Get inspiration from around the world with these catchy and creative travel words in other languages >> A list of the best words for travel lovers. ❤️
Travel. It can leave you speechless and then turn you into a storyteller. The experience has a tendency to make us feel a plethora of emotions and when you’re reliving those times there may not be an accurate word to describe the travel experience, the adventure, the magic, the moments, or the way you felt.
This loss of words is more common than you may think. Especially since the English language is limited when it comes to words related to travel or words to describe a person who loves to travel.
Sure, you could use the popular travel word wanderlust, but it is also often way overused (have you noticed every new travel influencer and their dog jumping on the wanderlust-wagon?).
Rather use these wanderlust synonyms below instead.
Wanderlust (n.)
Origin: German
Definition: A strong, innate, impulse or desire to travel the world
How do you explain your deep-seated need to get away or the desire to always be on the move and live a nomad existence? Is there a travel-related word to describe the mix of excitement and anxiety one feels on starting a new journey?
Are there other creative words for travellers to articulate the curiosity to experience other cultures, other exotic foods, other landscapes, and other ways of life around the world?
How can you express the profound feeling of awe you feel on the awareness of the vastness and beauty of the universe when observing the stars? Or the thrill of discovering a hidden waterfall during a hike up a mountain to catch the last sunset?
Fortunately, there are foreign words from other cultures and different languages to voice these special moments. These beautiful travel words, often with no English equivalent, are meant to educate and inspire you. And perhaps even assist with your next clever travel caption for the gram or pinterest.
>> Must Read:
- More foreign language guides:
How to say Hello, Thank You, Goodbye, and Love in different languages around the world - Fun list: Best travel questions or these road trip questions and car ride trivia
- The top 50 travel songs to add to your playlist
- Why is travel important? Find 10 key benefits of travelling the world
- Get inspired: Short quotes about traveling and funny travel quotes
What do you call someone who loves travel?
Hodophile — one who loves to travel
Studies have shown that people who spend their money on experiences rather than material stuff, such as travel, tend to be more open minded, creative, carefree, and happier in their life.
*searches for my next flight out.
Travel the Word: Unique + Beautiful Travel Words from Other languages of the World
A handful of my favourite words associated with travel.
Save a couple of your own favorites from this list, bookmark this page, and add them to your vocabulary before your next adventure!
Describe your explorations with these foreign words about travel taken from different languages around the world.
Ready. Let’s go….
v. = verb
n. = noun
adj. = adjective
In alphabetical order….
Absquatulate (v.)
to leave without saying goodbye.
Origin: North America
My close friends know that I absquatulate. Like, a lot.
So no surprise there, when the urge to pack your things and just disappear shows up… with no time to say goodbye. Continue reading to find more creative words for travelers.
Coddiwomple (v.)
To travel purposefully towards a strange location.
Origin: English slang
Some days you wander with no plan at all, seeing where the day will take you. And other days, you coddiwomple.
I do like the sound of this unusual word related to travel.
Cosmopolitan (v./adj.)
A citizen of the world or at home all over the world.
Origin: English
This definition varies, depending on whether you use the word as a noun or an adjective. Even though, the origins of these creative travel words are from English, it can be traced back to Pythagoras, who first used the Greek word kosmos as a way to describe the order of the universe.
Travellers naturally feel at home in the world and the saying, “home is where the heart is” applies perfectly.
Dérive (n.)
To drift unplanned on a spontaneous journey, leaving everyday life behind and guided by the scenery, architecture, and landscapes.
Origin: French
One of my favourite words to describe my travel experience. This untranslatable travel term perfectly describes spontaneous exploration.
There is no strict plan, instead going with the flow away from the beaten beaten path and towards unplanned discoveries such as a beautiful sunset.
Dromomania (n.)
An uncontrollable and irrational impulse or psychological urge to wander or travel without purpose.
Origin: Greek
Dromomania, also referred to as travelling fugue or vagabond neurosis, is seen as an abnormal and uncontrollable psychological impulse to wander. It comes from a combination of the Greek words dromos and mania to diagnose those with this condition to spontaneously abandon their everyday lives to travel long distances, even taking up different identities and occupations.
This irrational desire stems from a strong emotional and physical need to constantly be travelling and having new experiences. It also often involves sacrificing security, relationships, and careers in the hunt for these experiences. Fantasies about exploring occupy their thoughts and dreams.
I guess, I have a serious undiagnosed case of the dromomania.
Ecophobia (n.)
A fear or distaste of home.
Origin: Greek
Now, this unusual word for travel can be used in the literal sense. Or, as I prefer, to describe when you can’t stop thinking about a different place. A place, other than where you live. Say, an exotic tropical island?
Eleutheromania (n.)
The intense and insatiable desire for freedom.
Origin: Greek
When asked why I pursue travel so much, my response often involves an insatiable yearning for freedom, amongst the many other reasons for exploring the globe.
Yes, I’ve since learned that freedom comes from within as much (or even more) than your external circumstances. However, the very act of travelling does leave me feeling free and eleutheromania perfectly describes the desire for this feeling.
For sure, one of my favourite words associated with travel holidays and tourism.
Eudaimonia (v.)
A state of feeling happy and content whilst travelling.
Origin: Greek
This is one of my favourite words associated with travel because it such an apt description of the journey.
The joy of wandering, the excitement of new discoveries, the contented state of living the dream…. and everything feels perfectly alright. Even when things go wrong.
Exulansis (n.)
When you give up trying to talk about an experience because none are able to relate to it.
Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
How many times have you given up trying to explain yourself or something you’ve done because those around you are just not on the same wavelength as you and are unable to relate or even understand.
