Our Offbeat Life contains affiliate links & participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program & other affiliate programs. If you buy something using an Amazon or other link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure for more details.
200+ Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel
If you’re looking for the ultimate list of useful Spanish phrases for travel, you’ve come to the right place!
Traveling is an incredible experience, and being able to communicate with the locals in their native language is a great way to enrich your travels.
I spent years vacationing in Mexico before embarking on my family’s 2.5-year journey to drive from the US to Argentina on the Pan-American Highway.
I know how important it is to be able to communicate in the language of your destination. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of useful Spanish phrases for travel, to help you bridge the gap and make the most out of your travels.
From basic Spanish greetings and polite inquiries to ordering food at a restaurant or asking for directions on the street, this list of common Spanish phrases will give you the tools necessary to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
So if you’re ready to take your travels to the next level, read on for a comprehensive guide of useful Spanish phrases for travel!
Ways to Learn Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel
Are you planning for an upcoming trip and need to learn Spanish quickly? Duolingo is the perfect app to get you started with its comprehensive library of basic phrases.
If that isn’t enough, try Busuu or Lyrics Training. Both can aid in strengthening your listening skills!
Duolingo and Lyrics Training are available to use without charge, though you may need an email address to sign up. But if you’re looking for extra features, a premium account is worth considering.
You can also take Spanish classes locally while you’re traveling, or sign up with a private Spanish tutor online before you go! You can get tutor access as a beginner or even as an advanced learner
We’re big fans of online tutoring, and not just because we run a resource site with current content for online tutors.
👉 If you want the flexibility of 1:1 language learning at a reasonable cost wherever you are, then pick iTalki!
With iTalki, you can either take lessons on your computer or download an app. It’s really flexible with scheduling, too. Some tutors may even give free pdf practice materials for offline homework between tutoring sessions.
In addition to taking classes or downloading a learning app, it’s also helpful to carry a Spanish phrase book with you in case you don’t have cellular reception when you’re traveling. I recommend both of these Spanish phrase books:
Useful Spanish Phrases for Greetings
Even if you don’t get past the true basics of Spanish, it’s polite to learn a few phrases for greetings.
Here are some of the most useful Spanish phrases for travel when it comes to meeting new people and saying hello.
- ¡Buenos días! – Good morning!
- ¡Buenas tardes! – Good afternoon!
- ¡Buenas noches! – Good evening!
- ¡Hola! – Hi!
- ¡Buenas! – Slang for hello in Central America and some parts of South America.
Pro Tip: Only use ¡Buenas! if you hear others saying it.
While entire countries, like Costa Rica, tend to use it, not all parts of every country are this informal. Quito and the Pacific Coast of Ecuador use it but the northern highlands in Ecuador do not.
- ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
- ¡Bien, gracias! – Good, thank you!
- ¿Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
- Me llamo (Your Name). – My name is (Your Name).
- ¡Mucho Gusto! – Nice to meet you!
Basic Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel
These useful Spanish phrases will help you communicate in everyday situations, such as saying please and thank you as well as asking if a place or person has something that you want.
It’s also helpful to be able to tell someone you don’t understand them. After all, dialects and speaking speed can make even the Spanish vocabulary you know sound unfamiliar!
- ¡Por favor! – Please!
- Gracias. – Thank you.
- Perdón. – Sorry.
- Disculpe – Excuse me (for walking up to someone to ‘interrupt’ their conversation, if you’re about to ask for help, etc)
- Permiso – Pardon me (for when you need to get close to someone to move past them in a crowd)
- ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
- No hablo Español. – I don’t speak Spanish.
- ¿Tiene? – Do you have?
- Yo tengo/Yo no tengo – I have/I don’t have
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to tell people when you don’t understand or if you need them to speak slower. It’s better to have them repeat than to pretend you understood them and remain confused.
- ¿Entiende? – Do you understand?
- No entiendo. – I don’t understand.
- Habla más despacio, por favor. – Speak slower, please.
- Por favor repita. – Please repeat.
