traveller in english grammar

TRAVEL ENGLISH/ENGLISH FOR TOURISTS

Learn/practice common english phrases used by travelers.

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Travel English Phrases You’ll Need for Your Next Trip

English is essential for communication in most countries.

Wherever you are going, you need to have a good grasp of the basics of the language to get around and communicate at the airport, hotel and everywhere in between.

This post has dozens of travel English phrases to help you navigate any foreign country. Learn what they mean and how you can use them! 

At the Airport

On the airplane, arriving at your destination, riding public transportation, at the hotel, at a restaurant, sightseeing, emergencies, and one more thing....

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Excuse me, how do I… ?

If you are flying for the first time, you will need information on how to:

• Check in. When you check in , you are letting the airline know you have arrived. If the person you are talking to tells you to go to the check-in counter, you can follow up this question with “how do I get to the check-in counter?” to get directions. At the check-in counter, you present your ticket , a document that allows you to get your  boarding pass. The boarding pass, in turn, will allow you to board (ride) your airplane.
• Board the airplane. If you are not sure about what you should do before you get on a plane and during your flight, you can ask the airline staff about this. 

Where is the… ?

You will likely ask for general directions to one or more of the following:

• Information desk. As you can guess from the name, the information desk is where you can learn everything you need to know about getting around the airport. You can even ask for a map (a picture guide of the area) from them.
• Gate. A gate is where you will enter to get to the airplane. It is also the place where you wait before boarding your flight. The gate is usually written on your boarding pass. 
• Restroom. A restroom is a place where you take care of personal business like combing your hair, washing your face or using the toilet. Depending on the country you are visiting, this room may also be called a bathroom , washroom, comfort room, loo or toilet .
• Charging station. If your phone has low or no battery, these places can get your device’s battery up to 100 percent again. 
• Restaurant. If you feel hungry while waiting for your flight, you can visit a restaurant where you can eat in the meantime. 

How do I get to… ?

Although they both seem to ask for directions, there is a slight difference between “where is the… ?” and “how do I get to… ?”

“Where is the… ?” will get you a general answer like “(The place you want to go to) is at Building A.”

Meanwhile, “how do I get to… ?” asks for specific directions, so the person you are talking to will reply with “From here, you turn left, and when you see this sign, turn right…” and so on. 

What time is my flight?

Often, it may not be clear what time your specific flight is—in which case, this question will be useful.

What items am I allowed to bring on board?

Airlines usually have rules on what you can and cannot take into the airplane. 

How much luggage am I allowed to carry on?

Your  luggage includes all the bags you are bringing with you for the flight. Airlines often have limits on how much and how heavy your luggage should be.

Are meals included?

A  meal is a collection of food served at one time. Not all airlines provide meals, so it may be good to ask if you will get these before you board.

Excuse me, can you please help me put my luggage away?

Airplanes have baggage  compartments or closed spaces above each of the seats. You can ask the  flight attendant, an airplane employee in uniform who is usually female, to help you put your luggage in its compartment. 

Can I please change my seat?

Once you get on the plane, you may want to change your seat because other seats are more comfortable, have a better view, etc.

How much does… cost?

You can ask about the cost of anything you want to buy like the following:

• water bottle
• snack (a small meal)

I would like… , please.

This phrase is the standard and polite way to ask for something that is usually free or something you do not have to pay for. For example, if you are thirsty, you might say “I would like a glass of water, please.”

Does my seat have… ?

For example, if you want a device to return your phone’s battery charge at or above acceptable levels, you can say “does my seat have a charging port ?” And if you want to move the seat back so you can lie down, say “does my seat have a  recline button ?”

Excuse me, I need to…

There are a few things you can ask permission for on a plane. You can say “Excuse me, I need to…”

• Get out of my seat
• Use the restroom
• Move my luggage

What time is it?

This is a standard question for figuring out what time of the day it is. It is useful when you are flying over different time zones and when the plane finally lands.

For more vocabulary and phrases related to air travel, take a look at this post—it’s aimed at flight attendants, but you’ll learn a thing or two as well! 

Knowing English for flight attendants is essential in today’s interconnected world. These 60+ English words and phrases will prepare you for the job before, during and…

Once you are at your destination (the place you are visiting), some of the useful phrases you can use are the following. 

Just like at the airport when you first arrived, “Where is the… ?” and “How do I get to… ?” are useful phrases when you are at your destination.

Some of the places where you might need directions are:

• Baggage claim area. Remember when you checked in your luggage? This is the place where you claim or get it.
• Currency exchange. A currency exchange is a place where you take the money you use in your own country and get it changed to the money used at your destination.
• Bus stop. Finding a bus stop will be especially helpful if you want to find a cheap way to get around. Asking “where is this bus going?” can also help you know if you are riding the right bus.
• Taxi / Taxi stand. No bus? Take a taxi instead, which is also called a cab in some places. You can usually find a group of taxis at  taxi stands.
• Hotel. Of course, you should provide the name of your specific hotel. 
• Immigration or customs. Immigration or customs is the place where you have to explain why you came to a country and tell officers what your intentions are. 

Sorry, I do not understand what you are saying.

This phrase will help native English speakers know English is not your first language. You can also say “I do not speak English very well” and ask them to “please speak slowly” if you are still having trouble.

I recommend that you prep before you go by studying authentic English media like movies and TV shows. These can help you prepare for real interactions in English.

I have items to declare. 

Aside from explaining why you are in a certain country, you also have to  declare (make a formal or official statement on) the items that you may need to pay duties  (taxes on items from another country) for.

If you do not have such items, you can simply say “I have nothing to declare.”

I have a connecting flight.

This is how you say you will board another plane to go somewhere else.

I am traveling for…

Depending on why you came to the country, you can say you are traveling for:

• Leisure. Say this if you are traveling because you are on vacation.
• Work. Say this if you are traveling because your company asked you to .
• Family. If you are traveling because you are visiting relatives, let the customs officer know.

I will be here for… days.

You will need to provide the number of days you will be staying in the country, like “I will be here for 90 days.”

If you have it, you can also show your visa , a document that proves you are allowed to enter the country for a certain purpose within a certain period. 

I am staying at…

The customs officer may ask you where you will be sleeping. You can say “I am staying at (the name of your hotel)” or “I am staying at (the address of your family or friend in the country).”

Check out more airport vocabulary here .

Now that you have arrived, you need to know how to get around. Here are some useful phrases you can use whether you are riding a bus, train or any other form of public transportation.

Does this go to… ?

Before you get on a bus or train, ask whether it is going to the place you want to go. If the driver says no, you can ask “how do I get to… ?” and take note of the directions they give you.

How long does it take to get to… ?

Here, you are asking how many minutes, hours, etc. it will take for the vehicle to get to your destination. 

How much is the fare?

The  fare is the price of riding your public transport.

“Do you accept… ?”

End this question with a mode of payment , which includes cash and cards . 

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

This phrase is useful if you see someone with an empty seat beside or near them, but you want to be 100% sure they do not have a companion. 

I missed my stop. Can you please let me know when we are at the next one?

