Learning the right vocabulary before traveling can make the difference between a stressful experience and a truly enjoyable one. From ordering food at a restaurant to shopping for souvenirs, having the right words ready helps you communicate with confidence. This module covers essential terms for ordering food and drinks, sightseeing, shopping, and meeting new people while traveling.
What key words do you need to know before traveling abroad?
The word abroad [0:27] means "in or to a foreign country." For example, "I would like to live abroad." It is one of the most common terms when talking about international travel.
Another essential word is arrive [0:36], which means to reach a place, especially at the end of a journey. In the past tense it becomes arrived: "I arrived at 2:00 PM."
When shopping, you will want to look for bargains [0:52] — items on sale at a lower price than their true value. Knowing this word lets you ask locals or shop staff about discounts.
The expression be in the mood for [1:00] describes a feeling or desire for something. A practical example: "I am always in the mood for sushi." You can use it to suggest meals or activities with travel companions.
What food-related vocabulary should you practice?
- Cannoli [1:14]: a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough filled with sweet, creamy filling, usually containing ricotta. It is a classic Italian pastry.
- Coleslaw [1:42]: uncooked cabbage, carrot, and onion cut into thin strips, covered in a thick cold sauce. It is served cold.
- Dessert [1:53]: sweet food eaten usually at the end of a meal.
- Fries [2:20]: long thin pieces of fried potato — a shorter way of saying French fries.
- Medium rare steak [3:10]: warm with a pink to red center, soft and juicy inside, firm outside.
- Sunny side up [3:45]: eggs fried on one side only, never flipped, so you can see the yolk on top.
- Specials [3:37]: dishes served on a particular day that are not on the regular menu.
What words help you communicate inside a restaurant?
- Cashier [1:27]: a person whose job is to receive and pay out money in a shop or bank.
- Cash register [1:33]: a machine that records sales and stores money received.
- Host or hostess [2:50]: a person employed to greet guests at a restaurant and show them where to sit.
- Waiter [3:18]: the person who takes orders and serves food.
- Glass of wine [2:43]: a narrow-stemmed glass used to drink wine.
- Restroom [3:24]: a room with toilets in a public place — not a room where you rest!
Which words are useful for sightseeing and leisure activities?
The word leisure [3:01] refers to activities people do when they are not working, simply to enjoy themselves and relax. Related to this, spare time [3:31] means time when you have nothing you must do.
When you want to explore a city, you may visit a gift shop [2:37] — a shop that sells goods suitable for giving as presents. You might also go to a theater [3:55], a building with rows of seats where people watch performances, or spend the day at a theme park [4:06], a large area with rides, games, and restaurants often connected by a single subject.
A tour guide [4:19] is a person employed to assist travelers and show tourists around museums or local attractions.
How can the word fancy change meaning depending on context?
The word fancy [2:08] carries two distinct meanings. First, it can describe something expensive, decorative, or complicated: "That is a fancy restaurant." Second, especially in British English, it means to want to have or do something: "Do you fancy a cup of tea?" Recognizing this difference helps you understand conversations with speakers from different English-speaking regions.
Another useful word is further [2:26], meaning more, extra, or to a greater distance. You might hear it in expressions like "Do you have any further questions?"
Finally, keep in mind inappropriate [2:57] — something not proper for a particular time, place, or situation. Knowing this word helps you navigate social norms when meeting new people while traveling.
Practice writing each word and check your spelling against the PDF in the resources section. Which of these words did you already know? Share your experience in the comments!
