holiday travel vocabulary

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100 + Travel Words explained 🛫🏝❤️ Best Free Lesson

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Booking a Holiday

Travelling to your destination, arriving at your destination, places to visit, describing places, asking for help.

Whether you are going on a short holiday for a few days or planning to travel around various countries for a few months, having a basic understanding of the vocabulary and phrases you might need to use for communication is quite important.

English is a widely spoken language in the majority of countries that welcome tourism, so it would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with some useful phrases before departing.

In addition, if you could find out how to say some basic phrases in the country’s native language, I’m sure the local people there would appreciate your efforts!

Basic phrases in English that you should translate and try to use in the native language of your destination:

Book:  as opposed to the noun (reading material), this verb means to arrange and confirm a place on a flight, a room in a hotel or a ticket for an event in the future.

Depart:  to go away or leave, especially on a journey.

Arrive:  to reach a place, especially at the end of a journey.

Reservation:  an arrangement in which something like a seat on a plane or a table in a restaurant is kept for you.

Destination:  the place where someone is going, or something is being sent or taken.

Complimentary:  if tickets books or any other items are complimentary, it means they are given free, especially by a business.

All-Inclusive:  Including everyone or everything. In holiday terms, this would refer to a hotel deal where the price usually includes accommodation, meals and drinks (any extra activities or facilities would be charged separately).

Travel Agency:  a company or shop that makes travel arrangements for people.

Ticket:  a small piece of paper or card given to someone, usually to show that they have paid for an event, journey or activity.

Brochure:  a type of small magazine that contains pictures and information about a product or a company.

Leaflet:  a small piece of paper that gives you information or advertises something.

Last Minute Deals:  these are promotions that are advertised at the latest possible time for those who are more spontaneous!

Promotion:  publicising a product to increase sales or public awareness.

Package Deal:  an offer or agreement involving a number of related items or the acceptance of one being dependent on acceptance of another.

Half-Board:  if you request ‘half-board’ at a hotel, breakfast and dinner would be included in the hotel price (as part of the package).

Full-Board:  if you request ‘full-board’ at a hotel, that would include all three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the price of your accommodation.

Self-Catering:  if you stay in self-catering accommodation, you would be in a place where you are provided with the facilities to prepare and cook your own meals.

Accommodation:  a room or building in which someone may live or stay. Different types of accommodation include apartments, hotels, guesthouses and backpacking hostels.

Vacation:  the American term for ‘holiday’.

Camping:  the activity of spending a holiday (vacation) living in a tent or campervan.

Backpacking:  to travel or hike carrying one’s belongings in a backpack.

Transfer:  the act of moving someone or something from one place to another.

Budget Holiday:  (adjective) meaning inexpensive. Planning a trip using a minimal amount of money. (Budget – noun) Having a limited amount of money for expenditure:

• ‘We have to keep within the household budget).

Travel Documents:  all the necessary documents you would need to take with you on a holiday i.e. passport or ID card, driving license, flight/bus/ train tickets, visa confirmation etc.

Outbound:  travelling away from a particular place, usually the first half of a journey.

Inbound:  travelling towards a particular place, especially when returning to the original point of departure.

Two-way, Return Ticket (UK), Round Trip (US):  a ticket that allows someone to travel to a place and back again.

One-way, Single Ticket:  a ticket that allows a passenger to travel only to his/her destination, without returning.

Transport:  (verb  trans-PORT ) to take or carry goods or people from one place to another. (noun  TRANS-port ) A system or means of conveying people or goods from place to place by means of a vehicle, aircraft or ship.

Splash out:  a phrasal verb (mainly used in British English) meaning to spend money freely

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Sample Conversation about Booking a Holiday: Travel Agent = TA, Customer = C

TA:  Good afternoon madam, how can I help you today? C:  Good afternoon, I would like to book a trip to Italy for 2 people and a 6 year old child please.

TA:  Is there anywhere in particular you would like to go? C:  I can’t decide between Venice or Rome, whichever is cheaper as we’re on a budget this year!

TA:  Okay, and when would you like to go? C:  We have two weeks of holiday between 18 th June and 2 nd July, and we’d like to go for at least 10 days during that period.

TA:  No problem, I’ll just check to see which destination would be cheaper…. We have a special promotion on at the moment, if you book a package deal to Venice, you get free transfer to and from your hotel to the airport, plus one free meal each day. Would you be interested in that? C:  Yes, that sounds great!

TA:  And would you like full-board or half-board ? C:  Well, seeing as we will get one free meal each anyway, I think self-catering would be better. I’ll have a little bit of extra money to splash out in a nice restaurant somewhere!

TA:  Okay, that’s fine. We have a hotel that offers self-catering facilities and is right in the centre of Rome. They also have special facilities for children such as meal deals, extra beds, a play area in the lobby and a crèche. C:  Perfect! I won’t need to spend too much money on transport and our son will surely have fun too!

TA:  Exactly. Your outbound flight will be on the 19 th June, departing from London Gatwick Airport at 11:30am , and your return flight will be on the 30 th June at 10:30pm. That gives you 11 and a half days in Rome, does that suit you? C:  Yes, that’s excellent, and we’ll still have a couple of days to recover before going back to work! How much will that be?

TA:  Well, the promotion is £200 per adult, and your child can go for free because he is under 8 years old. That includes the return flights , accommodation for 11 nights, airport transfer and a complimentary meal each per day. Shall we go ahead and book it ? C:  Wow, that is a fabulous deal! Yes please.

TA:  Okay. How would you like to pay? C: Credit card please. Here you go.

TA:  Thank you. Could I also see your passports please? C:  Sure, here you go.

TA:  Thank you. Here are your tickets and everything else you’ll need to know about your package holiday. Remember to keep all your travel documents safe throughout the whole trip. C:  Thank you so much for your help!

TA:  You’re welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day and please contact us if you have any queries before you set off on your holiday !

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NEXT: Packing Vocabulary

Suitcase:  a case with a handle and hinged lid, used for carrying clothes and other personal possessions.

Backpack (US), Rucksack (UK):  a bag with shoulder straps that allow it to be carried on one’s back.

Currency:  a system of money in general use in a particular country.

Appropriate Clothing:  suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, person or occasion.

Seasonal:  relating to a particular season of the year (Autumn, Winter, Spring or Summer).

Swimwear, Bikini:   clothing worn for swimming (bikinis are specifically for women).

Fanny Pack (US), Bum Bag (UK):  a small bag used to safely store small valuable items when on holiday. This is usually worn around the waist and can be concealed under one’s clothing.

Sample Conversation about Packing:

A: Sarah, I’ve managed to book the flights and the train tickets for our vacation to Switzerland! B: Wow, that’s so exciting! So, are we leaving next month on the date we wanted?

A: No, we’re leaving next week! The travel agency gave us a great package deal and we’ve saved a lot of money, but it meant changing the dates to go earlier. We don’t have to work anyway, so I thought it would be nice! B: Oh, I see! Okay, that means we’ll have to start packing very soon. What will the weather be like?

A: Well, it’ll be spring but we’re going for 3 weeks, so I would say it’s safer to take clothing for hot and cold weather. We’ll probably go skiing too, so let’s pack our snow gear . B: Sure. I’m going to pack a few bikinis too, just in case we find a small beach!

A: It might be easier to take our backpacks , as we can fit more into them. B: I agree, they’re a lot bigger than the suitcases . Have you got all our travel documents together?

A: I just need to print off the flight confirmation details and the train tickets . B: Great. I’ll get some dollars exchanged to Swiss franc for the first few days. A: Okay, so you’re in charge of getting the currency sorted and I’ll keep all the travel documents together.  Now, let’s start packing!

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NEXT: Traveling to your destination

Check-In:  the act of reporting one’s presence and registering, typically at an airport or hotel.

Departure Gate:  gate where passengers embark.

Airport Terminal:   this is a building at an airport, where passengers transfer between ground transportation and the facilities that allow them to board or disembark from an aircraft.

Departure Lounge:  a seating area in an airport where passengers wait to board an aircraft or vehicle.

Duty-Free:  Items available for purchase that are free of duty or tax charges in a particular country, generally sold at airports.

Ferry:  a boat or ship for conveying passengers or goods, especially over a relatively short distance and as a regular service.

Take Off:  (of an aircraft or bird) becoming airborne.

Board:  to get on or into (a ship, aircraft or other vehicle).

Passport Check, Security Checkpoint:  a barrier or manned entrance typically at a border of a country where travellers are subject to security checks.

Overweight:  baggage weighing in excess of the allowed amount.

Destination:  the place to which someone or something is going or being sent.

Window Seat:  a seat positioned next to a window on a large vehicle or aircraft.

Aisle Seat :  a seat positioned beside the walkway on a large vehicle or aircraft.

Sample Conversation about Checking-in at the Airport: Airport Attendant = AA, Passenger = P

AA: Next please! P: Hi. Good Afternoon.

AA: Good Afternoon sir. May I see your passport please? P: Yes, here you go.

AA: Thank you. Please place your luggage on the belt. P: (Places suitcase on the conveyor belt)

AA: I’m afraid this suitcase is 7kg overweight . You are allowed a maximum of 30kg and this suitcase weighs 37kg. You will need to remove some items or pay an additional fee for the extra weight. P: Oh no! I see. Okay, I’m happy to pay the fee.

AA: Is this your bag sir? P: Yes, of course it is.

AA: Did you pack it yourself? P: Yes.

AA: Were you given anything by someone else to take on the flight? P: No, definitely not.

AA: Do you have any of the following items in your luggage ? (points to images of dangerous objects) P: No, I’m certain.

AA: Okay, that’ll be 56 euros for the overweight case please. P: Okay, here is the right amount in cash. Also, could I please have a window seat ?

AA: I’ll just see if there is one available…. Okay, you’ll be seated in 25A. Here is your passport and boarding pass , please keep all your documents safe. Enjoy your flight. P: Thank you very much.

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Landing:  an instance of coming or bringing something to land, either from the air or from water.

Customs:  the place at a seaport, airport or frontier where officials check incoming goods, travellers or luggage.

Baggage Collection Point, Baggage Reclaim, Baggage Claim Area:  an area where arriving passengers claim checked-in baggage after disembarking from an airline flight.

Nothing to Declare:  exiting the airport at a gate where you state that you do not have any goods where duty is payable or that need checking whether entry into the country is permitted.

Credit Card:  a small plastic card provided by a bank or company which gives you access to money that you will need to pay back within an agreed time limit.

Debit Card:  a small plastic card provided by your bank which gives you access to money that you already have in your bank account.

Porter:  a member of staff in a hotel who assists guests with carrying their luggage.

Alarm:  something to help you wake up at an appropriate time, this could be a sound notification on your smartphone or a telephone call from staff if you are staying in a hotel.

Room Service:  requesting food, drinks or other services to be delivered to your hotel room.

Sample Conversation about Checking-in at the Hotel: Hotel Receptionist = HR, Guest = G, Porter = P

P: Good morning Sir, welcome to The Royal Pavilion Hotel. May I take your bags please? G: Oh, that’s very kind of you! Thank you. I am quite tired after that journey.

P: Please follow me this way to the check-in desk. HR: Good morning Sir, do you have a reservation ?

G: Yes, I booked online. HR: Which name was it booked in?

G: Mr. Graham Watts HR: Yes, I have it here. Could I see the credit card you paid with please?

G: Yes, here you go. HR: Thank you. Would you like an alarm call to wake you up?

G: Yes please. If you could call me around 11am, that’d be great. I would like to rest for a few hours before my meeting. HR: No problem. The complimentary breakfast is served until 11:30 and you can call for room service at anytime.

G: I will most probably do that! Thanks. HR: Your room is number 237 on the third floor and here’s the key. Our porter will help you with your bags and show you to your room.

G: That’s wonderful, thank you. Is there a Wi-Fi connection available in my room? HR: Yes, you’ll find the password in you room beside the TV. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. P: Okay Mr. Watts, if you please come this way, I’ll show you to your room…

• Kitesurfing 
• Rock Climbing 
• Windsurfing 
• Wakeboarding 
• Paddleboarding 
• Sunbathing 
• Sightseeing 
• Amusement Park
• Art Gallery
• Miniature Golf, Crazy Golf
• Animal Sanctuary
• National Park
• Invigorating
• Enervating 
• Fascinating 
• Old-Fashioned 
• Picturesque 
• Over-Priced
• Cosmopolitan 
• Metropolitan 
• Neopolitan 

NEXT: Asking for help

Catching someone’s attention:

• Excuse me, could I ask you a quick question please?
• Excuse me, sorry to bother you but could you help me please?
• Hello sir/miss, …
• Sorry sir/miss, …
• Excuse me, do you speak English?

Asking for information:

• You wouldn’t happen to know where … is, would you?
• I’m trying to find the …
• I need to get to the …
• How can I get to the …?
• Do you know where the … is?
• Where is the nearest …?
• I’m a little lost, where is the …?

If you miss a flight, bus, transfer, train:

• It seems I have missed my … could you please book me onto the next available one?
• I’ve missed my … is there any way of getting a refund?
• I’ve missed my … could you please give me information about the next one?
• Could you please help me to rearrange my …?

When you’re feeling unwell:

• Excuse me, is there a first aid room here?
• I feel really unwell, is there someone who can help me?
• I’m suffering from … do you have medical staff here?
• Do you have a first aid kit I could use please?
• I’ve injured my … could you please help me?

If there is something wrong with your luggage:

• My suitcase has not arrived yet, where can I get it from?
• My luggage is missing, could you help me please?
• My rucksack has been damaged, what can I do about this?
• I cannot find my suitcase, where can I check please?

Asking someone to translate:

• Could you tell me what it says on that sign please?
• Could you translate this message for me please?
• Could you please ask this person to …?

Prepositions and giving directions:

• (Turn) Right
• (Turn) Left
• Straight On
• Opposite the …
• Next to the …
• The … is on your (right, left)
• Before, After the traffic lights 
• Take the first, second, third exit at the roundabout 

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Travel Vocabulary for English-Language Learners

With a follow-up quiz for extra practice

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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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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 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....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

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.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

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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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Travel and Transport

Travel vocabulary: using english for travel.

Travel vocabulary is one of the most useful areas of language learning today, as more people than ever are travelling far and wide for business and pleasure. There are many useful words and phrases we use when travelling and dealing with transport.

Although our travel plans have been put on hold for a while due to the Coronavirus pandemic , the world is slowly starting to open up again. This means we need to be ready with our travel language and vocabulary for when we can get a flight, a bus or a train!

For non-native speakers , travel vocabulary is a particularly useful topic of study and always a popular subject, allowing you to enjoy organising your travels without worrying about language issues.

Explore travel  vocabulary  here and learn useful  vocabulary related to travelling and using public transport. We have included useful words related to using trains, buses, cars, taxis, planes and boats, so you can have your travel phrases covered, whatever your mode of transport.  

General English Travel Vocabulary:

to arrive , to depart, to leave, to stay,

to cancel, cancellation, cancelled, delay, delayed

to book, to reserve, reservation, to cancel a reservation

holiday, business trip

suitcase, bag, luggage

trip, journey, to travel, map

travel agent, brochure

ticket office, fare, price, single/return ticket

by foot, on foot

travelling by plane, by train, by taxi, by car, by boat

roundabout, road, traffic lights, speed limit, junction, cross roads, road signs

Image source

Transport Vocabulary and Useful Phrases:

Wheels, steering wheel, dash board, indicators, headlights, roof, bonnet, boot, engine, battery, windscreen wipers, garage, car mechanic, petrol station, service (a ‘check up’ for a car)

Double decker, single decker, passengers, bus driver, bus stop, bus station, bus conductor, coach, luggage hold, bus lane

Bus travelling phrases:

the next stop, the last stop, to get on/off the bus, to buy a ticket

Train station, platform, track, level crossing, locomotive, underground, cross-country, local, return, single, ticket, carriage, first/second class, train driver, ticket inspector, waiting room, seat, timetable, guard, season ticket, fare, travel card, buffet car

Train travel phrases:

to catch a train, to check the timetable, on the platform, to travel cross-country

to get on the train, to embark, to set off (on a journey)

to get off the train, to disembark, to alight

ticket machine – a machine where you can buy your train tickets

ticket gate – a mechanical gate blocking access, where you need to insert your ticket to pass through

the buffet car – a carriage on a train where you can buy drinks and snacks

Grand Central Station , New York City – image source

Cab, black cab (official English taxi), fare, taxi rank, taxi driver, tip ( noun and verb )

Taxi travel phrases:

to hail a taxi / to flag down a taxi (when you raise your arm to get a taxi driver’s attention to encourage it to stop in the street)

to pay the fare (the fare is the fee for the journey)

to tip the driver (verb) / to give the driver a tip (noun)

Aeroplane, airport, airline, wing, runway, pilot, gate, passport, excess baggage charge, cabin crew, flight attendant, air steward/stewardess, security, turbulence, seatbelt

take off, landing

turbulence (uncomfortable, sudden movements of a plane due to air pressure/temperature changes)

hand luggage (luggage you take into the cabin with you)

hold luggage/checked luggage (luggage you check in for stowage under the aircraft)

over-head locker (where you can put your hand luggage)

boarding card, customs, departures, arrivals, lounge, aisle seat, window seat, check-in, in-flight movie, in-flight entertainment

terminal 1, terminal 2 / T1, T2 (a terminal is where passengers go to buy tickets, check in luggage, go to their boarding gate etc.)

boarding gate – where passenger go to board the plane (i.e. to get on the plane), located inside the terminal building

A plane takes off – image source

Plane travel phrases:

to put luggage/bags in the hold

to board the plane

prepare for take off, the plane will be taking off in 30 minutes

prepare for landing, the plane will be landing in 20 minutes

to fasten your seatbelt, to buckle up (‘buckle up’ is slang for ‘fasten your seatbelt’)

the flight was quite turbulent, to experience some  turbulence,  there was some light/heavy turbulence

“How was your flight?”

“It was good, thanks, except there was some turbulence during the descent that made me spill my drink!”

“Great – it was a smooth flight and I slept most of the time.”

Ferry, cruise ship, harbour, deck, port, sea, ocean, cabin, captain, sail, sea sickness , crossing, on board, life belt/jacket, foot passenger, buffet, port side, starboard

• The difference between a boat and a ship: boats are small to mid-sized vessels, often used for pleasure trips. Boat is also a generic term for water vessels. Ships are normally larger and are used to carry cargo, passengers or smaller boats.