In an ideal world, traveling would go smoothly. But sometimes, things like not being able to get off at your stop happen! Luckily, you can use this phrase to  get you out of a pickle (get you out of trouble). 

Of course, if you are staying with friends and family, you can skip this section. But if you will stay at a hotel, keep the following phrases in mind.

Greetings! I have a reservation under the name of…

End the phrase with your full name or the name you used to make your reservation. 

When you get to your hotel, go to the front desk.  It is easy to find because that is usually where you will first meet the hotel’s employees. Also, that is where the other guests will probably be!

You want to confirm that you have a  reservation first—that is, proof that you have a room at the hotel where you are staying. Otherwise, you have to look for somewhere else to stay.

What is included in my reservation?

This question asks what services you have already paid for. Of course, there is your room, but you may also want to check for other things like breakfast, pool, spa, etc.

What time is check-in / check-out?

Since you will not be staying at the hotel all the time, you will want to know what time you can  check in and  check out.  

Check in means the time you will be allowed to enter your room, while  check out means the time you should leave your room. 

Does the room have a… ?

You may also want to know about your room’s  amenities (things to help make your stay more convenient and comfortable). For example:

• Bathroom / restroom. Again, the correct term for this place depends on where you are.
• Refrigerator / fridge. A refrigerator or “fridge” is a place to keep your food and drinks cold. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for any food or drinks you take out of hotel refrigerators.
• Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is simply a wireless internet connection. You should probably also ask for the Wi-Fi password. ( “What is the Wi-Fi password?” )
• Air conditioner. An air conditioner is a piece of equipment that cools a room.

How many beds are in the room?

This question will help you know if there is enough space to sleep for the number of people in your hotel room.

What floor am I on?

A  floor in this situation refers to the level of the hotel.

If you are on a high floor (like the 30th, for example), you may want to use the elevator , the device that lifts and lowers you between floors of the hotel, to help you get to your room.

My room needs…

Most of the time, housekeeping (the people who clean the room) will make sure you have everything you need. Should they forget, you can say “My room needs…” and finish with:

• Towels. Towels are soft, thick materials you use to dry yourself after taking a bath.
• Toilet paper. Toilet paper are thin white sheets rolled up on tubes. They help you wipe yourself in the bathroom. 
• Bedsheets. “Bedsheets” is a term that includes pillowcases, blankets and all the other pieces of cloth that cover your bed.

Could I please have room service ?

As a guest, you can request services by saying “Could I please have… ?” For example, you can request room service , where someone will come up to your room to deliver food, drinks and other things you may need.

Where is the best… around here and how do I get there?

Since the hotel employees are locals, they will probably know the area more than you do.

Before you check out of your hotel, you can use this phrase and replace “…” with:

• Grocery store. Grocery stores are places where you can buy most types of items.
• Hospital. If you or someone you are traveling with gets sick or injured, you need to know where to go.
• Bank. If you run out of money, you may need to go by a bank to get more.
• Restaurant. Make sure you ask for a restaurant that offers local cuisine or food. 

A table for two, please.

The number indicates how many people will be eating with you at the restaurant. It does not have to be just two: it can be any number of people with and including you. 

I would like to drink…

Finish this phrase with the name of the drink you want. Popular drinks are:

• soda pop (carbonated sweet drinks) 

May I see a menu? 

A  menu will help you decide what you want to eat. 

I would like to order, please.

Once you have decided what to eat and drink, raise your hand and wait for a waiter to come to your table. Then, say this phrase to indicate that you are ready to order or ask questions about the food. 

Could you recommend any popular dishes?

This is a good question to ask if you are not sure what to order.

May I ask if you have dishes that are… ?

You may prefer certain foods to others for personal reasons. For example, you can finish the question with any of the following:

• Vegetarian / Vegan When you say that dishes are vegetarian , that means they are mostly made of plant-based ingredients. When you say they are vegan , it means they do not have any animal ingredients (even eggs or milk!) at all.
• Halal. If you are a Muslim, you want to make sure that what you eat does not go against the laws of your religion. You may need to explain what ingredients make a food halal  or  haram , though.

Can you tell me about any potential allergens in this dish?

Allergens are ingredients in your food that can cause you to have a negative reaction. It may be a good idea to ask about these before you order a dish. The last thing you want is to not enjoy your meal because you got sick!

Can I please have… ?

Fill in the blank with an item off of the menu or one of these items:

• Appetizer. An appetizer is a small dish you eat before the main course (meal).
• Soup. Soup is a common way to start meals. 
• Salad. If it is too warm for soup, try a salad!
• Dessert. A dessert is a sweet dish you eat after the main course.
• A glass of water. If you are not interested in any particular drinks, a glass of water is always a good option. 
• Extra sauce / salt / spice. If you think your dish could use a little more sauce, salt or spice, you can ask if you can have more. 

Can I ask for a refill?

The word  refill comes from the prefix  re- (which usually means “to repeat”) and  fill . If your glass of water is empty and you want more, you can ask for a  refill so your empty glass will have water again. 

May I have the bill? 

The  bill  indicates how much you have to pay after you eat the meal. Make sure to ask for this. In some restaurants, the waiters will not bring it to your table unless you ask.

If you want more useful English phrases to use in restaurants, check out this post on ordering food in English .

Of course, your trip would not be complete without souvenirs or items you buy to remember the place you visited! To make the most of your visits to shops, here are a few phrases to keep on hand.

Excuse me, where can I find… ?

Finish the question with what you are looking for.

Excuse me, how much is this?

This is a standard phrase for asking the price or cost of items.

Do you offer discounts?

When you ask for  discounts , you are asking if the item comes at a lower price. Usually, the discount is shown in percentages (%). For example, if an item is $10 and there is a 50% discount on it, the final price would be $5. 

Do you have a sale?

Another way to save money is to watch out for sales or events when you can buy items for much lower than their original cost.

Does this come in a bigger / smaller size?

If you are buying clothes, you may not be able to find something that fits you. In that case, use this phrase to check if they have your size. You can also ask “can I try this on?” to make sure the piece of clothing really fits!

What is your return and exchange policy?

Sometimes, you end up buying an item that you do not like or has defects (something wrong with it). A  return and exchange policy allows you to either return (give back) the item to the store or  exchange (switch or change) it with a similar one. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

Here, you are asking if they accept cash, cards or any other form of payment you have on hand.

Can you recommend something similar to this?

If you find something you like  but not quite or you want more varieties (colors, sizes, etc.) of the same item, this is a good question to ask. 

For more shopping vocabulary you should know, go here .

Aside from the stores, you also want to check the sights and sounds of your destination! For those, here are the phrases you can use.

Where is the visitor information center?

The  visitor information center is where you can get everything you need to know about an area—maps, landmarks, restaurants, shops, etc. 

Excuse me, can you tell me what attractions I should check out around here?

There may be so many attractions in the area, you will not know where to start. This question can help you make your itinerary or travel plans for the day.

Are there any guided tours for this area?

Then again, you may not need to explore the area on your own. With a  tour guide , you can plan where you want to go, get information on each attraction and even some interesting tidbits (facts) about them!

Are there any rules and restrictions I should know?

As a visitor, the last thing you want is to get into trouble. You want to know what you should do (the rules) and what you should not do (the restrictions). 