Yeah, I know this feeling all too well and exulansis is one of the most unique travel words I’ve come across to articulate this.
Fernweh (n.)
Distance sickness. A yearning, a longing, an ache to be elsewhere. To be in a far away place.
Origin: German
Not as popular or overused as wanderlust, this catchy travel word has gained much traction over the past few years. This German word is often described as feeling homesick for a far away place. A place you’ve never been to before.
This urge to travel is strong and fernweh, a synonym for wanderlust, describes the aching desire to be far away from home.
Flâneur (n.)
Someone who strolls aimlessly and enjoyably, observing life and their surroundings.
Origin: French
One of the best words describing travel lovers, flâneur derives from the French flâner, meaning to stroll or saunter.
My favourite kind of days when travelling do not have a plan nor involve a requirement to be in a particular place. It is simply wandering around aimlessly at a comfortable pace, observing the local life and appreciating the day as it unfolds.
Yes, I am a big time flâneur.
Forelsket (adj.)
The overwhelming euphoric-feeling that takes place at the early stages of falling in love.
Origin: Norwegian
Gadabout (n.)
A habitual pleasure-seeker who moves about restlessly or aimlessly.
Origin: Old Norse
It is used to refer to a person who gads or walks idly about. A person who’s constantly on the move, restlessly seeking amusement along the way.
Gallivant (v.)
to roam without a plan… to wander about, seeking pleasure or diversion.
Origin: German
No list of creative travel words is complete without including gallivant. This word is used to describe the action of going to many different places as a form of enjoyment while completely forgetting or disregarding other things you should be doing. As an example, using travel as a form of escape, something that many a lover of travel is guilty of.
Hiraeth (n.)
A homesickness for a place which you can’t return to. A longing for what may no longer exist.
Origin: Welsh
This Welsh term describes not just a longing for home, but a nostalgic desire to reconnect with a place or time period you can’t return to or that may not exist anymore.
Hodophile (adj.)
A lover of roads. A love of travel.
Origin: Greek
A unique word to describe a person who loves to travel.
I mean, what’s there not to love about exploring the world. The unusual sights, the new tastes, the beautiful landscapes and the people you meet along the way.
Raise your hand if, like me, you’re the biggest hodophile? *guilty as charged
Holoholo (n.)
to ride or walk around for pleasure.
Origin: Hawaiian
This Hawaiian word is the perfect description of something I do a lot when exploring a new country.
Hozhoni (n.)
a feeling of being filled with beauty and balance.
Origin: Navajo
Hygge (n.)
The feeling of comfort, relaxation, and coziness in certain settings around certain people, particularly friends.
Origin: Danish
This unusual word is not just reserved for travel and holiday, but it is perfectly suited to describe those moments when you’re enjoying a meal, drinks, and those simple pleasures with friends around the world.
The Dutch words gezellig or gezelligheid is similar to hygge, describing that feeling of ease and coziness when you’re around friends you feel comfortable with.
Kismet (n.)
Destiny, sometimes referred to as fate, is a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual.
Origin: Arabic
This beautiful Arabic-derived word refers to one’s destiny and something that one believes was meant to be.
Livsnjutare (n.)
A person who truly enjoys life and lives it to the extreme.
Origin: Swedish
This unique trip word, of Swedish origin, is often used to describe someone who enjoys life and lives it to the full, making the most of each moment. When I am wandering around the world, in places like Mexico, it certainly feels like living to the extreme.
Merak (n.)
The feeling of enjoyment and oneness with the Universe that comes from the simplest of pleasures.
Origin: Serbian
Meraki (n.)
Doing something with creativity, with love, with soul — when you put “something of yourself” into what you’re doing.
Origin: Greek
A beautiful word, that also happens to be one of my favourites. Meraki, derived from Greek, describes the action and the feelings that results when one does something with complete focus and love. Being so caught up with what you’re doing as if your entire being and soul is part of the whole experience. Moments of meraki flood my experience often when painting or when exploring a beautiful landscape.
Monachopsis (n.)
The subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place.
Origin: Greek
It comes from the combination of words monos and opsis, where ‘monos’ means solitary or unique and ‘opsis’ refers to like or appearance.
Nefelibata (n.)
One who lives in the clouds of their own imagination and does not obey convention.
Origin: Portuguese
Ok, this is me. Just a beautiful meaning word to describe a person who loves to travel. The direct translation is “cloud-walker,” referring to those, like myself, who live in their own world/imagination. An unconventional person that does not blindly follow the rules of society. More about me here.
Novaturient (adj.)
A desire to alter your life. The feeling that pushes you to travel.
Origin: Latin
This is the feeling that pushed me to quit my job and travel the world. You know, when you are curious to discover what more is out there.
Numinous (adj.)
The powerful, personal feeling of being overwhelmed and inspired.
Origin: Latin
Numinous has its origins in Latin, meaning to be both fearful, awed, and inspired by what you see and experience before you. Exploring tends to bring up all the human emotions, often simultaneously, and these catchy travel words are an apt description of the experience.
Like the time I went trekking among some of the highest mountains in the world in Nepal.
Onism (n.)
The awareness of how little of the world you will experience.
Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
Once you start seeing the world, you realise just how much more there is to see out there.
And you actually reach a point, somewhere along the journey, where you come to the realisation that no matter how extensive your travels are, you will only ever experience a little bit. This realisation is referred to as onism.
This creative word associated with travel is not from a foreign language, but actually originates from a book by John Koenig.
Peregrinate (v.)
Travel or wander from place to place.
