Level 1: Traveling
Many people learn English just to be able to travel around the world. Obviously, travel vocabulary is extremely important for everyone who learns English to fulfill such a dream. So let’s start with beginner-level travel vocabulary.


- an exit from the building of the airport to the plane.
Example:
The gate closes in 20 minutes. We have to hurry up.

- the baggage that is being transported in the special cargo storage.
Example:
Do you have any checked baggage?
No, I only have a carry-on.

- an office where you can swap one currency for another.
Example:
There is a currency exchange at the airport, but I recommend you exchange money in the city because the exchange rates in the currency exchanges at airports are insane.

- to visit famous and interesting places in the area.
Example:
I think we should go sightseeing early in the morning because, according to the forecast, it’s going to rain in the afternoon.
Aircraft/airplane/plane - a flying vehicle with wings that develops high speed and makes fast transportation possible.
Example:
I’m afraid of flying. I would rather travel by bus for a few days than spend at least an hour on an airplane.
Airline/Commercial airline - a company that provides either passenger or cargo flights.
Example:
Jake never travels by commercial airlines. He has a private jet.
Airport - a complex of buildings, runways, and other facilities for air travel.
Example:
Our flight is scheduled for 18:45, so I think we have to arrive at the airport at 17:30.
Boarding pass - a pass that allows one to board an aircraft.
Example:
I have checked in online and got my boarding pass by email.
Bus - a large vehicle designed to carry passengers by road.
Example:
The trip to Madrid by bus will take us 20 hours. I think it will be better to travel by plane.
Bus station - a place where buses arrive and depart.
Example:
The bus station is 10km away from our home, so we have to leave home at least an hour before our trip is scheduled so we don't miss our bus.
Checked baggage - the baggage that is being transported in the special cargo storage.
Example:
Do you have any checked baggage? No, I only have a carry-on.
Check-in counter - a desk or counter where passengers check in for the flight.
Example:
Let’s contact the information center because I have no idea where the check-in counter of our airline is.
Delayed flight/to be delayed - a flight that did not take off on time.
Example:
Our flight to Paris had been delayed, so we had to wait at the airport for two more hours.
Driver - a person who operates a motor vehicle.
Example:
We got a taxi to get to our hotel, and it was the worst experience. The driver was so rude.
Gate - an exit from the building of the airport to the plane.
Example:
The gate closes in 20 minutes. We have to hurry up.
Luggage/Baggage - a suitcase or any other type of bag used for carrying one’s belongings during a trip.
Example:
My luggage got lost, and I had to wait for six hours at the airport before it was found.
Pilot - a person who operates an aircraft.
Example:
Mike’s biggest dream is to become a commercial airline pilot.
Railway station - a place on a railway where trains stop to pick up passengers as well as let them get off a train.
Example:
This is one of the oldest railway stations in Great Britain, yet it still operates.
Seat belt - a belt used to secure a person during transportation, usually in a car, airplane, or other types of a motor vehicle.
Example:
Our plane is about to take off. Please, put your bags under your seats, fasten your seat belts, and have a nice trip.
Taxi - a car licensed to transport passengers.
Example:
The taxis at the airport are extremely expensive. It’s better to call an Uber.
Terminal - arrival and departure building at an airport.
Example:
This is terminal C, but our terminal is D. Slow down. I think we are somewhere close.
Ticket - a piece of paper or an electronic copy that allows one to board a train or bus.
Example:
I lost our train tickets, do you think we can get a copy or should we purchase new tickets?I’m not sure, but if you have the copies in your email, we can use e-tickets.
To board a plane/train/bus - to get on a plane or vehicle.
Example:
Have you already boarded the train?Yes, everything is fine. See you in London.
Train - a railway vehicle that contains connected wagons or carriages moved by a locomotive.
Example:
Trains in Switzerland are gorgeous, but they are insanely expensive too.
ATM - a machine for withdrawing cash.
Example:
Do you know where the closest ATM is? I really need cash.
Booking - a reservation of accommodation, ticket, or table at a restaurant.
Example:
To confirm your booking, press ‘Next’ and head to the check-out page.
Cash - money in notes and coins.
Example:
I usually do not take much cash when I travel abroad because I prefer using my card.
Currency - a system of money used in a particular country or region.
Example:
Do you know which currency I can use in Europe?It depends on the country you travel to, but in most countries, you can use euros.
Currency exchange - an office where you can swap one currency for another.
Example:
There is a currency exchange at the airport, but I recommend you exchange money in the city because the exchange rates in the currency exchanges at airports are insane.
Double room - a hotel room for two people.
Example:
I booked a standard double room with a king-size bed.
Hotel - a business and establishment that offers accommodation to tourists.
Example:
I don’t think we can afford a five-star hotel in Miami. We have to look for cheaper options.
Hostel - an establishment that provides affordable accommodation for tourists.
Example:
No, hostels are not for me. I’d rather pay more than live with ten strangers in one room.
Locker - a small lockable compartment used for storing valuable things in hostels.
Example:
Is there a locker in the room?Yes, every guest gets a personal locker for storing their valuable possessions. However, note that all the responsibility for the safety of your belongings is on you.
Building - a structure with walls and roof, e.g., house, hospital, factory, etc.
Example:
There are many gorgeous old buildings in Paris.
Cafe - a small restaurant that usually serves light meals, coffee, tea, and other drinks.
Example:
We can have breakfast in the cafe in front of our hotel or order breakfast through room service.
Gift shop - a small shop that sells souvenirs.
Example:
Will we go to the gift shop after the excursion? I’d like to get a magnet for my collection.
Go sightseeing - to visit famous and interesting places in the area.
Example:
I think we should go sightseeing early in the morning because, according to the forecast, it’s going to rain in the afternoon.
Guide - a person who takes tours and excursions.
Example:
On our trip to Rome, we had a rather intelligent and charismatic guide who told us a lot of interesting facts about the city.
Journey - an act of traveling, usually in a vehicle.
Example:
Our journey to New York was insane. I drove for ten hours non-stop.
Locals - people who live in a particular area.
Example:
I’m currently learning French, and talking to locals on my last trip to Marseille was a great experience.
Map - a diagrammatic representation of a particular area and geographical objects and features such as roads, rivers, cities, etc., within this area used for navigation.
Example:
We sometimes get lost when we use navigation, but can you imagine how people traveled using just a map?No, that’s insane.
Market - an area where people buy and sell various goods.
Example:
On my last trip to Japan, I visited one of the most popular fish markets in the world, Tsukiji, and bought the best fish I’ve ever eaten.
Monument - a carved figure made of stone and dedicated to a famous person or event.
Example:
There was a gorgeous monument in the city center, but I don’t remember its name.
Park - a large green area, usually used for recreation.
Example:
Visiting Hyde Park is a must for everyone who goes to London.
Postcard - a card used for sending short messages by post without an envelope, usually decorated with an illustration or photograph.
Example:
I just sent you a lovely postcard from Chicago. I think you'll receive it in about a week.
Trip - an excursion or journey.
Example:
Is Mike going to the movies with us on Saturday?No, he has a school trip.
Tour - a journey for recreation and pleasure that usually involves visiting several different places, cities, or countries.
Example:
We are going on a tour of Europe next month.
Voyage - a long journey, usually by sea.
Example:
Are you excited about your voyage to Latin America?Yes, I think it’s going to be great!