Can you take a photo of me in front of… ?

A trip is not complete without pictures you can post on social media! There are times when you may want to take pictures of yourself in front of a site and that is where this phrase comes in. 

Are there any events or festivals around here?

If you want to enjoy the place the way the locals do, this is a question you should ask. 

Even with careful planning, you may encounter some problems with your travels. Here are some phrases to help you out if something bad happens.

I have lost my…

End this phrase with any  valuables (important items) you lose, such as:

• Passport. If you lost your passport, you need to find an embassy or state organization that represents your home country in the place you are visiting. To ask for directions to the embassy, say “where is the embassy for… ?” and end the question with your country’s name in English.
• Wallet. If someone stole your wallet or something else from you, you need to contact the local police , the organization responsible for dealing with crimes. In the United States, for example, you can call 911 on a phone.
• Way. When you say you have lost your way , you mean you are not sure where you are and where you should go. If you have a destination in mind, you can say “how do I get to… ?” and end the question with where you want to go.

If something bad is happening to you, calling out this word will get people’s attention and—hopefully—get you the help you need.

I feel…

Sometimes, the people who come to help you may need more information about what you need help with. For example, you could say “I feel…”

• Dizzy / Faint. Dizzy or faint means your head feels light, as though it is being turned around and around.
• Sick. If you do not feel well in any way, you should say “I feel sick.”

If your body hurts, you can also say “I am in pain.”

With these travel English phrases, you should be able to get around most countries without much trouble.

Enjoy your trip!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

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English Grammar

TRAVEL - TRIP - JOURNEY - TOUR - VOYAGE

Meaning and use of the words 'trip', 'travel', 'journey', 'tour', and 'voyage'..

The explanation below should help clarify the meaning and use of vocabulary related to travel.

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Essential Travel Phrases: How to be Travel Fluent in 10 Simple Steps

When it comes to travel, knowing even just a little bit of the local language can go a LONG way. This step-by-step method will guide you through how to learn essential travel phrases simply and easily with the help of reusable building blocks.

We all love to travel, but no one talks about the importance of speaking the local language when we travel to foreign countries.  This is surprising to me since it’s such a big part of travel. We go abroad to see beautiful places, try new cuisines, but there’s nothing like communicating with the locals and learning from them. Even learning to use just a few keywords and phrases can do wonders for enhancing your travel experiences. It’s a great way to show respect and make a good first impression.

This is why I not only write detailed destinations guides and produce informative videos, I also create free travel phrase guides to help travellers get the most out of their experiences.

• Related: 22 KEY Travel Phrases That Will Transform Your Travels [Free Guide]

So much of a place and its history is wrapped up in the people who inhabit it and through them, the language they speak. We can see this evidenced in idiomatic expressions like the German idiom “eine Extrawurst haben” , (literally, to ask for an extra sausage meaning to ask for special treatment) or in a simple greeting.

For example, before I visited Egypt  I wanted to learn some Arabic greetings along with some other basic sentences. Pretty quickly, I found out that in Arabic, when you say “see you soon to someone,'” the reply isn’t “Yes, see you soon”, it’s “inshallah”. This literally translates to, “God willing”, or “if God wills it”. The speaker is saying, “yes, I hope to see you again, but it’s up to God if we will”. This phrase comes from a Quranic command which Muslims use when speaking about future events. Just by learning this simple phrase, you gain a lot of insight into how significant a role religion plays in the Muslim and Arabic speaking culture.

You don’t need to be fluent to make a difference, it’s amazing how knowing even a little bit of the local language can go a long way. Just by showing that you’ve made an effort to learn some of the local language brings out the best in people.

It all begins with how to greet someone. Whether you’re in Norway or the Netherlands (two countries where English is spoken very well by its natives), you should always greet people in their native language. This is a great ice-breaker because you’ve just shown the receiver that you respect them enough to have made the effort to learn their language. There’s no telling where your conversation will lead from here. 

For example, during one night out at dinner in Palermo, I was with 5 of my closest my English speaking friends who all spoke various levels of Italian. At a table across from us was a young family. They were so interested in us that after a brief conversation all in Italian, they invited us to their home for afternoon tea the next day! This couldn’t have happened if we weren’t able to speak Italian.

You don’t need to be fluent in a language to have unique interactions such as these, but you can be fluent enough for travel . This is what we’ll be discussing today. In the following steps, I’ll share with you a simple formula to help you learn how to create your own phrases when traveling abroad without needing to memorising long phrases from a travel phrase book.

What is Travel Fluent?

Your grammar isn’t perfect and you definitely don’t know everything by heart, but with the right building blocks, a smile, and a gesture or two, you’re fluent for travel.

The vocabulary you need will differ depending on if you hire a car and drive about the remote Lofoten Islands in Norway than if you’re popping over to Rome for the weekend . But that’s ok. The formula I’ll be sharing with you is flexible. It gives you the building blocks so that you can use and reuse them on any kind of trip you take.

Once you implement what you’ve learned, you’ll see how enjoyable it is to communicate with others in their language. Who knows, it may even inspire you to learn the language more seriously.

How to be Fluent for Travel in 10 Simple Steps

Step 1. use the 80/20 rule.

The Pareto Principle (also known as the 80/20 rule) states that 80% of the results in any endeavour come from 20% of the input, material, or effort. 

This principle was coined by Management consultant, Joseph M. Juran and named after the Italian economist, Vilfredo Pareto who in 1896 showed that approximately 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. 

The Pareto Principle can be applied to any aspect of your life. It even works for language learning too! 

Think about this.

Do you know every single word in the English dictionary? Of course not! Does the fact that you don’t prevent you from having a conversation with English speakers? No! 

When it comes to travel, the same is true. You can have an even smaller and targeted vocabulary and still have meaningful conversations.

You don’t need to learn how to express your political views, articulate your thoughts about the origin of the universe, or even know how to say what your favourite colour is because these aren’t common topics you’ll be discussing with people as a traveller.

If you adopt the 80/20 rule and apply it to language learning for travel purposes, you’re forced to focus on and choose only what you need to learn based on the likelihood and frequency in which you’ll need to use it.

For example, what percentage of time in any given trip do you think you’ll need to ask how much something costs, where the bathroom is, or placing an order at a restaurant? I’d say 80% of the time, wouldn’t you?

Think about the 20% of vocabulary in your target language that you’ll need in order to respond to 80% of the situations you’ll find yourself in. What things will you need to know how to say?  The answer to this question is exactly what I include and how I teach languages in my Intrepid Languages courses – using the 80/20 method.

In the following steps, we’ll take a look at how you can break this down even further and use building blocks to form your own unique phrases and questions.

Step 2. Master Modal verbs

Wouldn’t it be great if you could start speaking your target language without having to learn a bunch of grammar or memorise long phrases? Wouldn’t it be great if you could easily create your own phrases just by using a few keywords? Well, you can!

Modal verbs are a language learner’s best friend. They give you loads of flexibility for the minimum amount of work it takes to learn them. 

If you’re not familiar with the term, the most commonly used modal verbs in English are can , could , may , might , must , will , would , shall , should , ought to , have to , and need .  