Origin: Latin
From the Latin peregrinari, meaning “to travel abroad,” this type of inspirational travel words refers to a long journey in which you travel to various different places, especially on foot.
Peripatetic (adj.)
A person who travels from place to place.
Origin: Greek
Originating from the Greek word peripatein, “to walk up and down,” this adjective is used to describe backpackers who are constantly moving from place to place, living a nomadic existence.
Photophile (n.)
A person who loves photography and light.
Origin: English
This pretty word is derived from the biological term of the same name for an organism that loves or thrives in light. If you carry a camera with you wherever you go and post to photo sharing websites (like instagram) all day, you’re a photophile.
Quaquaversal (adj.)
Directed outwards in all directions from a common centre
Origin: Latin
A good word for travel and the desire to experience everything all at the same time.
Querencia (n.)
The place where you are your most authentic self. Where one’s strength is drawn from; where one feels at home.
Origin: Spanish
The term comes from the Spanish verb “querer,” which means “to desire.” Many long term travellers feel at home in the world and their most authentic self when connecting with this place. One of the best words for travel lovers.
Resfeber (n.)
the restless race of a traveler’s heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together.
Origin: Swedish
Another catchy word related to travel, resfeber is universally used to describe the mixed emotions one feels just before the journey begins. These emotions include both excitement as well as anxiety and nervousness when starring in the face of the unknown. Like that time I had decided to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Rückkehrunruhe (n.)
The feeling of returning home after a trip only to find it fading rapidly from your awareness.
Origin: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
Saudade (n.)
a deep emotional state of nostalgic or melancholic longing for something or someone far away that one cares for and loves.
Origin: Portuguese
This is the creative word to use when you’re fondly thinking back to a beautiful moment during your travels and longing to return to that experience.
Schwellenangst (n.)
a fear of, or aversion to, crossing a threshold or entering a place to begin a new chapter.
Origin: German
That anxious and fearful feeling you get when you’re about to begin a new chapter in your life, like a new travel adventure. That’s schwellenangst.
Sehnsucht (n.)
a wistful longing and yearning of the heart for travels that have been and travels to come.
Origin: German
Selcouth (adj.)
Strange and uncommon. Unfamiliar, rare, and yet marvellous.
Origin: Old English
This is one of my favourite travel words on this list. Not only because of its unusual sound, but also because it is an appropriate way of describing the way you see things when you travel. Everything is unfamiliar and strange, yet we find it inviting and marvellous anyway, much like my time in these South American countries.
Smultronställe (n.)
A special place discovered for solace and relaxation.
Origin: Swedish
This Swedish word directly translates to “place of wild strawberries,” used to describe a location or place in this world where you feel most at home. A place that serves as a refuge from any stress and/or sadness. This place, once discovered, is often returned to for comfort and consolation.
Sojourn (n.)
To stay as a temporary resident. A short period when a person stays in a particular place.
Solivagant (adj.)
A lone wanderer. A solo traveller. A person who revels in the act of wandering alone.
Origin: Latin
This popular word, to describe a person who loves to travel alone, as opposed to vacationing with family or friends. It originates from the Latin sōlivagāns, with sōlus meaning “alone” and vagāns meaning “wander.”
Sonder (n.)
The realisation that everyone you pass is living a life just as complex as yours
Origin: Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
Have you ever had that realisation that a random stranger is living a life that is just as complex and vivid and important as your own. This is sonder. Just a beautiful word and one of the best for travel lovers.
Strikhedonia (n.)
The joy of being able to say “to hell with it.”
Sturmfrei (adj.)
The freedom of being alone. The ability to do what you want.
Origin: German
This German word that directly translates to “storm-free.” However, its real meaning has nothing to do with the weather nor a description about how we feel. It is more a description of the situation itself, such as having the house to one’s self or not having to wait or compromise on what you want to do as a solo traveller.
Thalassophile (n.)
a lover of the sea.
Origin: Greek
A coconut, a tropical island, a hammock, (maybe some cute animals like those found on Flamingo Beach Aruba), and a bungalow that leads directly onto the beach and into the sea.
Is there anything more that you need, fellow thalassophile?
Tîeow (v.)
To wander or roam around in a carefree way
Origin: Thai
Traipse (n.)
To go on foot. A tedious or tiring journey on foot
Origin: unknown
Travitude (n.)
when you start to feel grumpy cause you to miss traveling.
Anyone been feeling this way recently? I sure have.
Tripophobia (n.)
The fear of not having any travel trips currently booked.
When the world and travel shut down in 2020, thipophobia was the main emotion running through my veins. What kind of life is it where there are no adventures to look forward to and you’re forced to remain in the same location for the foreseeable future. You tell me?
Trouvaille (n.)
Something lovely discovered by chance. A chance encounter with something wonderful.
Origin: French
When travelling, especially without much of a plan and with an open heart, it is not uncommon to discover something beautiful purely by chance. These discoveries make for some of the most memorable experiences.
This interesting travel word is often used by French travellers to describe a chance encounter. Its time the rest of us use this word too the next time we unexpectedly stumble upon an inspiring landscape, a cute cafe, or a welcoming local.
Vacilando (v.)
The act of wandering when the experience of travel is more important than reaching the a destination.
Origin: Spanish
The word, from Spanish, aims to describe someone who travels for travel sake, and not to reach a particular goal or destination. For us, the journey is more important than the destination or vacation spot.
While others despise the act of getting to a place, I savour it and enjoy the long plane, boat, or bus rides and the happenings along the way, especially if the journey occurs in a beautiful setting like the Spanish islands.
One of the most inspiring travel words that should be a part of every globetrotters vocabulary.
