旅遊英文 (Travel English) | 50+ Essential Phrases for Your Next Trip Abroad

Have you ever traveled to another country and felt nervous about speaking English (英文)? You are not alone! Many people in Taiwan (台灣) feel the same way. The good news is that you do not need to speak perfect English to have a great trip. You just need to know the right phrases (片語).

旅遊英文 (Travel English) is one of the most useful skills you can learn. Whether you are going to Japan, Thailand, the United States, or Europe, English is the language that connects travelers around the world. In this article, we will teach you the most important English phrases for every part of your trip — from the airport (機場) to the hotel (飯店), restaurants (餐廳), transportation (交通), shopping (購物), and emergencies (緊急情況).

Every phrase in this article uses simple, easy words. If you are a beginner (初學者) or an intermediate learner (中級學習者), this guide is perfect for you. Read each section carefully, practice the phrases out loud, and you will feel much more confident on your next trip abroad!

在機場 (At the Airport)

The airport is the first place where you will need English. From check-in (報到) to boarding (登機), here are the phrases you should know.

When you arrive at the airport, go to the check-in counter (報到櫃檯). The staff may ask you:

• “May I see your passport?” — 可以看您的護照嗎？
• “Where are you flying to?” — 您要飛去哪裡？
• “Would you like a window or aisle seat?” — 您想要靠窗還是靠走道的座位？

You can answer:

• “Window seat, please.” — 請給我靠窗座位。
• “Here is my passport.” — 這是我的護照。
• “I’m flying to Tokyo.” — 我要飛去東京。

At security (安檢), you might hear: “Please remove your belt and shoes.” Do not worry — just follow what other people do. At the gate (登機門), listen for: “Now boarding rows 20 through 30.” This means it is your turn to get on the plane (飛機)!

Other useful airport phrases include:

• “Where is the bathroom?” — 洗手間在哪裡？
• “What time does the flight depart?” — 班機幾點起飛？
• “Is this the right gate for flight 502?” — 這是502航班的正確登機門嗎？
• “My luggage is missing.” — 我的行李不見了。

在飯店 (At the Hotel)

After you land, you need to go to your hotel (飯店) and check in (入住). Here are the phrases that will help you at the front desk (櫃檯).

When you arrive at the hotel:

• “I have a reservation under [your name].” — 我有預訂，名字是…。
• “I’d like to check in, please.” — 我想辦理入住。
• “What time is check-out?” — 退房時間是幾點？

If you have a problem with your room (房間), you can say:

• “The air conditioner is not working.” — 冷氣壞了。
• “Could I get extra towels?” — 可以多給我幾條毛巾嗎？
• “Is breakfast included?” — 有包含早餐嗎？
• “Can I have a wake-up call at 7 AM?” — 可以在早上7點叫我起床嗎？

When you check out (退房):

• “I’d like to check out.” — 我要退房。
• “Can I leave my bags here?” — 我可以把行李放在這裡嗎？

Remember, hotel staff are used to helping travelers from many countries. Speak slowly and clearly, and they will understand you!

在餐廳 (At the Restaurant)

Food is one of the best parts of any trip! Knowing how to order (點餐) in English will make eating out much easier and more fun.

When you enter a restaurant (餐廳), the waiter (服務生) might ask:

• “How many in your party?” — 請問幾位？
• “Would you like to sit inside or outside?” — 您想坐室內還是室外？

When you are ready to order:

• “I’d like the chicken, please.” — 我要雞肉，謝謝。
• “What do you recommend?” — 你推薦什麼？
• “I’m allergic to peanuts.” — 我對花生過敏。
• “Can I see the menu?” — 可以看菜單嗎？
• “No spicy food, please.” — 請不要辣的。

When you finish your meal (餐點):

• “Could I have the check, please?” — 可以買單嗎？
• “Do you accept credit cards?” — 你們接受信用卡嗎？
• “The food was delicious!” — 食物很好吃！

In many Western countries (西方國家), tipping (給小費) is expected. You can ask: “Is the tip included?” if you are not sure. A good tip is usually 15-20% of the bill (帳單).

Watch This: Essential Travel English Phrases

Want to hear these phrases spoken out loud? This video from Speak English With Vanessa covers the most important travel English phrases you need to know. Watch it to practice your listening and pronunciation (發音)!

問路 (Asking for Directions)

Getting lost in a new city can be stressful (有壓力的). But if you know how to ask for directions (方向) in English, you can always find your way!