By learning how to use the equivalent of these modal verbs in your target language, you’re already half-way to creating your own unique phrases really easily and quickly.

You don’t need to learn every modal verb listed above either. If you can master the verbs could (be able to), want (want to), and must (to have to, ought to) that’s enough to cover your bases. In order to find modal verbs in your target language, a simple Google search will do the trick.

The reason why modal verbs are so powerful is because you only need to learn how to conjugate these three verbs, instead of countless others. 

How do modal verbs work?

Modal verbs allow you to create a phrase by placing an infinitive verb after any conjugated modal verbs. Conjugating verbs isn’t a very sexy term and it’s usually something many students dread. Simply put, you conjugate verbs in order to communicate one or more of the following: person, number, gender, tense, aspect, mood, or voice.

To learn these 3 key modal verbs, start by learning the basic structure of how they’re used in a sentence. This is what the formula looks like:

Conjugated Modal Verb + Infinitive Verb + Noun

Since Pareto’s Principle was inspired by an Italian, let’s use the Italian language as an example of how you can be fluent for travel whilst travelling in Italy. 

Since the Italian modal verb could (be able to) is potere , the conjugation of potere looks like this:

• (io) posso – I can
• (tu) puoi – you can
• (Lei) / (lui) / (lei)  può – You (formal)/he/she can
• (noi) possiamo – we can
• (voi) potete – you can (plural)
• (loro) possono – they can

The Italian modal verb for want , or want to i s volere . The conjugation of volere looks like this:

• (io) voglio – I want 
• (tu)  vuoi – you want 
• (Lei) / (lui) / (lei) vuole – You (formal)/he/she want/s 
• (noi) vogliamo – we want 
• (voi) volete – you want 
• (loro) vogliono – they want 

The Italian modal verb for to have to , ought to , or must is dovere . The conjugation of dovere looks like this:

• (io) devo – I must
• (tu) devi – you must 
• (Lei) / (lui) / (lei)  deve   – You (formal)/he/she must
• (noi) dobbiamo – we must
• (voi) dovete – you must
• (loro) devono – they must

Once you learn these three versatile modal verbs you’ll use them to form the first part of any question you ask or response you give. 

Step 3. Learn your top 10 verbs for travel

Now let’s focus on the second part of the formula covered above – infinitive verbs . If you never learned grammar in school and have no idea what a verb is, then all you need to know is that it’s any word you can place the word ‘ to ’ in front of. For example, to go, to eat, to sleep, to find….you get the idea.

When it comes to travel, there are certain questions and things you’ll need to say repeatedly. Below is a list of the most useful verbs for travel that I recommend you learn in your target language along with examples of how they can be used in various situations. Of course, you can add more than 10 or swap out any of them for different verbs. I’ve kept this list to 10 as it makes things more manageable and less overwhelming to learn.

Top 10 verbs for travel

• Take → Prendere (eg. Can I take a bus /taxi/train there?)
• Go → Andare (eg. I want to go to the airport/museum/Colosseum…)
• Eat → Mangiare (eg. I cannot eat meat)
• Order → Ordinare (eg. May/can I order now?)
• Have → Avere (eg. May/can I have a menu? )
• Buy → Comprare (eg. I want to buy …)
• Pay → Pagare (eg. Can I pay by credit card?)
• Find → Trovare (eg. Where can I find the train station?)
• Speak → Parlare (eg. Can you speak English?)
• Understand → Capire (eg. I cannot understand Italian)

Let’s bring it all together. Using what you’ve learned and following the formula above, we can create sentences such as:

Voglio andare …. I want to go ….

Possiamo comprare … Can we buy …

Dobbiamo andare …. We have to go …

Choose the 10 most useful verbs you’re most likely going to need and use on your trip.

Step 4. Learn your top 10 Nouns for travel

Below is a list of useful nouns to know and their Italian prepositions . Don’t worry too much about how prepositions work as this will overcomplicate what you’re trying to do here, which is to communicate effectively, not perfectly.

The nouns you choose to put in your list are entirely up to you. For example, you may not be vegetarian and decide to remove this word from your list. 

Top 10 nouns for travel

• the/a ticket / two tickets → il/un biglietto / due biglietti
• to/the/a bathroom → al/il/un bagno  
• Italian (Learn how to say the name of the language in its native form) → l’Italiano 
• to the/the/a bank → alla/la/una banca 
• to the/the/a train station → alla/la/una stazione ferroviaria 
• to the/the airport  → all’/l’aeroporto 
• Il/un pullman/bus → the/a bus
• vegetarian (male/female) → vegetariano/a 
• the/a receipt → la/una ricevuta 
• the change → il resto

Let’s bring it all together. Using what you’ve learned in the past 3 steps we can use the formula Conjugated Modal Verb + Infinitive Verb + Noun to create sentences such as:

Voglio andare al bagno I want to go to the bathroom

Possiamo comprare due biglietti , per favore? Can we buy two tickets , please?

Dobbiamo andare all’aeroporto We have to go to the airport

Choose the 10 most useful nouns you’re most likely going to need and use on your trip.

Here’s everything you need to know Italian prepositions  plus tonnes of examples.

Step 5. Learn your top 10 Adjectives for travel

For shorter sentences where you want to express your opinion or the state of something, you can use ‘it is’ ( è ) followed by the adjective. An adjective is a word where you can place is,   am or are in front of it. For example, is big, are beautiful.

If you want to emphasise these adjectives, you can use ‘very’ ( molto ) or ‘too’ ( troppo ) in front of the adjective. 

Top 10 adjectives for travel

• Big → grande (eg. è grande)
• Small → piccolo ( eg. è troppo piccolo)
• Expensive → caro (eg. è troppo caro)
• Beautiful → bello (eg. è molto bello)
• Nice → carino (eg. è carino)
• Good/well → buono/bene (eg. è molto buono/bene)
• Interesting → interessante (eg. è interessante)
• Open → aperto (eg. è aperto?)
• Closed → chiuso (eg. è chiuso?)
• Perfect → perfetto (eg. è perfetto!)

Choose the 10 most useful adjectives you’re most likely to need on your trip.

Step 6. Learn how to use question words

While you can turn a modal verb phrase into a question just by adding an inflection at the end of the phrase, you can also use question words. Here are the most useful questions words to learn:

• Where? → Dove?
• Where is? → Dov’è?
• Who? → Chi? 
• When? → Quando? 
• What? → Cosa? / Che cosa?
• How? → Come? 
• How much? → Quanto
• How much is? → Quant’è?
• Why? → Perché? 

Question words can also be paired with modal verbs, for example.

Where can I find the train station? Dove posso trovare la stazione ferroviaria?

How much must I   pay ? Quanto devo pagare ?

When do you want to go ? Quando vuoi andare ?

Practice forming sentences using question words followed by modal verbs.

Step 7. Learn your biography, greetings and pleasantries

As part of your travels there will be moments where you’ll have more meaningful conversations outside of the general day-to-day getting around and survival phrases we’ve already covered.

During my encounter in that restaurant in Palermo, I didn’t use modal verbs to get to know the family across the table from us, I used common Italian greetings and told them a bit about myself. I told them my biography.