Boat travelling phrases:

to embark  (to get on the boat) / to disembark (to get off the boat)

‘choppy’ seas / rough seas / strong waves

Calm waters will provide a peaceful cruise for this ship  –  image source

calm waters / still waters

to sail, to have a good crossing (a ‘crossing’ is when you go from one place to another on a boat/ship) – e.g.  “Did you have a good crossing?”

to go out on deck (to go outside on the ship)

welcome aboard/on board (you might hear this when you embark for the first time)

the captain’s table (where the captain sits at dinner – sometimes passengers might get an invitation to site at the captain’s table at some point during their cruise)

• ‘Plain sailing’ is an idiom that means an event that goes smoothly: ‘It’s all plain sailing from here’

It’s a great day to be ‘out on deck’ – image source

English at the Train Station

Useful travelling vocabulary for using the train, including phrases you may want to say, phrases you may hear and comments you might want to make about travelling by train:

• Train times on timetables are always given in the twenty-four hour clock format. So, 5.15 pm would be 17.15 and 9.05 am would be 09.05.

A busy airport – image source

“How was the journey?”

“It was fine, the train arrived on time and I managed to buy a coffee from the buffet car.”

“Terrible, the first two trains were cancelled and then I had to stand up for the entire journey.”

“My train was delayed, so I passed the time by browsing in the station bookshop”

English vocabulary at the airport

Travelling vocabulary for using planes and visiting the airport, including phrases you might hear at the airport and sentences you might need to say when travelling by plane:

Click here to explore more essential English vocabulary and phrases for everyday situations.

When travelling and using transport, you might also need to ask for directions. Check out how to ask for directions in English when travelling around a city with our directions page. Our article includes possible questions you might want to ask and answers you could receive when navigating your way around a new town.

Let us know your thoughts on travel vocabulary

What do you find most difficult about using English when travelling?

Do you find any of these phrases related to travel and transport confusing?

Can you think of other useful English travel vocabulary for using different modes of transport?

TEFL teachers, how do you incorporate travelling vocabulary into your English lessons?

2 thoughts on “ Travel and Transport ”

Thank you for the provided phrases and words. I would also like to see a short dialogue or common phrases when someone got lost in a city or trying to get somewhere, so that there should be various options for speaking about traveling ina city

Hi Tatyana, thanks for your comment. A dialogue like this is a great suggestion. We will looks to add something like this to the travel and transport page soon. In the meantime, you might find our directions page useful, as this contains phrases for asking for directions when travelling in a city.

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Travel Vocabulary in English with Travel Stories

Apr 27, 2016 | Advanced Vocabulary

I know you love to travel as much as do. So today I want to share some of my favorite advanced travel vocabulary in English so you can tell your own travel stories more easily. 

I have 3 different travel stories for you today. In each, I’ve highlighted useful vocabulary and groups of words that often go together or collocations.

Here’s what I want you to do:

• Read the stories.
• Note the highlighted vocabulary and groups of words – can you identify the meaning from the context? (If you need help, you can use the definitions I’ve provided to help you.)
• Write your own travel story using some of the new vocabulary and expressions. You can write about a past travel experience, a business trip, a future vacation or any other travel opportunity. Then share your story in the comments.

The goal is for you to use the same keywords in your own sentences.

This is the best way for you to truly learn and remember new vocabulary. And this means the next time you talk or write about travel, you’ll have all these words available to you in your mind!

Advanced Travel Vocabulary in English with Real-Life Stories

Sharon’s travel story: a staycation on a tight budget.

When I was younger, I had a real  sense of adventure . I loved backpacking, camping in the woods, sleeping in tents and spending the evening next to the campfire. As a child, I remember trying to build a fire  from scratch  by rubbing two sticks together. I think my entire family laughed while I worked at it for an hour. Unfortunately, I never succeeded.

But I do have such good memories of camping and hiking with my family. Every summer my parents would  pack up  the kids and the dog into the car, pack all our  outdoor gear  on the roof of the car and fill coolers full of food.

My mom would pack all the usual stuff:  trail mix , fruit, marshmallows to  roast over the fire , stuff to make sandwiches, etc. We’d take a road trip to the mountains in Colorado, find our spot to  set up camp  and pitch our tents near the river. I loved listening to the sound of the river at night!

I haven’t camped for years! Neither David nor I can take that much time off of work. It makes me a little sad that Sophie, our daughter, won’t have those same memories.

But last year we did do something a little fun, a little different: we had a  staycation . The two of us could only get 4 days off of work and we were  on a tight budget . We hadn’t enjoyed everything the city has to offer for ages so we decided to just pretend to be on vacation here at home. We visited the museums, went to the theater, we even took a day trip to the coast a few hours away for a day of sun, sand, and surf.

We have some wonderful photos (and memories) of our picnic dinner watching the sunset on the beach.

sense of adventure

The desire to explore and to take advantage of adventurous opportunities.

outdoor gear

Generally used to describe items or equipment needed for outdoor recreation: tents, skis, bicycles, snowboards, etc.

set up camp

To prepare and position everything in a campsite.

from scratch

To make (or create) from the beginning with the basic ingredients.

A snack mix with a combination with dried fruit, grains, and/or nuts.

The combination of stay-at-home and vacation. A vacation where you stay at home and enjoy local sites.

pack up (the kids/the car)

To prepare one’s belongings; to gather one’s things together and prepare to depart. With “the kids” this refers to prepare the kids and their belongings for departure.

roast over the fire

To cook over the fire.

on a (tight) budget

To be on a budget means to not have a lot of extra money. A “tight” budget means very little extra money.

Lara’s Travel Story: Anything All-Inclusive

Ugh! I hate planning vacations. I mean, I do love traveling but I don’t want to think about it. All those little details – I  can’t be bothered !

I prefer those  all-inclusive  kinds of vacations for a  little R&R . You know, those places where  all you do is show up  and that’s it.

You have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Activities, the beach, the pools, dancing. Sure, they usually cost a little more but if I don’t have to plan everything then it’s worth it. The only thing is you have to be careful of those  hidden extras ! I’ve definitely been surprised by the final bill a few times.

My fiancé and I are talking about an all-inclusive cruise for our honeymoon. It sounds amazing but I’ve never been on a ship for that long.

can't be bothered

Don’t want to waste time doing something.

all you do is show up

Show up = to arrive for an appointment or gathering. “All you have to do is …” means that there is nothing else expected of you.

An exaggerated way to say, “a lot of.”

all-inclusive

(Almost) all activities and food are included in the total cost.

hidden extras

Expenses that are not included (or unexpected) in the final cost.

The services or perks that a hotel provides with the reserved room.

a little R&R

A little r est and r elaxation.

island-hopping

To visit one island after another.

To pack too much.

Jean-Luc’s Travel Story: Exotic Adventure

I’m always dreaming of my next  far-off, exotic destination . I’ll go anywhere as long as it’s adventurous.

Last year I  chartered a boat  with a friend to sail around the Greek Islands. In the afternoons, we’d  pull into ports , dive into the water, enjoy dinner on the beach and then  head back  to the boat for the night. On really warm nights we actually sleep right on the deck  under the stars .

What’s next? I don’t know. Maybe Colombia, Peru, or Chile? I’ve never been to South America and I love the idea of spending time in the Andes Mountains. Hiking in the  middle of nowhere , you know what I mean?

Those kinds of places give you such a better  perspective on life . It’s easy to forget we’re all just a tiny piece of this earth.

Or maybe Thailand? That’s another of my  bucket list  destinations.

far-off destination

A destination remote (in time or space).

To return to a place.

perspective on life

A particular attitude toward or belief about something; a point of view.

charter a boat

The reservation of a plane, boat, or bus for private use.

under the stars

To be outside with no covering.

bucket list

The achievements or experiences a person hopes to have or accomplish in their life.

pull into port

The place where a vehicle or driver stops into. In this case, a boat stops in a port.

middle of nowhere

A remote place far from any city, town, or village.

Now I’d love to hear your travel story!

Practice and build your vocabulary by sharing your own travel story in the comments below!

Using the vocabulary from the stories above, describe your favorite travel experience or tell me about a trip you’d like to take in the future.

Don’t forget to read and comment on stories from other Confident English readers. You might learn something new or have an interesting question to ask.

Happy travels!

~ Annemarie

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Thank you for this lesson ,Annemarie ,

Very useful to me and as complete as possible

There is a typo. The last line should be a bucket list for not of.

Good eyes, Harsha, and thank you. We’ve corrected the sentence.

Dear Annemarie, Am new to this site and blog .AM very thank ful to you for sharing all these good phrases and vocabularies which helped a lot . looking forward for great lessons .Your videos are so good which helped me alot to get the correct pronunciation and also i have seen you are reading all the comments and giving a positive feedback which is so appreciated am looking forward for your comment. I have read and seen lot of english leaning sites but they usually wont reply to the comments . thanks Neetha

I’m very happy to hear you’re enjoying the Speak Confident English website and the lessons we have here. We definitely work hard to create lessons that will truly help you advance your English skills. And yes, my team and I definitely read all the comments and respond. 🙂

Hi Annamarie,

Thanks so much for this lesson. I have an advanced student and new vocabulary is always helpful.

I live in Chile, so if you need any tips or recommendations, plesase let me know, I would be happy to help you out if you are still planning to visit South America,

Awesome! I’m so glad this lesson was helpful to use with your student. And I’d LOVE to visit Chile one day. I’ll definitely ask you for recommendations if I get the opportunity. 🙂

Wow, Your have shared here such an amazing and best post which is useful for all of us. I like it and wanna say that your travel story is really fantastic and know I want to bookbus for visiting NY after reading your post.

Hi Ammy, thanks so much. I’m glad to know enjoyed and felt inspired by the lesson.

Dear Annemarie I’ve been to Iceland two years ago and I had a wonderful vacation! As Sharon, I had a real sense of adventure so I convinced my best friend to come with me, we packed up our backpacks and then we departed. We chartered a car and we traveled all over the country for 11 days. We saw amazing landscapes, waterfalls, geyser, volcanos, glaciers, and we did whale watching. We had nothing but our backpack, our tent and a burning desire to explore. Iceland is a great place. I look forward to come back there and have one more …  Read more »

Sounds like an amazing opportunity and adventure, Davide! Thanks for sharing. I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland. I really liked your use of “a burning desire to explore.” What a great expression!

Hi Annamarie, my last trip was in the city of Madrid. A wonderful city. At the time I was always without money because of I was unemployed but in the same time I craved traveling. So my sense of adventure took me to packed up my stuff buying an airline one-way ticket for Madrid. After few days in Madrid I found a job just in the week ends. I didn’t waste my time because there’s no time like present and every day I walked through the parks , visited museums and, I always looked around the city, the square, I …  Read more »

Hello Annemarie I’m from Thailand. I just learned your lesson. It was very useful. I have to say that I really like your blog, especially this topic because I love traveling. So today I have my travel story to share with you. Last month, I went to Phuket, which is an island in Thailand. I’ve already been there two or three times actually but I couldn’t get enough of it. Somebody even calls me an “island queen” and yes I truly am. I got a chance to do some diving and island hopping with one-meter-high waves. And of course, I …  Read more »

Dear Annemarie , I love these adventaures and I love going and having a trips with my friends and my family,Ande mountains I love pack packing that is my adore and I did it before with my family in sinai we climbed the mountains of sinia I loved it because the sunset seen was wonderful and we took exactly 6 hours with the tour guide and we had a rest so I wish to make a trip like me in sinia with your family or you friends Egypt is wondeful Thank you

Dear Annemarie , I really enjoyed reading Sharon’s Travel Story” A Staycation on a Tight Budget ” , it has little details which helped me in imagining the story , I felt every line in the story and how enjoyable was the trip . In addition I’ve learned many expressions like : – sense of adventure – outdoor gear – set up camp – from scratch – trail mix – stay cation – pack up – roast over the fire – on a tight budget Waiting for more ….. 🙂

Hello Rana,

Thank you for your comments. I’m so glad to know that you enjoyed this lesson and found some useful vocabulary. I hope you have the opportunity to use that vocabulary soon.

Hi Ms Annemarie! I loved this story about travel it have lots of adventures, i also loved your interesting language, and i`ve learned more vocabulary from you. I wish you more success on your project.

Hello Renad,

Thank you. I’m happy you enjoyed this lesson and I hope you’ll have the opportunity to use the vocabulary you learned. Learning + immediately practicing is the best way to improve your vocabulary knowledge.

Dear Annemarie thanks for this beautiful stories , it’s very useful and i have loved them so much. the most beautiful one is the “Jean-Luc’s Travel Story: Exotic Adventure” it’s really simple , understandable, meaningful and exciting . the most expression i had loved it in this story is “under the stars”. i hope you can do more than this , by the way you can make this stories like in an audio track or on a cd , it will be more helpful and skillful to the students who are get bored from reading stories. great job hope to …  Read more »

Hello Arwa,

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson and learned some useful vocabulary.

Hi Annemarie , I really enjoyed getting to read your story about jean ,also i liked your language so much it was so helpful , although i love reading adventurous stories. I wish you every success on your projects, I will continue following and sharing them on social networks. yours, ahmed

Thank you for the kind comments, Ahmed. I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson.

Dear Ms Annemarie, I’ve read your story “Lara’s Travel Story: Anything All-Inclusive”. And I learned so much new vocabulary expressions such as; – can’t be bothered -all you do is show up -a ton of -all-inclusive -hidden extras -amenities -a little R&R -island-hopping -over pack I liked the idea of it, it is creative and simple. And I’m waiting for another one, and looking forward to reading your next stories. Every good story you get here in this website and upload it gives you a push froward to reach your goal, so I advice you to complete uploading stories alike …  Read more »

Thank for sharing your thoughts, Bishoy. I appreciate them and I’m glad you learned so much useful vocabulary.

Dear Annemarie My name is Abdullah, i am a student in the 8th grade. I am from Egypt. It’s the first time to read stories with this exciting an I would be so glade to read more for your stories. At first, my teacher in the school told us to read it as a homework and Summarizes, but now I would to read more from you. best wishes , abdullah

Hello Abdullah,

Wonderful. I’m glad this lesson was interesting for you and I hope you’ll continue to find useful lessons on this website.

Hi , I like this type of stories , I’ve learned new vocabulary and new phrases . This type of stories make me excited to continue reading and choosing another one.

Hello Ahmed,

I’m so glad you enjoyed this lesson and that it makes you want to continue reading. Thank you.

I’m really very thankful to you because travel stories helped me so much in teaching my students new vocabulary about journeys . Hope to find more and more in future lessons

Hello Antar,

Thank you for the comment. I’m very happy to know this has been helpful to you in your classroom and with your students.

Hi Annemarie , Thanks a lot for sharing this post on travel stories. Actually my English not well but I can understand at all, I really like that it help me improve my English as well. Thanks again 🙂

Thanks for your comment, Sakuta. I’m happy that you enjoyed this lesson and have learned some new vocabulary!

Hi Annemarie, First of all, thank you very much for sharing this post on travel stories. I have been following your weekly posts since a couple of weeks, I like this post a lot, it is always exciting listening and talking of travel stories. Sharon’s staycation story resonates well with me as I like going out with family even if it is not such a significant or a popular place to go visit. The feel of going out together and experience the joy of spending time with family outside is worth experiencing and treasure the memories. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go …  Read more »

Hello Hari,

Thank you so much for your comments. I’m thrilled to have you following my Confident English lessons.

Very impressive vocabulary with your sentence, “Sharon’s staycation story resonates well with me…” Nicely said.

This was very well written and you did a great job using vocabulary from the lesson.

Hey AnneMarie to be honest the traveling now is the most important thing in my life, I sounds good when i travel abroad and discouvir a new places, traditions, cultures, countries. I love that !! when I’m thinking of my next trip I be happy for searching for a cheap fly and think in all little details (hotels, food , bus from airoprot to the city centre then to hotel, mesuems, things to do in that city) so for the me the word of cant be bothered doesnt exist in this kind of things. and i dont like all inclusive …  Read more »

Hello Alami,

Thank you for sharing about your travel preferences. Your love of travel is like many of us here. 🙂 As you described, I think planning a vacation can be fun, almost as fun as the vacation.

Do you have a favorite country or place that you like to visit? Best, Annemarie

Mahmoud on May 06.05.2016 Hi Annmarie As this is my first challenge I hope that you like it and that it’s good. On Last May and during a party I won a two hotel full board nights pouch for two in Aqaba_Jordan. Me and my wife were very existed and started to plan for when,how and what kind of activities we can do in Aqaba while staying there, off course budget wise it was affordable due to the pouch, First of all we picked the right weekend to do so, and then I rented a car. Meanwhile, using the net …  Read more »

Hello Mahmoud,

Welcome and thank you for sharing your story!

How wonderful to win an all-inclusive two-day trip to Aqaba! It sounds wonderful. And Petra! I have always wanted to visit Petra! And was this the first time you or your wife scuba dived? How was it?

A few small corrections: “… I won a [full-board two-night hotel stay …]” “My wife and [I] were very [excited] …”

It sounds like the perfect two-day quick trip to get away! Thanks again for sharing. ~ annemarie

Hello Annemarie! Fortunately, I have some free time to accomplish the task and to tell about my vacations. A new trip always means that I will open something new. I always have a sense of adventure when taking some journey, so I always look forward to my holidays and therefore to travelling. It doesn’t matter what kind of holidays I’m going to take, the main thing is what emotions I will have. It may be a camping where I can spend wonderful time roasting meat over the fire, singing campfire songs, eating some trail mix and chatting with my friends …  Read more »

Hello Alexandra – I loved this! You used so many of the key words and expressions! Fantastic work. And I really like the expression: “… if I’m squeezed like a lemon …” I assume that means to feel really stressed, is that correct? What a perfect description for feeling stressed and needing a break! One question, when you say “the main thing is what emotions I will have” do you mean emotions or experiences? When I see emotions, I think of happy, sad, angry, frustrated, joyful, etc. If that is what you mean, that is okay but I wanted to …  Read more »

Thanks a lot for your comments, Annemarie! I appreciate them greatly!!! Frankly speaking I’ve thought that the expression “to be squeezed like a lemon” (that really means “to be very tired and stressed” as you have said) really exists in English, because I leart it at university, but now I doubt… Do native speakers use it in their speech? As for the phrase “the main thing is what emotions I will have”, I’ve meant here that I always get some positive emotions after having travelled, because travelling enriches me, gives the opportunity to meet new people, to get to know …  Read more »

Hello Alexandra,

You are so welcome.

