40 Useful English Phrases for Travelling Abroad

Imagine this: You’ve just landed in a new country. You’re at the airport, tired after a long flight, and you need to find your hotel. Suddenly, you realize – you don’t know the right words to ask for directions.
That’s where learning English phrases for travelling abroad can save the day. Whether you’re checking into a hotel, ordering food, or asking for help, these phrases make your trip smoother and stress-free. Let’s go through 40 of the most useful ones you’ll want to keep handy.
🛫 Essential English Phrases for the Airport
Travel often begins at the airport. These phrases help you manage check-in, security, and boarding without confusion.
- “Where is the check-in counter for [airline]?”
- “Can I see your boarding pass?” (You’ll often hear this)
- “What time does the boarding gate close?”
- “Is this the line for security check?”
- “Excuse me, where is baggage claim?”
🏨 English Phrases for Hotels Abroad
Hotels are another key part of travelling. Use these polite phrases to check in and feel at ease.
- “I’d like to check in, please.”
- “Do you have a room available for tonight?”
- “Can I have the Wi-Fi password?”
- “Is breakfast included?”
- “Could you call me a taxi, please?”
👉 If you want to sound extra polite, check out our post on 30 Polite Ways to Say Thank You in English-it’s a great way to level up your travel conversations.
🍽️ Useful English Phrases for Restaurants
Ordering food can be tricky if English isn’t your first language. These phrases will help you enjoy your meal stress-free.
- “Can I see the menu, please?”
- “Do you have any vegetarian options?”
- “Could I have some water, please?”
- “I’d like the chicken with rice, please.”
- “Can we split the bill?”
🛍️ English Phrases for Shopping Abroad
Whether you’re at a souvenir shop or a big mall, these phrases are handy.
- “How much does this cost?”
- “Do you accept credit cards?”
- “Can I try this on?”
- “Do you have this in a different size?”
- “I’m just looking, thank you.”
🚕 English Phrases for Getting Around
From taxis to public transport, these sentences will help you move around confidently.
- “How much is the fare to downtown?”
- “Can you take me to [address]?”
- “Where is the nearest bus stop?”
- “Does this train go to the city center?”
- “How long will it take to get there?”
🆘 Emergency English Phrases Abroad
No one wants emergencies, but it’s good to be prepared.
- “I need help!”
- “Can you call the police?”
- “Where is the nearest hospital?”
- “I lost my passport.”
- “Can I use your phone?”
❓ FAQ: Common Questions About English Phrases for Travelling Abroad
Q. What are the most important English phrases for travelling abroad?
A. The most important ones include: “Where is…?”, “How much does this cost?”, “I need help,” and “Can you call me a taxi?”
Q. How can I remember these travel English phrases?
A. Practice before your trip. Write them down, repeat them daily, or even role-play common travel situations.
Q. Do I need to know perfect grammar for travelling abroad?
A. Not at all. Simple phrases are usually enough — locals appreciate the effort, even if grammar isn’t perfect.
🌍 Quick Recap
- Airport phrases help you check in and board smoothly.
- Hotel phrases make your stay comfortable.
- Restaurant and shopping phrases make daily life easier.
- Travel and emergency phrases keep you safe and confident.
🚀 Final Tip for Travelers
Learning these English phrases for travelling abroad is like carrying a small travel survival kit. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.
👉 Which phrase do you think you’ll use first on your next trip? Share it in the comments!
