English for Travel: A Week of Immersion
Travel Essentials
At the Airport
Navigating an airport can feel overwhelming, especially in a new country. Knowing a few key phrases makes the process much smoother, from the check-in counter to the boarding gate.
Your first stop is usually the check-in desk for your airline. Here, you'll show your ticket and passport and drop off any large luggage.
Have your passport and booking confirmation ready to show the airline staff. It speeds things up for everyone.
After checking in, you’ll go through security. You will need to put your bags, electronic devices, and sometimes shoes through an X-ray scanner. Just follow the signs and the instructions from the security officers. Once you're through security, you can find your gate.
| Situation | What you might hear | What you can say |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in | "Passport and ticket, please." | "I'd like to check in for my flight to London." |
| "How many bags are you checking?" | "Just this one." / "Two bags." | |
| Security | "Please remove laptops from your bag." | "Do I need to take off my shoes?" |
| At the Gate | "We are now boarding rows 10 through 20." | "Excuse me, which gate is flight BA249?" |
Checking Into Your Hotel
After a long flight, the next step is your hotel. When you arrive at the front desk, the staff will help you get settled into your room.
reservation
noun
An arrangement to have something, such as a room in a hotel, held for your use at a later time.
The most important phrase is telling them you have a reservation. From there, you might need to ask a few questions to get important information for your stay.
"Hello, I have a reservation under the name [Your Last Name]."
Once they find your booking, they will likely ask for your passport and a credit card. Then they'll give you your room key and tell you how to get to your room. This is a good time to ask any other questions you have.
| Topic | What you can ask |
|---|---|
| Room Details | "What floor is my room on?" |
| Amenities | "What's the Wi-Fi password?" |
| Timing | "What time is breakfast served?" |
| Check-out | "What time do I need to check out?" |
Ordering at a Restaurant
Ordering food is a great chance to practice your English in a relaxed setting. Most restaurant experiences follow a simple pattern.
First, you'll be seated. The host might ask how many people are in your group. Once you're at your table, you'll get a menu.
"A table for two, please."
"Can we see the menu, please?"
When you're ready to order, you can get the waiter's attention with a polite "Excuse me." If you're not sure what to get, asking for a recommendation is a great idea.
| Step | Useful Phrases |
|---|---|
| Ordering | "I'd like the chicken sandwich." / "I'll have the pasta." |
| Asking | "What would you recommend?" |
| Special Needs | "I am allergic to nuts. Does this dish contain nuts?" |
| Paying | "Could we have the bill, please?" |
When you're finished, you'll ask for the bill (or check). You can usually pay with cash or a credit card, but it's always good to ask if you're unsure.
At the airline check-in desk, what two items will you typically need to show?
What is the correct order of events when you first arrive at an airport for a flight?