95 Spanish Travel Phrases And Expressions You Need to Learn With Pronunciation
If you’re looking to learn some basic Spanish for a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, going the whole “grammar and word list” route is a bit complex and time-consuming.
Good news: learning Spanish travel phrases instead won’t only help you learn Spanish you can use right away in conversations…
Contrary to what many people think, such phrases aren’t even just a quick “hack” but a valid long-term strategy to learn Spanish and other languages (as I outline in my article about Spanish for beginners).
Anyway, more on that in a bit. First, let’s teach you some Spanish travel phrases!
1. Spanish Travel Phrases to Use Upon Arrival
First things first. If you’re planning to go to a Spanish-speaking country, learning how to greet people and be polite is a must. Otherwise, starting a Spanish conversation can be difficult.
No matter what kind of transportation you use to get to a Spanish-speaking place, you probably will have to deal with different kinds of workers.
The best thing you can do if you want to ask for information, or just catch some worker’s attention, is to be polite and show respect.
Keep in mind that if you want to be formal, you’ll say and conjugate verbs using “usted”. If you’re just talking with friends or someone you know, it’s enough to use “tú”.
Now, let’s see some chunks that will help you be ready on Arrival at your destination.
Spanish phrases for greetings and check-in
Spanish | English |
---|---|
Hi/ Hello. | |
Good morning. (more ways to say good morning in Spanish) | |
Good Afternoon. | |
Good Evening / night. | |
Could you tell me where the exit is? | |
Can you help me? | |
Do you speak English? | |
Do you know where I can collect my luggage? |
Since you’re trying to improve your Spanish, we would recommend not to use “¿Habla ingles?” as the first alternative. If you do it, natives will try to find someone that could speak with you in English.
Yet, if you find that communicating becomes complicated, it may save your day.
On the other hand, using “¿Me puede ayudar?” is among the best alternatives if you need help when arriving at the airport or any place. People will know immediately that you require assistance to do or get something.
If you use transportation like Taxis or Buses, dealing with luggage isn’t a challenge. But, if you take an airplane, and finding your luggage isn’t that easy, you can take advantage of the last phrase above.
No matter what your needs are, you should always use the following chunks if someone helps you or you ask for help.
Ask for help with these chunks
Spanish | English |
---|---|
Please | |
Thank you |
Saying “Por favor” and “Gracias” will not only help you to show respect. Also, they will indeed help you to “open” doors as people will always be willing to help you one more time.
For more airport Spanish, watch this video by Paulisima from Spring Spanish (a YouTube channel I co-founded):
2. Spanish Travel Phrases When You Need or Want Something
When traveling, Necesitar and Querer are two Spanish verbs that will help you in several situations.
There are plenty of Spanish chunks you can learn and use with Necesitar and Querer. However, we will stick to the most important.
Travel vocabulary in Spanish: Necesitar and Querer
Spanish | English |
---|---|
I need my luggage. | |
I need a bathroom. | |
I need a taxi. | |
I need to go to an ATM. | |
I need a hotel. | |
I need a room. | |
I want a double room. | |
I want a ticket. | |
I want to eat. | |
I want to go out partying. |
With these Spanish travel phrases, you’ll get any problem solved. From your basic needs to things on your bucket list like going partying in a Spanish-speaking country.
3. Spanish Travel Phrases for Partying
Latin American people are among the most cheerful people all over the world, and hanging out with them is an unforgettable activity.
You could learn the following Spanish phrases when you’re out having the best time of your life! 😉
Spanish Phrases for When You’re Partying
Spanish Phrase | English |
---|---|
I’m having a great time! | |
This is awesome! | |
Let’s have fun! | |
I’m partying! | |
The night is young! | |
Dance with me! | |
Cheers! | |
I’m enjoying to the fullest! | |
What a great atmosphere here! | |
I don’t want this night to end! |
There are plenty of other Spanish phrases for travel you could learn… and in general, learning as many fixed phrases as possible (or chunks, as we call them) will help you speak Spanish more effortlessly in all kinds of situations.
You can learn them through actual conversation, but also through Spanish podcasts, Spanish YouTube channels, or check out the best Spanish shows on Netflix.
If you’d like to learn more about learning Spanish through chunks, go ahead and request your free Spanish Chunking Starter Pack.
4. Spanish Travel Phrases When Asking for Directions
Although most Spanish speakers are quite friendly because of their culture and way of living, getting along with them on the streets may not be as simple as that. It’s because some people feel that talking to strangers isn’t appropriate or just “not safe”.
When approaching someone you don’t know on the streets, you must keep your distance and use some of the following Spanish phrases.
Approach someone with these chunks
Spanish | English |
---|---|
Hi, excuse me… | |
Excuse me, Mister/ Miss | |
Hello! Good morning/afternoon/night, excuse me… |
The approach is the most important step. After, it’s time to ask or request what you need. If you’re lost and you need an address or need help, the following chunks will help you get the job done.
Travel tips: Get help with these Spanish chunks
Spanish | English |
---|---|
Where can I take a taxi? | |
Where is the nearest bus stop? | |
Where is the nearest railway station? | |
Is there an ATM nearby? | |
¿Cuanto cuesta un boleto para…? | |
Is there any shopping center nearby? | |
Do you know how I can get to this address? |
After you get all you need and it’s time to move forward, saying “Gracias” to the ones who helped you is essential.
It’s always important to say thanks. It will help you end the conversation and leave an “open door” to ask for help again if necessary.
