Traveling to a new country is exciting—but let’s be honest, not knowing the local language can make things a little tricky. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or checking into a hotel, having a few English conversation skills in your back pocket can make your journey smoother and way more enjoyable. There´s nothing like being in an English speaking country and not knowing the language at all.
Here are some simple but powerful conversational English tips for travelers to help you connect with locals and navigate your trip with confidence:
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
1. Start with Polite Phrases
Politeness goes a long way. Cultivating politeness is essential in fostering positive interactions. Utilizing these simple expressions not only demonstrates respect but also enhances the overall flow of communication:
«Excuse me…» – A polite way to capture someone’s attention.
«Please» and «Thank you» – These expressions are always well-received and convey appreciation.
«I apologize, but I am not fluent in English.» – Informing others of language barriers can prompt them to speak more slowly or offer additional assistance. These simple expressions show respect and make interactions smoother:
- “Excuse me…” – To get someone’s attention
- “Please” and “Thank you” – Always appreciated
- “I’m sorry, I don’t speak English very well.” – Most people will slow down or help you more if you say this
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
2. Learn Key Travel Phrases
Before you travel, try to memorize essential phrases for common situations. For example:
At the airport:
- “Where is the check-in counter?”
- “How do I get to gate [number]?”
At a hotel:
- “I have a reservation under [your name].”
- “Can I have the Wi-Fi password, please?”
At a restaurant:
- “Can I see the menu, please?”
- “What do you recommend?”
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
3. Keep It Simple
Don’t worry about using perfect grammar or fancy vocabulary. Use short, clear sentences like:
- “I want coffee.”
- “Where is the bathroom?”
- “How much is this?”
Native speakers will usually understand and appreciate your effort.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
4. Use Gestures and Pointing
If you can’t remember a word, use gestures! Point to a map or menu. Smile. It’s amazing how much you can communicate without words.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
5. Practice Listening to Native Speakers
Before your trip, watch English travel videos, listen to podcasts, or follow travel vloggers on YouTube. It helps you get used to real, everyday English.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
6. Download a Translation App
Apps like Google Translate can be lifesavers when you’re stuck. You can even use them offline if you download the language ahead of time.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
7. Ask for Help the Right Way
People are often happy to help, especially if you’re polite. Try saying:
- “Can you help me, please?”
- “Do you speak [your language]?”
- “Can you say that slowly?”
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
8. Stay Calm and Smile
If you forget a word or don’t understand, don’t panic. Take a breath, smile, and try again. Most people will be patient and understanding.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
9. Use Fillers to Sound More Natural
Native speakers often use fillers like:
- “Umm…” or “Well…” (when thinking)
- “You know…” (to check if the listener understands)
- “Like…” (especially in casual conversation)
Using a few can help your speech feel more relaxed and native-like—just don’t overdo it!
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
10. Repeat or Paraphrase to Clarify
If you don’t understand something, repeat what you think you heard to confirm:
- “Did you say turn left or turn right?”
- “So I need to take the second train, right?”
This helps avoid confusion and shows you’re actively listening.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
11. Be Honest About Your English Level
There’s no shame in saying:
- “Sorry, my English isn’t perfect.”
- “Can you speak a bit slower, please?”
Most people will be happy to adjust their speech if they know you’re still learning.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
12. Learn Local English Expressions or Slang
Different countries have different ways of speaking English. For example:
- In the UK, you’ll hear “queue” instead of “line.”
- In Australia, “How ya going?” means “How are you?”
Picking up a few local phrases helps you blend in and connect better.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
13. Listen First, Then Speak
In group settings (like tours or social gatherings), listen to how others speak before jumping in. This helps you understand the flow and what topics are safe or appropriate.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
14. Practice Role-Playing Before Your Trip
Try practicing common travel scenarios like:
- Talking to airport staff
- Booking a hotel room
- Asking for directions
- Returning an item at a shop
You can do this with a friend, a tutor, or even in front of a mirror!
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
15. Use Confirming Phrases
To avoid misunderstandings, confirm what the other person said:
- “Okay, I need to take this bus to the market, right?”
- “So check-out is at 11 a.m., correct?”
It shows you’re engaged and helps avoid mix-ups.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
16. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Want to have deeper conversations with locals? Try questions that invite longer answers:
- “What’s your favorite place in this city?”
- “What’s a local dish I should try?”
It’s a great way to learn and make connections.
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
17. Keep a Travel Phrase Notebook
Write down useful phrases you hear during your trip. You’ll build your vocabulary naturally and can reuse them later!
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
18. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
This one’s huge. Most people appreciate your effort more than your accuracy. Mistakes are part of the learning (and the adventure!).
18 Conversational English Tips for Travelers
✈️ Final Tip: Practice Before You Go!
Before your trip, try practicing travel conversations with a friend or a tutor. If you’re learning English online, ask your teacher for a “travel scenario” lesson.
And remember: You don’t need to speak perfect English to have a great adventure—just enough to connect, explore, and enjoy the journey.
Are you ready to boost your confidence in speaking English while traveling? At Unlimited English, you can practice conversational English with certified native teachers and conquer the world—one friendly chat at a time. For more information, simply subscribe to our newsletter on our website or send us a direct message via WhatsApp. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you!
