210+ Spanish Phrases for Travel: Speak with Confidence on Your Next Trip

Are you dreaming about strolling through Barcelona’s colorful streets, exploring Mexico’s beaches, or enjoying tapas in Madrid? 🌮✨ Knowing a few Spanish phrases for travel can completely change your experience abroad. You don’t have to be fluent — just understanding some key words and expressions will help you navigate new places, connect with locals, and make your journey much smoother.

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used in over 20 countries! From Spain to Latin America, travelers encounter Spanish signs, menus, and conversations almost everywhere. Learning a few phrases means you can ask for directions, order food, book a hotel, and show politeness with ease.

Even simple greetings like “Hola” (Hello) or “Gracias” (Thank you) can create warm interactions. Locals appreciate when travelers make the effort to speak their language — it shows respect and openness.

In this guide, you’ll learn the most useful Spanish phrases for travel, categorized by real-world situations — from ordering food to finding your hotel. Each phrase comes with a quick explanation, “use when” tip, and example so you can start using them confidently right away. Let’s dive into the words that will make your next adventure unforgettable! 🌍💬

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Why It Matters 💡

When traveling, communication is everything. Imagine being lost in a new city, trying to find your hotel, or ordering a meal without knowing what’s on the menu. That’s where Spanish phrases for travel come in handy.

Here’s why it truly matters:

• 🗣️ Better communication: Even basic phrases like “¿Dónde está el baño?” (Where is the bathroom?) can save you from awkward moments.
• 🤝 Builds trust: Locals are often more willing to help when you speak their language, even a little.
• 🌍 Deeper experiences: You’ll enjoy authentic interactions, not just touristy moments.
• 💵 Saves time and money: Understanding signs, menus, and prices prevents confusion and mistakes.

Knowing essential Spanish phrases for travel transforms your trip from stressful to smooth. Let’s explore them by category!

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1. Greetings and Basic Conversation Phrases

Hola (Hello)

Use When: Greeting anyone, anytime.
Example: Hola, ¿cómo estás? (Hello, how are you?)

Buenos días (Good morning)

Use When: Before noon.
Example: Buenos días, señor! (Good morning, sir!)

Buenas tardes (Good afternoon)

Use When: Midday to evening.
Example: Buenas tardes, ¿cómo le va? (Good afternoon, how’s it going?)

Buenas noches (Good night)

Use When: In the evening or before bed.
Example: Buenas noches, nos vemos mañana. (Good night, see you tomorrow.)

Adiós (Goodbye)

Use When: Leaving a place or ending a conversation.
Example: Adiós, muchas gracias. (Goodbye, thank you very much.)

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2. Food and Restaurant Phrases

La cuenta, por favor

Use When: Asking for the check after eating.
Example: Camarero, la cuenta, por favor. (Waiter, the bill, please.)

¿Tiene menú en inglés? (Do you have a menu in English?)

Use When: You can’t read the Spanish menu.
Example: ¿Tiene menú en inglés, por favor?

Esto, por favor (This one, please)

Use When: Pointing to an item on the menu.
Example: Quiero esto, por favor. (I want this one, please.)

Está delicioso (It’s delicious)

Use When: Complimenting your meal.
Example: Está delicioso, gracias. (It’s delicious, thank you.)

Un vaso de agua, por favor (A glass of water, please)

Use When: Asking for water.
Example: Un vaso de agua, por favor.

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3. Transportation and Directions

¿Dónde está la estación? (Where is the station?)

Use When: Asking for directions to a train or bus station.
Example: Disculpe, ¿dónde está la estación?

¿Cuánto cuesta el billete? (How much is the ticket?)

Use When: Buying transportation tickets.
Example: ¿Cuánto cuesta el billete a Madrid?

A la derecha / A la izquierda (To the right / To the left)

Use When: Understanding or giving directions.
Example: Gire a la derecha. (Turn right.)

Más despacio, por favor (More slowly, please)

Use When: Asking someone to speak slower.
Example: ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?

Pare aquí, por favor (Stop here, please)

Use When: In a taxi or bus.
Example: Pare aquí, por favor.