- Me gustaría – I would like
- Yo quiero/Yo no quiero – I want/I don’t want
- ¿Me puedes ayudar? – Can you help me?
- ¿Dónde está? – Where is?
- No funciona. — It doesn’t work
Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel at the Airport
Here are some useful Spanish phrases to have in your vocabulary when you’re traveling through an airport.
- Sus pasaportes, por favor. – Your passports, please.
- Aquí tiene. – There you are.
- Estamos viajando juntos. – We are traveling together.
- ¿Cuándo sale el próximo vuelo para Nueva York? – When is the next flight to New York?
- ¿Podría ayudarme, por favor? – Can you help me, please?
- ¿Dónde está la puerta de embarque? – Where is the boarding gate?
- ¿Se ha cancelado el vuelo? – Has the flight been canceled?
Pro Tip: While many immigration officials know English, not all do. The same goes for gate agents, airport transportation staff, and other personnel.
- Querría cambiar mi reserva. – I would like to change my reservation.
- Querría confirmar mi reserva. – I would like to confirm my reservation.
- Querría anular mi reserva. – I would like to cancel my reservation.
- ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto, por favor? – Where is the airport, please?
- ¿Dónde está la terminal internacional? – Where is the international terminal?
- Necesitamos ayuda para subir al avión. – We need help to get on the plane.
- Èste es mi equipaje de mano. – This is my carry-on baggage.
- Quisiera cambiar mi asiento. – I want to change my seat.
Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel When Asking for Directions
The following basic Spanish phrases are helpful when you need to ask for directions. Whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or bus station, chances are there will be someone nearby who can help.
- ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
- ¿Dónde hay…? – Where is…? (for indefinite articles like una or uno)
- la calle – the street
- la avenida – the avenue
- el aeropuerto – the airport
- la estación de trene – the train station
- a estación de ferrocarril – the railway stations
- la oficina de información turística – the tourist information center
- el puesto de venta de billetes – the ticket sales stand
- una parada de taxis – taxi stop
- un restaurante – a restaurant
- Busco un hotel – I’m looking for a hotel
- Necesito un hotel – I need a hotel
- …un cuarto – …a room
- …un cuarto con baño – …a room with a bathroom
Pro Tip: Even in ‘touristy’ areas, there may be no one who speaks English. Even in Grutas Tolantongo, Mexico most people spoke Spanish.
- ¿Dónde hay una casa de cambio? – Where is the currency exchange?
- un banco – a bank
- dinero – money
- un supermercado – a supermarket
- un baño – a bathroom
- el parque – the park
- una farmacia – a pharmacy
- un autobús – a bus
- el centro de la ciudad – the center of the city
- el zocalo – the town square in Mexican towns and cities
- ¿Me puede ayudar? – Can you help me?
- ¿Dónde puede comprar un billete? – Where can I buy a ticket?
- Un adulto y un niño – An adult and a child
- Dos adultos y dos niños – Two adults an two children
Useful Spanish Phrases for Travelers for Following Directions
When you ask for the location of a place you’re seeking, be prepared to follow simple instructions to get there. Understanding basic phrases for how to walk three blocks and turn right to find the bank will really help!
Here are the most common useful Spanish phrases for travel when following directions:
- A la derecha – To the right
- A la izquierda – To the left
- Gire – turn (verb and noun)
- Gire a la derecha – Turn right
- Gire a la izquierda – Turn left
- Derecho – Straight ahead
- En la esquina – At the corner
- A una cuadra – In one block
- …dos cuadras – …two blocks
- …tres cuadras – …three blocks
- …cuatro cuadras – …four blocks
Pro Tip: Not every place you’re seeking will be on your smartphone map app. We learned this the hard way! Don’t count on using GPS to guide you everywhere you want to go.
- Al fondo – At the end
- Vaya recto – Go straight
- Cruce la calle – Cross the street
- Tome el primer giro – Take the first turn
- Tome el segundo giro – Take the second turn
- Vaya hasta el final – Go to the end
- ¡Siga recto! – Keep going!