As for “to be squeezed like a lemon” it is possible that it is an idiomatic expression. Idioms can be regional, so it is possible that it is used in another country or a specific region. For me it was new, but I understood what you meant. It was easy to understand from the context. I’ll have to do some research to see if I can find where they use it. 🙂

Best, Annemarie

Thank you, Annemarie!

Hello Annemarie! I miss our challenge and such short stories :)) I will tell you about my nearest travel just in a few days – from Saint-Petersburg to Helsinki by bus. If my budget not so tight, I would prefer the train because it is faster and more comfortable, but I am going to spend two nights in a bus… awesome! It is a business trip just for one day and I will have a lot of free time in the city. So, I hope weather will be well and I have pleasure of the walking and sitting near the …  Read more »

Hello Yulia, I miss our daily challenges too!! It makes me excited for the June challenge. And how fun to go to Helsinki for work! It sounds like you have some good plans for your free time there – the idea of coffee and a sandwich by the sea sounds perfect. A few things: “If my budget [wasn’t] so tight …” — we need to have a verb. ” …spend two nights [on] a bus.” Prepositions are so tricky. We can say “in a car” or “in a truck” but for larger vehicles we say “on a bus,” “on a …  Read more »

Hello Annemarie! I missed your reply on my travel story. Thank you very much for your comments and correction of my text. As you already know, my trip was success and also I had extra practice in English. And weather was really amazing! The local people jocked that we have a chance to get very unusual gift from Helsinki – a sunburn!

A sunburn in Helsinki! That is the first time I’ve ever heard about that! 🙂

I’m so glad it was a successful trip, Yulia. It really made me happy to hear about your experience! ~ annemarie

Everybody loves traveling and I’m not an exception! There is no point in choosing the best way of traveling, all of them are good to get new impressions, to relax and to reload your mind. As a rule it’s me who arranges family vacation from scratch. The choice of vacation depends on a budjet, on a season and its length. Especially I love short holidays for 3-4 days because they are so dynamic, full of events; it’s really a great short break in a busy life. We usually stay at small private hotels without many amenities but with picturesque views …  Read more »

This sounds like the perfect long weekend, Olga! Especially now that spring is starting, I’m dreaming of an easy 3-4 day trip on the countryside. Do you enjoy the planning for vacations or is it stressful for you?

Perfect use of: from scratch, without many amenities, not any hidden extras.

A few changes for articles: “…it’s me who arranges [the] family vacation” “…on [the] season and its length.” “… [a] friendly atmosphere.”

I hope you get to go on a vacation like this soon! 🙂 ~ Annemarie

Hello, I am Rafif Last summer I travelled to Turkey with my family ; my husband and my four daughters, my father and mother, my sisters and brother and their own families . We were 21 persons which means different ages, different needs and expectations about vactions, and I can’t be bothered by all those details. For that I have chosen All_inclusive kind of vactions. Our choice settled on Kartepe (green park ) for a littlr R&R. They also offer breakfast, dinner and afternoon snack time and a lot of amenities like Turkish bath, ( sauna and Jacuzzi), paint ball …  Read more »

Hello Rafif – great travel story! And wow, 21 people! I can imagine that packing was a problem and I love that you watched a Mr. Bean video to help. Great use of: I [couldn’t] be bothered, I [chose an] all-inclusive kind of vacation, all we [had to do was] show up, hidden extras and several more. Two corrections: There were 21 of us (instead of We were 21 persons). The final bill was acceptable [,it wasn’t that much] or [, it wasn’t that big.] I really enjoyed this and you did a great job using some of the more …  Read more »

Thank you Anne marie for your comment and the correction

I love traveling, I do believe that traveling gives you a better perspective on life, it changes you. When you come back home you are a bit different! You have tons of new ideas, stories to tell! I think it is a good way to reboot all your system and we all need a little R and R after all! I remember when a child we would go to the seaside like every year. Our parents would pack up a car and all our belongings and our trip would begin. You know Ukraine is the biggest country in Europe, so …  Read more »

Excellent!!!! You described your memories in that way I felt I was there!!! It’s wonderful that you love traveling and can go anywhere easily without a doubt! I think you are really interesting person to have among friends!

Thank you so much! You are adorable!:) It is always fun to travel with a great company!:)

What wonderful details, Maria! I can imagine getting up early and into the car to start a 10-hour road trip! And I love your 3 must-haves (don’t forget the ‘s’ on ‘haves’ since it’s 3). Like you, I love the idea of the seaside, the sunset, and grilling over the fire! Great use of: sense of adventure, perspective on life, a little R&R, tons of, on a tight budget and several more! A couple things: I remember when [I was] a child or I remember [as] a child, stroll [on] the beach Thanks so much for sharing this! I enjoyed …  Read more »

Thank you! I do have a quick question (this is your phrase, I know:)): stroll on – is it always with “on”? Or it depends? Could you help me with this one, please? I like this word and want to use it correctly! Thank you!

Great question. Actually, it isn’t the verb (stroll) that is important. It is the noun that follows: on the beach. We can use any verb with this: jog on the beach, run on the beach, stroll on the beach, etc. Other examples: along the river, around the city. So you could say: stroll along the river, stroll around the city.

Frankly speaking, I love travelling a lot. I love spending my free time or vacation with my family and my friends! By the way, I can have a great vacation even if I’m on a tight budget. The alternative variant is to have a staycation. My city is so amazing and beautiful! There are a lot of places of interest here. I also like to go out of the city, to go to the country, for example. Love that feeling when you pack up the kids, friends, dogs into the car, pack all outdoor gear. And It goes without saying …  Read more »

And here we go – well marinated meat is a must-have thing!;)

We have something in common- we both love shashlik))

Tatyana, you’ve done such a great job creating your own story and sharing your memories! Great use of: on a tight budget, staycation, pack up the kids, outdoor gear, all-inclusive. I was quite impressed with your use of prepositions and articles. There are just a couple missing: [the] outdoor gear, [an] all-inclusive. Really impressive! And I agree with you completely, with some inspiration and desire, any vacation can be magical! Thank you so much for sharing your story! ~ Annemarie

Dear Rachel, I am Tanja Kuzmanoska from Macedonia. I follow your posts and videos, but I resonate with this post the most, it came just in time. I love traveling, I have traveled places and been on interesting vacations. Recently I started a blog on traveling , the first post I wrote was in Macedonian, but few days ago I translated it in English. It is written in a different style, rather a blend of travel guide and prosaic, emotional text. I would love if you read it and give me a feedback. I send you the link below. Thank …  Read more »

Thank you for your comment. How exciting that you have started a blog on traveling! I’d be happy to read it.

I do have a quick question – I wasn’t sure who Rachel was?

Thanks again for the comment. I’ll be sure to email you with any feedback on your English travel story! ~ Annemarie

Hi again Annemarie, I am so sorry I have mistaken your name for Rachel, I hope you will forgive me! Regards, Tanja

🙂 Hi Tanja, No problem. It happens. I just wasn’t sure who you meant. I’ll look forward to reading your blog later today! ~ Annemarie

Dear Tanja,

I really enjoyed getting to read your story about your hometown or where your ancestors are from. You have a gift with words. I could really get a feeling for the area. How interesting that there are only two families there now!!

Thank you for sharing your site. I hope you will continue to write! ~ Annemarie

Dear Annemarie

Thank you so much for your time to read my story, your comments mean a lot to me. I am happy that you enjoyed reading it, and I appreciate your support very much. I will certainly continue to share my stories in words and photos and you are welcome to visit my site 🙂

I wish you every success on your projects, I will continue following and sharing them on social networks!

Many thanks and all the best, Tanja

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Essential English Holiday Vocabulary: Speak English Like a Native

• LLS English
• October 25, 2023
• No Comments

Are you planning a holiday to an English-speaking country and want to brush up on your language skills? Look no further! In this blog post, we will go through some essential holiday vocabulary that will help you communicate like a native. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or simply making small talk with locals, these holiday words and phrases will come in handy during your trip. So, pack your bags and get ready to impress everyone with your English skills! 

Learn directly from our native English teachers who provide support to our students to help them learn important topics like holiday vocabulary. Plus many more in our full digital platform designed for students to learn English easily and correctly.

Holiday Vocabulary – English-Speaking Travel Destinations

If you’re planning a trip to an English-speaking country, it’s important to have some key phrases and vocabulary under your belt to navigate your way through your holiday. From ordering food to asking for directions, these essential holiday words will make your trip a breeze.

When it comes to holiday vocabulary, knowing common phrases is key. Being able to ask for help or directions in English will save you time and make your travel experience more enjoyable. Learning simple phrases like “Excuse me, could you help me find the nearest train station?” or “Where is the nearest pharmacy?” can be extremely helpful.

Additionally, having a grasp of holiday words related to food, shopping, and accommodations will also enhance your travel experience. Being able to confidently order your meal at a restaurant, ask for recommendations from locals, or understand the hotel staff will make you feel like a native speaker.

So, before you embark on your adventure, make sure to brush up on your holiday vocabulary and become a confident communicator in English. It will open up a whole new world of experiences and connections during your trip.

Common Situations for Holiday Vocabulary

In order to truly immerse yourself in the local culture during your holiday, it’s important to have a good grasp of the English vocabulary associated with common situations. From ordering food to shopping and even navigating public transportation, knowing the right phrases and words can make a huge difference in your experience.

When it comes to dining out, being able to confidently ask for the menu, order your meal, and inquire about dietary restrictions or preferences will ensure that you have a delicious and enjoyable culinary experience.

For shopping, knowing how to ask for assistance, negotiate prices, and make purchases will make your shopping excursions seamless. And when it comes to transportation, being able to ask for directions, understand timetables, and purchase tickets will save you from getting lost or confused.

By familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary associated with these common situations, you’ll be able to navigate through your holiday like a true local, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Case Scenarios: Using English Phrases in Real Life Situations

Imagine you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of London, and you come across a charming little café. You want to indulge in a traditional English breakfast, but you’re not sure how to order it. No worries! With a few key English phrases in your pocket, you’ll be able to confidently navigate through real-life situations during your holiday.

Let’s say you’re in need of directions to a famous tourist attraction. Being able to ask locals questions like “Excuse me, how do I get to Big Ben?” or “Is the British Museum within walking distance from here?” will ensure that you don’t miss out on any must-see sights.

If you find yourself at a bustling market, you might want to strike up a conversation with the friendly vendors. Being able to greet them with a warm “Hello, how much is this?” or “Could you recommend a local delicacy?” will make your shopping experience more enjoyable and perhaps even lead to some unexpected discoveries.

And of course, when it’s time to grab a bite to eat, being able to order your meal with confidence and ask questions about the ingredients or preparation will ensure a delightful culinary experience.

By mastering these English phrases and using them in real-life situations, you’ll not only be able to communicate effectively, but you’ll also connect with locals on a deeper level. So go ahead, embrace these case scenarios, and immerse yourself in the language and culture of your English-speaking destination.

Everyday English Words to Polish Your Conversation Skills

If you want to take your English conversation skills to the next level, it’s important to incorporate everyday English words into your vocabulary. These words will help you have more natural and fluent conversations with native speakers. Instead of relying on textbook phrases, using common, everyday words will make you sound like a confident speaker.

To polish your conversation skills, start by learning words that are commonly used in everyday situations. For example, instead of saying “I am hungry,” you can say “I’m starving!” This adds a bit of personality and flair to your speech. Similarly, instead of saying “I’m tired,” you can say “I’m exhausted” or “I’m beat.”

Additionally, learning slang and informal words can also make your conversations more casual and authentic. Instead of saying “That’s great,” you can say “That’s awesome!” or “That’s fantastic!” These small tweaks can make a big difference in how you are perceived as a speaker.

By incorporating everyday English words into your conversations, you will sound more natural and confident, and be able to connect with native speakers on a deeper level. So, practice using these words in your everyday life and watch your English conversation skills shine!

Holiday Vocabulary And Essential Tips

Planning a trip to an English-speaking country? Want to impress the locals with your English skills? Here are some essential tips to improve your English vocabulary before your big trip.

Firstly , immerse yourself in English language materials such as books, movies, and TV shows. This will help you familiarize yourself with common phrases and idioms used in everyday conversations.

Next , practice speaking English with native speakers or language exchange partners. Engaging in real-life conversations will help you improve your pronunciation and fluency.

Additionally , make use of language learning apps and online resources. These tools offer a variety of exercises and activities to expand your vocabulary and grammar skills.

To further enhance your vocabulary, create flashcards with new words and review them regularly. Contextualize these words in sentences or use them in conversations to solidify your understanding.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Embrace opportunities to speak and listen to English, and learn from any errors you make along the way.

By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to communicate effectively during your trip and have a truly immersive experience.

Why You Should Learn English With Learn Laugh Speak

Learn Laugh Speak offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience for those looking to improve their English skills. With 280,000 pre-recorded audios of native speakers, you can listen and practice at the exact level specific to you. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, Learn Laugh Speak has 12 levels from Pre-A1 to C2 , allowing you to speak, read, write, listen, and test your English proficiency at the level that suits you best.

The full digital environment provides a convenient and flexible way to learn, with interactive exercises and activities to enhance your vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. The platform is designed to give you a well-rounded learning experience, incorporating all aspects of language acquisition.

By choosing Learn Laugh Speak, you can confidently improve your English and be prepared to communicate effectively during your holiday. So why wait? Start your language learning journey today and see the difference it can make in your ability to connect with others and navigate your English-speaking destination with ease.

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Travel Vocabulary

Do you often travel for business or for pleasure? Learn this essential travel vocabulary before your next trip!

Planning your journey

Some people book online , while others go to a travel agent and read the holiday brochures before buying tickets or making a hotel reservation .

You need to decide how much you want to pay for your flights. First-class or business class is the most expensive, while most people travel in economy class .

It’s also a good idea to buy some travel insurance before you go – just in case you have an accident or miss your flight . Independent travellers like to organise everything themselves, to avoid going to the same tourist traps (places where lots of tourists go). But some people prefer to book a package tour , where everything is paid in advance.

Travel vocabulary for flying

Most people travel by air – especially for a long-haul destination (somewhere far away) or for a short weekend break or city break . If you are travelling a long distance, you might have a layover (or stop-over ) for a few hours at an airport, or you might get a connecting flight (where you change aeroplanes).

When you arrive at the airport, you first check in at the check-in desk . If you have luggage for the hold , you weigh it here. Your luggage is taken onto the plane by baggage handlers (people who load the luggage on and off the plane.) You can take hand luggage with you onto the plane. You get a boarding pass (or boarding card ) to get on the aeroplane.

After this, you go through security (where your hand luggage is x-rayed ) and also through passport control , where your passport is checked. (You also go through passport control when you arrive at your destination.) In most airports you also see police and their sniffer dogs , who patrol for explosives. You can also go duty-free shopping , where you can buy things at a lower price. Check that you don’t go over ( = exceed) your duty-free allowance , or you will have to pay duty (tax) when you arrive at your destination.

When you are on the plane, the cabin crew look after you. There’s often an in-flight meal and the pilot usually makes an announcement about the flight route and flying altitude .

When you arrive, find out which baggage carousel your suitcases arrive on. Then when you collect your luggage, you need to go through customs and declare anything that you need to pay extra tax on. From there, you can take public transport to your hotel, get a taxi, or go to the car-rental desk – if you are going to hire / rent a car .

You can expect long queues in airports at certain times of the year, or if flights are delayed , for example. Sometimes, airport staff go on strike (stop work because of “industrial action”) which can also cause delays.

If the flying time is long, you can have jet lag when you arrive, as your body tries to adjust to the different time-zone .

Other means of travel

Here’s some more travel vocabulary if you are going somewhere by road, rail or sea.

If you take a road trip , you can go at your own pace . That means you can stop when you want. If you’re travelling in the UK, you can stop at the motorway services to fill up on petrol , get something to eat, or just for a comfort break (to use the toilet).

Travelling by rail can be a comfortable way to travel, especially if you have good seats and a buffet service (where you can buy food). It’s often cheaper to buy a return ticket (than two single tickets). Like travelling by air, you also have a choice of tickets: first class or second class .

If you travel by sea, you need to get to the port (for cruise ships ) or the ferry terminal . Both cruise ships and ferries have different decks , with the upper decks for passengers and the lower decks for cars or cargo.

More essential travel vocabulary words and phrases

suitcase = a large bag which goes in the hold of the aeroplane

baggage / luggage (uncountable noun) = everything that you take with you on holiday. “Do you have any hand luggage?” “The baggage handlers are on strike.”

oversize luggage = when your bag is very big (for example, if you are carrying skis) “There’s a special place to check in oversize luggage.”

handbag = a bag that women carry

backpack = a fabric suitcase that you carry on your back.

money belt = a fabric belt that you wear around your waist and where you put valuable things like your passport or money

travel documents = everything that you need to travel, such as passport and tickets

Travel Phrasal Verbs

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 IELTS Vocabulary about Travel and Places

Home  »  IELTS speaking  »  IELTS vocabulary about Travel and Places

Passing the  IELTS speaking test  with a good grade will depend on your ability to answer the questions using appropriate vocabulary in the correct context.

Collocations are words that naturally combine to form a phrase.

These words when used in combination make the English speaker sound more fluent and natural. This is why you should be learning collocations under various subject headings to help you do well in the IELTS speaking test.

Answering questions about travel and holidays

It’s always a good idea to start with what you enjoy. What’s your favourite holiday destination or holiday resort? Is there a well-known tourist attraction or popular holiday destination in your country you could talk about? What is the main holiday period in your country or in your region? What tourist attractions are most popular during the national holidays?

These topics are so popular in the IELTS speaking test. They can be used to answer questions on lots of different themes (an interesting day, a terrible experience, your birthday for example).

But what if you’ve never been to a foreign country or on a guided tour? It doesn’t matter at all. Remember that you don’t have to tell the truth in an IELTS exam – you can say anything you like. Perhaps you heard a great story about a wildlife safari or a beach off the beaten track from one of your friends or family members and you get a question asking about YOUR favourite holiday – well, then your IELTS speaking exam should be easy!

Examples of questions about holiday travel

Part 1 questions.

Examiner: Where do you like to travel during the holidays?