Learning your biography is a great hack because your background never changes. Once you learn it, you’ll barely need to change it. The most important and reusable set of vocabulary you will ever learn is all about you, funnily enough. 

Every time you meet someone new, what do you do? You introduce yourself, you may talk about your job, where you’re from and why you’re learning the language. By focusing on learning your biography you’ll not only be able to comfortably hold your first 15-minute conversation but it will build up some much-needed confidence in speaking the language.

Again, you don’t need to overthink this and learn too much. Here are some key phrases to focus on.

• My name is… → Mi chiamo…
• I come from… [learn how to say your country name] → Vengo da…
• I’m a… [learn how to say your profession] → Sono…
• I can’t speak [insert language] very well → Non so parlare…

Start your journey to biography fluency with my travel phrase guides. I’m constantly adding to the list but, so far there is Afrikaans , Arabic , Basque , Bulgarian , Catalan , Czech , Danish , Dutch , Flemish Dutch , Finnish , French , German , Swiss-German , Greek , Hebrew , Hindi , Icelandic , Irish , Italian , Portuguese , Norwegian , Spanish , Latin American Spanish , Scots , Swedish , Thai , Vietnamese .

Also, try doing a Google Search on introductions then refer to an online language dictionary for any missing vocabulary.

When it comes to greetings and pleasantries, stick with the basics and always focus on learning the formal option (if available) to be respectful. 

Top 10 greetings and pleasantries for travel

• Hello → Salve
• Good morning → buongiorno
• Good evening → buonasera
• Goodbye → Arrivederci
• How are you? – Come sta?
• I’m well, and you? – Bene, e Lei?
• Thank you →  Grazie
• Please → Per favore
• You’re welcome → Prego
• It’s a pleasure to meet you → è un piacere conoscerLa

Step 8. Bring it all together

With a pen and paper, write down all your chosen verbs, adjectives, nouns, modal verbs, questions words, greetings, pleasantries, and biography. The reason why I suggest you physically write it all down and not jump in Google Docs straight away is that it improves your memory.

Related:  10 Proven Memory Hacks: How to Remember New Vocabulary Faster

Once you have gathered everything, start to form your own phrases and questions using the formula above. Again write this down by hand. Write down as many as you can. Do this until you feel comfortable that you won’t forget the structure. Now put everything in a Google Doc to refer back to it ahead of and during your trip.

Once this framework has been transferred to your long-term memory, remembering vocabulary is just a matter of learning by spaced repetition.

Step 9. Practice and revise before you fly

At this point, you know what you need to do, you just need to practice! Use spaced repetition apps like Quizlet to help you review and retain what you’ve learned. On top of that, also practicing saying things out loud, this is another great way to improve your memory when you hear your own voice say the words.

I recommend studying on a regular basis at least one week ahead of your trip so you’ll be travel fluent before you fly. Aim to squeeze in 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted study time every day at a time where you’re most alert.

Don’t worry about not being able to remember it all, you’re learning more than most other people do so you should be very proud of yourself. 

Want more? Check out my guide on top-rated languages tools and apps.

Step 10. Bon voyage!

Once you arrive at your final destination, start putting into practice what you know. Start small with greetings then build up to asking questions as you gain more confidence. 

Remember, have fun with the language. Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves or to speak slower so you can understand them. Smile and when in doubt refer to your notes, use gestures, or refer to Google Translate.

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BONUS Tip: Learn languages with me, The Intrepid Guide!

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Over to you!

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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Is it ‘traveling’ or ‘travelling’?

What to Know When it comes to spelling the forms of the verb travel , traveled and traveling are more common in the U.S., and travelled and travelling are dominant everywhere else.

Spelling is typically clear-cut in modern English: forty unfailingly betrays four ; the sweet treat after dinner is spelled dessert , not desert .

But some words have two forms that appear often enough in edited text to make it clear that something else is going on. And so it is with forms of the verb travel : traveled and travelled , and traveling and travelling .

It might have a different spelling wherever you're going.

One or Two L 's?

If you look at where the single l forms originate and where the double l forms originate a pattern emerges: in the United States, traveled and traveling predominate, and everywhere else travelled and travelling are preferred.

The reason mostly comes down to one man we at Merriam-Webster hold especially dear: Noah Webster. Our lexicographical father (brothers George and Charles Merriam bought the rights to Noah Webster’s 1841 dictionary after Webster died) was a great believer in spelling reform and wanted English spelling to make more sense—and if the English of his homeland had more logic to it than its British parent, so much the better. He decided that travel needed only one l in its past and present participle forms.

Webster’s logic is the reason behind the spelling of canceled and cancelled as well: in the U.S., they have just one l , but elsewhere two l ’s are the norm.

American English Words that Use 2 L 's

Webster didn’t think all double l ’s needed to be reduced to one, however: in cases in which the accent, or emphasis, is on the syllable with the l , two l ’s are preserved: expelled and expelling ; controlled and controlling ; patrolled and patrolling .

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40 Basic Vocabulary Words and Common Phrases for Travel in English

Embarking on a journey to a foreign country can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially when language barriers come into play. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! This page is dedicated to all the globetrotters out there who are keen on enhancing their English language skills specifically for travel.

We’ve curated a list of 40 essential English words and phrases that will prove to be your best companions on your travels.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first overseas trip, mastering these words and phrases will not only boost your confidence but also enrich your travel experiences. So, let’s dive in and start preparing for your next adventure with our comprehensive travel vocabulary guide. Happy learning and safe travels!

40 essential English words and phrases for travel

• Passport – “Don’t forget to bring your passport to the airport.”
• Luggage – “Please make sure your luggage is not left unattended.”
• Reservation – “I have a reservation under the name Smith.”
• Itinerary – “Our itinerary includes stops in Rome, Paris, and London.”
• Destination – “Our final destination is Sydney.”
• Accommodation – “I’ve booked accommodation for three nights in the city center.”
• Sightseeing – “We’re going sightseeing in the old town tomorrow.”
• Currency – “What’s the local currency in Japan?”
• Boarding Pass – “Please have your boarding pass and identification ready.”
• Departure – “Our departure time is 6:00 PM.”
• Arrival – “Our estimated arrival time is 8:00 PM.”
• Customs – “You’ll need to declare any items at customs.”
• Visa – “Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?”
• Tourist – “As a tourist, I love exploring new places.”
• Landmark – “The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.”
• Guidebook – “I bought a guidebook to learn more about the city’s history.”
• Souvenir – “I bought a souvenir from each city we visited.”
• Jet Lag – “I’m feeling a bit of jet lag after the long flight.”
• Travel Agency – “The travel agency arranged all of our accommodations.”
• Backpack – “I prefer to travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase.”
• Could you help me, please? – When you need assistance.
• How much does this cost? – When you want to know the price of something.
• Where is the nearest…? – When you’re looking for something specific, like a bathroom or a subway station.
• I would like to book… – When you want to make a reservation.
• Do you speak English? – When you need to find someone who speaks English.
• I’m lost. Can you help me? – When you need directions.
• Can I have the menu, please? – When you’re at a restaurant and want to see the menu.
• I’m allergic to… – When you need to inform someone of your allergies.
• Can I have the bill, please? – When you’re ready to pay at a restaurant.
• What time does it open/close? – When you want to know the operating hours of a place.
• Can I have a ticket to…, please? – When you’re buying a ticket.
• Where can I catch the bus/train? – When you need to find the bus or train station.
• Is it far from here? – When you want to know the distance to a place.
• Can you recommend a good…? – When you’re looking for recommendations.
• Do you accept credit cards? – When you want to know if you can pay with a credit card.
• What’s the Wi-Fi password? – When you need to connect to the internet.
• I’d like to go to… – When you’re telling a taxi driver your destination.
• Is there a pharmacy nearby? – When you need to find a pharmacy.
• Can I try this on? – When you’re shopping for clothes and want to try something on.
• Could you take a picture of us, please? – When you want someone to take a photo of you and your group.