Useful Spanish Phrases for Travelers During Hotel Stays
Since most travel includes a hotel stay, here are some Spanish phrases that you might need when checking in or asking for help at the desk.
These phrases can also help you get around your hotel, especially if it has many special amenities or is a large all-inclusive resort.
Here are some of the most helpful Spanish phrases for travel at hotels:
- He reservado una habitación. – I have booked a room.
- ¿Puedes darme la llave de mi habitación? – Can you give me the key to my room?
- Esta habitación es demasiado ruidosa. – This room is too noisy.
- ¿No tiene un colchón más duro? – Do you have a firmer mattress?
- ¿Cuándo es la hora límite de salida? – When is check-out time?
- Gracias por tu ayuda. – Thank you for your help.
- ¿Qué les ha parecido su estancia con nosotros? – How was your stay with us?
- Muy agradable, gracias. – Very nice, thanks.
- Aqui tiene su factura. Por favor revísela. – Here is your bill, please look it over.
- Tengo una reserva a nombre de… – I have a reservation under the name of…
- Estadía de tres noches – Three-night stay
- Una habitación para cuatro personas – A room for four people
- Una habitación con una cama de matrimonio – A room with a double bed
Pro Tip: Habitación is a synonym of cuarto. While you can use either term when booking a room, some places use one term more than the other.
- ¿Dónde está la piscina? – Where is the pool?
- ¿A qué hora es el desayuno? – What time is breakfast?
- ¿Puedo solicitar una salida tardía? – Can I request a late check-out?
- ¿Tiene servicio de habitaciones? – Do you have room service?
- ¿Cuál es la contraseña de WiFi? – What is the WiFi password?
- Una cama supletoria – An extra bed
- Vista al mar – Ocean view
- Vista a la ciudad – City view
- Un balcón – A balcony
- La terraza – The rooftop / terrace
- El gimnasio – The gym
- La playa – The beach
- El vestíbulo – The lobby
- Premier piso – first floor
- Segundo piso – second floor
Useful Spanish Travel Phrases for Travel When Dining Out
Savoring local delicacies is a hallmark of vacationing, and your trip would be incomplete without trying at least one regional dish that the locals adore.
If you’re not sure what to choose, go with the chef’s selection or strike up conversations with other native diners for some advice!
Here are some of the most useful Spanish phrases for travel in restaurants:
- ¡Buen provecho! – Enjoy your meal!
- Estoy listo para pedir. – I’m ready to ask.
- ¿Qué desea usted beber? – What would you like to drink?
- Me gustaría algo de postre. – I would like some dessert.
- ¿Qué me recomienda? – What do you recommend?
- Me gustaría probar la especialidad del cocinero. – I would like to try the chef’s specialty.
- una sopa – a soup
- una ensalada – a salad
- un café – a coffee
- un té – a tea
- un zumo de naranja – an orange juice
- una agua mineral – a mineral water
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to point at a menu photo and ask “¿Que está?” – What’s that?
- un cuenco de sopa – a bowl of soup
- Nosotros querríamos desayunar. – We would like to have breakfast.
- Nosotros querríamos almorzar. – We would like to have lunch.
- Nosotros querríamos cenar. – We would like to have dinner.
- ¿Qué me recomienda usted? – What would you recommend?
- ¿Cuál es el plato especial del día? – What is the special dish of the day?
- Yo querría un plato con verduras mixtas y pescado. – I would like a plate with mixed vegetables and fish.
- Nosotros quisiéramos dos copas de vino tinto. – We would like two glasses of red wine.
- sin grasas – without fats
- sin sal – without salt
- sin productos animales – without animal products
- sin azúcar – without sugar
Useful Spanish Phrases for Travelers to Go Shopping
If you’re planning on going shopping, then it’s best to know some basic Spanish words and phrases.
This way, you can ask for the prices of something, buy things, and even bargain for better deals. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know the locals.
Here are a few useful Spanish phrases for travel to use when shopping:
- ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? – How much does this cost?