Answer: I like to  travel abroad  but international travel can be expensive, so I usually plan  affordable travel . Travelling to  holiday destinations  when it is  out of season  saves a lot of money.  Out-of-season travel  is also the best way to avoid places that are  swarming with tourists.

Examiner: What are your favourite holiday pastimes?

Answer: I like to  get away from it all . I look for  exotic destinations  with  scenic views  that are  off the beaten track . I’d love to go on a wildlife safari! I tend to avoid  guided tours  and  packaged deals  as I prefer  to go sightseeing  on my own.

Examiner: How do you plan and prepare for your holiday?

Answer: I always do my research because I know exactly what I like. I thumb through  holiday brochures  and check travel sites like Airbnb on the Internet. I’m drawn to  spectacular beaches  and  lush forests.  I usually make  advance reservations  for  self-catering accommodation .

Part 2 style questions

Examiner: describe one of your best travel experiences..

This type of question supports a when, where and who reply.

Answer: Last year a friend and I took a  long-haul flight  to Peru. We were  travelling light  so we were able to really  get around . We stayed in  quaint villages  and hiked through  lush rainforests . We were determined to  do as the locals do , rather than go on guided tours, so we stayed with local people for part of the trip.

We visited colourful  craft markets  and brought back souvenirs, to remind us of our trip. One of my most  memorable experiences  was to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is a little bit  off the beaten track  but it is surrounded by great  scenic beauty  and  magnificent landscapes.

Examiner: Describe a city that you think is interesting.

You should say: 

• where it is
• what it is famous for
• how you knew this city
• explain why you think it is very interesting

Read and listen to the sample answer here .

Examiner: Describe a tradition in your country.

• who takes part in it 
• what activities there are 
• explain how you feel about it

Part 3 style questions

Examiner: What type of holiday destination do you think attracts most tourists?

Answer: I know that many people are drawn to  wildlife safaris . This is certainly one of the big attractions in Africa. In Europe and Asia, the  stunning architecture , museums and  arts and culture  attract thousands of tourists every year.

Examiner: Do you think that the tourism industry will continue to grow in the next two decades?

Answer: I do. Many European and Asian countries have aging populations who will have  time on their hands  in the future. Many of them are likely to seek  holiday destinations around the world . Today there are many  affordable destinations  that offer  good value for money.

Examiner: What do you think your country could do to attract more tourists?

Answer: My country has stringent  visa regulations . If these were relaxed, I think that more visitors would choose to visit. We have an  efficient public transport , plenty of accommodation and natural and historical places of interest.

IELTS Vocabulary to talk about Cities

• add to (its) attraction:   make it more attractive 
• thriving:   lively and successful 
• hustle and bustle: full of movement and noise
• a craze: an activity that suddenly becomes very popular
• a (holiday) resort: a popular destination for holidays
• a fascinating mix: different elements that go together really well
• steeped in history: full of history
• ultra-modern:   very recent and new
• know like the back of (your) hand: be very familiar with, know everything about 
• a home from home: a place where you feel very happy and comfortable
• tourist hot spots: places very popular with tourists
• soak up the atmosphere: observe and enjoy what’s happening around you
• a bit pricey: quite expensive 
• easy going: relaxed, without pressure  
• blend in: easily fit in with other people

IELTS Vocabulary about Travel

• Affordable destinations  – Places within a reasonable price range
• Affordable travel  – Travel which is within your price range
• Around the world  – In all corners of the globe
• Arts and culture  – The art, music and other cultural aspects of an area
• Craft markets  – Stalls where goods made by the local people are sold
• Do as the locals do  – Enjoy the activities as the local people do
• Efficient public transport  – A functioning transport system intended for the use of residents and visitors
• Exotic destinations  – Unusual or strange holiday destinations
• Get around  – Get from place to place
• Guided tours  – Walking, hiking or driving visits led by a guide who knows the area
• Holiday brochures  – Pamphlets advertising holiday destinations
• Holiday destination  – Place to which you leave on holiday
• Long-haul flights  – Long distance flights
• Lush rainforests  – Luxuriant equatorial forests
• Magnificent landscapes  – Impressive scenery
• Make advance reservations  – Booking ahead of time
• Memorable experiences  – Activities that you will remember for years
• Off the beaten track  – A place that is not on the main thoroughfare
• Out of season  – Outside the most popular holiday period
• Packaged deals  – Travel deals that are put together by an agency and sold as a package
• Quaint villages – Old-fashioned or charming small towns
• Scenic views  – Lovely scenes
• Self-catering accommodation  – A Place to stay where you see to your own food
• Spectacular beaches  – Impressive sandy shorelines
• Stunning architecture  – Magnificent buildings
• Swarming with tourists  – Full of holidaymakers
• Time on their hands  – Available time to do as you choose
• To get away from it all  – To get away from everyday routines
• To go sightseeing  – Take a trip around an area to see what it has to offer
• Travel abroad –  Travel to overseas destinations
• Travelling light  – Travelling with little luggage
• Value for money  – A good return on investment
• Visa regulations  – Laws that relate to entry into a country
• Wildlife safari  – A guided tour through a game park

Click here for a free master list of collocations!

More IELTS Speaking tutorials

More  IELTS vocabulary tutorials to help you enhance your  vocabulary and prepare for your  IELTS exam.

• Vocabulary about climate change
• Vocabulary about fashion and shopping
• Vocabulary about advertising
• Vocabulary about social media
• Vocabulary about food and nutrition
• Vocabulary about family and friends
• Vocabulary about sport
• Vocabulary about the Coronavirus
• IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards about People
• IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards about Places
• IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards about Shopping
• IELTS Speaking Cue Cards about Accommodation 

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Learning English with Oxford

The latest language learning tips, resources, and content from oxford university press., essential english travel vocabulary | part 2.

• by Oxford University Press ELT
• Posted on August 23, 2023 August 29, 2023

In Part 1 of our Essential English travel vocabulary blog, we talked about the exciting phase of planning your trip and the different activities you might want to do while on your holidays. We looked at lots of traveling vocabulary in English. 

Now, we will look at travel and tourism vocabulary that will help you talk about your preferences and feelings about the activities and things you’ve been doing. These phrases will allow you to share what you love (and don’t love) about your experiences on holiday. 

Ways to describe activities you enjoy

There have likely been many things you’ve done during the holidays that you’ve enjoyed and want to share with your friends and classmates when you return to school. 

• You might want to say that you dug deep into your own town where you live, and visited some parts of it that you’d never been to before. Maybe you were a tourist in your own town. You might have visited galleries, parks, museums or even streets you’ve never walked down before.

I dived deep into my own city and went for a walk in an area I’d never visited before. I was a tourist in my own town! 

• Maybe you’ve had a chance to relax and clear your mind . You may even have taken time to disconnect and stay off your phone or social media.

I felt it was time to disconnect and take some time for myself to clear my mind. 

• Did you spend a lot of time outdoors, connecting with nature? Perhaps you went for a long walk in the forest, hiked a mountain, or even took a slow walk through a beautiful park. 

I like to connect with nature by going on long walks in the countryside. 

• You might have traveled abroad and taken an all-inclusive holiday. This means all your food, drinks, and activities are included in the price. 

My favourite part of an all-inclusive holiday is having food available whenever you want it! 

• You might have gone camping, but taken a lot of things with you so that you could have the comforts of home. This means that things made you feel at home, even though you weren’t there. 

Though I love exploring new cities, I always choose accommodations where I can have the comforts of home.

Ways to describe experiences you don’t like or want 

Maybe you had some experiences that you didn’t like so much or didn’t want to do. It’s just as important to share the negatives as the positives!

• Maybe you had an experience that tugged at your heartstrings . This means that something made you feel strong emotions, especially sadness.

Seeing the news about that forest fire really tugged on my heartstrings – it was so sad. 

• Perhaps you wanted a change of scenery but didn’t have the chance to go anywhere to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. 

After months in the hustle and bustle of the city, I felt like I needed a change of scenery.

• Did you visit somewhere that was artificial and touristy ? These are places that don’t seem authentic or real and have lots and lots of visitors. 

The capital city felt too artificial and touristy for me.

• When you’re on holiday and you want to take your time doing something, you don’t want to be rushed. 

I’d like to take my time looking around the gallery – I don’t want to be rushed. 

Now, it’s time to share your experiences with your friends, family, and classmates using all this new English travel vocabulary! Whether you stayed at home, traveled abroad, or went exploring around your own country, it’s important to share your stories and highlights (or not-so-good moments)! 

Match the English travel vocabulary to their definitions. 

Travel vocabulary

1. don’t want to be rushed 2. all-inclusive holiday 3. tourist in your own town 4. clear your mind 5. connect with nature 6. hustle and bustle 7. touristy 8. artificial

A. When you spend time outdoors B. When a place is very busy and noisy C. When you explore the place where you live D. When you want to take your time doing something E. When a place has many visitors and is designed for those visitors to enjoy F. When something is fake or not real G. When food, drinks, and activities are included in the cost H. When you don’t think about anything, or worry or stress 

Billie Jago  is an ELT writer and teacher trainer, specialising in digital & assessments. She is the founder of the professional development podcast ELTcpd and co-founder of the digital ELT content agency,  otterelt .

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Author: Oxford University Press ELT

Every year we help millions of people around the world to learn English. As a department of the University of Oxford, we further the University’s objective of excellence in education by publishing proven and tested language learning books, eBooks, learning materials, and educational technologies. View all posts by Oxford University Press ELT

Thank you so much for this excellent help.

Thank you so much for such useful information.

Thank you for this very useful información and Travel Vocabulary for English language learners.

Thanks a whole lot for this helpful lesson.

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• A1-A2 vocabulary

Vocabulary exercises to help learn words for talking about holidays.

What do you usually do in the holidays?

Language level

I usually go to the trip in other country,but when I have a few days I go for mountains or visit new city near my city.

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If I had a bunch of money, I would like to travel abroad during the holidays.

Hello LearnEnglish Team, Are the phrases "catch some rays" and "soak up the sun" pretty much the same in meaning (considering their meaning to be "sit in the sun or sunbathe")?

Hi DoraX,

Yes, right! They do mean the same thing.

LearnEnglish team

Thank very much for your answer!

Why is authorization session so short. I've just completed all tasks and when I would write comment I need to login once again - not very comfortable.

Hello Safe_Mode,

I'm sorry for the inconvenience. This measure is important for keeping the site secure. I'd recommend opening up a second tab and refreshing it from time to time when you're going to be working on a page for awhile. I realise that that is not very convenient, either, but it's what I do to not lose work.

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish team

I was in Marmaris in Turkey on these holidays in July. I rode the motorcycles I took for rent. I don't like excursions and I just took the guide to find the common places for tourists and went there on motorcycle. I rode e-scooters too you can get it for rent through the app. I swam in the sea, of course, but I'm not a sea lover, actually. In the end of our trip I took some photo, I love photography and Marmaris is a great place for this.

Hello teachers, I would ask you about the difference between "journey" and "trip". Looking the meaning up in the dictionary, I have figured out the specificity, but it is quite hard to become familiar with it. Although I know "trip" usually refers to a short journey, while "journey" regards a far apart place, soon after I use them as synonyms. Do you have any suggestions on it? Thank you!

Hi User_1,

I suggest that you build up the vocabulary into more meaningful units. Below are some collocations (i.e., common vocabulary combinations).

• business trip, shopping trip, fishing trip, camping trip, overnight trip, return trip . (see this Cambridge Dictionary page for more collocations with "trip")
• cross-country  journey, emotional journey, journey of discovery, journey of self-discovery, personal journey, spiritual journey . (see this Cambridge Dictionary page for more collocations with "journey")

As you may notice, the meaning of "journey" is often (but not always) metaphorical and about personal growth or experience. The meaning of "trip" is almost always about literal movement from one place to another.

Then, I suggest that you find one or two of these words that have some particular meaning in your life. For example, if you or somebody you know has gone on a business trip , you could write or say a few sentences about that particular trip during your English practice, or if you have had any kind of experience that you consider a  journey of discovery , you would write or speak a little bit about that. By using these words to describe your personal experience, you will make them more meaningful and memorable.

Does that make sense?

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Vocabulary for Holidays & Vacations: For Travel Enthusiasts

Traveling can be one of our most enriching and exciting experiences, allowing us to discover new cultures, savor unfamiliar cuisines, and form friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. However, language barriers can sometimes hinder our ability to immerse ourselves in these experiences fully. This is why having a robust vocabulary specifically catered towards holidays and vacations is so important.

In this post, we’ll explore several holiday and vacation vocabulary categories, broken down by different aspects of the travel experience.

Table of Contents

1. pre-trip planning, 2. travel and transportation, 3. accommodations, 4. dining and food, 5. sightseeing, 6. emergencies and health, sample conversation: using vocabulary related to holidays & vacations, faq: vocabulary related to holidays & vacations.

Before embarking on a journey, travelers must plan and prepare. This section is dedicated to the vocabulary related to the preparation stage of a vacation.

To improve your vocabulary in just 30 days, I recommend to my students an informative, fun, and accessible guide to utilizing powerful language. Millions of individuals have enhanced their academics, job skills, and confidence by dedicating just fifteen minutes daily to the exercises and tests of 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary (Amazon Link) , a top-selling. It offers step-by-step methods to bolster language prowess, discover compelling words, and daily vocabulary enhancement with pronunciation guidance.

This category encompasses words and phrases related to the different modes of transport that one might use when on holiday or vacation.

From booking a room to talking about hotel amenities, this section will cover vocabulary related to accommodations.

When exploring a new place, the local cuisine can be a highlight of the trip. This section covers vocabulary related to dining and food.

Touring and exploring new locations is a major part of the travel experience. This section provides vocabulary for sightseeing and tour-related activities.

Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances or health issues may arise while on a trip. This section covers vocabulary related to emergencies and health.

Situation: At a coffee shop, two friends, Emma and Jake, are discussing their upcoming holiday plans.

Emma: Jake, I’ve been thinking about taking a getaway to the Maldives. I’ve heard it’s the perfect destination for relaxation and water sports.

Jake: Oh, the Maldives! That sounds like a fantastic choice for a tropical retreat . I’ve seen pictures of their overwater bungalows ; they look so dreamy!

Emma: Yes, I’m looking forward to unwinding there. Plus, I’ve always wanted to experience a sunset cruise and snorkeling in those crystal-clear waters.

Jake: And don’t forget about the local cuisine . Trying new dishes is always a highlight of any excursion . Have you planned your itinerary yet?

Emma: Not yet. I’m considering an all-inclusive resort so I won’t have to worry about meals or activities. But I’ll definitely set aside a day for sightseeing and exploring the local hotspots .

Jake: An all-inclusive sounds convenient. Just remember to check the peak season dates to avoid large crowds. And maybe look into some eco-tours ; they offer a unique perspective on the islands.

Emma: Great advice, Jake! I’ll keep that in mind. This vacation is going to be so rejuvenating!

Armed with the above vocabulary, any travel enthusiast can easily navigate various travel scenarios. Having a good grasp of the terms related to holidays and vacations helps in effective communication and ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

So, the next time you plan a vacation, brushing up on your travel vocabulary could be just as important as packing your suitcase. Happy travels!

1. What is a getaway ?

A getaway refers to a short holiday or trip, usually taken to escape from routine and relax.

2. How is a destination different from a hotspot ?

A destination is a place where someone is going or where something is being sent. In travel, it’s the place one plans to visit. A hotspot , on the other hand, is a popular and trendy place, especially where people go for entertainment.

3. What does tropical retreat imply?

A tropical retreat is a vacation or place of relaxation located in a tropical setting, often characterized by warm weather, beaches, and lush vegetation.

4. Why are overwater bungalows popular?

Overwater bungalows offer direct access to the water below and often provide scenic views, privacy, and a luxurious experience, making them highly sought-after accommodations in tropical destinations.

5. How does an all-inclusive resort operate?

An all-inclusive resort offers guests a package deal that typically includes accommodations, meals, drinks, and sometimes even activities, all for a single price.

6. Why is itinerary planning essential?

An itinerary provides a detailed plan or route of a trip. Planning one ensures that travelers make the most of their time, covering major attractions and activities.

7. What are the benefits of eco-tours ?

Eco-tours focus on sustainable travel, ensuring minimal environmental impact. They educate travelers about local ecosystems and cultures, promoting conservation and supporting local communities.

8. What does it mean to unwind on a vacation?

To unwind means to relax and free oneself from stress or worries. On vacation, it’s the act of taking a break from daily routines to rejuvenate.

9. How do peak season dates affect travel plans?

Peak season refers to the busiest times for a travel destination, often due to favorable weather or holidays. While attractions might be livelier, it could also mean higher prices and larger crowds.

10. Why is trying local cuisine recommended when traveling?

Experiencing local cuisine offers a taste of the region’s culture and traditions, making the travel experience more authentic and enriching.

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Holiday Vocabulary in English

Holiday is a duration of time away form work or daily requirements and intended for relaxing, or recreation. It is a day of rest or celebration, typically one on which people are not required to work. In many countries, they are often celebrated with festivities and rituals. Holiday vocabulary include both recreational facilities and transportation.

⬤ Pictures of holiday vocabulary with pronunciations

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⬤ Word list of holiday vocabulary

• destination
• national park
• reservations
• sight-seeing
• train station
• transportation
• travel agent
• video camera

SIMILAR PAGES: ❯❯ Seaside vocabulary ❯❯ Travel vocabulary ❯❯ Transportation vocabulary ❯❯ City life vocabulary ❯❯ Street objects vocabulary

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⬤ Holiday vocabulary exercises

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Travel idioms & expressions

Get off to a flying start with holiday vocabulary.

• English vocabulary

Get holiday inspiration with travel idioms

Welcome to our blog exploring the fascinating world of travel idioms and expressions . 

As avid travellers ourselves, we understand the excitement of embarking on new adventures. English is often the universal language that unites travellers worldwide, and we focus on holiday and travel vocabulary that is commonly used by native speakers.

Start your next holiday plans with these unique idioms and expressions.

Meaning a strong desire to travel and explore new places.

Example After their trip through Europe, Sarah and Tom caught the travel bug and began planning their next adventure.

hit the road

Meaning to begin a journey or trip.

Example We need to hit the road early tomorrow morning if we want to reach our destination by noon.

off the beaten path

Meaning going to a less travelled or unconventional destination.

Example Instead of visiting the main tourist spots, we decided to venture off the beaten path and explore smaller villages in the countryside.

take the scenic route

Meaning to choose a longer route for the enjoyment of the view or experience.