Vagary (v.)
A whimsical or wandering journey.
Origin: Latin
With its origins in 16th-century Latin, Vagārī translates as, “to roam.” This unique travel word to describe the travel experience of an unpredictable or impulsive desire or action for a wandering journey.
Vorfreude (n.)
The joyful anticipation when looking forward to something or while imagining future pleasures.
Waldeinsamkeit (n.)
The feeling of solitude, being alone in the woods and connected to nature.
Origin: German
Wayfarer (n.)
Someone who travels, especially on foot.
Origin: English
The travel term may seem modern, but it goes back all the way to the mid-1400s as a combination of way defined as “a path or course leading from one place to another,” and fare, meaning “to go, travel.”
Xenophilia (n.)
An attraction to foreign peoples, foreign cultures, and/or customs.
Origin: Greek
This attraction, appreciation, and affinity for foreign people, their cultures and customs is what draws many to explore the world. These unique travel words, as a synonym for wanderlust, comes from the Greek “xenos,” meaning “unknown, stranger, foreign” and “philia,” defined as “attraction or love.”
Yoko meshi (n.)
The stress of speaking a foreign language.
Origin: Japanese
Another word related to travel that literally translates to, “a meal eaten sideways.” It is used to explain the difficulty and stress when trying to speak a language that is not your native language, whether at home or when abroad. Like, that time I found myself in St Petersburg, struggling to speak Russian to get around the city.
Yu yi (n.)
The desire to feel things just as intensely as you did when you were younger.
Origin: Chinese
As you grow older, life seems to be less exciting. Travelling overseas and exploring new places is one way of mitigating this. Yu Yi is an inspirational Chinese word that describes the yearning to feel things the way you did while growing up, before expectations, before memory, before words.
Yūgen (n.)
a profound, mysterious awareness of the vastness and beauty of the universe… and the sad beauty of human suffering.
Origin: Japanese
This untranslatable travel word is used for those moments that lead to a greater awareness and trigger a deep emotional response within.
Over to YOU…
Did you enjoy traveling the word? How many of these these creative travel words have you heard before? Which one(s) your favorite and which of these unique words associated with travel do you resonate with most?
What phrases describe the travel experience and make for the best words for travel lovers in your language?
Let me know in the comments below or start a conversation with me on social media.
Your fellow hodophile,
Rai
n someone who travels widely and often
Synonyms: globetrotter Type of: cosmopolitan, cosmopolite. a sophisticated person who has travelled in many countries.
Then, what makes you a traveler?
The thing that makes you a true traveller is the partaking and immersing yourself in whatever part of the world you find yourself in. The traveller are the people who eat the local foods, are always thirsty to see the sights, meet the people and always come back home thirsty for more.
Likewise, what do you call an adventurous person?
The definition of adventurous is someone who is willing to take chances. A person who will eat anything put on their plate is an adventurous eater. A sky diver is an example of an adventurous person.
Are you a traveling man meaning?
The term traveling man refers to the moving of the line as the worshipful master sits in the east. Also refers to traveling to seek more light. we are always taught to seek more light!
What is a word for adventurous?
adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense. adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence. adventurous pioneers venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.
Write Your Answer
You can jump to any section of this article:
- Booking a Holiday
- Packing
- Travelling to Your Destination
- Arriving at Your Destination
- Activities
- Places to Visit
- Describing Places
- Asking for Help
Whether you are going on a short holiday for a few days or planning to travel around various countries for a few months, having a basic understanding of the vocabulary and phrases you might need to use for communication is quite important.
English is a widely spoken language in the majority of countries that welcome tourism, so it would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with some useful phrases before departing.
In addition, if you could find out how to say some basic phrases in the country’s native language, I’m sure the local people there would appreciate your efforts!
Basic phrases in English that you should translate and try to use in the native language of your destination:
- Hello
- Goodbye
- Please
- Thank you
- Excuse me
- Help
Booking a Holiday
Book: as opposed to the noun (reading material), this verb means to arrange and confirm a place on a flight, a room in a hotel or a ticket for an event in the future.
Depart: to go away or leave, especially on a journey.
Arrive: to reach a place, especially at the end of a journey.
Reservation: an arrangement in which something like a seat on a plane or a table in a restaurant is kept for you.
Destination: the place where someone is going, or something is being sent or taken.
Complimentary: if tickets books or any other items are complimentary, it means they are given free, especially by a business.
All-Inclusive: Including everyone or everything. In holiday terms, this would refer to a hotel deal where the price usually includes accommodation, meals and drinks (any extra activities or facilities would be charged separately).
Travel Agency: a company or shop that makes travel arrangements for people.
Ticket: a small piece of paper or card given to someone, usually to show that they have paid for an event, journey or activity.
Brochure: a type of small magazine that contains pictures and information about a product or a company.
Leaflet: a small piece of paper that gives you information or advertises something.
Last Minute Deals: these are promotions that are advertised at the latest possible time for those who are more spontaneous!
Promotion: publicising a product to increase sales or public awareness.
Package Deal: an offer or agreement involving a number of related items or the acceptance of one being dependent on acceptance of another.
Half-Board: if you request ‘half-board’ at a hotel, breakfast and dinner would be included in the hotel price (as part of the package).
Full-Board: if you request ‘full-board’ at a hotel, that would include all three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the price of your accommodation.
Self-Catering: if you stay in self-catering accommodation, you would be in a place where you are provided with the facilities to prepare and cook your own meals.
Accommodation: a room or building in which someone may live or stay. Different types of accommodation include apartments, hotels, guesthouses and backpacking hostels.