- Está un poco caro. – It’s a bit expensive.
- ¿Me lo puede bajar de precio? – Can you lower the price for me?
- ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito? – Do you accept credit cards?
- Me gustaría probármelo. – I’d like to try it on.
- ¿Tienen algún descuento para esta prenda? – Do you have any discounts for this garment?
Pro Tip: Don’t try to haggle in stores or shops with price tags on them. Haggling is better suited for markets. That’s typically where everything is negotiable.
- ¿Tiene algo más barato? – Do you have something cheaper?
- ¿Puedo ver algo más/otro? – Can I see something else/another one?
- Estoy sólo mirando. – I’m just looking.
- Me lo llevo. – I’ll take it.
- Me gustaría un reembolso. – I would like a refund.
- ¿Puede envolverlo para regalo? – Can you wrap it up as a gift?
Useful Spanish Phrases for Travelers to Have Fun
Let’s be honest. When traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, the most important phrases are the ones geared toward having fun!
Make sure your vacation won’t end until you have experienced an authentic fiesta and tasted some sangria. You may even discover that you love learning Spanish so much that you decide to master the Spanish language fluently in no time!
Who knows? Maybe once exploring one of these countries you will fall so deeply in love with their culture and customs that maybe it’ll become your new home.
And having spent several years visiting all the Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas, I can vouch for the fact that they are happy, friendly, and are a ton of fun
Here are some useful Spanish phrases for travel when you want to have a fun time around town:
- ¿Hay algún bar por aquí? – Is there a pub/bar around here?
- ¿Me podría recomendar un lugar para bailar? – Can you recommend me a place to dance?
- ¿Puede conseguirme usted una entrada? – Can you get me a ticket?
- 140 Hay un concierto gratuito en el parque central. – There is a free concert in the central park.
- ¿Aún hay asientos disponibles? – Are there any seats available?
- Nosotros quisiéramos dos billetes para la película Avengers: Infinity War. – We would like two tickets to the movie Avengers: Infinity War.
- ¿Me podría recomendar algo divertido para hacer esta noche? – Can you recommend for me something fun to do tonight?
- ¿Qué hay de interesante por aquí? – What is interesting around here?
- Necesitamos una botella de champaña. – We need a bottle of Champagne.
- ¿Puedo recoger mi pedido ahora mismo? – Can I pick up my order now?
- ¡Vamos a celebrar! – Let’s celebrate!
- ¡Salud! – Cheers!
Numbers and Counting Spanish Phrases for Travel
These basic numbers can be very handy when pointing to something you want and don’t have the vocabulary to say in a sentence.
More importantly, they are essential when you need to count money or measure amounts of something, like food and drinks.
Want a cool-looking pastry at the Panaderia? Just point and say “uno, por favor. Here are the basic numbers you’ll need to create your own Spanish Phrases for travel on your trip!
- Uno/una – one (which one you use depends on the gender of the item you want.)
- Dos – two
- Tres – three
- Cuatro – four
- Cinco – five
- Seis – six
- Siete – seven
- Ocho – eight
- Nueve – nine
- Diez – ten
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if you confuse uno and una. Most locals will kindly correct you when repeating your order back to you. It helps you understand some Spanish grammar in real time!
- Once – eleven
- Doce – twelve
- Trece – thirteen
- Catorce – fourteen
- Quince – fifteen
- Dieciséis – sixteen
- Diecisiete – seventeen
- Dieciocho – eighteen
- Diecinueve – nineteen
- Veinte – twenty
- Trente – thirty
- Cuarente – fourty
- Cincuenta – fifty
- Sesenta – sixty
- Setenta – seventy
- Ochenta – eighty
- Noventa – ninety
- Mille – hundred
Directions and floors are typically described with ordinal numbers. Examples include “take the first turn” and “your hotel room is on the third floor.
So take note at least of the first few numbers on this list to make your travels easier.