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🏨 4. Hotel and Accommodation Phrases

Tengo una reserva (I have a reservation)

Use When: Checking in at your hotel.
Example: Hola, tengo una reserva a nombre de Sarah.

¿Cuál es la contraseña del Wi-Fi? (What’s the Wi-Fi password?)

Use When: Asking for internet access.
Example: ¿Cuál es la contraseña del Wi-Fi, por favor?

¿A qué hora es el desayuno? (What time is breakfast?)

Use When: Asking about breakfast hours.
Example: ¿A qué hora es el desayuno?

¿Puedo tener otra toalla? (Can I have another towel?)

Use When: Requesting extra items.
Example: ¿Puedo tener otra toalla, por favor?

Voy a quedarme una noche más (I’ll stay one more night)

Use When: Extending your stay.
Example: Voy a quedarme una noche más.

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🛍️ 5. Shopping and Money Phrases

¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)

Use When: Asking for the price of an item.
Example: ¿Cuánto cuesta esta camisa? (How much is this shirt?)

¿Acepta tarjeta? (Do you accept cards?)

Use When: Asking about payment options.
Example: ¿Acepta tarjeta de crédito? (Do you take credit cards?)

Es demasiado caro (It’s too expensive)

Use When: Bargaining or reacting to a high price.
Example: Lo siento, es demasiado caro.

Voy a llevarlo (I’ll take it)

Use When: Confirming a purchase.
Example: Perfecto, voy a llevarlo.

¿Puedo probarlo? (Can I try it on?)

Use When: Trying clothes.
Example: ¿Puedo probarlo, por favor?

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6. Emergency and Safety Phrases

¡Ayuda! (Help!)

Use When: In an emergency.
Example: ¡Ayuda! Necesito un médico. (Help! I need a doctor.)

Llame a la policía (Call the police)

Use When: Reporting a problem or theft.
Example: Por favor, llame a la policía.

Me siento mal (I feel sick)

Use When: Not feeling well.
Example: Me siento mal, necesito un médico.

He perdido mi pasaporte (I’ve lost my passport)

Use When: Reporting a lost document.
Example: He perdido mi pasaporte, ¿puede ayudarme?

¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? (Where is the nearest hospital?)

Use When: Needing medical help.
Example: ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?

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Politeness and Everyday Expressions

Por favor (Please)

Use When: Making any polite request.
Example: Una mesa para dos, por favor.

Gracias / Muchas gracias (Thank you / Thank you very much)

Use When: Expressing gratitude.
Example: Muchas gracias por su ayuda.

De nada (You’re welcome)

Use When: Responding to thanks.
Example: De nada, con gusto.

Perdón / Disculpe (Excuse me / Sorry)

Use When: Apologizing or getting attention.
Example: Perdón, ¿puede repetir eso?

Sí / No (Yes / No)

Use When: Basic responses.
Example: Sí, entiendo. (Yes, I understand.)

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✨ Bonus Recap Table

Category	Phrase	Meaning	Use When	Example
Greetings	Hola	Hello	Meeting someone	Hola, ¿cómo estás?
Food	La cuenta, por favor	The bill, please	After eating	Camarero, la cuenta, por favor.
Transport	¿Dónde está la estación?	Where is the station?	Asking directions	Disculpe, ¿dónde está la estación?
Hotel	Tengo una reserva	I have a reservation	Checking in	Tengo una reserva a nombre de Ana.
Shopping	¿Cuánto cuesta?	How much is it?	Buying something	¿Cuánto cuesta esta camisa?
Emergency	¡Ayuda!	Help!	Emergency	¡Ayuda! Necesito un médico.
Politeness	Gracias	Thank you	Showing gratitude	Gracias por su tiempo.

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Final Thoughts

Learning Spanish phrases for travel isn’t about being perfect — it’s about connection.

Every “hola,” “gracias,” and “por favor” opens a door to friendship, understanding, and smoother adventures.

Start small, practice daily, and soon, you’ll be chatting confidently in cafes and exploring with ease.