Travel English vocabulary

These 20 words are the ones you need between leaving home and coming back: at the airport, at the hotel and on a tour. Itinerary, layover, customs, boarding, fare: each one has a short meaning, an example sentence and audio, so you understand the signs and the announcements.

20 wordsLevels B1–C2Updated October 30, 2026
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#WordMeaningLevelExample
1arrival/əˈɹaɪ.vəl/nounthe act of coming to a placeB2Her arrival at the airport was earlier than expected.
2boardingnoungetting on a plane or shipB2Boarding for the flight will begin in thirty minutes.
3crowded/ˈkɹaʊdɪd/adjectivefilled with many people or thingsB2The train was crowded during rush hour this morning.
4currency/ˈkʌɹ.ən.si/nounthe type of money used in a countryC1Make sure to exchange your currency before traveling abroad.
5customs/ˈkʌstəmz/nounthe place where travelers check items at a borderB2We waited in line at customs for over an hour.
6departure/dɪˈpɑː(ɹ)tjə(ɹ)/nounthe act of leaving a placeB2The departure of the flight was delayed due to weather.
7detour/ˈdiː.tɔː(ɹ)/nouna way that is different from the usual routeC1We took a detour because of road construction ahead.
8embark/ɛmˈbɑːk/verbto get on a ship or planeC2We will embark on our journey at eight o'clock tonight.
9fare/fɛə(ɹ)/nounthe price paid for a journey on public transportationB2The bus fare increased last month due to rising costs.
10hostel/ˈhɒstəl/nouna cheap place for travelers to sleepC1She stayed at a hostel to save money during her trip.
11itinerary/aɪˈtɪnəɹi/nouna plan for a journey, including detailsC2Please check your itinerary for the meeting times.
12jet lagnountiredness after a long flight across time zonesB2She experienced jet lag after flying to a new country.
13layovernouna short stop during a journey, especially in travelB1We had a layover in Chicago before our next flight.
14passport/ˈpɑːspɔːt/nounan official document for international travelB1You must show your passport at the airport security.
15remote[ɹəˈməʊt]adjectivefar away from cities and peopleB1The island was remote, making it a perfect getaway.
16reservation/ˌɹɛzəˈveɪʃən/nounan arrangement to secure a place in advanceB2I made a reservation for dinner at the fancy restaurant.
17scenic/ˈsiːnɪk/adjectivehaving beautiful natural viewsB2We took a scenic route to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
18souvenir/ˌsuːvəˈnɪə(ɹ)/nounan item kept as a reminder of a placeC1She bought a souvenir from every city she visited.
19voucher/ˈvaʊtʃə(ɹ)/nouna document that gives a right to certain servicesB1You need to present the voucher to get your discount.
20wander/ˈwɒndə/verbto walk around without a specific destinationB2I love to wander through new cities and discover places.

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Questions about this list

What English words do I need to travel?

The ones on signs, tickets and announcements: departure, arrival, boarding, customs, fare, reservation. This list covers them, plus a few words for describing the trip itself.

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