- premier – first
- segundo – second
- tercero – third
- cuarto – fourth
- quinto – fifth
- sexto – sixth
- séptimo – seventh
- octavo – eighth
- noveno – ninth
- décimo – tenth
These phrases should be enough to help you get the most out of your vacation, whether that’s visiting monuments, trying delicious food, or just having a blast.
Of course, the more Spanish you learn, the better your experience in a Spanish-speaking country will be!
Benefits of Learning Spanish Phrases for Travel
Whether you’re planning on traveling to a Spanish-speaking country for business or pleasure, learning Spanish can help you make the most of your trip.
Learning Spanish for travel has many benefits. Being able to communicate effectively with locals is an important one; you will be able to understand a wider range of cultural references, jokes, and conversations.
Knowing the language also allows you to make friends in the country you’re visiting. This knowledge will help you feel more comfortable and welcome during your travels and will make your experience much more enjoyable.
You will also find that being able to speak Spanish can help you save money. You may be able to negotiate better prices for goods and services, or even get discounts for speaking the language.
Finally, learning the language will help you appreciate different cultures and points of view.
Trust me. Being able to express your thoughts in another language is a great way to learn new perspectives and gain insight into the culture of the people you’re visiting. It’s helped us so much on our travels!
Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel: FAQs
Do you still have some questions about useful Spanish phrases for travel? Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the topic.
What are some cool phrases in Spanish?
Some cool phrases in Spanish include: ¡Vamos! – Let’s go!, ¡Ándale! – Come on, let’s go!, ¡Qué padre! – Cool!, and ¡Buen trabajo! – Good job!.
What are some travel phrases?
Some common travel phrases include: ¿Cómo voy a llegar? – How do I get there?, ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom?, ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does this cost?, and ¿Cuánto tiempo lleva? – How long does it take?.
What is the most neutral Spanish greeting?
The most neutral Spanish greeting is “Hola.” It means “Hello” and can be used to greet both acquaintances and strangers. Other common greetings include “Buenos días” (“Good morning”) and “Buenas tardes” (“Good afternoon”).
How to respond to como estas?
When someone asks you “¿Cómo estás?” (“How are you?”) in Spanish, the most common response is “Bien, ¿y tú?” (“Good, and you?”).
You can also respond with a more enthusiastic “¡Muy bien!” (“Very good!”) if you are feeling especially upbeat. Additionally, you can also reply with “Más o menos” (“So so”).
How do you respond to Mucho Gusto?
When someone says “¡Mucho gusto!” (“Nice to meet you!”) in Spanish, the appropriate response is “¡Igualmente!” (“Same to you!”). This phrase is a polite way of acknowledging the other person’s greeting and expressing your own pleasure at meeting them.
What is the coolest Spanish accent?
The coolest Spanish accent is considered to be the Andalusian accent from Spain. It is known for its melodic and musical intonation, and is often the accent that people are most familiar with due to its presence in Spanish media.
However, each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique accent and dialect, so it is impossible to definitively say which one is the coolest. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
What is the popular Spanish toast?
The popular Spanish toast is “¡Salud!” (“Cheers!”). This phrase is used to express good wishes and celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and weddings.
You can also use the phrase “¡Salud y amor!” (“Health and love!”) for an advanced or more intimate expression of good wishes.
Conclusion: Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel
Learning Spanish for travel is a great way to get the most out of your trip. Whether you’re going to visit a Spanish-speaking country for business or pleasure, having at least some basic knowledge of the language can help you in many ways.
With over 150 useful phrases for travel, this list should arm you with the knowledge you need to communicate effectively with locals and make the most of your trip.
If, however, this list of phrases isn’t enough to help you get through your travels in a Spanish-speaking country, consider signing up for online Spanish tutoring.
🏆 Duolingo is good for a few basic phrases and words but an experienced tutor at iTalki will be able to help you develop and perfect your language skills to their fullest.
So if you’re planning a trip and want to make sure that you’re prepared, sign up for online Spanish tutoring and get ready to explore one of the happiest countries in the world.
¡Buen viaje!
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
