English Travel Vocabulary: Transportation, Accommodation, Activities

There are different ways to say the word travel in English: journey, trip, or even voyage!

In this English vocabulary guide, we’ll explore words related to transportation, accommodation, restaurants, and activities, along with some common travel expressions.

Transportation Vocabulary

Word	Definition	Audio
airport	A place where airplanes take off/land
arrival	When you reach your destination
bicycle / bike	A vehicle with two wheels
bus	Large vehicle for public transportation
car rental	Service to rent a car temporarily
departure	When you leave for your journey
flight	Trip made by airplane
passport	Official document for international travel
platform	An area where you board a train or bus
ship	Large boat for traveling on water
subway	An area where you board a train or bus
suitcase	Container for carrying clothes / luggage
taxi	Car service for hire
ticket	Document allowing entry or travel
train	Railway vehicle for transportation

Examples

Example sentence	Simplified explanation	Audio
The train departs at noon.	The train leaves at 12:00 PM.
We took the bus to the city.	We used a bus to travel to the city.
My flight is delayed!	My plane will leave later than planned.
We rented bicycles for the day.	We got bikes to use for the whole day.
Our arrival is scheduled for 3 PM.	We plan to reach at 3:00 PM.
Don’t forget your passport!	Remember to bring your travel document.

Accommodation Vocabulary

Word	Definition	Audio
bed	Furniture for sleeping
booking	Arrangement to reserve a room
check-in	Process of registering upon arrival
check-out	Process of leaving and paying at a hotel
double room	Room with a bed for two people
guest	Person staying at a hotel or accommodation
hostel	Budget accommodation, often with shared rooms
hotel	Building offering lodging to travelers
key	A person staying at a hotel or accommodation
lobby	A device used to unlock a door
reception	Front desk where guests are welcomed
reservation	Advance booking of a room
room	Space in a hotel for guests to stay
single room	Room with a bed for one person
suite	The next item in a sequence

Examples

Example sentence	Simplified explanation	Audio
We booked a hotel near the beach.	We made a reservation at a hotel close to the beach.
Check-out is before 11 AM.	You need to leave the hotel by 11:00 AM.
The bed in the hotel was very comfortable!	The hotel bed was really nice to sleep on!
I lost my room key…	I can’t find the key to my hotel room.
They upgraded us to a suite!	We got a better room for no extra cost!
Let’s meet in the hotel lobby.	Let’s gather in the main entrance area of the hotel.

Restaurants and Food Vocabulary

Word	Definition	Audio
appetizer	Small dish served before the main meal
beverage	Any drink, such as soda, or juice
bill	Statement of money owed for food and drinks
breakfast	The first meal of the day
coffee	A popular hot drink made from roasted beans
chef	Main cook in a restaurant
dessert	Sweet dish served after the main meal
dinner	A meal eaten in the evening
dish	A specific type of food prepared for a meal
lunch	Meal eaten in the middle of the day
menu	List of food and drink options at a restaurant
reservation	Arrangement to secure a table in advance
restaurant	A place where people pay to eat meals
tip	Extra money given for good service
waiter	A person who serves food and drinks to customers

Examples

Example sentence	Simplified explanation	Audio
We dined at a lovely restaurant.	We had dinner at a nice restaurant.
This dish is delicious!	This food tastes very good!
It’s customary to leave a tip…	People usually give extra money for good service.
The chef is renowned for his creativity.	The cook is famous for being very creative.
For an appetizer, I’ll have the soup.	I will start with the soup as a small dish.
What beverage would you like?	What drink do you want?

Activities and Attractions Vocabulary

Word	Definition	Audio
aquarium	A place where aquatic animals are displayed
beach	Sandy or pebbly area by the sea or a lake
concert	Live performance of music
festival	An event with music, food, or activities, often cultural
gallery	A place where art is displayed
hike	Long walk, usually in nature
map	Visual representation of an area or route
monument	Structure built to remember a person or event
museum	Building where historical, cultural, or scientific items are displayed
park	Public area with trees and open space for recreation
sightseeing	Visiting interesting places as a tourist
souvenir	Item bought to remember a place or experience
theatre	A place where plays, shows, or movies are performed or shown
tour	Guided visit to explore a place or attraction
zoo	A place where animals are kept for public viewing

Examples

Example sentence	Simplified explanation	Audio
The museum opens at 9 AM.	The museum starts welcoming visitors at 9:00 AM.
We took a guided tour of the city.	We explored the city with a guide.
Can you show me on the map?	Can you point it out to me on the map?
I bought souvenirs for my family!	I purchased keepsakes for my family.
The art gallery features modern artists.	The gallery displays works by contemporary artists.
The children loved the zoo!	The children really enjoyed visiting the zoo!

Travel-Related Idioms

Expression	Explanation	Audio
be going on the trip / be coming on the trip	Joining the journey
break a journey	Make a stop or layover during a trip
business trip	Travel for work purposes
go on honeymoon / leave for your honeymoon	Start a trip after getting married
guilt trip	Making someone feel guilty
package holiday / vacation package	Pre-arranged travel deal including accommodation and activities
road trip	Journey taken by car
school trip / school excursion	Organized trip for students
study trip	Educational travel experience
travel journal / travel diary	Notebook to record travel experiences
travellers (UK) / travelers (US)	People who move from place to place, often nomadic
travelling companion / fellow traveler	Person who travels with you
trip down memory lane / journey down memory lane	Recalling past memories
you’re in for a shock! / you won’t be disappointed!	You’ll have a surprising or memorable experience

Examples

Example sentence	Simplified explanation	Audio
She filled her travel journal with sketches and notes from her journey.	She documented her trip with drawings and writings.
The travellers set up their camp on the outskirts of the town.	They camped just outside the town.
The newlyweds are excited to go on their honeymoon to Bali!	They’re thrilled about their post-wedding trip to Bali!
Wait until you see the surprise; you’re in for a shock!	You’ll be amazed when you see the surprise!
We decided to break our journey in Paris before continuing to our final destination.	We stopped in Paris before heading to our next location.
She felt a guilt trip after realizing she forgot her friend’s birthday.	She felt bad for forgetting her friend’s birthday.

Bonus: 10 Useful Phrases for Your Trip

Newly arrived in London, New York, or Sydney? Here are 10 phrases to help you get started!

Expression	Simplified explanation	Audio
Where is the nearest subway station?	Asking for the closest metro or underground station.
Could you recommend a good restaurant around here?	Seeking suggestions for a nearby place to eat.
Can I have a map of the city, please?	Requesting a city map for navigation.
Is there a guided tour in English?	Inquiring about tours conducted in English.
What time does the museum open?	Asking for the museum’s opening hours.
Do you have any vegetarian dishes?	Checking if vegetarian options are available.
I need help with my luggage.	Requesting assistance with your bags.
What is the exchange rate for euros?	Asking for the current value of euros in local currency.
How do I get to the hotel from here?	Asking for directions to your hotel.
I lost my passport.	Reporting that your passport is missing.