Time to see some of these phrases/chunks in action! Here’s Maria Fernanda, one of the Spring Spanish teachers:
5. Spanish Travel Phrases for the Hotel
If you’re a traveler there’s no doubt that you’ll face some challenges when looking for accommodation. Let’s imagine you need to get a room and you have to talk to the staff of a hotel. Depending on your needs, there are several things you’ll have to ask.
For example, room type, if the price includes breakfast, or other things like if you have access to the pool.
Solve challenges at a hotel with these Spanish phrases
Spanish | English |
---|---|
I have a reservation under the name of… | |
I need a room for two/three people | |
Does room cost include breakfast? | |
What time is breakfast? | |
Do you have room service? | |
Ocean view | |
City view | |
What is the wifi password? | |
Can I request a late checkout? | |
Where is the pool? |
Please note that if you have made a reservation, you’ll need either your name or a reservation number. If you get a reservation number, you would say “Hice una reserva con número….” instead of “Tengo una reserva a nombre de…”. Learn all the Spanish numbers.
Getting a room with breakfast included is generally a great option. In that scenario, you could say “Quiero el servicio de desayuno incluido” (I want breakfast included). No matter what you ask or need, remember to use formal language and make use of “usted”.
Here’s a good video about checking into a hotel, brought to you by Paulisima from Spring Spanish:
6. Spanish Travel Phrases for the Restaurant
After you managed to pack out everything in your hotel, you might want to grab something at the restaurant. Learning the basic travel phrases to order food will definitely help you when you’re hungry!
Useful travel phrases in a restaurant
Spanish | English |
---|---|
Do you have a table for dos people? | |
Can I have a menu, please? | |
What do you recommend? | |
What is the dish of the day? | |
I would like to order… | |
Do you have vegetarian/vegan options? | |
Can you make it without allergen? | |
How long does it take to prepare? | |
The bill, please. | |
Do you accept credit cards? | |
Where are the restrooms? | |
Can I have the check? | |
Thank you for the meal. | |
What’s the usual tip? |
7. Spanish Travel Phrases for the Hospital
Smart travelers always keep some medical supplies in their bags to face any kind of emergency. However, sometimes taking some pills won’t solve the problem, and learning Spanish travel phrases to deal with these situations is essential.
The following Spanish travel phrases will help you with your health-related concerns.
Spanish travel phrases: Health-related concerns
Spanish | English |
---|---|
Where’s the pharmacy/ drug store? | |
Is there a hospital nearby? | |
I don’t feel well / I feel sick. | |
Does the doctor speak English? | |
What medicine do I need? | |
International health insurance | |
Do I need a prescription? | |
When is the doctor’s appointment? | |
Doctor’s appointment | |
Follow-up appointment |
Although the Spanish chunks above will help you deal with most medical situations, sometimes, it’s necessary to explain any symptoms you might have. You can use “Yo tengo” before any of the Spanish words for travel shown below.
They’ll help you explain your symptoms and any Spanish-speaking doctor will have no problem at the moment of giving you the right prescription.
Explain symptoms with Spanish chunks
Spanish | English |
---|---|
A cold | |
Cough | |
Fever | |
Sore throat | |
Headach | |
Stomachache | |
Backache | |
Hangover | |
I have a runny nose. |
Tip: To make yourself understood to native speakers, especially in more complex situations like this, this article on Spanish connectors will come in handy. It’s an often-overlooked part of language learning but it can help you a lot.
Another tip: Want to see (and hear) all those phrases in action? Watch this video by Spring Spanish teacher Maura:
8. Spanish Travel Phrases for Everyday Situations
Although we provided you with the most important phrases for every possible situation, there are still some useful phrases left. Check out the following table to learn some of the most used Spanish travel phrases for everyday situations.
Use these phrases in everyday situations
Spanish | English |
---|---|
How are you? | |
What is your name? | |
How much does this cost? | |
Can you recommend a good restaurant? | |
What time is it? | |
What is today’s date? | |
Where can I get a map? | |
I am here on vacation | |
What’s the best way to get there? | |
I love this place | |
I’m enjoying it a lot | |
Can you take a photo of us? |
9. Spanish Travel Phrases: Your Key to Effortless Conversations in Any Spanish-Speaking Country
No matter what Spanish-speaking country you visit, keeping these Spanish phrases for travel will indeed help you deal with any scenario.
Let’s check out a Spanish conversation with some basic Spanish travel phrases:
Ana: Hola, disculpe…
(Hello, excuse me…)
Berta: ¡Hola! ¿En qué puedo ayudarte?
(Hello! How can I help you?)
Ana: ¿Sabe cómo llegar a esta dirección?
(Do you know how to get to this address?)
Berta: Sí, claro. ¿A qué dirección necesitas ir?
(Yes, of course. What address do you need to go to?)
Ana: Un hotel en la Calle Principal.
(A hotel on Main Street.)
Berta: Está cerca. Camina dos cuadras hacia el oeste.
(It’s nearby. Walk two blocks west.)
Ana: Hice una reserva con número 16.
(I made a reservation with the number 16.)
Berta: Perfecto. Disfruta tu estadía.
(Perfect. Enjoy your stay.)
Ana: ¡Gracias!
(Thank you!)
Berta: De nada. ¡Que tengas un buen día!
(You’re welcome. Have a nice day!)
LISTEN TO THE WHOLE CONVERSATION:
Of course, if communicating becomes too complex, don’t hesitate to use the old life-saving phrase “¿Habla ingles?”.
Want more?
Requesting your free Spanish Chunking Starter Pack from Effortless Conversation is the best you can do if you’re planning to visit a Spanish-speaking destination. You’ll build your confidence and will feel much more comfortable when speaking Spanish.