Wrapping Up Our English Travel Vocabulary Journey

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through 40 essential English words and phrases that will help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, language is a powerful tool that can open doors to understanding new cultures, making new friends, and creating unforgettable experiences.

Don’t worry if you can’t memorize all the words and phrases at once. The beauty of language learning is that it’s a continuous process. Keep practicing, and soon these words will become second nature to you.

But why stop at 40? If you’re eager to expand your travel vocabulary even further, we have an exciting offer for you. Follow us on Instagram and send us a direct message to get your hands on our comprehensive eBook (write “Travel eBook”), which features 200 essential English words and phrases for travel, plus 2 special bonuses!

We hope this guide will be a valuable resource for your travel adventures. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, tranquil countryside, or exotic beaches, these phrases will help you navigate your way with confidence.

Thank you for joining us on this linguistic journey. We wish you all the best in your English learning and your future travels. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, or in this case, a single word. Happy travels and happy learning!

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Travel Vocabulary for English-Language Learners

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The travel-related words below are the most important terms to know when talking about travel or taking vacations . Words are categorized into different sections depending on the type of travel. You'll find example sentences for each word to help provide context for learning, as well as a short quiz at the end to test your knowledge.

Air Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Airport : I went to the airport to catch a flight to San Francisco. Check in : Make sure to get to the airport two hours early to check in. Fly : I like to fly on the same airline to get mileage points. Land : The airplane will land in two hours. Landing : The landing took place during a storm. It was very scary! Plane : The plane is packed with 300 passengers. Take off : The airplane is scheduled to take off at 3:30 p.m.

Vacation Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Camp : Do you like to camp in the woods? Destination : What is your final destination? Excursion : I'd like to take an excursion to the wine country while we're in Tuscany. Go camping : Let's go to the beach and go camping next weekend. Go sightseeing : Did you go sightseeing while you were in France? Hostel : Staying in a youth hostel is a great way to save money on vacation. Hotel : I'll book a hotel for two nights. Journey : The journey will take four weeks and we'll visit four countries. Luggage : Can you carry the luggage upstairs? Motel : We stayed in a convenient motel on our way to Chicago. Package holiday : I prefer to buy package holidays , so I don't have to worry about anything. Passenger : The passenger felt ill during the voyage. Route : Our route will take us through Germany and on to Poland. Sightseeing : The sightseeing in this town is rather boring. Let's go shopping . Suitcase : Let me unpack my suitcase and then we can go swimming. Tour : Peter went on a tour of the vineyard. Tourism : Tourism is becoming an important industry in almost every country. Tourist : Every May, many tourists from around the world come to see the flower festival. Travel : Travel is one of his favorite free time activities. Travel agent : The travel agent found us a great deal. Trip : The trip to New York was lovely and interesting. Vacation : I'd love to take a nice long vacation on the beach.

Overland Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Bicycle : One of the best ways to see the countryside is to ride a bicycle. Bike : We rode a bike from shop to shop. Bus : You can catch a bus for Seattle at the bus station. Bus station : The bus station is three blocks from here. Car : You might want to rent a car when you go on vacation. Lane : Make sure to get into the left lane when you want to pass. Motorcycle : Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exciting, but it's also dangerous. Freeway : We'll have to take the freeway to Los Angeles. Highway : The highway between the two cities is quite lovely. Rail : Have you ever traveled by rail? Go by rail : Going by rail offers the opportunity to get up and walk around as you travel. Railway : The railway station is down this street. Road: There are three roads to Denver. Main road : Take the main road into town and turn left at 5th Street. Taxi : I got in a taxi and went to the train station. Traffic : There's a lot of traffic today on the road! Train : I like riding on trains. It's a very relaxing way to travel. Tube : You can take the tube in London. Underground : You can take the underground in many cities throughout Europe. Subway : You can take the subway in New York.

Sea / Ocean Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Boat: Have you ever piloted a boat? Cruise: We will stop at three destinations during our cruise through the Mediterranean. Cruise ship: It's the most elegant cruise ship in the world! Ferry: Ferries allow passengers to take their cars with them to their destination. Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean takes four days to cross. Port: There are all kinds of commercial ships in the port. Sailboat: The sailboat requires nothing but the wind. Sea: The sea is very calm today. Set sail: We set sail for the exotic island. Ship: Have you ever been a passenger on a ship? Voyage: The voyage to the Bahamas took three days.

Travel Vocabulary Quiz

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Travelling or Traveling: What’s the Difference?

Home » Travelling or Traveling: What’s the Difference?

Are you taking a trip anytime soon? If so, where will you be traveling? Or is it travelling? How exactly do you spell this word?

The two words traveling and travelling can cause some confusion for those writers not exactly sure when to use which one. Are they just variations of the same word? Do they have different meanings? Do they function differently in a sentence?

In today’s post, I want to address all of these questions so you will never again wonder or second-guess yourself, “Is it travelling or traveling?”

The Difference Between Travelling and Traveling

Travelling and traveling are both verbs, obviously. To travel is to go from one place to another, as on a trip or journey. For example,

• When the traveling pub is taken off a trailer and put together in a lot near Milwaukee and California avenues, it will boast 400 feet of bar space. – Chicago Sun Times
• They travelled 5,000 miles from Myanmar to place a plaque in Seagrim’s native village of Whissonsett in eastern England. – Washington Post
• Under that analysis, completion of the mobility plan would result in about 35 million miles per day being traveled on L.A. surface streets in 2035. – L.A. Times

You’re probably still thinking, “Okay, I still don’t know how to use these words.”

The difference between traveling vs. travelling isn’t much of a difference at all, really.

In fact, the difference between them is entirely dialectal. There is no demonstrable difference of sense or function, meaning both words can be used interchangeably.

When to Use Travelling

Even though the only thing separating travelling and traveling is a dialectical difference, it is still important to keep your audience in mind when picking which word to use and when.

Travelling (with two Ls) is the preferred spelling in British English and is used much more frequently than is traveling . The graph below shows the use of travelling vs. traveling (as a percentage of all words used) in British English books, journals, and magazines from 1800 to 2008.

As you can see, travelling (with two Ls) clearly dominates in British English, being used at a rate of about 4:1.

Now, if we look at the same two words over the same time period but limit our search to American print sources, the results completely flip.