Vacation: the American term for ‘holiday’.
Camping: the activity of spending a holiday (vacation) living in a tent or campervan.
Backpacking: to travel or hike carrying one’s belongings in a backpack.
Transfer: the act of moving someone or something from one place to another.
Budget Holiday: (adjective) meaning inexpensive. Planning a trip using a minimal amount of money. (Budget – noun) Having a limited amount of money for expenditure:
- ‘We have to keep within the household budget).
Travel Documents: all the necessary documents you would need to take with you on a holiday i.e. passport or ID card, driving license, flight/bus/ train tickets, visa confirmation etc.
Outbound: travelling away from a particular place, usually the first half of a journey.
Inbound: travelling towards a particular place, especially when returning to the original point of departure.
Two-way, Return Ticket (UK), Round Trip (US): a ticket that allows someone to travel to a place and back again.
One-way, Single Ticket: a ticket that allows a passenger to travel only to his/her destination, without returning.
Transport: (verb trans-PORT) to take or carry goods or people from one place to another. (noun TRANS-port) A system or means of conveying people or goods from place to place by means of a vehicle, aircraft or ship.
Splash out: a phrasal verb (mainly used in British English) meaning to spend money freely
Sample Conversation about Booking a Holiday:
Travel Agent = TA, Customer = C
TA: Good afternoon madam, how can I help you today?
C: Good afternoon, I would like to book a trip to Italy for 2 people and a 6 year old child please.
TA: Is there anywhere in particular you would like to go?
C: I can’t decide between Venice or Rome, whichever is cheaper as we’re on a budget this year!
TA: Okay, and when would you like to go?
C: We have two weeks of holiday between 18th June and 2nd July, and we’d like to go for at least 10 days during that period.
TA: No problem, I’ll just check to see which destination would be cheaper…. We have a special promotion on at the moment, if you book a package deal to Venice, you get freetransfer to and from your hotel to the airport, plus one free meal each day. Would you be interested in that?
C: Yes, that sounds great!
TA: And would you like full-board or half-board?
C: Well, seeing as we will get one free meal each anyway, I think self-catering would be better. I’ll have a little bit of extra money to splash out in a nice restaurant somewhere!
TA: Okay, that’s fine. We have a hotel that offers self-catering facilities and is right in the centre of Rome. They also have special facilities for children such as meal deals, extra beds, a play area in the lobby and a crèche.
C: Perfect! I won’t need to spend too much money on transport and our son will surely have fun too!
TA: Exactly. Your outbound flight will be on the 19th June, departing from London Gatwick Airport at 11:30am, and your return flight will be on the 30th June at 10:30pm. That gives you 11 and a half days in Rome, does that suit you?
C: Yes, that’s excellent, and we’ll still have a couple of days to recover before going back to work! How much will that be?
TA: Well, the promotion is £200 per adult, and your child can go for free because he is under 8 years old. That includes the return flights, accommodation for 11 nights, airport transfer and a complimentary meal each per day. Shall we go ahead and book it?
C: Wow, that is a fabulous deal! Yes please.
TA: Okay. How would you like to pay?
C: Credit card please. Here you go.
TA: Thank you. Could I also see your passports please?
C: Sure, here you go.
TA: Thank you. Here are your tickets and everything else you’ll need to know about your package holiday. Remember to keep all your travel documents safe throughout the whole trip.
C: Thank you so much for your help!
TA: You’re welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day and please contact us if you have any queries before you set off on your holiday!
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NEXT: Packing Vocabulary
Packing
Suitcase: a case with a handle and hinged lid, used for carrying clothes and other personal possessions.
Backpack (US), Rucksack (UK): a bag with shoulder straps that allow it to be carried on one’s back.
Currency: a system of money in general use in a particular country.
Appropriate Clothing: suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, person or occasion.
Seasonal: relating to a particular season of the year (Autumn, Winter, Spring or Summer).
Swimwear, Bikini: clothing worn for swimming (bikinis are specifically for women).
Fanny Pack (US), Bum Bag (UK): a small bag used to safely store small valuable items when on holiday. This is usually worn around the waist and can be concealed under one’s clothing.
Sample Conversation about Packing:
A: Sarah, I’ve managed to book the flights and the train tickets for our vacation to Switzerland!
B: Wow, that’s so exciting! So, are we leaving next month on the date we wanted?
A: No, we’re leaving next week! The travel agency gave us a great package deal and we’ve saved a lot of money, but it meant changing the dates to go earlier. We don’t have to work anyway, so I thought it would be nice!
B: Oh, I see! Okay, that means we’ll have to start packing very soon. What will the weather be like?
A: Well, it’ll be spring but we’re going for 3 weeks, so I would say it’s safer to take clothing for hot and cold weather. We’ll probably go skiing too, so let’s pack our snow gear.
B: Sure. I’m going to pack a few bikinis too, just in case we find a small beach!
A: It might be easier to take our backpacks, as we can fit more into them.
B: I agree, they’re a lot bigger than the suitcases. Have you got all our travel documents together?
A: I just need to print off the flight confirmation details and the train tickets.
B: Great. I’ll get some dollars exchanged to Swiss franc for the first few days.
A: Okay, so you’re in charge of getting the currency sorted and I’ll keep all the travel documents together. Now, let’s start packing!
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NEXT: Traveling to your destination
Travelling to Your Destination
Check-In: the act of reporting one’s presence and registering, typically at an airport or hotel.
Departure Gate: gate where passengers embark.
Airport Terminal: this is a building at an airport, where passengers transfer between ground transportation and the facilities that allow them to board or disembark from an aircraft.
