15 Useful English Phrases for Travel

Travelling is so exhilarating, isn’t it? 

From the energetic excitement of the airport or train station

to the colourful cultural experience of a new City,

or even the serene sanctuary of a quiet escape; travelling

and exploring allows us to learn and grow in ways we didn’t know we could.

And it helps to know the local language, right? 

As you are a lover of travel, I’m sure you have mastered the basics of making bookings

and asking for directions, so now let’s put the cherry on the top of your travel vocabulary

with some DIFFERENT but really USEFUL phrases?  

Have your notebook to hand, or simply download the free PDF worksheet that I have created

for you.

Simply click on the link below. 

A: What made you visit our Country...

    B: In the Alps?

Ha, no…I just needed to get away from it all.

                   A: I can understand that, well I hope you enjoy

your trip.

“To get away from it all”  All is ‘the usual’, ‘the routine’,

your day to day life.

Sometimes you just want to get away from it. 

Have a break from the familiar, a change of scenery.   

A: Are you off anywhere nice

on your holidays?

B: Didn’t I tell you?

I’ve booked two weeks in Majorca.

A: Oh lovely, I love Majorca!

B: All inclusive, for 4 of us, for two weeks; £1200. 

                   A: You’re joking?

                   B: No, my Daniel has a friend who’s a travel agent

and he got us a special discount. 

A: £1200 though… that’s such great value for money.

B: I know.

And I can’t wait.

We leave on Monday and the weather is set to be hot hot hot.

I am going to get the best tan ever. 

“Value for Money” This means the best combination of cost and quality that meet

your travel needs.

When looking for hotels or package deals,

we always try to find the best “value for money” option.  

A: I can’t wait to get on that plane and

set off on my adventure!

B: Just focus on packing please.

Backpacking isn’t easy, you have to pack for all eventualities and yet, you have to

travel light. 

A: Don’t worry mum, I will have everything I need, and if not, I have my credit card. 

B: Have you planned out where you are going for the first leg of this adventure?

You need to make sure you fully research each area and avoid the tourist traps. 

A: Of course mum, stop stressing. 

Though I will be visiting the iconic places, like Ayers Rock and the Sydney Opera House,

they’re on my bucket list, so I may as well while I’m in the area. 

We just covered four phrases there, let’s break them down. 

“Set off” – This is a commonly used phrasal verb.

It means to begin your journey. 

So once you’ve decided where you want to go to get away from it all. 

You book your trip, pack your bags and set off.

Bon Voyage! 

B: Just focus on packing please.

Backpacking isn’t easy, you have to pack for all eventualities and yet, you have to

travel light.

“Travel Light”-  This means to pack only what you really need and leave behind any

unnecessary extras. 

Depending on where you are going, it might be a good idea to travel light! 

This also allows space in your luggage to bring back souvenirs.

B: You need to make sure you fully research each area and avoid the tourist traps.)

“Tourist Trap”- A tourist trap refers to areas or establishments that provide goods

and entertainment for tourists, often at higher prices. 

While you tick-off the items on your bucket list, be careful

of the tourist traps. 

Research your destinations carefully to avoid overpaying.

“Bucket list” - A bucket list is a list of things you would really like to do. 

A holiday bucket list might include all the places you’d like to see and things you’d

like to do while on holiday. 

Having a bucket list can help you to plan your trip

so that you are able to get the most out of it. 

A: So, what is on your bucket list for your trip to the UK?

B: There are so many things I want to see but number one on my list is Stonehenge!

“Hit the Road”- if you are a confident traveler you may want to “hit the road”

on your own. 

To “hit the road” means to set off on a journey, often, but not always by road. 

Going out and about on your own can be fun, and a great way to see the sights and meet

the locals.

“I think I’m going to hit the road and do a bit of sight-seeing along the coast today!”

“Grotty Area”- Every town and city in the world has one!

An area that is not very pleasant and is possibly not safe. 

Grotty is a slang word that can refer to dirty, cheap or unpleasant. 

Depending on what you want from your trip, you may want to stay away from the grotty

areas. 

“My Hotel was very cheap but it was in such a grotty area!”

“Off the beaten track”- While out on the road, exploring the sights, you might feel

the urge to go “off the beaten track”. 

This means to explore places that may be slightly secluded and less travelled.

You might need to connect with nature or explore old towns. 

Ask the locals to recommend sights that are “off the beaten track”.

“Out of Season”- this refers to a time of year when a place may be less popular to

visit due to weather or other factors. 

Sometimes visiting a destination “out of season” can be very rewarding. 

There are usually less tourists around at this time which means it is generally less

busy. 

Less queuing and less waiting.

It might be cheaper to travel at this time too, so

more value for money.

“Hop on/Hop Off” –  Perhaps you are not quite confident enough to be driving yourself

around. 

Well then, you can buy yourself a ticket and “hop on” a nearby bus until you reach

your destination where you can then “hop off” and explore! 

“Within Walking Distance”-  When doing your own walking tours, it is advisable to

keep a map with you so that you don’t get lost. 

Sometimes though, if you have a destination in mind while you are walking around, you

could ask a local if it is “within walking distance?”.

“Excuse me Sir, is Minack Theatre within walking distance from here?”

“Do as the locals do”  - this means to embrace the customs of the area you are visiting.  

Participating in some of the local customs is a really fun way to meet people and learn 

  more about their cultures. 

So, when you are planning to go out, ask your host where to go so that you might “do as

the locals do”.

 “Put somebody up”- this means to provide somebody with a place to stay for a short time.

While it is not very likely that you will be “putting somebody up”, who knows, perhaps

you’ll find someone who would “put you up” for a few days.

“See you Off”- to see someone off means to accompany them to their point of departure. 

If you have befriended someone on your trip, they may offer to “see you off”. 

This may be to your taxi or even to your plane!

And there you have it! 

These phrases should have you living it up like a local and nattering like a native.  

Thank you for watching, until next time, take care and goodbye!