Example Rather than driving along the motorway, we decided to take the scenic route through the mountains. It added a few extra hours to our journey, but the views were amazing.

off the grid

Meaning to be disconnected from technology or society, often experienced during remote or adventurous travel.

Example During our camping trip in the wilderness, we were completely off the grid with no phone or internet access. It was a great experience, but next time, I’ll stay in a hotel!

living out of a suitcase

Meaning to be constantly travelling or moving from one place to another.

Example I went travelling with friends after graduating university. After living out of a suitcase for a few months, it was refreshing to be back at home.

get off to a flying start

Meaning to begin something with great energy and enthusiasm, like a trip or adventure.

Example Our holiday got off to a flying start with perfect weather and exciting activities planned for the week.

travel light

Meaning to pack minimally and carry only essential items while travelling.

Example We’re only going for the weekend, so remember to travel light and bring just what you need.

a change of scenery

Meaning a different environment or setting.

Example After weeks of working indoors, Anne decided to take a few days off and enjoy a change of scenery  in the mountains.

at the crack of dawn

Meaning very early in the morning.

Example We had to get up at the crack of dawn to catch the first train to the airport.

get away from it all

Meaning to escape from the pressures and routine of daily life by going on a vacation or retreat.

Example We booked a secluded cabin in the mountains to get away from it all and relax for the weekend.

a home from home

Meaning a place where you feel comfortable and at ease, similar to your own home.

Example We love staying at my aunt’s house in the holidays. It feels like a home from home , with its cosy atmosphere and familiar surroundings.

soak up the sun

Meaning to enjoy the warmth and light of the sun while relaxing outdoors.

Example While on holiday in Spain, we spent our days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea.

in the middle of nowhere

Meaning in a remote or isolated location.

Example On the way to our hotel, we took a wrong turn and ended up in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal. Thankfully, a local farmer spoke a little English and gave us directions.

travel on a shoestring

Meaning to travel with a very limited budget.

Example As college students, we travelled on a shoestring in Asia, staying in hostels and cooking our own meals to save money.

travel far and wide

Meaning to travel to many different places, often covering long distances.

Example Over the years, Andrew has travelled far and wide , exploring every continent except Antarctica.

make a pit stop

Meaning to briefly stop during a journey for a break or to refuel.

Example On our road trip to California, we made a pit stop at a roadside diner to grab a quick bite to eat.

packed like sardines

Meaning to be in a crowded or cramped space, often used to describe public transportation.

Example We were packed like sardines on the train, with barely enough room to move.

have itchy feet

Meaning to have a strong desire to travel or move from place to place.

Example Ever since he returned from his backpacking trip, David has had itchy feet and is already planning his next adventure.

travel in style

Meaning to travel with comfort and luxury.

Example To celebrate their retirement, our grandparents decided to travel in style on a luxury cruise around the world.

Have a great travel experience!

We have flown through 20 travel idioms and expressions that are frequently used by native English speakers. Let these idioms and expressions inspire your next adventure and serve as a reminder of the wonderful memories created along the way.

Tip: We recommend learning new vocabulary by topic, and to create examples that help you to remember new words and expressions. For English idioms about other topics, please visit our free vocabulary lessons .

Enjoy your travels and journey learning English too!

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IELTS Vocabulary – Travel

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Questions about travel and tourist destinations are extremely common on the IELTS examination. This page contains essential words and phrases that will help you answer questions on the topic of IELTS travel vocabulary. There are exercises for you to IELTS practice with real questions.

Table of Contents

• Travel Vocabulary
• Travel Vocabulary Activity
• Travel Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Collocations
• Travel Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Collocations Activity

1. Travel Vocabulary

• Attraction – A place that entices visitors because it is interesting
• Backpacking – To travel, often to more than one destination, with your belongings in a backpack
• Camping – A holiday spent in a tent or camper van
• Cruise – A sea-based trip taking a pre-planned route that involves visiting several ports
• Excursion – A short trip usually taken whilst on holiday
• Flights – Journeys that are taken through the air on an aeroplane or helicopter
• Footfall – The number of people who enter an area/shop
• Frugal – To be economical and sparing with money
• Heritage – Objects and characteristics that are valued because of their cultural or historical significance
• Holiday/Vacation – An extended period of recreation/leisure spent away from home
• Homeland – The country you were born/brought up in
• Hostel – Similar to a hotel but cheaper and often caters for young people, travellers, and students rather than the typical tourist
• Hotel – An establishment that provides rooms and food to paying guests
• Itinerary – A detailed plan of a route or journey. It usually includes times, dates, prices etc…
• Luggage – The collective name for the suitcases/bags that you take on a trip
• Luxurious – Of high quality
• Safari – A type of holiday/trip to observe or hunt animals. Most common in Africa.
• Seasonal – Only occurring at certain times of the year
• Scenery – The natural features of a landscape
• Sightseeing – The act of visiting different attractions or sights
• Souvenir – Something you keep as a reminder of a place
• Storey/Floor – A part of a building with all the rooms are on one level
• Suitcase – A case with a handle used for carrying clothes or possessions on a trip
• To travel by… / OR – on a plane/bus/boat/train/bike/the metro – To move from one place to another in a car/taxi
• Traditional/Quaint – Old-fashioned and attractive
• Travel agent/agency – The person who helps reserve you a holiday/The place where you reserve the holiday
• Travel arrangements – The plans/preparations that go into making a trip/journey

2. General Travel Vocabulary Activity

3. travel idioms, phrasal verbs, and collocations.

There are many collocations, idioms and phrasal verbs used to discuss travel and destinations. Using them correctly will make your answers sound completer and more natural. Here are some common words and phrases that you can use in the IELTS examination, followed by exercises for you to practice using the words in context.

• Affordable destinations – Places that are within a person’s financial means. Not expensive/luxury
• Affordable travel – Trips that are within a person’s financial means
• All-inclusive – A trip where all food, drink, and accommodation are provided
• Around the world – A large proportion of the world. Many destinations/continents.
• Bed and breakfast – A type of accommodation that provides a room and breakfast
• Breathtaking view – A view that is extremely beautiful or amazing
• Bucket list – The places you want to visit and things you want to do in your lifetime
• Get around – To move from place to place
• Get away – To go on holiday/vacation/ (n) The holiday/vacation itself
• Guided tour – Part of a trip where tourists are taken from place to place and given information by a guide
• Head for/towards – To go in a certain direction or the direction of a specific place
• Holiday destination – Place where people go on holiday/vacation
• Itchy feet/Wanderlust – The desire to travel
• Long haul/Short-haul destination – A destination far away from your home/ close to your home
• Long haul/Short-haul flight- A flight that takes 6 + hours / A flight that takes -3 hours
• Middle of nowhere – A place that is remote and far from civilisation
• Off the beaten track – Away from where the tourists normally go
• Out of season – The part of the year when it is not very busy
• Package holiday – A holiday where the flight and accommodation, and often food, are included
• Peak season – The busiest time of the year. For example, school holidays and Christmas
• Swarming with tourists – Lots of tourists in a particular place
• Tour guide – The person who leads guided tours to visit attractions and sights
• Tourist trap – A place that attracts and exploits tourists
• Travelling light – To go on a trip with little bags or luggage
• When in Rome (do as the Romans do) – When you go to a place you should follow the customs/rules of the local people

4. Travel Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Collocations Activity

For more practice, Visit IELTS vocabulary for Transportation .

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ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

in Icebreakers + Warm-Ups · Listening · Reading · Speaking · Writing

Travel & Holidays ESL Games, Worksheets | ESL Travel Activities

If you need some fresh, new ideas for the ESL travel and holiday unit that you can find in most textbooks, then you’re in the right place. We’ll share our top ideas for games and activities, along with travel vocabulary, worksheets and lesson plans. Let’s get to the best ESL holiday activities.

ESL holiday and travel-themed activities

Let’s get into everything you need to know for an ESL holiday lesson. Keep on reading!

ESL Travel and Holiday Activities

Here are the top ESL travel activities that you may want to try out with your students.

#1: Plan a Trip

Have your students plan a dream vacation in English! Instead of researching in their first language, use Google in English. In order to practice writing, keep notes only in English. Here’s an example of how you might plan your trip using English. You can have your students add as little, or as much detail as you’d like. However, the point of the activity is to practice writing in point form which is useful when writing outlines for tests or essays.

Day 1: Monday, January 1

Fly Seoul (3pm) —-> Vancouver (7am) Check in Hotel ABC, 123 Avenue Rest, relax

Day 2: Tuesday, January 2

Stay Hotel ABC Tour Stanley Park Eat Pub XYZ dinner

Day 3: Wednesday, January 3

Check out Hotel ABC Rent car Budget 123 Drive Whistler Rent skis shop ABC Go Skiing Lunch ski lodge Check in Hotel ABC Whistler Bed early

Procedure for one of my favourite ESL travel activities:

• Give students time to do some Internet research about a place they want to go. It’s helpful to specify the number of days. I generally make a rule that they must do this research in English. Suggest some helpful websites where they might like to start (Trip Advisor, Air BnB, etc.).
• Students can make a day-by-day itinerary of what they’re trip is going to look like.
• They can share about their trip with the class or turn it in for a graded assignment.

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• 78 Pages - 03/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#2: A-Z Alphabet Game

If you know that your students already know a fair bit about holiday and travel, you may want to try this quick warm-up game. Or, you could consider using it as a review game at the end of a class.

The way it works is that students, in pairs or small groups write down the alphabet on a piece of paper. Then, they have to think of one travel related word for each letter. It doesn’t have to be done in order. For example:

P: Passport

The winner is the team with the most completed letters at the end of the allotted time. Do you want to find out more? Check this out: A-Z Alphabet Game ESL .

#3: Travel Word Association

This is nice ESL activity to do if you know that your students have studied about travel and holidays before. They can shout out vocabulary words related to this and you can make a mind map or sorts on the board. Group similar things together. For example, articles of clothing.

Find out more about this quick ESL warmer right here: ESL Vocabulary Word Association.

• 146 Pages - 06/18/2020 (Publication Date)

#4: Postcards ESOL Travel Activity

If you can get your hands on some cheap postcards or have some laying around your house or teacher’s office, try out this fun writing activity. It may just be the novelty factor, but students seem to love it. This activity is ideal for working on common greetings, the past tense (more ideas here: ESL past tense games ), and using descriptive words, as well as using synonyms to avoid repetition.

Distribute the postcards to the students. You can do one per student, or put the students into pairs. They have to look at the picture on the front of the postcard and imagine that they went on this vacation. Then, they can write about their trip to a friend or family member.

Next, the students trade postcards with another student or group. After reading them, they can write a response back of at least a few sentences. Finally, you may want to display them around the class as they’re colourful and fun and other students may enjoy reading them! Have some fun with this ESOL travel activity.

• Give each student or pair a postcard. They look at the picture and imagine what they did on that vacation, and then pretend that they’re writing to a friend or family member.
•  Exchange postcards and another student or group have to write a response to what they read.
• Display the postcards around your classroom (optional).

#5: Travel or Holiday Videos

I’m ALL about using videos with my ESL/EFL students. They’re fun, engaging and a nice way to grab student’s attention and introduce a topic. Of course, you can base an entire class around one too if you design the activities well.

If you want to find out more about using them in your classes and some activities and games to do with them, you’ll want to check this out: Using Videos for Teaching English .

#6: Dictogloss ESOL Travel Activity

This is a challenging activity that works on listening and writing skills. Find a short story related to holiday or travel. It could even be a description of your own vacation that you took recently.

Then, you read out the story to your students in a way that is a bit challenging for them to catch every word. Students have to take notes and then try to reconstruct what they heard based on their notes in small groups. You can read it again so that students have a chance to make some additions or corrections. Finally, students compare their version with the original.

Do you want to try it out with your students? You can learn more about one of the best ESL travel activities here: ESL Dictogloss Activity .

#7: Holidays ESL Lesson Plan

It’s easy to plan an ESL lesson about any topic, including holidays. Check out this video for the steps to follow:

#8: Yes/No Questions and Answers

If you think about it, holidays and travel lend themselves to a ton of yes/no questions. For example:

• Did you fly or drive?
• Did you eat some delicious things?
• Was the food good?
• Did you have nice weather?

If you want to see some activities or games to work on these kinds of questions, you’ll want to check this out: Yes/No Activities and Games.

• 279 Pages - 07/12/2020 (Publication Date)

#9: ESL Food Activities and Games

I’m not sure if it’s the same for you, but when I travel, it’s ALL about the food. I want to try all the delicious things where I’m staying! The good news is that I have a ton of fun, interactive games and activities for food. You can easily adapt most of them to focus on holidays.

You can find out more details here: ESL Food Activities.

#10: ESL Surveys

I love to use surveys in my classes because they lend themselves to just about any topic. In the case of travel, they’re ideal for working on the present perfect and simple past together.

For example:

Have you ever travelled to another country?

Where did you go?

If you want to know more about how to design and use surveys in your classes for an ESL travel lesson, then you’ll want to check this out: Surveys for ESL Students.

ESL Travel Games and Activities

I also love to use ESL surveys to get students to express an opinion in English.

#11: Present Perfect Activities Related to Travel

The present perfect is often used to talk about vacations, travel and holidays. For example:

• Have you ever been to another country?
• Have you travelled to ______ before?

In order to incorporate this grammatical construction into some of your lesson, you’ll want to check this out: Present Perfect ESL Activities.

#12: Brochure Scanning

This is an excellent travel activity! You’ll have to get your hands on some travel brochures first. The way it works is that students get tons of practice with a reading sub-skill (scanning) because they have to look quickly through the brochures to find specific bits of information. For example, cost or number or days.

Do you want to try out this reading activity? You can find out all the details here: Brochure Scanning Reading Activity for ESL .

#13: Odd One Out ESL Warmer

This is a quick English warm-up activity that you can try out with your students. The way it works is that you write words, in groups of 4 on the board. 3 are similar and 1 is the odd one out. Students have to choose this one and say why it doesn’t fit. For example:

Bathing suit, sunglasses, boots, flip-flops

Answers: Boots because it’s not for a beach vacation. I accept many different answers as long as students support it well.

You can learn more about this ESL warm-up here: Odd One Out for ESL .

• 87 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date)

#14: Would you Rather? 

I’m sure you’ve done this before with friends. You have to choose between two negative things, or two positive things. For example, how you want to die, or what you want to eat. In this case, students could choose between two types of vacation. For example:

Would you rather have a beach or forest vacation?

Would you rather stay in a big hotel, or an AirBNB?

Learn more about this nice activity for an ESL travel lesson here: ESL Would You Rather?

• 81 Pages - 06/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#15: Task Based Activity: Dream Vacation

I love to incorporate this style of teaching into my holiday lessons. It allows students more freedom to choose what they want to learn about and also builds opportunities for some serious teamwork.

In this case, I’ll have students work in groups of 2-3 to plan a dream vacation. They can do some research to find out all the details including how to get there, food, budget, where to stay, etc. Then, they either have to write a report and hand it in to me and/or do a short presentation to the class.

Need some more ideas for this style of a lesson? Check this out: Task-Based Learning .

#16: Travel Themed Charades

I love to play charades with my students. The way it works is that you can think of some travel-related phrases. For example:

• Flying on a plane
• Sleeping on a bus
• Eating noodles
• Buying souvenirs

Then, students have to act this out and their teammates have to guess what the phrase is. More details here: ESL Charades.

#17: Travel Journal

Encourage students to keep a travel journal for a fictional trip. They can describe their experiences, sights, and sounds, using new vocabulary.

Travel and Holidays ESL

#18: Eliciting in an ESL Travel Lesson

Unless your students are absolute beginners, then it’s likely that they already know a good amount of travel and holiday vocabulary. That’s often why I like to start off my ESL traveling lesson by using some eliciting techniques. There are two main reasons for this.

The first reason is that it’s possible to find out what the students already know about this topic to avoid wasting class time covering these things. The second is that it helps students activate their prior knowledge about travel/holidays to make the new things they learn more memorable. Learn how to do this tactic for an ESL holiday lesson here:

ESL Eliciting Advice .

#19: Travel Listening Lesson

A nice way to talk about any topic is through a listening lesson. In this case, find a conversation between two people talking about an upcoming vacation plan. Or, someone talking about a favourite vacation from the past (it could even be you). Then, design an entire listening lesson around that. Find out how here:

#20: Idiom ESL Traveling Activity

There are lots of idioms related to holidays, travel and transportation. Here are just a few of them:

• All hands on deck
• To send flying
• Bump in the road
• Off the rails
• Train wreck
• Asleep at the wheel
• Fall off the wagon
• Hit the road

One of the best ways to make these idioms super memorable is to do this fun activity. Afterwards, your students will never forget! Learn more about this ESL activity:

Idiom Activity for Language Learners .

#21: Concentration ESL Traveling Vocabulary

One of the best ways to review new words during an ESL holiday or travel lesson is to play this memory game. Depending on the level of the students, make some matching pairs of cards with the following:

• Word/picture
• Word/definition
• Word/clue about the word

Then in small groups, students play the game to find the matches. Find out all the details about how to set it up and play:

ESL Concentration Game .

#22: Speaking Fluency Activity

To use this activity with a unit on holidays or travel, have students talk about a past, or upcoming vacation.

#23: Me Too!

Students have to make a true statement about themselves related to holidays and travelling. For example:

• I’ve been to Japan.
• I hate the beach.
• My family goes on a big vacation every summer.

If other students can agree, they stand up and say, “Me too!”

#24: Labour Day Guessing Game

#25: Holiday Interviews

Pair students and have them interview each other about their favorite holidays. They can then present their partner’s holiday to the class.

#26: Travel Bingo

Create bingo cards with images or words related to travel and holidays. Students mark off the squares as they learn new vocabulary.

#27: Travel-Themed Role-Plays

Set up role-plays where students act as travelers, airport staff, or hotel receptionists. This helps them practice common travel dialogues.

#28: Travel Vocabulary Pictionary

Play Pictionary using travel-related words. Students take turns drawing and guessing the vocabulary words.

#29: Travel Storytelling

Ask students to create and share short stories about a memorable travel experience they’ve had or wish to have in the future.

#30: Travel Debate

Have students debate the pros and cons of traveling. This encourages critical thinking and speaking skills.

Travel and Holiday Vocabulary

Here are some of the most common vocabulary words that you may want to teach your students related to traveling for an ESL holiday lesson.