Departure Lounge: a seating area in an airport where passengers wait to board an aircraft or vehicle.
Duty-Free: Items available for purchase that are free of duty or tax charges in a particular country, generally sold at airports.
Ferry: a boat or ship for conveying passengers or goods, especially over a relatively short distance and as a regular service.
Take Off: (of an aircraft or bird) becoming airborne.
Board: to get on or into (a ship, aircraft or other vehicle).
Passport Check, Security Checkpoint: a barrier or manned entrance typically at a border of a country where travellers are subject to security checks.
Overweight: baggage weighing in excess of the allowed amount.
Destination: the place to which someone or something is going or being sent.
Window Seat: a seat positioned next to a window on a large vehicle or aircraft.
Aisle Seat: a seat positioned beside the walkway on a large vehicle or aircraft.
Sample Conversation about Checking-in at the Airport:
Airport Attendant = AA, Passenger = P
AA: Next please!
P: Hi. Good Afternoon.
AA: Good Afternoon sir. May I see your passport please?
P: Yes, here you go.
AA: Thank you. Please place your luggage on the belt.
P: (Places suitcase on the conveyor belt)
AA: I’m afraid this suitcase is 7kg overweight. You are allowed a maximum of 30kg and this suitcase weighs 37kg. You will need to remove some items or pay an additional fee for the extra weight.
P: Oh no! I see. Okay, I’m happy to pay the fee.
AA: Is this your bag sir?
P: Yes, of course it is.
AA: Did you pack it yourself?
P: Yes.
AA: Were you given anything by someone else to take on the flight?
P: No, definitely not.
AA: Do you have any of the following items in your luggage? (points to images of dangerous objects)
P: No, I’m certain.
AA: Okay, that’ll be 56 euros for the overweight case please.
P: Okay, here is the right amount in cash. Also, could I please have a window seat?
AA: I’ll just see if there is one available…. Okay, you’ll be seated in 25A. Here is your passport and boarding pass, please keep all your documents safe. Enjoy your flight.
P: Thank you very much.
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NEXT: Arriving at your destination
Arriving at Your Destination
Landing: an instance of coming or bringing something to land, either from the air or from water.
Customs: the place at a seaport, airport or frontier where officials check incoming goods, travellers or luggage.
Baggage Collection Point, Baggage Reclaim, Baggage Claim Area: an area where arriving passengers claim checked-in baggage after disembarking from an airline flight.
Nothing to Declare: exiting the airport at a gate where you state that you do not have any goods where duty is payable or that need checking whether entry into the country is permitted.
Credit Card: a small plastic card provided by a bank or company which gives you access to money that you will need to pay back within an agreed time limit.
Debit Card: a small plastic card provided by your bank which gives you access to money that you already have in your bank account.
Porter: a member of staff in a hotel who assists guests with carrying their luggage.
Alarm: something to help you wake up at an appropriate time, this could be a sound notification on your smartphone or a telephone call from staff if you are staying in a hotel.
Room Service: requesting food, drinks or other services to be delivered to your hotel room.
Sample Conversation about Checking-in at the Hotel:
Hotel Receptionist = HR, Guest = G, Porter = P
P: Good morning Sir, welcome to The Royal Pavilion Hotel. May I take your bags please?
G: Oh, that’s very kind of you! Thank you. I am quite tired after that journey.
P: Please follow me this way to the check-in desk.
HR: Good morning Sir, do you have a reservation?
G: Yes, I booked online.
HR: Which name was it booked in?
G: Mr. Graham Watts
HR: Yes, I have it here. Could I see the credit card you paid with please?
G: Yes, here you go.
HR: Thank you. Would you like an alarm call to wake you up?
G: Yes please. If you could call me around 11am, that’d be great. I would like to rest for a few hours before my meeting.
HR: No problem. The complimentary breakfast is served until 11:30 and you can call for room service at anytime.
G: I will most probably do that! Thanks.
HR: Your room is number 237 on the third floor and here’s the key. Our porter will help you with your bags and show you to your room.
G: That’s wonderful, thank you. Is there a Wi-Fi connection available in my room?
HR: Yes, you’ll find the password in you room beside the TV. We hope you enjoy your stay with us.
P: Okay Mr. Watts, if you please come this way, I’ll show you to your room…
Activities
- Kitesurfing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Rock Climbing
- Trekking
- Sailing
- Jetskiing
- Skiing
- Windsurfing
- Wakeboarding
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Sunbathing
- Sightseeing
Places to Visit
- Amusement Park
- Museum
- Art Gallery
- Cinema
- Water Park
- Aquarium
- Beach
- Restaurant
- Nightclub
- Bar
- Miniature Golf, Crazy Golf
- Island
- Animal Sanctuary
- National Park
- Zoo
Describing Places
- Invigorating
- Enervating
- Fascinating
- Energetic
- Fast
- Vibrant
- Lively
- Exciting
- Packed
- Crowded
- Busy
- Bustling
- Trendy
- Touristy
- Modern
- Historic
- Old-Fashioned
- Outdated
- Picturesque
- Cute
- Gorgeous
- Pricey
- Over-Priced
- Upmarket
- Cosmopolitan
- Metropolitan
- Neopolitan
NEXT: Asking for help
Asking for Help
Catching someone’s attention:
- Excuse me, could I ask you a quick question please?
- Excuse me, sorry to bother you but could you help me please?
- Hello sir/miss, …
- Sorry sir/miss, …
- Excuse me, do you speak English?
Asking for information:
- You wouldn’t happen to know where … is, would you?
- I’m trying to find the …
- I need to get to the …
- How can I get to the …?