Here are the most useful phrases for asking directions:

• “Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?” — 不好意思，火車站怎麼走？
• “Is it far from here?” — 離這裡遠嗎？
• “Can you show me on the map?” — 可以在地圖上指給我看嗎？
• “Is there a subway station nearby?” — 附近有地鐵站嗎？

When someone gives you directions, listen for these key words:

• “Turn left / turn right” — 左轉 / 右轉
• “Go straight” — 直走
• “It’s on the corner” — 在轉角
• “It’s across from the bank” — 在銀行對面
• “It’s about a 10-minute walk” — 大約走10分鐘

If you do not understand, do not be afraid to say: “Could you repeat that, please?” (可以再說一次嗎？) or “Could you speak more slowly?” (可以說慢一點嗎？). People are usually happy to help a traveler.

搭乘交通工具 (Using Transportation)

Taxis (計程車), buses (公車), and trains (火車) are part of every trip. Here are the phrases you need for getting around.

For taxis and ride-sharing apps (叫車軟體):

• “Can you take me to this address?” — 可以帶我去這個地址嗎？
• “How much will it cost?” — 大概多少錢？
• “Please use the meter.” — 請跳錶。
• “Stop here, please.” — 請在這裡停車。
• “Keep the change.” — 不用找了。

For buses and trains:

• “One ticket to [city], please.” — 一張到…的票，謝謝。
• “Which platform does the train leave from?” — 火車從哪個月台出發？
• “Does this bus go to the city center?” — 這班公車到市中心嗎？
• “What is the next stop?” — 下一站是什麼？

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, over 1.4 billion people traveled internationally in 2024. English is the most commonly used language between travelers and local people in most countries. Even knowing just 50 travel phrases can make your trip much smoother (更順利的)!

購物 (Shopping)

Shopping in English-speaking countries (or tourist areas) is easy if you know a few key phrases. Whether you are at a market (市場), a shopping mall (百貨公司), or a souvenir shop (紀念品店), these will help you:

• “How much is this?” — 這個多少錢？
• “Do you have this in a different size?” — 有其他尺寸嗎？
• “Can I try this on?” — 可以試穿嗎？
• “I’m just looking, thanks.” — 我只是看看，謝謝。
• “Do you have a smaller / bigger one?” — 有小一點/大一點的嗎？
• “Is there a discount?” — 有折扣嗎？
• “Can I pay by card?” — 可以刷卡嗎？

In some countries, you can bargain (殺價). You might say: “Can you give me a better price?” (可以算便宜一點嗎？). But in most stores and malls, prices are fixed (固定的). You can learn more about shopping English from the British Council’s free English learning resources.

緊急情況 (Emergencies)

Nobody wants to have an emergency (緊急情況) while traveling, but it is important to be prepared (做好準備). Here are phrases that could help you in a difficult situation:

• “Help!” — 救命！
• “Please call an ambulance.” — 請叫救護車。
• “I need a doctor.” — 我需要看醫生。
• “I lost my passport.” — 我的護照弄丟了。
• “Where is the nearest hospital?” — 最近的醫院在哪裡？
• “I need to contact my embassy.” — 我需要聯絡我的大使館。
• “Someone stole my wallet.” — 有人偷了我的錢包。

It is a good idea to keep your hotel address and emergency numbers written on a piece of paper (紙) or saved on your phone (手機). The Cambridge English website also has useful practice materials for everyday English situations, including emergencies.

練習小技巧 (Practice Tips)

Learning travel English is not just about memorizing phrases (背片語). Here are some tips to help you use English more naturally when you travel:

1. Practice before you go (出發前練習) — Say the phrases out loud at home. Practice with a friend or family member. The more you practice, the easier it will be.
2. Use a translation app (翻譯軟體) — Apps like Google Translate can help when you are stuck. But try to use English first!
3. Write it down (寫下來) — Keep a small notebook (筆記本) with your most important phrases. You can look at it when you need help.
4. Do not be afraid to make mistakes (不要怕犯錯) — Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to try. Most people appreciate it when travelers try to speak their language.
5. Listen and repeat (聽和重複) — Watch English travel videos on YouTube. Listen to how native speakers say the phrases, and repeat after them.

If you live in Taipei (台北), there are many ways to practice your English before your trip. You can join an 英文補習班 (English cram school) or find a language exchange partner (語言交換夥伴). Many cafes in 天母 (Tianmu) and 士林 (Shilin) host English conversation groups where you can practice speaking with real people.

You can also check out our guide on 成人英文 (Adult English) learning tips for more ways to build your English skills. And if you want to grow your 英文單字 (vocabulary), read our article on 50 Essential English Words for Beginners.

Travel is one of the best reasons to learn English. Every trip is a chance to practice, get better, and make new friends from around the world (世界各地). Start with the phrases in this article, practice them every day, and you will be ready for your next adventure (冒險)!