There’s actually a bigger gap between traveling and travelling in American English than there is in British English.

When to Use Traveling

As indicated in the above graph, traveled (with one L) is the preferred spelling in American English.

I’ve discussed the reason for the popularity of many shortened spellings in American English in other posts ( cancelled/canceled comes to mind ), but the basic reason stems back to Noah Webster himself.

He is usually credited with the shortening of many American spellings because in his original 1898 dictionary, he sought to simplify many British spellings he saw as unnecessary. This is where the British-American divide over words like color/colour came from.

Anyway, the point is, if you are writing to an American audience, traveling (with one L) is your best choice.

Remember the Difference – Traveling or Travelling?

One simple way to keep track of these two words is that the shorter spelling is American. If you can keep in mind that, generally speaking, British English favors (favours) the longer spelling of words, you will be able to remember the difference between these words.

It is also worthwhile to note that all of the distinctions in this post apply equally to travelled vs. traveled, traveled vs. travelled, traveller vs. traveler, traveler vs. traveller, etc.

Summary – Traveling vs. Travelling

Is it traveling or travelling? That depends on where you are writing and who is your audience.

• Travelling is the preferred spelling in British English.
• Traveling is the preferred spelling in American English.

Whether you’re talking about travelled or traveled or traveller or traveler, these same preferences still apply.

Grammar Palette

Traveler or Traveller: Which Spelling is Right?

People often argue about the correct way to spell words, and one common debate is between ‘traveler’ and ‘traveller.’ Both spellings are okay, but which one is more right? Let’s look at the differences and when to use each.

Table of Contents

American Way: ‘Traveler’

In America, we usually write ‘traveler.’ It’s simpler with just one ‘l.’ This way of spelling came about in the 1800s to make writing easier. So, if you’re in the United States, ‘traveler’ is the way to go.

British Style: ‘Traveller’

Across the pond in the United Kingdom, they prefer ‘traveller’ with two ‘l’s. The British like to keep things traditional, holding onto how words were spelled in the past.

Where and How to Use

The choice between ‘traveler’ and ‘traveller’ isn’t only about where you are. It also depends on what you’re reading. American books and websites use ‘traveler,’ while British ones use ‘traveller.’ Both are right in their own way.

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Language Changings

Words change over time, and that’s cool. ‘Traveler’ and ‘Traveller’ show how English can be different but still right. Instead of thinking of them as mistakes, see them as part of the language’s rich variety.

Deciding between ‘traveler’ and ‘traveller’ is mostly about where you are and what you’re reading. Neither way is wrong – it’s about keeping things consistent. Whether you like the American ‘traveler’ or the British ‘traveller,’ just stick to one. Language is all about talking to each other, and having different spellings just makes it more interesting.

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• UK vs. US English
• Travelling or Traveling | Difference & Example Sentences

Travelling or Traveling | Difference & Example Sentences

Published on August 11, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on August 22, 2023.

Travelling and traveling are two different spellings of the present participle of the verb “travel” (and the identical gerund ) meaning “move from one place to another” (typically over a long distance). The spelling tends to vary based on whether you’re writing UK or US English :

• In UK English , “travelling” (double “l”) is standard.
• In US English , “traveling” (one “l”) is correct.

If you’re travelling / traveling   through Central Europe, you should visit Berlin.

Karen likes travelling / traveling   by train because she enjoys watching the landscape go by.

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Table of contents

Travelling and traveling as adjectives, travelled or traveled, other interesting language articles.

Travelling and traveling can also be used as adjectives to describe someone or something that moves from place to place.

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Use the best grammar checker available to check that you're writing consistently in one variant of English.

Travelled and traveled are the past forms of the verb “travel.” The same spelling distinction applies to these past forms and to the nouns traveller and traveler :

• In UK English , “travelled” and “traveller” are standard.
• In US English , “traveled” and “traveler” are more common.

If you want to know more about commonly confused words , definitions , and differences between US and UK spellings , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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“Traveler” or “Traveller”

Traveler and traveller are both English terms.

Traveler is predominantly used in 🇺🇸 American (US) English ( en-US ) while traveller is predominantly used in 🇬🇧 British English (used in UK/AU/NZ) ( en-GB ).

In terms of actual appearance and usage , here's a breakdown by country, with usage level out of 100 (if available) 👇:

• In the United States , there is a preference for " traveler " over "traveller" (87 to 13).
• In the United Kingdom , there is a 77 to 23 preference for " traveller " over "traveler".
• In India , there is a 87 to 13 preference for " traveller " over "traveler".
• In the Philippines , there is a preference for " traveler " over "traveller" (63 to 37).
• In Canada , there is a preference for " traveler " over "traveller" (62 to 38).
• In Australia , there is a 87 to 13 preference for " traveller " over "traveler".
• In Liberia , there is a 71 to 29 preference for " traveller " over "traveler".
• In Ireland , there is a 85 to 15 preference for " traveller " over "traveler".
• In New Zealand , there is a 70 to 30 preference for " traveller " over "traveler".
• In Jamaica , there is a preference for " traveler " over "traveller" (56 to 44).
• In Trinidad & Tobago , there is a preference for " traveler " over "traveller" (53 to 47).
• In Guyana , there is not enough data to determine a preference between "traveler" and "traveller".

Below, we provide some examples of when to use traveler or traveller with sample sentences.

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Examples in Context

Examples of “traveler”.

• … 1662, by the Ottoman Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi, who described it …
• … to him as "a great traveler , both on land and paper".
• … "pair" of individuals: the path traveler (Pāli: maggattha) and the fruit …
• … or future for the time traveler when they return home.
• … scenery of North America, a traveler must go by foot.
• … TCIP), and SAE J2354 Advanced Traveler Information Systems standards.
• A traveler and amateur naturalist, he regains …
• National Geographic Traveler s main competitors are Condé Nast …
• "The Arkansas Traveler sketch in Vaudeville", America's Library
• This story, of a traveler who falls in love with …

Examples of “traveller”

• … depreciate his merits as a traveller and naturalist, for the belief …
• George Sandys (born 1578), English traveller , colonist and poet, the seventh …
• In this case, the traveller may choose to stay in …
• … John (1735, 2nd edition) Suffolk Traveller .
• … the score entered on the traveller .
• Porphyrius Uspensky (1804–1885), Russian traveller and theologian
• … fiction roleplaying games such as Traveller , Shadowrun and Heavy Gear (the …
• He also tells the traveller of his poor family and …
• A Traveller in Italy is situated in …
• The Arkansas Traveller

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license.)

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Definition of traveller noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• She is a frequent traveller to Belgium.
• leisure/business travellers
• These hotels are becoming popular with the discerning traveller.
• I'm not a great traveller. I'm happiest staying at home.
• Independent travellers often steer clear of the most touristy spots.
• Local tribesmen earn their living guiding travellers across the mountains.
• Stations can be dangerous places for the unwary traveller.
• hotels that cater to business travellers
• A friendly welcome awaits the weary traveller.
• Seasoned travellers know which places to avoid.
• The new travel card is very popular with rail travellers.
• Travellers might stop at the village but they rarely stay.
• His travel books have given pleasure to generations of armchair travellers (= people who prefer to read about travelling rather than travel themselves) .

