals : The zone in an airport which is designated for incoming flights and other passengers moving out of the aircraft.
Example: When your flight enters arrivals I will be there to meet you.
Baggage/Luggage : Refers to any packed items in trunks bags or cases that go on one's person.
Example: Is there a place I can retrieve my baggage after I have landed?
Cabin luggage : A small sized bag that sometimes may be carried onto the airplane.
Example: Would this bag class as cabin luggage because of its size?
Aircraft Security area : This area is for passengers and their bags and confiscates them for safety.
Example: Before coming through the security check, please take off your shoes and jacket.

2. In the Arena of the Plane

A few words will come in handy so as to enhance your experience of the flight.

Aisle : The passage and seating area of the plane cabin.
Example: I would love to sit in one of the aisle seats as that even allows some legroom.
Window seat : This is the seat that is indentured and is attached very closely to the opening where one can view the outside from the airplane.
Example: Can I please sit by the window when the seat arrangements are being done?
Seatbelt : A strap that is intended to be worn during take off, landing and when turbulence kicks in.
Example: Kindly ensure that your seatbelt is fastened whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
Flight attendant : The flight staff responsible for passenger assistance in the aircraft.
Example: She was served a glass of water by the flight attendant.
Overhead compartment : This is an area located above the seat where you can put your bags for storage.
Example: Place your hand luggage into the overhead compartment.

3. Arriving at the Hotel

Upon reaching your final destination, there will be certain hotel terms when checked in and when inquiring for services that will come in handy.

Reservation : An engagement to use a facility such as a room or service in advance.
Example: I would like to check in, I've made a reservation for two nights under the name Smith.
Check-in : The stage when a guest arrives and presents their registration form and is given a room key card.
Example: Until what time can guests check in at this particular hotel?
Check-out : The final time when a guest departs the establishment and finalizes the payment for services.
Example: Please note that checkout should be completed by 1100 hours.
Room service : This is a type of service that allows requesting food or other related items to be delivered to one's room.
Example: This morning, I called room services and ordered breakfast.
Housekeeping : Those responsible for cleaning and organizing the room provided to the guest.
Example: Cleaning staff have replaced the towels in the room with new ones.
Key card : It is a card which is electronic and is meant for opening the door of a hotel room.
Example: You will need your key card to be able to access the gym as well.
Lobby : The area in a hotel where the reception desk is located.
Example: Let's meet inside the hotel lobby at 7 pm.

4. In Restaurants And Cafes

These phrases will assist you in ordering food or speaking in the order in which you find it necessary when you are in a restaurant setting, whether it is fast casual or formal sit down.

Menu : The implied term is that it is a sheet listing all the meals and drinks that the restaurant sells.
Example: Would I be able to take a look at the menu, please?
Order : This means to request for food or drinks.
Example: I would like to order a salad but the salad dressing separated.
Bill/Check : It is the document that bears the figures indicating the total amount of money to be paid for a meal.
Example: Would you be able to please bring us the check?
Tip : The additional money paid to a waiter for excellent service is usually a percentage of the billed amount.
Example: There is nothing wrong when leaving a tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Reservation : This can mean that one has set aside a table at a hotel or restaurant for use at a designated occasion in the future.
Example: Are reservations required for us to have dinner this evening?
Takeaway/To go : An order that you place to have your food packed and carried out from a restaurant.
Example: I would like to get this sandwich to go, please.

5. Asking for Directions

Whenever you are in an unfamiliar place you should learn how to communicate and how to make sense of directions. Useful phrases include the following:

Direction : Toward the desired location, precisely the point of which is needed.
Example: Can you show me directions to the train station?
Map : An art of geographic navigation, which incorporates streets, avenues, landmarks, and other significant points.
Example: Is there a map of this city I could borrow for the time being?
Near/Far : Terms of proximity which attract important references as in places or even individual persons.
Example: Do you know whether the museum is near here or is it far off?
Turn left/tune right : Indicating the direction to be turned while moving from one place to another.
Example: The next street is on your right and the café is at the end.
Intersection : The conjunction of two or more streets at any one point.
Example: At the traffic lights intersection turn right.
Straight ahead : To maintain the previous course and continue going without pretty turning.
Example: The lady at the supermarket said the post office would be straight ahead for five hundred meters.

6. Public Transportation

It is apparent that the use of public transport is becoming more popular, particularly in metropolitan areas. Below are important words to help you understand and use public transport systems.

Bus stop : A place designated for buses to pick up or drop off passengers.
Example: Can you tell me if there is a bus stop close to the hotel?
Train station : A place where trains go in and come out of.
Example: We have to go to the main train station if we want to board the train to Paris.
Ticket : A form of pass or receipt that enables one to use the services of public transport.
Example: Do you know where I can get a ticket for the subway?
Platform : This is the region where a person looks forward to get on a train.
Example: The London bound train will leave from platform number 3.
Taxi : A car that you hire in order for it to take you to a certain point.
Example: We called a taxi to take us from the airport to the hotel.
Route : This is a track, way, or direction that a bus, train, or taxi uses to get to a particular point.
Example: What is the quickest route to the museum, if this is the place I'm starting from?

7. Emergencies

Emergencies are almost inevitable in some instances and if one arises while you're on your travels, it helps to know how to say what has happened to you.

Emergency : A dire or unforeseen situation that calls for immediate action.
Example: If there's an emergency, do not hesitate and call 911.
Police : The law enforcement officers who assist with the order and security in society.
Example: Report the theft at the police station close to the hotel.
Ambulance : In case of a medical emergency, it conveys people to the hospital.
Example: An ambulance reached the place of accident within a short time.
Hospital : A health institution that provides patients with treatment as well as care.
Example: Those that sense that they are severely ill should proceed to the hospital.
Pharmacy : A place where medicines can be purchased.
Example: I have to go to the pharmacy to buy a few tablets for the headache.