25 Essential Spanish Phrases for Nervous Travelers (And When to Use Them)
You’ve booked the trip, brushed up on your Spanish app, and dreamed about strolling through cobblestone streets—but when it’s time to speak Spanish in real life, nerves take over. If you’ve ever worried about blanking at the airport, struggling to order a meal, or asking for help in an emergency, you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why this vocabulary list was created—for travelers like you who want to feel calm and confident, not overwhelmed. These 25 essential Spanish phrases are designed for beginners who know some words but need help using them in real situations.
In this post, you’ll learn practical, polite, and easy-to-remember Spanish phrases for everything from transportation to dining, small talk, and unexpected situations. Each phrase includes an example and translation to help you practice and feel prepared. By the end, you’ll be ready to connect with locals, navigate your trip smoothly, and finally use your Spanish in the moments that matter most.
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At the Airport and On the Move
¿Dónde se recoge el equipaje? No veo mi maleta.
Where is baggage claim? I don’t see my suitcase.
Necesito ayuda, mi vuelo fue cancelado y no sé qué hacer.
I need help, my flight was canceled and I don’t know what to do.
¿Dónde puedo tomar un taxi para ir al centro?
Where can I catch a taxi to go downtown?
¿Cuánto cuesta hasta el hotel Las Palmas?
How much is it to Las Palmas Hotel?
Esta es mi dirección. ¿Puede llevarme aquí, por favor?
This is my address. Can you take me here, please?
Checking Into Your Hotel
Tengo una reservación a nombre de Whitney Morgan.
I have a reservation under the name Whitney Morgan.
¿A qué hora es el desayuno mañana?
What time is breakfast tomorrow?
¿Me puede dar otra toalla? Sólo hay una.
Can I have another towel? There’s only one.
¿Hay wifi en la habitación o sólo en el lobby?
Is there Wi-Fi in the room or just in the lobby?
Disculpe, la llave no funciona. ¿Puede ayudarme?
Excuse me, the key doesn’t work. Can you help me?
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At a Restaurant or Café
Quisiera una mesa para dos, por favor.
I’d like a table for two, please.
¿Qué me recomienda? Me gusta el pollo / la carne / los mariscos.
What do you recommend? I like chicken / meat / seafood.
Soy alérgica a los mariscos. ¿Este plato los contiene?
I’m allergic to shellfish. Does this dish contain them?
¿Puede traerme la cuenta, por favor?
Can you bring me the check, please?
Estuvo delicioso, gracias. Me encantó el postre.
It was delicious, thank you. I loved the dessert.
Making Small Talk with Locals
¿De dónde es usted? Me gusta mucho este lugar.
Where are you from? I really like this place.
Estoy aprendiendo español. ¿Puede hablar más alto?
I’m learning Spanish. Can you speak louder?
¿Puede hablar más despacio? No entendí bien.
Can you speak more slowly? I didn’t understand well.
Me gusta mucho este lugar. Es tranquilo y bonito.
I really like this place. It’s peaceful and beautiful.
Gracias por su ayuda con las direcciones.
Thank you for your help with the directions.
For Emergencies or Unplanned Moments
He perdido mi pasaporte. ¿Dónde está la embajada?
I’ve lost my passport. Where is the embassy?
Me siento mal. ¿Hay una clínica cerca?
I feel sick. Is there a clinic nearby?
¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana? Necesito medicina para la tos.
Where is the nearest pharmacy? I need medicine for a cough.
¿Puede llamar a la policía? Me robaron el bolso.
Can you call the police? My bag was stolen.
Necesito un médico. Me duele el estómago.
I need a doctor. My stomach hurts.
Spanish Phrases: Mini Practice Activity
Match the Spanish phrase to its meaning:
- Estoy aprendiendo español
- ¿Puede traerme la cuenta?
- Me siento mal
- Esta es mi dirección
- ¿Qué me recomienda?
A. This is my address
B. What do you recommend?
C. I’m learning Spanish
D. Can you bring me the check?
E. I feel sick
Answers: 1–C, 2–D, 3–E, 4–A, 5–B
Use These Spanish Phrases To Feel Confident!
With just a handful of the right Spanish phrases, you can turn nervous travel moments into confident connections. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering a delicious meal, or making small talk with a local, these Spanish phrases will help you feel prepared and present. Learning Spanish for travel isn’t about mastering every grammar rule—it’s about feeling understood and welcomed in the places you visit.
If you’re ready to go beyond memorizing and start speaking with confidence, we invite you to try a free class with Homeschool Spanish Academy. Our classes are 100% online and taught by native Spanish-speaking teachers who specialize in working with beginners. With flexible scheduling, an engaging curriculum, and the option to learn one-on-one or in a paired session with a friend or family member, it’s never been easier to learn Spanish for your next adventure.
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