Travelling To A Foreign Country - part 1

Travelling to a foreign country whether it is for business or for leisure travel, may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. It would be a good idea to read up a little bit about the country that you are visiting and also to practise some English travel lingo, as it is one of the most widely recognised languages used for travelling around the world.

Here are a few phrases to familiarise yourself with, which could help you during your travels.

At the Airport

• Hello.
• Where can I find the check-in counter for _______ airline?
• Where is the information counter?
• Where is the domestic/international departure terminal?
• Where is the baggage wrapping service?
• Where are the lounges?
• Where can I exchange money/foreign currency?

Hailing a Taxi

• What currencies do you accept?
• Do you accept cash or card? Do you accept Visa/MasterCard etc?
• What is the cost of the fare per km?

On the Airplane

• Excuse me, could I please have something to eat/drink?
• Do you have any open aisle/window seats?
• When will food/beverages be served?
• Do you have a vegetarian food option?
• Do you have any entertainment for children?

Transiting an Airport

• Where is the information board?
• Do I have to change terminals?
• What is there to do here while I wait for my next flight?
• Is there an airport hotel where I can rest before my next flight?

Some More Travel Lingo

Road trip — “We are going on a road trip” — a trip usually done by car/vehicle over a long distance.

Backpackers accommodation — A cheaper type of accommodation, usually used by students who are travelling on a small budget, where there are a few beds in a room shared by a few people.

Jetlag — “I’ve got jetlag” — the feeling you have when you have had a long flight and crossed many time zones, and have not adjusted to the local time zone yet.

Living out of a suitcase — “I’m living out of a suitcase at the moment” — When you travel to many destinations over a shorter period of time, and it seems like you don’t have time to unpack your personal items because you are always travelling or on the move.

Pickpocket — The act of a thief who quietly steals items from your pockets or bags while you are not aware.