30 Useful Spanish Phrases for Travel

Vacations have arrived and you want to get away from the stress of the city you live in, to begin an exciting voyage into a Spanish-speakers region… but you don’t even know how to say “Hola amigos” or any other useful Spanish phrases for travel!

Therefore, we want to introduce you to these simple Spanish phrases, from greetings to asking for directions; so you can communicate, develop your social skills and enjoy the whole experience without having any misunderstandings or going through hard times while taking into consideration that manners are always important in any situation.

List of useful Spanish phrases for travel

First of all, we need to say that the first two phrases you must remember are “por favor” (“please”) and “gracias” (“thank you”); while they may look simple, they are very important and will open many doors for you so don’t forget to say them.

Watch the video we did or continue reading the article below.

Introducing yourself

• Hello, I’m (your name), nice to meet you. – Hola, yo soy (tu nombre), encantado de conocerte.*
• What’s your name? – ¿Cómo te llamas?
• Do you speak English? – ¿Tú hablas inglés?
• I need to improve my Spanish skills. – Necesito mejorar mi español.
• Sorry, I don’t understand. – Lo siento, no entiendo.
• Can you say that again? – ¿Puedes decir eso de nuevo?
• I don’t want any problems. – No quiero problemas.

The previous phrases are used to introduce yourself and communicate clearly to avoid any misunderstanding when you meet new people.

Asking for directions

• Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?
• Where is the nearest hospital? – ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?
• Where is the nearest drugstore? – ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana?
• Where is the (name) hotel/inn? – ¿Dónde está el hotel/la posada (nombre)?
• Where is the bus stop? – ¿Dónde está la parada de autobuses?
• What time does the flight leave/arrive? – ¿A qué hora sale/llega el vuelo?
• It is getting late for me/us. – Se está haciendo tarde para mí/nosotros.
• How can I get to (name) – ¿Cómo puedo llegar a (nombre)?
• How can I call for/get a cab? – ¿Cómo puedo llamar/conseguir un taxi?

If you need help to get to a place, these phrases are very useful because you must always know the directions to a place, so the answer to these questions can really get you out of troubles.

Buying items

• Where can I buy a souvenir? – ¿Dónde puedo comprar un recuerdo?
• How much does this cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
• What is this/that? – ¿Qué es esto/eso?
• What is this for? – ¿Para qué es esto?
• Do you have it in a smaller/bigger size? – ¿Lo tiene más pequeño/más grande?
• Do you have it in another color? – ¿Lo tiene en otro color?

These phrases are used when you want to buy an item or a souvenir in a store, so this way you can have what you ask for.

Other useful phrases

• Could you recommend any (place) for me? – ¿Podrías recomendarme un (lugar)?
• Can you bring more (food or drink) for me? – ¿Puedes traerme más (comida o bebida)?
• Can you bring me the check? – ¿Puedes traerme la cuenta?
• Can you help me with this? – ¿Puedes ayudarme con esto?
• Can you take a picture of us? – Puedes tomarnos una foto?
• Can I use your phone charger? – ¿Puedo usar el cargador de tu teléfono móvil?
• This is great/awesome! – ¡Esto está genial/increíble!
• Excuse me, but I’m not interested. – Disculpe, pero no estoy interesado.

These last phrases are used for more specific situations as if you are in a restaurant or a disco, for example, except for the bottom two, which are made to say thanks or the opposite.

*If you are a woman, you must say “encantada” instead of “encantado”, like the other words where you see an “o” you must change it for an “a”.

In addition, if you are talking with a senior person or someone you must show respect to, you only have to change the word “tú” for “usted”, independently of the gender.

Similarly, Spanish-speakers will be very open with foreigners and give them warm treatment which is why you sometimes have to accept some food, drinks or presents that you might find strange or unpleasant; even in those moments when you are not used to those kinds of signs of appreciation.

Likewise, while traveling you will meet all kind of people who will want to share their culture and their personal essence with you, because those “little” gestures are an important part of their national character.

Did you like this article of useful Spanish phrases for travel? Don’t stop there, check out our article about Spanish greetings and goodbyes as well, because that will surely come in handy on your travels!