• bathing suit
• boarding pass
• vaccination
• The months of the year in English

Do you have any ESL travelling vocabulary that you’d like us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know!

Travel Worksheets and Lesson Plans for ESL

If you’re looking for some worksheets or lesson plans related to holidays and travel, then you’ll want to check out some of our top resource recommendations:

ESOL Courses

ISL Collective

Lingua House

ESL Travel Vocabulary Worksheets

If you want students to get some practice with ESL travel vocab, here are a few recommendations:

English Club

Did you Like these Travel Games for ESL?

• 68 Pages - 11/12/2019 (Publication Date)

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book: The Emergency English Teacher: No-Textbook, No-Prep, No-Materials ESL Activities.

If you’re always in need of last-minute activities and games for your classes, then this book is exactly what you might need. It’s English teaching made easy in a serious way.

You can get the book in digital or print formats. Take the e-version with you to your favourite coffee shop for lesson planning on the go. Or, keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide. But the best idea is to have it with you at all times for those English teaching emergencies.

Do you want to find out more? Head on over to Amazon to pick up your copy today:

FAQs about ESL Travel Lessons

There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching this unit. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What is the purpose of teaching the travel and holiday unit to English learners?

The purpose is to help English learners develop vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills related to travel and holidays.

What topics can be covered within the travel and holiday unit?

Topics can include modes of transportation, booking accommodations, tourist attractions, holiday activities, travel phrases, and cultural aspects of different destinations.

How can I introduce vocabulary related to travel and holidays?

You can introduce vocabulary through visual aids, realia (actual objects), flashcards, and interactive activities such as matching games or vocabulary quizzes.

What grammar structures can be taught in the travel and holiday unit?

Grammar structures such as present simple for schedules and timetables, past simple for recounting travel experiences, future tenses for making travel plans, and modal verbs for expressing preferences or asking for permission can be taught.

What speaking activities can be used to practice travel and holiday-related topics?

Role-plays, group discussions about dream destinations, travel itineraries, or describing holiday experiences are effective speaking activities. Additionally, pair work activities like “Find Someone Who” or “Guess the Destination” can engage learners in conversation.

ESL Travel Activities and Games: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts about these Holiday ESL activities? Do you have another one that you’d like to recommend to us? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource for ESOL travel lessons.

ESL Travel Lesson

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About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at: YouTube Facebook Pinterest TikTok LinkedIn Instagram

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IELTS Speaking Vocabulary. Travel & Holidays

Before starting to practice answering various IELTS Speaking topics you should learn some topic vocabulary to know how to structure your answer.

On this page you can find useful IELTS speaking vocabulary with sentence examples for Travel & Holidays topic. This vocabulary is very useful to answer questions about travel and holidays and achieve a high score on IELTS Speaking test.

See IELTS Speaking sample about Travel & Holidays >

• accommodation: a room or building in which you stay during holidays or live. While I'm travelling, my favourite types of accommodation are hotels.
• all holiday : a time after you lost your job. He lost his job yesterday. Now it’s all holiday for him.
• all-inclusive : a hotel deal where the price includes accommodation, meals and drinks at any time. I've never thought that hotels with all-incusive service are so comfortable! You can grab a piece of cake at 6 a.m. or get a cocktail at midnight.
• half-board : if you request 'half-board' at a hotel, breakfast and dinner would be included in the hotel price (as part of the package). John and Lily liked their tour with half-board service. They spent breakfasts and dinners in the hotel and bought lunches in the nearby cafes.
• full-board : if you request 'full-board' at a hotel, that would include all three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the price of your accommodation.
• self-catering : a holiday deal where meals are not provided. Mary thinks that self-catering is neither pleasant nor efficient.
• to book (something) : to arrange and confirm a place on a flight, a room in a hotel or a ticket for an event in the future. If you book your plane tickets in advance, they will be much cheaper.
• breathtaking view : an amazing view. I’ve seen many breathtaking views during my journey to Paris.
• busman's holiday : when you spend your free time similarly to the time when you work. This expression comes from the idea that a bus driver would spend his holiday traveling somewhere on a bus. Unfortunately, many people spend a busman’s holiday nowadays.
• charter flight : a cheap regular flight. Due to our modest budget, we had to take a charter-flight.
• check-in desk : the place at the airport where you register for your flight and deposit your luggage.
• far-off destination : a distant place. Australia is a far-off destination, nonetheless I want to visit it.
• getting away from it all : escaping in order to rest from a daily routine. After I passed my exams, I wanted to get away from it all for at least a couple of days.
• go off the beaten track : to visit an uncommon place. Unlike my brother, I prefer to go off the beaten track.
• guided tour : a tour in which a group of people is guided by an expert. Guided tours are a great way to learn about different places of interest.
• head for : go in a direction for. I’m heading for France for my next holidays.
• holiday brochure : a publication with details of holiday. Our guide gave us a great brochure about our hotel.
• holiday destination : where you go for a holiday. We chose New York as our holiday destination for the next summer.
• holiday of a lifetime : a very special holiday, once in a lifetime. Last year me and my family had a holiday of a lifetime in Italy.
• holiday resort (tourist resort) : a place where lots of people go for a holiday. Last year my family went on a journey to London. We lived in a great tourist resort.
• hordes of tourists : crowds of tourists. Hordes of tourist can be seen during summer near the city park.
• in the middle of nowhere : in a place that is far away from where most people live. My grand-mother lives in the middle of nowhere, but she loves her old little village.
• local crafts : thighs made in the region. My sister bought some amazing local crafts on her trip to India.
• out of season : not within the main holiday period. I decided to go on a journey with my friends out of season.
• passport control : a place where you get your passport checked. I spent a few hours waiting in line on a passport control.
• package tour : a holiday at a fixed price in which the travel company arranges your travel, hotels, and sometimes meals for you: We bought a cheap package tour to Italy and stayed in a big hotel by the sea.
• picturesque village : a nice, beautiful village. My grandparents live in a picturesque village.
• places of interest : memorable and honorable places. My native city has a variety of places of interest.
• short break : a little holiday. My father had a short break this year, I hope he’ll be able to relax some more.
• stunning landscape : a beautiful countryside. Stunning landscapes are only one of many reasons why I want to visit Africa.
• to go sightseeing : to go visiting sights of interest. Today we went sightseeing with my friends.
• to travel on foot / horse When I'm in a small town I prefer to travel on foot.
• to travel by bus / plane / car / bicycle / motorcycle Although I usually travel by car, when I decided to visit Paris I had to travel by plane.
• tourist attractions : places which tourists tend to visit. Despite not being a tourist attraction, new fountain is very popular among the locals.
• tourist trap : place with many tourists. We've visited many tourists traps lately.
• travel agency : a shop that specializes in booking holidays. I've bought tickets for my trip through a travel agency.
• wildlife safari : an observational holiday, mainly in Africa. I’d love to go on a wildlife safari sometime.
• youth hostel : a cheap hotel. During our trip we stayed in a hostel, because we didn’t have enough money for a hotel.

Samara Costa Rica: Family-Friendly Beach Town Guide

Samara Costa Rica is a relaxed beach destination that is great for families or anyone looking for chilled out vibes

The Samara Costa Rica Vibes

Samara Costa Rica is a laid-back town and tranquil coastal paradise on the Pacific coast.

The downtown area has many restaurants and shops, but if you are looking for a more peaceful experience there is plenty of that as well. 

Now on to the rest of the Samara Costa Rica travel guide.

Background Info About Samara Costa Rica

Nearest international airport.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia

Popular Things to Do

surfing, rent an ATV, snorkel or diving tours

Best Way to Get Around

Rental car , walking in the downtown area

Best Time of Year to Visit

Dry season is from late December until mid-April

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Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er).

We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and have called sunny Costa Rica home since 2016.

We are on a mission to help you plan the perfect Costa Rican vacation.

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Map Of Samara Costa Rica

Samara is a small beach town located on the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica south of Nosara.

Why We Suggest Samara to Families

I’ll be honest, it took me several visits to really understand Samara. Originally, I heard it was popular with surfers and backpackers. So, when I first visited this beach town I went in with that mindset and just couldn’t understand it.

Nosara is just north of here and has much better surfing and more backpacker-ish town.

The second time we visited I felt like we ran out of things to do. But, I think a big part of that was that I am not big on hanging at the beach all day, the shore fishing wasn’t great (this is what Thomas lives for) and a lot of the activities involved tours (which I didn’t feel like taking).

So, we visited for a third time, for a longer stay. My goal was to figure out Samara. And in that third visit, I got it. This place is perfect for families!

The downtown area is condensed so you have a lot of hotels and restaurants in one walkable spot. The beach is long and very swimmable. There isn’t a big drop-off, you can easily walk out into the water and typically not worry about big waves.

Plus, there are some great family-friendly day tour options.

So, if you are flying into the Liberia airport and are looking for a family-friendly beach town that isn’t as hectic as Tamarindo or Playas del Coco, I would say that this is the place to go.

Flights to Costa Rica

The easiest way of getting to Samara is by flying into the Liberia International Airport.

From Liberia, it is about a two-hour drive to Samara. From the San Jose International Airport, it is about a five-hour drive.

That being said, we will go through how to get here from each airport to clear things up a bit.

If you haven’t booked your flight yet, we suggest using Skyscanner . We consistently find the best rates through their website.

Driving to Samara

San jose to samara costa rica.

The drive to Samara is long, but fine. The first two hours of the drive are on a main toll highway (Route 27). 

If you are a somewhat experienced driver you should have no trouble with this.

The tolls do not accept credit cards. They will take US dollars or colones.

You will then drive on a main road that can feel like it take forever (Route 1). A lot of big trucks drive this road and it is often hard to find a place to pass them.

However, construction has been ongoing for a few years now, so maybe you will visit and actually have a very smooth drive.

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Eventually, you will turn off on a smaller main road called Paso de Tampisque.

If you need to stop for a quick meal or bathroom, there is a small plaza with a Subway, Papa Johns, and Taco Bell located just before you make a left-hand turn on to Paso de Tampisque.

Other than that, there are not many quick food options along the way.

However, there are several gas stations if you need a bathroom break. Most of the gas station bathrooms are actually fairly decent.

From the turn on Paso de Tampisque, it is usually smooth sailing until you reach downtown Samara.

Just note that police tend to hang out in the first few miles of your turn onto Paso de Tampisque controlling speeding.

We suggest downloading the free app Waze for directions in Costa Rica. It is the best and often other drivers are really great about inputting where the police are hanging out.

In other words, this drive is doable. We’ve done it many many times. However, after a long flight, driving for five hours might be the last thing you want to do.

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Liberia to Samara Costa Rica

The drive from Liberia Internation Airport to Samara is fairly easy to do. It will take about two hours and consists of mostly main roads the whole way.

The one part that gets a little hectic is driving through downtown Nicoya, but usually, it is not too bad.

Here is a Google Maps link so you can better visualize the route.

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Private Shuttle to Samara

If you are traveling with a group of family or friends, a private shuttle is the way to go.

You can sit back and enjoy the Pacific Coast scenery while a competent driver ensures you get to your destination safely.

We work exclusively with Adobe Transfer for private shuttles.

You can find out more and get a shuttle price quote here . 

Public Bus to Samara Costa Rica

Check out the website The Bus Schedule for updated times.

From San Jose

There is a public bus that will take you to Samara. This trip will take about six hours.

This is by far the most affordable way to get to Samara, but definitely not the most comfortable.

The bus departs from downtown San Jose twice daily at 6:30am and again at 12:00pm.

From Liberia

There is not direct public bus route from Liberia to Samara. You will need to take the bus to the town of Nicoya and then switch to another bus.

This can be a bit stressful because if you miss the connection you might be waiting several hours until the next one arrives.

Domestic Flights to Samara

There is a domestic airport located in Nosara. It is possible to take a domestic flight from San Jose here.

From Nosara, you can get a taxi to Samara. It is about an hour’s drive (so it might be a pricey taxi journey). 

Just keep in mind that this is a more pricey option and if you are scared of small planes this might not be the best for you.

The pro is that this is a super fast transportation option and the views are amazing.

Transportation In Samara

Samara is a very walkable town. If you plan on mostly just spending your time within the town and on the beach, you really don’t need a car.

If you plan on doing more exploring in the area we definitely suggest renting a car. If you don’t have a car you will have to depend on day tours.

Keep in mind that although the roads to Samara are paved, many other roads around are unpaved and involve river crossings.

We definitely suggest getting a car with 4-wheel drive if you plan on checking out activities nearby.

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Samara Costa Rica Weather

The most popular time to visit Samara Costa Rica is between the end of December through early May. 

This is dry season in Samara. You can expect extremely hot weather and no rain.

We like to visit this area between May through mid-August. At that time of year, you will likely have a daily afternoon thunderstorm that lasts for about an hour, but there are fewer tourists. We just make a point of getting up early and really enjoying the day at Playa Samara before the rain rolls in.

From mid-August through mid-December you can expect the temperature to cool off a bit and more rain.

Some hotels close between August and November because there just isn’t enough demand. 

– The temperature usually ranges between 77°F to 86°F

– The sun rises all year round between about 5:15am and 5:45am

– The sun sets between 5:30pm and 6:00pm

Things to Do in Samara Costa Rica

Explore nearby beaches.

There are several white sand beaches nearby to check out. Our personal favorite is Playa Carrillo because we love how it is lined with palm trees and it is almost always empty.

Go Horseback Riding

Enjoy a leisurely ride along the beaches and through the jungle on horseback with an experienced guide.

This is a great way to visit the more off the beaten path spots in the Samara area.

⤷ Book Your Jungle and Beach Horseback Riding Tour  

Check out a Waterfall

Near Samara is a waterfall called Catarata Belen. It is pretty difficult to find and you will need a 4×4 to get there, but it is a fun off the beaten-path adventure.

Every time we have visited there has been nobody else there.

Just be careful swimming, especially during the rainy season because flash floods can happen. 

⤷ Directions to Catarata Belen

 Go Hiking

Want to visit a biological reserve and potentially see tons of wildlife? We suggest a guided hiking tour through the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve. You will be accompanied by an informative guide who will share insights about the region’s wildlife and the rich history of its indigenous inhabitants. 

This tour includes transportation from Samara area hotels. 

⤷ Arrange Your Hiking Tour

Rent a Kayak

Directly on the beach in Samara there are often people renting kayaks. You can just walk up and rent one out for a few hours to enjoy a nice paddle.

Go Snorkeling

From Samara, it is possible to take a kayak and snorkeling tour out to Isla Chora. This is a super fun way to check out some of the nearby coral reefs.

We suggest doing this as a combo kayaking/ snorkeling adventure tour

⤷ Arrange Your Samara Kayaking and Snorkeling

If you prefer taking a boat, we suggest this fun whale watching and snorkeling tour on a catamaran . 

See Wildlife While Mangrove Kayaking

Take a mangrove kayak tour with an experienced guide and you are sure to see tons of wildlife while enjoying a relaxing paddle.

⤷ Arrange Your Mangrove Kayak Trip

See Sea Turtles

Take a sea turtle tour to Playa Ostional to spot potentially thousands of sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime events that I highly recommend.

The best time to experience this is in the fall (September and October). I don’t suggest booking this tour at other times of the year because you most likely won’t see anything. 

⤷ Arrange Your Sea Turtle Tour

It is also possible to drive to Ostional on your own and get a tour once there (you can only access the beach with a tour for the turtle’s protection). However, this trip involves river crossings, so it is really best to do it as part of a day tour if possible. 

If you want to learn more, check our complete Ostional Turtle Guide . 

Go Sport Fishing

There are plenty of companies that offer half and full-day deep-sea fishing tours from town. We don’t know of any amazing companies in Samara, but you can always ask at your hotel.

However, we really like See Saw Tours out of the nearby town of Nosara. Captain Juri provides in-shore and off-shore trips for half and full day.

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Samara Restaurants

Bouticafe Bohemia – The vibe here is great plus the food is on point. We suggest going here for breakfast or lunch to get a healthy and tasty meal.

Mamaguia – A great spot for dinner. The cook everything perfectly but I highly recommend seafood or meat here.

Sweeties by Celia – The best way to describe this place is that everything is made with such love. This is a food truck and doesn’t look like much, but you will be blown away. I feel like it is impossible to eat here and not leave in the best mood ever.

Samara Organics – Not a restaurant, more of an organic store, but they serve delicious smoothies. They also have great organic products you can take with you as snacks.

L’Authentique – Our go-to dinner date place in Samara. They have great cheese and meat platters.

Budget-Friendly

Falafel Caf e – If you are into Mediterranean food, head here. The prices are extremely fair and the food is absolutely delicious!

Soda la Perla – Great typical Costa Rican food at an affordable price.

Samara Costa Rica Hotels

High-end hotels.

Nambu Beach Front Bungalows – The views from this hotel are amazing! Enjoy the beautiful pool and modern rooms.

Azura Beach Resort (All Inclusive) – Modern adults-only hotel located in front of Samara Beach. There is an outdoor pool, fitness center, evening entertainment, and more!

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Giada : For a fair rate per night you can get a double room with Costa Rican breakfast included. There is also a nice pool on site for guests to use.

Yoga Salt Life Lodge – All stays include a free yoga class. This hotel is 300 meters from the beach.

Good Life Lodge – Located in downtown Samara (300 meters from the beach) this hotel offers free bikes for guests to use, air-conditioned rooms, and a small pool.

Hotel Leyenda – Perfect for those who want to relax, this hotel is located 2km from the beach. There is a pool and restaurant on-site.

Budget Hotels

Hostel Samara- Located about 40 meters from the beach, this hostel offers dorms and private rooms. There is a restaurant and shared kitchen on -site.

Sunset Chill Out Bed and Breakfast -Relaxed hotel located on the beach. All rooms are private but have shared bathrooms.

Airbnb and VRBO in Samara

We always love renting a home or villa for our vacation in Costa Rica. This gives you more privacy and allows you the flexibility to cook your own meals.

Note: We try to only ever suggest places with good cancellation policies, but always double-check before booking.

Alta Vista – A two bedroom condo that sleeps 6 guests. What really makes this place stand out is the dedicated service and care that the owner and his employees bring to maintaining the property and ensuring every guest has a great experience. 

Ocean View Condo – A two bedroom condo that can sleep up to 5 guests. We love the floor to ceiling glass windows and the large balcony. 

