Travel English: Airports, Hotels, and Directions
The practical vocabulary and phrases you actually need when travelling — checking in, asking directions, and handling problems.
Travel English is small and repetitive. A few dozen words and phrases cover almost every situation.
At the airport
Key words: departures, arrivals, gate, boarding pass, check-in, luggage / baggage, delayed, cancelled
- Where is the check-in desk?
- Is the flight on time? — No, it's delayed.
- Which gate is it?
- I'd like a window seat, please.
At the hotel
Key words: reservation, single / double room, key card, check-in, check-out, floor
- I have a reservation under the name Petrov.
- What time is check-out?
- Is breakfast included?
Included is worth learning well — it decides whether you pay extra.
Asking for directions
- Excuse me, how do I get to the museum?
- Is it far? — No, about ten minutes on foot.
Understanding the answer matters more than asking:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| go straight on | continue forward |
| turn left / right | change direction |
| take the second right | the second turning on your right |
| it's on your left | you will see it on that side |
| opposite the bank | facing the bank |
| next to the station | beside the station |
Public transport
Key words: single / return ticket, platform, timetable, change (trains)
- A return ticket to Oxford, please.
- Which platform?
- Do I need to change?
Note: single = one way, return = there and back.
When something goes wrong
- I've lost my luggage.
- My flight was cancelled.
- I think I'm lost.
- Could you help me, please?
Try it yourself
The quiz below puts these into real travel situations.