Take your English to the next level

The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

Traveller Grammar Book is a three-level grammar series that follows the syllabus of Traveller coursebooks. It contains a detailed presentation of the grammatical structures with rules, tables and examples and a variety of exercises for practice and consolidation. It can be used with any other coursebook as well.

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Grammarflex

“Traveling” or “Travelling” (Which Spelling is Correct?)

• February 12, 2024

Traveling or travelling?

The verb travel , which is to “go from one place to another, especially over a long distance”, uses different spellings based on UK English and US English:

• British English spells “ travelling ” with the double “L”.
• American English spells “ traveling ” with one “L”.

The same goes with other verb forms of “travel” in the past tense i.e., traveled and travelled ; or as a noun, traveler and traveller .

Other words (like traveling or travelling)

Word forms of travel.

Other verb/noun forms also conform to the same spelling rules based on US/UK English:

Sentences with traveling/traveling (present participle)

The travelling / traveling public have had enough of fare increases.

She grew up in a travelling / traveling family.

The birds are travelling / traveling south for the winter.

She enjoys travelling / traveling around Europe.

Sentences with traveled/travelled (past tense)

They travelled / traveled cross-country from New York to California.

The pain travelled / traveled down his back.

They travelled / traveled on the bus to and from work together.

Synonyms of travel

• peregrinate (to travel especially on foot)

Phrases with travel

• travel light
• travel-sick/travel sickness
• travel agent or agency

Origin of the word travel

Etymonline on travel :

Late 14c., “to journey,” from travailen (1300) “to make a journey,” originally “to toil, labor”. Replaced Old English faran . Related: Traveled ; traveling . Traveled (adj.) “having made journeys, experienced in travel” is from early 15c. Traveling salesman is attested from 1885. —Etymonline, travel.

Read more about US English vs. UK English

• Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of humor.” Online Etymology Dictionary, Accessed 12 February, 2024.
• “Peregrinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peregrinate . Accessed 12 Feb. 2024.

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Grammar Tips & Articles »

Travelled vs. traveled, this grammar.com article is about travelled vs. traveled — enjoy your reading.

Lee travelled to the Middle East during vacations.

Or had she traveled?

Travel, a simple and common word of English, when used in its derivative forms can be written in two ways; with a single l or with two ls. This can be seen in traveled and travelled, traveling and travelling and traveler. These variations in the spellings arose due to differences in American English and British English and often result in confusion among writers.

These differences are openly discussed in this article where origin, meanings, usage and examples are used to clear out these confusions.

The word travel originated from Middle English: a variant of travail , and originally in the same sense.

Travel as verb:

Travel is used as a verb in English language where it means to make a journey, typically of some length.

The vessel had been travelling from Libya to Ireland.

To journey along (a road) or through (a region) and to withstand a journey without illness or impairment is also called travel.

He usually travels well, but he did get a bit upset on a very rough crossing.

Travel is also used to describe the task of being successful away from the place of origin.

Accordion music travels well.

Travel is used to imply the meaning of (of an object or radiation) movement, typically in a constant or predictable way.

Light travels faster than sound.

The action of travelling is called travel as noun.

My job involves a lot of travel.

Something that is (of a device) sufficiently compact for use on a journey is called travel.

She packed a travel iron along with other things.

Travelling or traveling:

Travelling and traveling are the two spellings of the same word. Both of these spellings are acceptable and exchangeable in English language but their usage differ according to the part of the world they are spoken in. In American English, the inflected forms of travel take one l—so, traveled, traveling, traveler, etc. In varieties of English from outside the U.S., these forms take two l’s—travelled, travelling, traveller, etc.

On average, it traveled 4 to 5 miles an hour. [Los Angeles Times]

Morgan claimed the French vessel has been towing at 4 nautical miles, whereas the tugs could have traveled at 6 to 7 nautical miles. [Newsday (dead link)]

But perhaps the most logical of all explanations is that Romney is a time traveler. [Washington Post]

When to use which spellings?

If you reside in US, the acceptable spellings are the ones with a single l; traveling. However, if you belong to Europe, the acceptable spellings are with two ls; travelling. Remember to choose the spellings according to your audience too. If you are writing for American community, you should use American spellings and vice versa.

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Quebec minister to order probe after complaint about QMJHL English-only playoff garb

Common language of qmjhl should be french, says paul st-pierre plamondon.

Social Sharing

The Quebec government says it will ask the province's language watchdog to investigate after the leader of the Parti Québécois complained about a lack of French on a QMJHL team's playoff garb.

On Wednesday night, PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon complained on X, formerly Twitter, about T-shirts and hoodies reading "Gilles-Courteau Trophy playoffs" worn by players from the Drummondville Voltigeurs. The Gilles-Courteau Trophy is awarded to the team that wins the league championship.

St-Pierre Plamondon posted a second photo that showed players with the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League's Chicoutimi Saguenéens in a room with slogans behind them written in English.

"The QMJHL is the QUEBEC league responsible for the development of our young Quebec players. Its common and official language should be French," he wrote.

On Thursday, French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge said it makes no sense for Quebec teams to have unilingual English on their shirts or in their locker rooms.

"I think that this does not respect — at the very least — the principle of the law," Roberge told reporters in Quebec City, adding he intended to file a complaint later in the day. The province's language law declares that French is the official language of Quebec and "the only common language of the Quebec nation."

• Consumers will ultimately pay the price for Quebec's new language rules, experts say

Sports Minister Isabelle Charest said she didn't have the ability to impose French on a private league, but called on it to act in good faith. "We're in Quebec and we want our young players to speak French," Charest said.

The Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League said on Wednesday that it has raised the matter of the English-only shirts with the Drummondville organization. It chalked the matter up to a human error, adding that the shirts should have, at the very least, been bilingual.

In a statement, the Drummondville Voltigeurs organization said new clothing was being ordered and would be distributed to players.

"French has and will always be of capital importance in our organization," said David Boies, director of operations. Internal communications, social media posts and engagement with fans and partners are done only in French, but as the team is part of a league that operates in four provinces, in some cases interactions with players and signage is in English, he added.

• U.S. government among those concerned about Quebec's new French-language sign rules
• Montreal's English CEGEPs are about to lose lion's share of foreign-language students and teachers to Bill 96

The 18-team league, which includes six teams based in Atlantic Canada, recently added the word Maritime to its name.

Raphael Doucet, a spokesman for the league, noted that its players come from all over the world and English is often used to communicate with them. The league is also tasked with preparing players to play professionally, where English is the predominant language.

"We must therefore immerse them in an environment similar to that of the leagues in which they dream of playing," Doucet wrote in a response to St-Pierre Plamondon on X on Wednesday.

But on Thursday the league released a stronger statement, saying it didn't know the Voltigeurs had made team shirts in English only.

"As soon as the league was informed, it asked the Voltigeurs to rectify the situation, which will be done."

The statement said French is the "official language" of the league, noting that "everything happens in French at QMJHL headquarters."

It said the league will remind its 12 Quebec teams of "the importance of French in their daily operations."

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