- Do you know where the … is?
- Where is the nearest …?
- I’m a little lost, where is the …?
If you miss a flight, bus, transfer, train:
- It seems I have missed my … could you please book me onto the next available one?
- I’ve missed my … is there any way of getting a refund?
- I’ve missed my … could you please give me information about the next one?
- Could you please help me to rearrange my …?
When you’re feeling unwell:
- Excuse me, is there a first aid room here?
- I feel really unwell, is there someone who can help me?
- I’m suffering from … do you have medical staff here?
- Do you have a first aid kit I could use please?
- I’ve injured my … could you please help me?
If there is something wrong with your luggage:
- My suitcase has not arrived yet, where can I get it from?
- My luggage is missing, could you help me please?
- My rucksack has been damaged, what can I do about this?
- I cannot find my suitcase, where can I check please?
Asking someone to translate:
- Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Could you tell me what it says on that sign please?
- Could you translate this message for me please?
- Could you please ask this person to …?
Prepositions and giving directions:
- (Turn) Right
- (Turn) Left
- Straight On
- Behind
- Opposite the …
- Next to the …
- Near the …
- The … is on your (right, left)
- Before, After the traffic lights
- Take the first, second, third exit at the roundabout
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25. Numinous (adj.)
Origin: English
Definition: Describing an experience that makes you fearful yet fascinated, awed yet attracted.
24. Dépaysement (n.)
Origin: French
Definition: The disorientation felt in a foreign country or culture. The feeling of being a fish out of water.
23. Dérive (n.)
Origin: Latin/French
Definition: A spontaneous journey where the traveller leaves their life behind for a time to let the spirit of the landscape and architecture attract and move them.
22. Sehnsucht (n.)
Origin: German
Definition: The inconsolable longing in the human heart for a far, familiar, non-earthly land one can identify as one’s home.
21. Fernweh (n.)
Origin: German
Definition: A craving for travel. Being homesick for a place you’ve never been.
20. Sonder (v.)
Origin: French
Definition: The realization that each random passer-by is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
19. Hodophile (adj.)
Origin: Greek
Definition: “Lover of roads”, or better “love of travel.”
18. Resfeber (n.)
Origin: Swedish
Definition: The restless race of the traveller’s heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together.
17. Nemophilist (n.)
Origin: Greek
Definition: A haunter of the woods; one who loves the forest and its beauty and solitude.
16. Vagary (n.)
Origin: Latin
Definition: An unpredictable instance, a wandering journey; a whimsical, wild or unusual idea, desire, or action.
15. Coddiwomple (v.)
Origin: English Slang Word
Definition: To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.
14. Annu Miarabilis (n.) (phr.)
Origin: Latin
Definition: A remarkable or notable year in history; a year of wonders and miracles, used to speak hopefully of the future.
13. Wanderlust (n.)
Origin: German
Definition: A strong, innate, impulse or desire to travel the world.
12. Yūgen (n.)
Origin: Japanese
Definition: An awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and mysterious for words.
11. Sojourn (n.)
Origin: Latin, Old French
Definition: A period of time when you stay in a place as a traveler or guest.
10. Strikhedonia (n.)
Origin: Greek
Definition: The pleasure of being able to say “to hell with it!”
9. Eleutheromania (n.)
Origin: Greek
Definition: An intense and irresistible desire for freedom.
8. Smultroställe (n.)
Origin: Swedish
Definition: A special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress and sadness.
7. Solivagant (adj.)
Origin: Latin
Definition: Wandering alone.
6. Wayfarer (n.)
Origin: English
Definition: Someone who travels, especially on foot.
5. Livsnjutare (n.)
Origin: Swedish
Definition: One who loves life deeply and lives it to the extreme
4. Sturmfrei (adj.)
Origin: German
Definition: The freedom of not being watched by a parent or superior; being alone at a place and having the ability to do what you want.
3. Cosmopolitan (adj.) (n.)
Origin: English
Definition: At home all over the world,” and as a noun, “a citizen of the world.
2. Selcouth (adj.)
Origin: English
Definition: Unfamiliar, rare, strange, and yet marvellous.
1. Peregrinate (v.)
Origin: Latin
Definition: Travel or wander around from place to place.
Which word do you connect with the most?
It’s so much fun to travel, practice your English, and learn new things! Traveling is a lot easier if you know some essential English travel vocabulary. These are words you really need to know before you go! Ryan is going to share 17 of these necessary vocabulary words for traveling.
Hi everyone! Traveling is one of my five great passions. I love:
- Working with kids
- Sports
- Learning new languages
- Meeting new people
- Traveling
Some of the best things I’ve ever experienced happened while I was traveling! I’ve been to:
- The Great Wall of China
- The Fos de Guasso in Brazil
- I’ve met amazing people
- I’ve even fallen in love!
All while traveling! So today, I want to share with you 17 essential travel vocabulary words I use when I talk about my adventures and my travels. Use them to talk about YOUR adventures and YOUR travels, too!
17 Essential Travel Vocabulary – Words 1-5
1. Book (a flight)
A book is something you read (a noun), but the verb “to book” means “to reserve.” If you “book a flight,” that means you reserve a flight.
I booked a flight to Buenos Aires.
Now I need to book an accommodation.
2. Accomodation
An “accomodation” is a place to sleep. A hotel, an Airbnb, a hostel, even couchsurfing, are all accomodations.
Do you have an accomodation in Buenos Aires yet?
3. Make a Reservation
To “make a reservation” means to reserve the use of something – this can be anything! You can “book” an accomodation, specifically, a house or a room to sleep in. To “make a reservation” can also apply to a room, but it can also be a rental car, or a tour. You can fly around the city in a hot air balloon, but you need to make a reservation!