VILLA LIBÉLULA – A three bedroom villa that sleeps 6 guests. The home has a really nice outdoor area with pool, lawn, and outdoor dining area.

Casa Colibri –  This home has a nice pool and outdoor area with grill. It boasts stunning views of the Pacific ocean and can sleep 7 guests in 4 bedrooms. 

Casa Pacifica – A 6 bedroom home that can sleep up to 14 guests. This listing is actually two homes next to each other. There is a private pool. 

Group Tours to the Samara Area

Take the planning, stress, and guess work out of traveling by booking a multi-day tour with an experienced guide.

For more tour ideas check out Tour Radar . 

Eco Adventure in Costa Rica

Get ready for adventures like zip lining and white water rafting. This tour goes to Monteverde, Samara, La Fortuna, and more fun spots.

Samara Travel Tips

– We have gotten a lot of questions asking if Nosara or Samara is better to visit on the Nicoya Peninsula (since they are close and have a somewhat similar vibe).

If you are looking for a really small town (more like a village), head to Nosara. If you want a bit more going on, but still cute, go to Samara.

– Don’t swim in any of the small rivers in Samara. There are crocodiles in some of them.

Packing for Samara Costa Rica

Samara is a relaxed beach town that has a bit of a surfer/ hippie vibe to it. We usually wear lightweight breathable fabrics that protect us from the sun. 

You can dress very casual here unless you plan on visiting nice restaurants. 

Don’t forget your rain gear if visiting during green season.

Check out our Samara Packing List on Amazon for all the essentials. 

Samara Costa Rica FAQ

Is samara costa rica touristy.

Samara is a popular tourist destination. However, compared to some of the other beach towns in Costa Rica it is much more relaxed.

Can you swim in Samara Costa Rica?

The main beach in Samara has a very gradual incline into the water and usually, the water is calm, making it a good place to enjoy the ocean. However, check for red flags and always ask someone about the current conditions before swimming.

How long to stay in Samara Costa Rica?

To enjoy what Samara has to offer, three nights is enough time. However, you could also spend longer here to just relax.

Is Samara Costa Rica safe?

In general, Samara is safe. Please keep an eye on your belongings though. Petty theft does sometimes happen.

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You Might Also Like Visiting

Montezuma : A small beach town with tons of fun things to do

Paquera : A small but bustling Nicoya beach town where the ferry lands

Nosara : A relaxed yoga and surfing town that is popular with backpackers

….if none of those appeal to you, check out our  Guide to the Nicoya Peninsula  for more ideas of places to visit in this area.

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We are coming to Samara in March with our kids. Do we need to bring rain jackets for everyone even though it is dry season still?

Hi Johanna! Nope! You should have perfect rain-free weather in March! 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip.

Samara travel guide

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Our trip has been amazing. This is our third time in Sri Lanka and possibly my favourite trip. I am already planning my next one.

One of the Nicoya Peninsula’s more peaceful coastal villages, Sámara is a great place to relax, and its distance from the capital makes it much quieter than the more accessible Pacific beaches. Even at the busiest times, there’s little action other than weekenders tottering by on stout criollo horses and the occasional dune buggy racing up the sand. Plan your trip to Sámara with our guide to Sámara — based on the  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica , your travel guide for  Costa Rica .

• The best travel tips for visiting Sámara

Best things to do in Samara, Costa Rica

Best areas to stay in sámara.

• Best restaurants and bars in Sámara

How to get around Sámara

How many days do you need in sámara, what is the best time to visit sámara.

• How to get to Sámara

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Discover Northern Costa Rica

This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

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A self drive Caribbean adventure

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The best travel tips for visiting Sámara

Located in Guanacaste province at the north end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Sámara is home to one of the Pacific coast’s finest beaches. It offers excellent swimming, spectacular sunsets and good waves for beginner surfers.

On Sundays, the town turns out in force to watch the local football teams who play on the village field as if they’re Brazil and Argentina battling it out for the World Cup. Even weekending Ticos shun the beach for the sidelines.

Sámara also boasts some of the area's calmest waters. The long, gorgeous stretch of sand is protected by a reef about a kilometre out. This takes the brunt of the Pacific’s power out of the waves.

The effect also makes the beach one of the best spots on the Pacific coast to learn to surf. The waves are strong enough without being too unforgiving on beginners.

The Friendship Bridge

Opened in 2003, the 780m Puente Tempisque connects the mainland with the Nicoya Peninsula. It spans from near Puerto Moreno on the peninsula to a point 25km west of the Interamericana on the mainland.

The bridge replaced a time-consuming ferry connection, and saves at least two hours on the journey between San José and Sámara. It’s partly held up by suspension cables connected to towers that, at 80m, make it the tallest structure in Costa Rica.

Sámara is located at the north end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Sámara is famous for its beautiful and pristine beaches, where you can engage in a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. Sámara also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes serving delicious local cuisine and refreshing cocktails.

These are the best things to do.

#1 Bliss out on Playa Sámara

Apart from being beautiful and retaining a laidback vibe, one of Playa Sámara’s key characteristics is the variety of visitors you’ll find here. It’s a place where younger indie travellers rub shoulders with families, honeymooning couples, and retirees.  

Thanks to the reef that lies just offshore, Playa Sámara boasts calm waters that make it perfect for families with children, and for beginner surfers. You can also kayak, paddle-board and snorkel here. 

While being well-served by facilities — including having plenty of places to eat and drink — Playa Sámara manages to feel lowkey in a lovely way.

If beaches are your bag, read up on the best beaches in Costa Rica .

#2 Enjoy adventure excursions

Sámara Adventures , located in the middle of the beach, offer all manner of land and water based activities, and know the best places to do them.

As such, their excursions are the perfect way to soak up Sámara while satisfying your impulse for adventure.

Water-sports offerings include bay-to-bay paddle-boarding, snorkelling, sea and river kayaking, and fishing.

Back on land, take your pick from horse-riding (beach and mountains) and trail walking. You can also book full-day trips that combine an "ocean seafari" (dolphin and whale-watching, plus snorkelling) with zip-lining.

#3 Take a kayaking-and-snorkelling tour to scenic Isla Chora

One of the most enjoyable excursions is taking a kayaking-and-snorkelling tour to scenic Isla Chora.

This tiny island south of the village is surrounded by crystal-clear water that affords snorkellers excellent views of marine-life and coral. Expect to see hundreds of tropical fish, plus star fish, octopus, eels and turtles.

There's a lovely little sandy beach to enjoy a picnic on before kayaking back to the mainland.

You can book this through Sámara Adventures, though other operators in town also offer the same.

#4 Relax with yoga classes and massage treatments

Based at Tico Adventure Lodge , this acupuncture and yoga centre offers group classes, as well as more focused one-to-one private classes. And all this on a covered deck offering stunning views.

The on-site spa also offers massages. These include a general relaxation massages, Swedish massage, reflexology, deep tissue, aromatherapy, myofascial release, and Thai massage.

The personable owner is a great source of local information, and staff can arrange surfing lessons

Playa Carrillo, Costa Rico © Shutterstock

#5 See sensational sunsets at Playa Carrillo

Aficionados of Pacific sunsets will want to head 6km east of Sámara Playa Carrillo, a ninety-minute walk along flat sands.

Known for its spectacular evening light and colours, beautiful palm-fringed Carrillo is also safe for swimming, with a reef to snorkel. When the tide is high, pools form at the southern end of the beach.

Though the beach no longer has the sleepy, end-of-the-line feel it once had — more and more people are setting up hotels and restaurants here — it remains an undeniable beauty.    

Swimming, chilling and sunset-watching aside, you can kayak, jet ski and water ski here, with beach yoga and horse-riding also available.

Sámara boasts a somewhat surprising diversity of places to stay, from relaxed hotels with family-friendly facilities, to beachfront bungalows, to hostels and camp sites. 

There are a number of more luxurious options, too, among them the high-end Villas Playa Sámara resort. Popular with wealthy Costa Rican families, this offers all-inclusive and bed and breakfast-only tariffs. The villas (sleeping up to six) come with spacious kitchens and sitting rooms, plus outside terraces and hammocks.  

At the other end of the budget scale, Camp Supertramp, located a fifteen-minute walk from town, offers low-cost, well-kept dorms and camping spots (bring your own tent). It’s decidedly — and delightfully— eccentric, with and bird- and animal-filled gardens strung with hammocks.  

All of which means, travellers on all budgets will somewhere to suit them. 

Browse places to stay in Sámara, Costa Rica .                    

Best restaurants and bars in Sámara

In keeping with the diversity of travellers who visit Sámara, its food offerings are equally as broad.  

In general, there’s a strong focus on fresh organic produce, with plenty of places offering a good range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Self-catering? The Californian owners of Ámara Organics café in the centre of the village organise regular farmers’ markets — Tues 8–11am; Fri 2–5pm; Mon–Sat 8am–7pm.  

And, if you're after Costa Rican food, you’ll find several options, from fancier restaurants dishing-up well-prepared catches of the day, to basic sodas serving filling fish dishes, casados and arroz cons.

Recommended restaurants in Sámara

• El Ancla Cabinas: a bright waterside restaurant with an extensive fish menu. 
• Luv Burger: this vegetarian, mostly organic joint delivers flavoursome, plant-based (often vegan) burgers.  
• Sheriff Rustic: right on the sand, this no-frills soda delivers generous portions of comida típica.

Find out more about  eating and drinking in Costa Rica .

Sámara, Costa Rica, isn't short of places to enjoy the likes of fresh ceviche © Shutterlstock

Given that the entirety of downtown Sámara can be walked in fifteen minutes, the best way to get around is on foot. 

If you want to take it very, very easy, hourly buses will whisk you to Playa Carrillo. Public buses also run to the southern town of Estrada, and Nicoya. 

You can also rent ATVs by the hour, daily, or weekly. Note that these are not allowed on the beach. A few shops also hike bikes. 

If you need a taxi, head to Sámara’s soccer field to find one, and be sure to agree the price before you depart. 

If you've come to Sámara to relax and recharge — the main reason most folks head here — you'll want to allow yourself time to slow down.

So, we recommend spending at least 4-5 days here to unwind and feel the benefits of Sámara's chilled vibe. For example, you could easily spend a few days just relaxing on pretty Playa Sámara, dipping in and out of those perfectly calm waters.

Talking of which, you'll want to allocate half a day to kayak to Isla Chora. Add to that strolling to Playa Carrillo for lunch (staying to see the legendary sunset), going on a trail-walking trip or ocean safari to see local wildlife, and you'll wonder where all the time went.

In addition, if you want to learn Spanish, Sámara is a great place to do exactly that. The excellent Intercultura Spanish language school (near the beach) offers week-long Spanish classes, and packages that include homestays.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our  Costa Rica itineraries , or talk to our  Costa Rica experts . 

Predictably, Sámara’s tourist high season coincides with the December–April dry season, with January tending to attract the biggest number of visitors.

As such, January is best avoided if you’ve come for Sámara’s getting-away-from-it-all charm. Instead, consider visiting in November, or between February and April.

With September and October tending to be the rainiest months, you’ll avoid the heaviest downpours that might put paid to your dreams of blissing out on Playa Carrillo. And you’ll also avoid the biggest crowds.

For more on the best time to visit different destinations in Costa Rica, read our guide to  when to go to Costa Rica .

Playa Samara, Nicoya, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

How to get to Sámara

There are several ways to get to Sámara, Costa Rica. If you are coming from outside the country, you can fly into the Liberia International Airport, which is the closest major airport to Sámara. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service to get to Sámara, which is about a two-hour drive away.

Sansa planes from San José arrive at the airstrip 6km east of town at Carrillo, from where 4WD taxis make the trip to Sámara.

Buses stop at the village’s northern edge, where the roads to Nicoya and Nosara meet. You can buy tickets for some bus services from the Transporte Alfaro office (daily 7am–5pm) in the centre of the village.

Destinations: Nicoya (8–12 daily; 45min–1hr); Nosara (3 daily; 40min); San José (1–2 daily; 4hr 45min).

Hwy-150 runs the 35km between Nicoya and the coast at Sámara.

For more transportation tips, read our guide to  getting around Costa Rica .

Looking for more inspiration? Read up on the  best things to do in Costa Rica , and get yourself a copy of  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica .

Our  Costa Rica travel tips  will also help you plan your trip. Not keen on planning? You'll love our  customisable Costa Rica itineraries .

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Sámara: A Travel Guide to Costa Rica’s Coolest Beach Town

• February 26, 2021

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Are you considering visiting the surf town of Sámara in Costa Rica? Need some persuasion? Well you’ve come to the right place! This Sámara travel guide is designed to tell you everything you need to know to plan your escape to this stunning area of Costa Rica.

I spent a few days in Sámara at the end of my G Adventures Costa Rica tour, and I fell for it fast!

Unlike many other places in Costa Rica, this small town on the pacific coast is surprisingly authentic, and you’ll never have to deal with crowds of other tourists. Most tourists skip over Samara entirely, which in my opinion is almost criminal!

Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s a whole load of reasons you’ll love Sámara. First of all, obviously, the lack of crowds is a big selling point. There’s also the laid-back, anything goes vibe that makes you want to quit your life and become a full-time beach bum. But Samara is also a fabulous base for a tonne of awesome activities that’ll keep you entertained for days! 

Heading to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast instead? Check out my travel guide here.

How Much Time Do You Need in Sámara?

In Sámara, it’s easy to do whatever it is you want. Feel like reading a book on the beach for a couple of days? No problem. Feel like packing a bunch of activities into your stay and keeping busy? That’s also cool!

Aside from surfing and being a beach bum, there isn’t much to do in Sámara itself so it’s a good idea to get a balance of beach time and adventure activities. I think 3 days in Sámara is ideal for most visitors, but if you like surfing you’ll want to stay there longer.

I personally could have stayed there for over a week without getting bored! Sprawled out on the beach, drinking out of a coconut, I almost cancelled my flights home to extend my trip!

Alas… Real life responsibilities won in the end, and I caught the bus back to San Jose promising to return one day…

How to Get to Sámara

There are a few options for getting to Sámara depending on how adventurous you are.

Obviously, if you’ve hired a car, you should drive to Sámara. It takes around 4 hours from the capital city of San Jose, or 2 hours from Tamarindo. I’m a big scaredy-cat when it comes to driving, though, so it was never something I considered!

The option I went for, and the easiest option by far, is by joining a Costa Rica guided tour that goes to Sámara. There are a few different tour providers in Costa Rica, but I opted for G Adventures and I highly recommend their tours.

I went on this one , which hits up all the highlights of Costa Rica (including Sámara) over 14-days, and I had the time of my life! Taking a tour was ideal for me, as it meant I didn’t have to think at all about logistics and how to get from A to B. Y ou can read my full review of the tour I went on here.

Your final option is to catch a bus to get to Sámara. From San Jose, the bus takes around 4 hours and costs around $8 one-way. There are also local buses from Sámara to popular nearby destinations such as Tamarindo.

Things to Do in Sámara, Costa Rica

Going surfing.

Sámara is all about surf, and whether you’ve never set foot on a surfboard in your life or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll have the time of your life surfing here.

The guys over at C&C Surf School have unbeatable enthusiasm for teaching you how to surf and are full of helpful advice. A few people in my tour group took lessons here and had nothing but good things to say about them. Everybody managed to stand up on their first lesson, which is a huge achievement!

If you already know what you’re doing they have a wide range of surfboards to hire, although they don’t have too many more “advanced” boards. They also hire out rash vests. Be sure to hire a long sleeve one if you can to protect yourself from the sun!

Surfing here was unbelievable. I just couldn’t get enough. The waves were so clean and easy to ride along (especially compared to the windswept slop I surf back at home)! Sámara is the perfect place to learn how to surf.

That said, though, the surf is only pumping at certain times of the day. When I was there, it was first thing in the morning and around sunset. During the middle of the day, it was almost flat! That means you’ll have time to either lounge on the beach in between surf sessions, or fit in an activity.

Snorkelling

How better to explore Sámara’s surrounding area than by boat, stopping off to snorkel at all the best spots? 

I love snorkelling and always try to do it at least once per trip. There are quite a few snorkelling tours available in Sámara, so I recommend using Viator to check out your options.

This tour gets rave reviews! Taking in the gorgeous scenery at Barco Quebrado, Sámara and Carrillo, you’ll be able to snorkel to your heart’s content and get to know the area by its best and most beautiful asset – the ocean!

Stand up Paddleboarding

Even if you haven’t tried stand up paddleboarding before, taking a paddleboarding tour is one of the best things to do in Samara. Sámara beach itself can sometime be too ferocious for stand up paddleboarding, but joining a tour will enable you to visit the tranquil nearby waters of Carillo, which is much better suited to paddleboarding.

During a paddleboarding class, your guide will give you a quick introduction to paddleboarding and teach you how to balance on the board before you set off along the coast.

Horseback Riding

Fun fact: the first time I ever went horseback riding was in Costa Rica.

Ever since, I’ve made it my life mission to convince everybody else to go horseback riding in Costa Rica too. Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but the experience was just magic!

Luckily, you can go horseback riding in Sámara – and you can actually ride on the beach (goals)!

This tour takes you riding up a mountain through the jungle to reach amazing viewpoints, and allows you to see a part of Sámara not many others visit which isn’t accessible by vehicle. The final leg of the tour includes galloping along the beach.

I’m always super cautious before recommending animal activities as animal welfare is something I am passionate about. Fortunately, this tour company is consistently praised for the condition of their horses, and they pride themselves on never taking the horses on more than one tour per day. 

Meeting Turtles

Ever wanted to see turtles nesting and hatching on the beach?

Well, from Sámara, you can take a tour to see the baby turtles . From Sámara beach, a guided turtle tour will take you to either Corozalito, Camaronal or Ostional beach where you commence your turtle hunt.

The tour guides have a huge emphasis on the wellbeing of the turtles and give you a full safety briefing before you spot the turtles and, after that, you’ll be able to watch the turtles making their way into the ocean.

The peak turtle hatching time in the area is September and October, so, although you can still spot turtles outside of these months, there’s always a risk that you could miss them.

Mangrove Kayaking 

Sámara isn’t far away from the Ora River, a popular kayaking spot in Costa Rica. Paddling the quiet waters of the river on a guided kayak tour is the best way to explore the mangroves. As you paddle you’ll be able to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds, as well as an easy way to explore the tropical rainforest. 

