Travel Phrases & Vocabulary: Enhance Your Trip Planning
Hotel and Travel Phrases
Here’s your bill, madame. Would you like to check it, please?
OK.
Are you planning to visit Seville again, madame?
Yes, I am. I’m coming again in May.
Just sign here, please. Thank you. Do you know there is a festival in May?
What kind of festival?
Well, it’s a flamenco festival. It is very well known. Guests usually book months in advance.
I see. Well, I’ll ask my PA to book a room for me.
If you like, I could book for you now.
OK.
Do you know when you are traveling?
Yes, May 14 to 18.
So, that’s four nights. Are you coming back on the 18th?
I think so, but I can depart later?
Essential Travel Vocabulary
- Flood: Large amount of water covering land.
- Corporate Rate: Special price offered to business.
- Check-in: Guest registration.
- Upgrade: Improve the category of something.
- Flat Charge: Fixed cost that does not change.
- Vacant: Room that is empty.
- Resort: Place where people often go on holiday.
Weather Forecast Example
This is the weather forecast for England: Tonight, cloudy skies and early tomorrow, showers becoming less numerous later in the day. High temperature near 60 degrees. Tomorrow, a mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. The level of humidity will be 70 percent.
Travel Agency Dialogue: Confirming a Booking
Travel Agent: Good afternoon. Tracy speaking.
Customer: Hello, is that Sun Travel?
Travel Agent: Yes, how can I help you?
Customer: I’d like to confirm the arrangements for my business trip to Italy, please.
Travel Agent: Certainly. Could you give me your name?
Customer: Weston.
Travel Agent: Fine, I’m just bringing you up on the screen. You’re going to Milan, is that right?
Customer: Yes, that’s correct. Could you give me the details, please?
Travel Agent: OK, so you’re leaving on the thirty-first of March on flight number AZI, check in at 9:20, leaving Heathrow 10:20, arriving 13:00.
Customer: And the return flight?
Travel Agent: We’ve booked you on AZJ from Milan to Heathrow, leaving at 17:04 and arriving at 18:45. Check in by 16:00.
Customer: OK, and where will I be staying?
Travel Agent: Two nights at the Hotel Miramare. It has single rooms with private bathroom, minibar, and the usual facilities.
Customer: Right. Yes, I’ve stayed there before.
Travel Agent: Could you tell me who the tickets should be sent to?
Customer: Yes, my secretary, Michelle, at the TSB bank. You’ve got the address.
Travel Agent: OK, I’ll send her the tickets and a confirmation in writing.
Customer: Thank you.
Travel Agent: My pleasure.
Cover Letter Phrases
- I am writing with reference to…
- Please find enclosed…
- I have experience of…
- I am confident…
- I am available…
- I look forward to hearing…
Letter of Apology Phrases
(Thank the person for bringing the matter to your attention): Thank you for bringing the matter to our attention. We are very sorry to hear that… We apologize for… Please accept our apologies for… Please be assured that we will… We value your custom highly. Your satisfaction is our priority. Please find enclosed a voucher for…
(Explain what happened): There seems to have been a problem/a mix-up. There’s been a misunderstanding. What seems to have happened is that…
(Explain what action will be taken and how soon): We’ll look into the matter and… I’ll see to it straightaway. I suggest that we…
Replying to a Request Phrases
- Thank you for your recent request…
- I am pleased to enclose…
- Included in the price…
- 100 euros off the brochure price…
- There is current availability…
- Make the necessary arrangements…
- Please do not hesitate to contact us…
- Yours sincerely…
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Blake,
Thank you for your recent request for information on escorted journeys to Central Europe. I am pleased to enclose a brochure which you may find of interest. In particular, given your requirements, I recommend:
Highlights of Central Europe. This holiday lasts 13 days and takes in Berlin. These excursions are accompanied by an experienced travel guide and accommodation in first-class hotels with service charges and porterage included in the price. We are currently offering 100 euros off the brochure price if the Highlights of Central Europe tour is booked and paid for before the end of the month. There is current availability for both of these tours, and we would be more than pleased to make the necessary arrangements for your holiday. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Future Tenses in English
Will: Sudden decisions at the moment of speaking, predictions about future events, threats, promises. (this evening, later, next week, soon, at ten o’clock, in the future, tomorrow)
Be going to: Plans in the near future, predictions based on some indication. (this evening, later, soon, in an hour, tomorrow, at ten o’clock)
Future Continuous: will be + -ing (to express what will be happening at a certain moment in the future)
Indirect Questions
- What are the room rates? Could you tell me what the room rates are, please?
- Is it possible to have a connecting room? I was wondering if it is possible to have a connecting room?
- Is there a florist’s near here? Do you know if there is a florist near here?
- Can I leave my cases here after I’ve vacated the room? I was wondering if I could leave my cases here?
- How long will the taxi take to arrive? Could you tell me how long the taxi will take to arrive?
- What’s your name? Could you tell me what your name is?
- Can you spell that? Would you spell that for me?
- What kind of room do you want? Could you tell me what kind of room you want?
Causative Form: Have/Get Something Done
Person + Have/Get (thing) + past participle.
Example: I had my car repaired yesterday. I had gone to have my hair cut. I got my car cleaned.