For example, I could say:
I want to go on the dungeon tour. I need to make a reservation.
If I want to stay at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, I need to call or go online and make a reservation.
So I’ve booked a flight, I’ve found my accommodation, and I made a reservation for a car rental. Now it’s time to fly!
4. To Take Off
The verb phrase that we use to describe this is “to take off.”
My flight takes off at noon.
Has your flight taken off yet?
5. To Land
The verb “to land” is the plane arriving at its destination. “To land” can also refer to anything that is flying, then comes to the ground. I could say:
The butterfly landed on my shoulder.
The plane takes off at 8:00 am and lands at 5:00 pm.
You can also use the verbs “take off from” and “land in” to talk about when and where you are going. For example:
I take off at 7:00 am.
I take off from New York. (I leave from New York.)
I take off from Berlin and I land in Singapore.
If you are very lucky, your flight will not stop. It will go directly from “a” to “b” – from Berlin to Singapore. However, sometimes you have to stop. For example, the flight goes from Berlin to Singapore, but it might stop in Doha, Qatar.
Essential Travel Vocabulary – Words 6-10
6. Connection or Layover
When I stop in Doha, it is called a “connection,” or a “layover.” So when you are talking about airplane flights, the word “connection” means a city that your flight stops in before you reach your final destination. There are even more words to describe this!
Do you have a connection, or do you have a direct flight?
Yes, I have a connection in Doha.
7. Leg (of a Trip)
If you have two flights to get to one destination, for example, Berlin to Doha and Doha to Singapore, each flight is called a “leg” – just like the legs I have above my feet!
The first leg of my trip is from Berlin to Doha.
The second leg of my trip is from Doha to Singapore.
8. Layover
Another word for a connection is a “layover.” A “layover” is simply when you have to stop for a few hours in your “connecting” city. Either one of these sentences is correct:
I have a connection in Doha.
I have a layover in Doha.
9. Stop Over
If your layover is very long, it’s called a “stop over.” This just means that you will stay in that connecting city for many hours – usually more than four hours.
Last year, I had a stop over in Ankara for 12 hours!
10. Travel Backpack
Before you travel, you need a backpack. Not any type of backpack – you need a “travel backpack.” A “travel backpack” is much bigger than a normal backpack. You have room for lots of clothes, a computer, some toiletries, packing cubes – for lots of things!
Travel backpacks aren’t essential, but they are so practical and useful!
Essential Travel Vocabulary – Words 11-17
11. Clamshell or Suitcase Style Opening
A travel backpack can open like a suitcase. This is also called a “clamshell” opening – meaning it opens like a clam – on three sides. This is important because it allows you to pack very quickly, and to quickly access all your things.
12. Packing Cubes
“Packing cubes” are simply little bags to organize your things inside the travel backpack. For example:
I have my shirts in one packing cube.
I have packing cubes for my shoes, my socks, and even the clothes I need to wash!
13. Toiletries
Now, the last packing cube you need is for your “toiletries.” “Toiletries” is essential travel vocabulary for things that you find in the bathroom, like a toothbrush.
Toiletries might include mouthwash, toothpaste, lotion, and shampoo.
It’s a smart idea to put your toiletries in a clear bag, because that will make the security people very happy.
Let’s Review!
- You made your reservation.
- You booked an accomodation.
- You have a travel backpack with packing cubes and toiletries.
- You are ready to go!
- You take off from Buenos Aires.
- You land in Paris.
Now you are feeling really sleepy. This is called:
14. Jet Lag
“Jet lag” is the feeling of being tired after you travel because your body is used to a different time zone.
Sometimes when I travel from Europe to Asia I get jet lag.
15. Sightsee
This is a simple verb that just means to visit, or to look around. If I just landed in Shangai, I could say:
I really want to sightsee downtown!
I really want to sightsee around the People’s Square!
If I’m traveling with a friend, I can ask:
“Hey, Foofy, do you want to sightsee around Stockholm tomorrow?”
You can also say to “go sightseeing,” if you don’t have a particular destination in mind.
“Hey, Foofy, do you want to go sightseeing?”
What’s Next?
- You’ve been sightseeing; observing the city and taking it all in.
- Now you’re ready to go to a new city!
You can book a trip on a bus, or make a reservation for a flight, or you could try:
16. Hitchhiking
“Hitchhiking” is when you put your thumb up and ask people for a ride! I’ve “hitchhiked” almost 100 times in many countries, and I’ve always had great experiences. You can have fun conversations and meet really cool people. It’s not always the most fun way to travel, because the weather might be bad or people might be rude, but it’s worth a try!
17. Bucket List
Hitchhiking was on my “bucket list.” A “bucket list” is a list of things you want to do before you die. It comes from an English idiom “kick the bucket,” which means “to die.” Here are some things on my bucket list:
- Visit Antarctica
- Learn 10 languages
- Become a father
- Teach sports and English at a kids’ camp
What’s on your bucket list? I’m curious! Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you think.
Now that you know how to get where you want to go, check out this post to help you save money along the way!
if you want to continue on your English journey, we have a great ebook for you called Travel English Expert.
The Travel English Expert is a collection of 50+ recorded conversational lessons with a text guide. Everything is directly related to real world travel. This course will give you templates to practice your listening & speaking skills – including more essential travel vocabulary – even if you aren’t planning an awesome trip to Singapore any time soon!
I hope these 17 Essential Vocabulary Words for Traveling were helpful for you! Be sure to leave a comment, and check back soon for more great English tips!
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