Travel English Essentials: Words and Phrases You’ll Actually Use
- James Batchelor
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
You’ve booked your trip. Your bags are packed. But are you ready to speak travel English once you arrive?It’s not just about knowing a few basic words — it’s about using the right ones for the situation, and avoiding the false friends that can confuse English speakers.
In this guide, you’ll find essential vocabulary for travel, plus small but important differences between US and UK English — and even some common traps for French speakers. If you are following one of my English courses with CPF in Vincennes or using my e-learning tools to prepare for a trip, these words will feel familiar.
1. At the Airport ✈️
Airports are where your holiday begins… and where your patience is tested.
Useful words and phrases
boarding pass – the document you need to get on the plane.
gate – where you wait to board.
layover (US) / stopover (UK) – a short stay between connecting flights.
check-in – the process of registering before your flight.
security check – where your bags and belongings are screened.
Mind the Difference
US vs UK: “carry-on” (US) / “hand luggage” (UK) — both mean bagage à main.
French vs English: Avoid “control” for “security check.” In English, say “security screening” or “security check.”
2. On the Train or Bus 🚆
Trains and buses are great… until you realise you’re on the wrong one.
Useful words and phrases
platform – the area where you board the train.
fare – the price you pay for your journey.
timetable (UK) / schedule (US) – the list of departure and arrival times.
one-way (US) / single (UK) – a ticket for travel in one direction.
round trip (US) / return (UK) – a ticket to your destination and back.
Mind the Difference
Ticket vs fare: A ticket is proof of payment; the fare is the cost.
In French, retour means “return ticket,” not “coming back.”
3. At the Hotel 🏨
Hotels are where you rest, recharge… and realise you forgot your charger.
Useful words and phrases
reservation / booking – both mean you have arranged a place in advance.
double room – a room for two people.
check in – register when you arrive.
check out – pay and leave.
complimentary breakfast – breakfast included in the price.
Mind the Difference
“Booking” is more common in the UK, “reservation” in the US.
“Complimentary” means free of charge, not “nice” or “polite.”
4. Eating Out 🍽️
Dining abroad is exciting — until you order something you can’t identify.
Useful words and phrases
bill (UK) / check (US) – what you pay after a meal.
set menu / fixed menu – a menu with a set price for several courses.
starter (UK) / appetizer (US) – the first course.
main course (UK) / entrée (US) – the main dish.
Mind the Difference
In the US, “entrée” means the main course, not the starter — the opposite of French.
When ordering: US: “I want a large Coke.” UK: “I’d like a large Coke.” Avoid “big Coca.”
5. Special Occasions While Travelling 💍
Sometimes travel is about beaches… sometimes it’s about sitting in a suit for five hours.
Useful words and phrases
wedding – the ceremony.
marriage – the state of being married.
reception – the celebration after the ceremony.
honeymoon – the holiday after a wedding.
Mind the Difference
In French, mariage covers both “marriage” and “wedding.” In English, they are different.
6. Emergencies 🚨
Nothing ruins a trip faster than an emergency — except maybe losing your passport.
Useful words and phrases
pharmacy (US) / chemist’s (UK) – where you buy medicine.
police station – where you go for official help.
lost property (UK) / lost and found (US) – where lost items are kept.
emergency services – police, ambulance, and fire brigade.
Mind the Difference
In the UK, “chemist’s” can refer to both the shop and the pharmacist. In the US, “pharmacy” is the standard term.
Grammar Corner: Phrasal Verbs for Travelling
These little verb + preposition combinations can save you in big ways.
check in – register when you arrive.
check out – pay and leave.
get on / get off – enter or leave a train, bus, or plane.
look for – try to find something.
fill out – complete a form.
Final Word
Mastering these travel words — and the small differences between US and UK English — will help you feel more confident abroad. If you are following one of my English courses with CPF or taking private tutoring in English with me in Vincennes, we can practise these words in realistic travel scenarios. You can also use my e-learning resources to learn at your own pace before your trip.
Quick Quiz
Test yourself before your next boarding call.
Match each word to its meaning:
Fare
Check in
Layover
Starter
Complimentary
a) Register at a hotel or airport
b) First course of a meal
c) A short stop between flights
d) Free of charge
e) The price of a ticket
(Answers: 1-e, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b, 5-d)
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