Sunset Booze Cruise

I skipped this tour in favour of extra time spent surfing, but judging by the state of the girls on my tour group who went on it when they returned to the hostel, I definitely missed out!

With alcohol, soft drinks and snacks all included in the price of the cruise, this is without doubt the most epic way to catch the sunset in Sámara. There’s an opportunity to snorkel and dolphin-spot on the journey before you settle in to witness the sunset over drinks. The cruise lasts around 3 hours.

The girls on my tour who went on this came back so drunk (in the best way possible). They all said they’d had an amazing time – and it sure looked like they did! Check out prices here .

Quad Biking

This was another tour that I skipped in order to go surfing in Sámara (I’m sensing a theme here…) but the people in my tour group who went quad biking couldn’t sing its praises loud enough!

The quad biking tour includes a safety briefing followed by pure adventure! You’ll get to take in the hills and jungle as you zoom through the rainforest. The tour finishes off at the beach, where you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel and wash away all the dirt from the journey.

Be sure to bring a bandana if you’re going quad biking! The wheels kick up dust and dirt like there’s no tomorrow, and breathing in a bunch of dust is something nobody wants.

Is Sámara Costa Rica Safe?

Yes, Sámara is safe, and I didn’t feel concerned for my safety at all whilst I was here – unlike in a few towns on the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica where harassment was a problem.

I would have felt fine walking alone in the town centre at night by myself, but fortunately I didn’t have to, and I’d always prefer to go out with others after dark.

Obviously, like everywhere else in Costa Rica, stay sensible, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t go wandering around dark alleyways by yourself at night, and you’ll find that Sámara is a perfectly safe place to visit in Costa Rica.

Where to Stay in Sámara

There are great accommodation options in Sámara for all budgets, but especially if you’re travelling on a low to mid-range budget. Here are my picks for the best places to stay in Sámara.

Hostels in Sámara

Sámara has quite a few hostels, but there are only a couple that have good ratings:

Matilori hostel – Surrounded by Mango trees and just 50 metres away from the beach, you can’t beat the location of this hugely popular hostel. It’s fairly small so it’s easy to get to know other people in the hostel, which is ideal if you’re a solo traveller looking to socialise. It also has all the facilities you’d need, including a kitchen to prepare your own food (and keep costs down) and reliable wifi if you need to get some work done or call home. 

One night in a 6-bed dorm costs around $15 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Las Mariposas – Just like Matilori hostel, Las Mariposas is just 50 metres away from the beach (Sámara really is all about beachside living!). This hostel is well known amongst travellers to Sámara for its social atmosphere, and it has a hammock area outdoors where you can chill in the evening and chat with other guests. It also offers free coffee in the morning.

One night in an 8-bed dorm costs around $14 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Hotels in Sámara

If you’re travelling as a couple (or just prefer your own space and a few extra luxuries) staying at a hotel or guesthouse in Sámara is the ideal option for you. 

The Good Life Lodge – This is the perfect compromise between a hostel and a hotel – it has a communal kitchen, so you can cook your own food to save costs, but it has the little luxuries you wouldn’t find at a hostel. We’re talking about a hot tub, flat-screen TVs, welcome beers and the all-important AIR CONDITIONING! This place gets rave reviews, which you can check out here . 

Double rooms cost around $79 per night . Check availability for your dates here . 

Hotel Peace & Lodge – For one of the best places to stay in Sámara, check out Hotel Peace & Lodge. This place is one of Booking.com’s most popular stays in Sámara, and looking over the property’s pictures, I’m not surprised. With a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden and a bar, it isn’t short of facilities, and all the rooms are spacious. The price also includes breakfast!

Double rooms cost around $102 per night . Check availability for your dates here .

Best Restaurants in Sámara

Sámara is a small town, so you’re not going to be overwhelmed by choice of places to eat here. That said, there are enough great restaurants in town serving up both local and international cuisine, so you won’t be disappointed. Here are my top picks:

• Samara Sushi – this sushi place is wildly popular and gets rave reviews. In fact, my Costa Rican tour guide said it was his favourite sushi ever! The decor is unique and makes the restaurant feel super laid back, and their 2 for 1 sushi special (which runs after 5pm) is always a hit. Unfortunately, though, it’s quite pricey.
• Restaurante Sheriff Rustic – for an authentic Costa Rican soda (a local restaurant) you don’t need to look any further than Restaurante Sheriff Rustic. I ate here twice, and it was perfect! The prices were reasonable, the staff offer killer recommendations from the menu, and their ceviche cannot be beaten.
• El Lagarto – Is this the best restaurant in Samara? I think so! And so do all the online reviewers! The specialty at El Lagarto is anything grilled, and boy, I didn’t think grilling could make anything taste this good! The restaurant is down a back street and a bit hard to find, but that only makes it more of a hidden gem.

Don’t forget to check out my post on traditional food and drinks to try in Costa Rica!

Things You Need to Bring to Sámara, Costa Rica

For Sámara, you’ll definitely need some mosquito repellent spray and bands , and a quick-dry travel towel for all those beach days you’ll have. Other than that, you won’t need anything special beyond what I covered in my Costa Rica packing list .

I do want to emphasise how important it is that you purchase travel insurance before you visit Sámara, though. 

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance before travelling to Costa Rica – and it makes me wince whenever I hear about it! Costa Rica is fairly safe, but being careful and visiting safe destinations doesn’t prevent plain old bad luck from happening!

Not only is travel insurance very affordable, but it can save you from all manner of nightmarish situations – whether that’s having your flights cancelled, accidentally damaging your laptop, or even getting injured on an activity! I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance and would NEVER travel uninsured . 

Travel insurance is the kind of thing you often don’t think about until you need it. Don’t get caught short!

I hope this post has helped you to plan your visit to Sámara – you’re going to love it! With so many fun activities right on its doorstep, and that incredible beach, I can’t understand why Sámara isn’t swamped with visitors. I’m definitely happy it isn’t, though!

Don’t forget to head over to my other Costa Rica posts for more trip planning tips!

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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I’m so glad I came across your post. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit I’d never even heard of Samara. Now I can’t wait to go there.

Thanks Jenn! Samara is so lovely!

Thanks for this. How did you feel about the Hotel Villas Playa Samara. We are an active couple in our late 60’s and early 70’s who want to stay in an all inclusive but still take surfing lessons and do some excursions. Did you see this hotel and what did you think of it.

Hi Steve, I’m glad you found the post helpful! I unfortunately didn’t see Hotel Villas Playa Samara during my time in town, but given your interests I think you’ll have a fabulous time in Samara no matter where you stay! I hope you have a great trip 🙂

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Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town

• Jenn and Matt
• Destinations

171 Comments

Last Updated: April 8, 2022

Many of the beach towns in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province have become extremely popular over the years due to their gorgeous sands and turquoise waters. Development has hit the northern Pacific coast, and those interested in luxury condos and world-class cuisine don’t have to look far. But for others seeking a more authentic visit to Costa Rica, there is Samara. While Samara has its share of amenities, it still has a local vibe and small beach-town feel. In this post, we’ll give our tips for getting the most out of your visit to Samara, including recommendations for hotels, activities, and restaurants.

About Samara

Samara is located in Guanacaste Province on the northern Pacific coast. It is about two hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR). The drive from the airport is along all paved roads, making it is an easy destination to reach.

One of the main draws of Samara is its centrally located downtown. The downtown abuts the beach and is full of restaurants, trendy boutique shops, tour operators, and some small hotels.

Another draw is its surrounding forest and wildlife. Unlike areas to the north, thick tropical dry forest borders Samara. Even on hotel grounds, you can find animals like monkeys, iguanas, and many kinds of birds.

Samara’s biggest attraction is its beautiful beach. Playa Samara attracts all types of travelers with its rows of palm trees and light tan sand. You will find 20-somethings grabbing a beer at one of the beachside bars, couples strolling at sunset, and children at play in the calmer ocean waters.

Tip: If you’re looking for a more developed beach town in Guanacaste, consider Tamarindo , Playa Flamingo , Playas del Coco, or Playa Hermosa .

Activities in Samara

While many people visiting Samara do little more than hang out at the beach, there are plenty of things to do. Here are some activities that will show you hidden waterfalls, beaches, and nature-filled forest.    

The main beach, Playa Samara , is the area’s most popular and for good reason.

The wide cove has relatively calm water due to a coral reef just offshore. This makes it a decent place to swim and also enjoy water sports. It’s one of the better beaches in Costa Rica for families.

Playa Carrillo is more of a locals’ beach, just to the south. This beach is also very pretty, with light sand, rows of palms, and calm waves for swimming. It doesn’t have the amenities of Playa Samara like restaurants and tour operators so be sure to bring everything you need for the day.

To learn more about this beach, read our post, Playa Carrillo: A Favorite Locals’ Beach in Guanacaste .

Playa Barrigona is farther from town and accessible if you have a rental car. This beach is the site of Mel Gibson’s seaside estate and considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area.

Although it is a trek to get to along rough, dirt roads, we were impressed once we arrived. The sand is bright white, the water is intensely blue, and it feels far removed from civilization.

If you venture to Playa Barrigona, bring everything you need as there isn’t anything for miles. Don’t leave valuables in your car as there have been problems with theft. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the rainy season.

Directions to Playa Barrigona: Playa Barrigona is 1 km off the main road that goes to Nosara. The entrance was unmarked at the time of our visit. During the dry season, you can take the shortcut through the riverbed from Samara and get there in 15-20 minutes.

In the rainy season, it will take a bit longer via the inland route up Route 160 and over the Buena Vista River Bridge.

Hiking at Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve

This is the best option for hiking in the area. The Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve is a 140 hectare (346 acre) private reserve just outside Samara. Here, you can discover the tropical dry forest and learn from an expert guide why it is such an important, though often overlooked, ecosystem.

In between observing the Reserve’s abundant wildlife like monkeys, porcupines, and owls, you will climb to a lookout with an amazing view of the beach and forest.

We loved our trek through the Reserve. We couldn’t believe how much wildlife we saw and how much we learned, even after hiking throughout Costa Rica.

The hike through the Werner-Sauter Reserve is moderately difficult and you need a guide to visit.

For more information, read our post, Samara Trails: Exploring the Tropical Dry Forest .

Water Activities

The gentle waves at Playa Samara are perfect for beginner surfers, including kids.

There are several different surf companies along the main beach in Samara. Lessons are around $60-80 per person, depending on if you want a group or private lesson.

Diving and Snorkeling

If you’re interested in diving, the Samara area has some good spots to check out.

Neighboring beaches host shipwrecks where you can see creatures like white-tip reef sharks, snapper, and maybe even hammerhead sharks and bull sharks. Conditions are better during the rainy season (May to November) when the water is cooler. Two-tank dives (5 hrs.) are around $120.

While diving is typically better in Samara, you  also   can snorkel. Many people combine kayaking with snorkeling on a visit to the white-sand Isla Chora. Kayak-snorkel tours to Isla Chora are around $50. 

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

A fun way to explore the scenic coastline near Samara is on a boat tour. Not only do these tours get you out on the water, but dolphins can be seen in and around the bay year-round. When we did this tour, bottlenose dolphins were swimming right under the boat, catching the waves. You also can see whales seasonally.

Dolphin watching tours are around $60 per person. If you have a group, you can even rent the whole boat. Learn more with our post, Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara .

Belen Waterfall

Only 20 minutes from downtown Samara is the Belen Waterfall. This small cascade and series of swimming holes is a popular spot among locals, yet few tourists know about it. The entrance is located in the middle of the countryside and is unmarked. There are no facilities and you will find only a rustic trail that leads to the river.

Tours are available, but it is easy enough to go on your own if you have a rental car . Just be sure to have good directions as we drove right past it our first time.

Important : We recommend visiting this waterfall during the dry season only (approx. late December to early April) for safety reasons.

Read our post, Belen Waterfall: A Hidden Swimming Hole Near Samara , for more information.

Horseback Riding

Another fun way to experience Samara’s beautiful scenery is on a horseback tour. Most operators include a ride through the jungle, where you’re likely to see wildlife, as well as some time to trot on the palm-tree-lined beach. Prices for tours are around $50 per person. 

Visit a Macaw Center

About 50 minutes south of Samara is a macaw parrot breeding center that is doing some amazing work. Scarlet and Great Green Macaw Parrots have become endangered in Costa Rica, and this group is working to increase the population through their breeding program.

This is not a wildlife rehabilitation center. Instead, they breed the parrots and then let them fly free. At the center, you will get to see hundreds of these charismatic birds coming back to the center to feed.

If you have your own car, you can reserve a tour directly through the Macaw Recovery Network’s website ($20 per person). If you don’t have one, tours with transportation are possible.

Restaurants in Samara

Samara has an impressive selection of restaurants for such a small town. Here are some of the best places we’ve tried.

Cantina de Baco

Cantina de Baco is a newer spot with a really fun vibe. Their concept is flavors from around the world and connecting the community with local art.

A tapas menu offers many choices for dishes, organized by country. Some of our favorites were the local enyucados (yucca and cheese croquettes), Gallo Duo with homemade chorizo, and Mediterranean shrimp. Look for this restaurant near the soccer field in town. Their menu is on Facebook .

Another great addition to Samara’s restaurant scene i s Teca Beach . The French-inspired dinner spot offers upscale cuisine and unique ambiance. Costa Rican coffee bags adorn the ceiling, and soft lighting creates an intimate feel. Teca Beach has a tapas menu, fish and meat dishes, and delicious burgers.

Samara Pacific Lodge

Another excellent choice for dinner is Samara Pacific Lodge . This French restaurant has a small menu, which rotates daily, but you can’t go wrong with the choices. Typical offerings are fresh fish, pork, beef, and shrimp. They also have an option for kids. Our tuna steak was cooked perfectly, and we also loved our pork with apple and pineapple sauce. Wine pairings are available for all entrees.

This restaurant has only six tables and a small bar so be sure to make reservations. 

Bouticafe Bohemia

For the freshest food around, there’s Bouticafe Bohemia . This chic, yet casual, breakfast and lunch spot offers healthy smoothies and lighter options for food.

Much of what goes into the toastinis, salads, crepes, and bagels is homemade, like the almond butter, jam, and pesto. Our brie and apple crepe and veggie sandwich were just what we needed after a lot of travel. Bouticafe Bohemia also doubles as a yoga and Pilates studio. 

Gusto Beach

While in Samara, you have to take advantage of the beachside dining. Gusto Beach is one of the best spots in town. They have tables set up right on the sand, good cocktails, and delicious food, with many Italian offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

During a road trip through Guanacaste, we had one of our favorite meals at El Lagarto . The concept at El Lagarto is simple. They cook everything—meat, fish, and veggies—on a one-of-a-kind wood-fired grill. Everything gets that smoky char flavor, and the grill masters really know how to cook meat to perfection. Prices are a little high, but they use naturally raised meats and organic produce. 

Boulangerie

For authentic French baguettes and decadent croissants, don’t miss the Boulangerie . This bakery is a little off the main drag but easily found by looking for the big “Boulangerie” sign on the front of the building. We wish we lived closer to Samara so that we could enjoy their breads and treats all the time. 

Samara Organics

Samara Organics is a small organic food market right in the center of town. In addition to produce, they also have coffee, fresh juices, breads, locally made snacks, and natural products like insect repellent and essential oils. 

If you’re interested in checking out the local farmers market , it’s now on Saturdays in the park on the side street near Samara Organics. Here’s a map with the location. Open 9 am – 1 pm.

Microbar is definitely the coolest place in town. The tiny, dimly lit space and eclectic décor will make you feel like you’ve stepped off the beach and into a trendy speakeasy in the city.

Microbar has the largest selection of local craft beers on tap that we’ve ever seen in Costa Rica. When we visited, there were 20 or so brews. We tried a bunch of different sample sizes. Aletails (cocktails made with beer) are also available.

Opens at 5 p.m. Cash only. 

Hotels in Samara

Samara has a range of hotels for all budgets. You won’t find large chain hotels here, but rather quaint villas, lodges, and hostels. Many are located right in town, which is great if you’re traveling without a rental car. If you prefer something more secluded and quiet, there are also places outside the downtown.

Here are our picks for lodging in Samara.

Montelaguna Boutique Hotel

We’ve stayed at Montelaguna Boutique Hotel and really enjoyed it. This hotel is outside town, just a few minutes’ walk to the beautiful Playa Carrillo. Rooms are modern and range from affordable double and triple rooms to spacious suites that are great for families and groups. The pool is also really nice. $90-200, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Villas Kalimba

Villas Kalimba is right in town, but feels very private. The six individual units are surrounded by lush flowering gardens and a tranquil pool. The property is also directly across from the beach. Each villa is equipped with a kitchen for when you want to eat in, and the owner/chef is sometimes available to cook meals as well. The staff at Villas Kalimba is very friendly and helpful. $115-250 double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere is a favorite among visitors. Although the property is located just a short walk to town, it is more secluded and quiet. The small hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the jungle. Wildlife like monkeys, birds, and iguanas are often seen around the grounds. The hotel is divided into two separate buildings, each with its own pool area. $60-75, double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Samara Pacific Lodge is a comfortable budget option in a secluded location surrounded by pasture and forest. The hotel has four types of rooms, including some larger family rooms able to accommodate six people. The large saltwater pool and comfy lounge chairs are very inviting, and of course, staying here means easy access to the lodge’s delicious French restaurant (mentioned above).

It is best to have a rental car as it a few miles from the downtown. $80-185. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Hostel Samara

This hostel is a great option for backpackers looking for an inexpensive place to stay close to town. Hostel Samara has three dorms and also five private rooms with A/C if you’re looking for more comfort. A spacious common area has TV, some space for lounging and checking email, and a well-equipped kitchen. Shared dorm, $16-20 per person; Private room, $45-$60 (double occupancy). Check Rates and Availability Here .

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach escape, you’ll love Samara. Although this modest town doesn’t span more than a few blocks, it offers everything you need for a fun and exciting vacation. 

Have a question about visiting Samara? Ask it below. 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

Looking for more info to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall – Tips for visiting one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Guanacaste.

La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination   – Samara is a great beach town, but for adventure activities like zip lining, hanging bridges, and whitewater rafting, you can’t beat La Fortuna. Read our guide for visiting here.

Manuel Antonio Trip Planning : Trying to decide if Samara is right for you? Manuel Antonio is another family-friendly destination with a ton of wildlife. Learn more about this popular central Pacific coast town with this post.

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