Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions in English
Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Travelling abroad is one of life’s most incredible adventures. When we plan a holiday, a business trip, or a study programme, English is often the common language used at airports, hotels, and tourist destinations. In today’s lesson, we will explore foreign travel vocabulary and expressions in English.
Travel vocabulary
Here is some common vocabulary you will need when talking about foreign travel:
| Vocabulary word or phrase | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Itinerary | a detailed plan of your journey. | Our travel agent prepared a three-day itinerary for Rome. |
| Jet lag | the tiredness caused by travelling across different time zones. | I had terrible jet lag after flying from London to Tokyo. |
| Customs | the place at an airport where officials check your luggage. Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions | We went through customs quickly because we had nothing to declare. |
| Layover | a short stop between flights. | We had a five-hour layover in Dubai before flying to Sydney. |
| Visa | official permission to enter another country. | You need a visa if you want to visit the United States. |
| Boarding pass | a card that allows you to enter a plane. | You must show your boarding pass before entering the aircraft. |
| Departure lounge | the waiting area at the airport before your flight. | We spent two hours in the departure lounge because our flight was delayed. |
| Baggage claim | the area where you collect your luggage after a flight. | Meet me at baggage claim after we land. |
| Overhead compartment | the storage space above your seat on the plane. | Please place small bags in the overhead compartment. |
| Turbulence | irregular movement of the plane due to weather conditions. Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions | The flight was fine except for some turbulence over the mountains. |
| Currency exchange | a place where you change money into local currency. | We went to a currency exchange before leaving the airport. |
| Travel insurance | protection against risks like illness, theft, or accidents during travel. | It’s always wise to buy travel insurance for international trips. |
| All-inclusive | a holiday package including accommodation, meals, and drinks. | We booked an all-inclusive resort in Turkey. |
| Souvenir | something you buy to remember your trip. | She bought a small Eiffel Tower keyring as a souvenir. |
| Tourist trap | a place which attracts many tourists but is overpriced or not authentic. | That café near the Colosseum was such a tourist trap. |
| Red-eye flight | an overnight flight that arrives early in the morning. | I took the red-eye flight from New York to London. |
| Jetsetter | someone who travels frequently and luxuriously. | She’s a real jetsetter, always posting photos from exotic places. |
Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions
Phrasal verbs for travel
English phrasal verbs are very common in travel conversations:
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Check in | to register at a hotel or airport. | We checked in online to save time at the airport. |
| Set off | to begin a journey. | We set off early in the morning to avoid traffic. |
| Take off | when an aircraft leaves the ground. | The plane took off smoothly despite the rain. |
| Get away | to go on holiday. | We’re hoping to get away for a few days this summer. |
| Pick up | to collect someone or something. | I’ll pick you up from the airport at 6 p.m. |
Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions
Common expressions for travellers
At the airport & on the plane
“Where is the check-in desk?” – asking for directions at the airport.
“Could I have an aisle seat, please?” – when choosing your seat on the plane.
“Is this the right gate for Flight 247?” – checking before boarding.
“How long is the flight?” – asking for travel duration.
“Excuse me, could I get a blanket/pillow?” – a polite request on the plane.
At immigration & customs
“Here is my passport and boarding pass.” – when showing documents.
“I have nothing to declare.” – a standard phrase at customs.
“How long can I stay on this visa?” – useful for travellers unsure about regulations.
At the hotel
“I have a reservation under the name…” – checking into a hotel.
“Is breakfast included?” – asking about hotel services.
“Could I have a late check-out?” – requesting to leave later than usual.
“Can you call me a taxi?” – asking the hotel staff for help.
Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions
Getting around
“How much is the fare to the city centre?” – asking about the cost of a taxi/bus/train.
“Does this bus go to the airport?” – checking routes.
“Could you show me on the map?” – asking locals for help with directions.
While sightseeing
“What time does the museum open/close?” – practical for tourists.
“Are there guided tours available?” – asking for organised visits.
“Can we take photos here?” – checking cultural rules.
“How much is the entrance fee?” – asking about tickets.
Travel idioms
Idioms make your English sound more natural.
To hit the road
Meaning: to begin a journey.
- As soon as we packed the car, we hit the road.
To travel light
Meaning: to take very little luggage.
- She always travels light, just a backpack and a smile.
Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions
Off the beaten track
Meaning: in a place not visited by many tourists.
- We found a charming village off the beaten track in Spain.
To broaden your horizons
Meaning: to expand your experiences.
- Studying abroad really broadened my horizons.
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