Travel Spanish 101: Simple Spanish Phrases for Beginners

By Jairo Pérez

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May 30, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Easy Greetings and Polite Phrases

2. Travel Spanish for Getting Around

3. Travel Spanish at Restaurants

4. Hotel and Lodging Spanish

5. Shopping Spanish for Beginners

6. Emergency Spanish for Travelers

7. Everyday Basics to Make Life Easier

8. Travel Spanish Tips for Beginners

Why Learning Beginner Travel Spanish Matters

Conclusion

Introduction

Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country is exciting! You get to see new places, meet new people, and try delicious food. But what happens when you can’t understand the language? That’s where Travel Spanish 101 comes in.

This guide gives you must-know Spanish travel phrases for beginners. You'll learn basic travel Spanish for beginners. This is the kind you can use at hotels, restaurants, stores, or when asking for help.

These Spanish phrases for beginners will boost your confidence when talking to locals, whether it's your first trip or you're just starting to learn. This is your travel Spanish guide for beginners, let’s go! You can even find useful phrases for families traveling with kids that go beyond the basics.

1. Easy Greetings and Polite Phrases

Saying hello and being polite is the first step to a great experience in any country. Spanish-speaking cultures appreciate good manners, and using even simple Spanish phrases for travel shows respect. This is also a key part of understanding cultural etiquette in Spanish-speaking countries.

Common Greetings

Use these to greet people in everyday situations:

Hola: Hello
Buenos días: Good morning
Buenas tardes: Good afternoon
Buenas noches: Good evening / Good night

These are essential parts of introductory Spanish for travelers.

Polite Words to Know

Por favor: Please
Gracias: Thank you
De nada: You’re welcome
Perdón / Disculpe: Excuse me / Sorry

These essential travel Spanish basics are perfect for any situation and help you come across as kind and friendly.

2. Travel Spanish for Getting Around

Transportation can be confusing, especially in a new place. Here’s some beginner Spanish for travel to help you take a bus, train, or taxi.

Asking for Directions

¿Dónde está...?: Where is...?
¿Cómo llego a...?: How do I get to...?
¿Dónde está la estación?: Where is the station?

Use these Spanish travel phrases for beginners when looking for restrooms, hotels, or landmarks.

Taking Public Transportation

Un billete, por favor: One ticket, please
¿Este autobús va a...?: Does this bus go to...?
¿Cuánto cuesta el boleto?: How much is the ticket?

Knowing these phrases helps you feel less lost and is a big part of basic Spanish for travel 101.

3. Travel Spanish at Restaurants

Trying local food is one of the best parts of traveling. Use these Spanish phrases for beginners traveling to order confidently and ask for what you need.

Ordering Food

¿Me puede traer...?: Can you bring me...?
Quiero pedir...: I’d like to order...
La cuenta, por favor: The bill, please

These phrases will help you enjoy meals with less stress.

Diet Requests

If you have food allergies or preferences:

Soy vegetariano/a: I’m vegetarian
Sin gluten, por favor: Gluten-free, please
Sin picante, por favor: No spice, please

This travel Spanish 101 section is very important for staying safe and healthy.

4. Hotel and Lodging Spanish

Checking into hotels or asking for help at the front desk is easier with these beginner Spanish phrases for travel.

Checking In and Out

Tengo una reserva: I have a reservation
A qué hora es el check-out?: What time is check-out?

Knowing these helps you avoid confusion during your stay.

Asking for Hotel Amenities

¿Hay Wi-Fi aquí?: Is there Wi-Fi here?
Necesito más toallas: I need more towels
¿Dónde está el ascensor?: Where is the elevator?

These basic travel Spanish for beginners help you feel more comfortable and in control at your hotel or hostel.

5. Shopping Spanish for Beginners

Markets and stores are fun, especially if you like souvenirs. Here’s Spanish travel phrases for beginners that will help you shop like a pro.

Buying Things

¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much is it?
¿Aceptan tarjeta?: Do you accept cards?
Estoy buscando...: I’m looking for...

Asking for a Discount

¿Me puede dar un descuento?: Can you give me a discount?
¿Es lo mejor precio?: Is that the best price?

Bargaining is normal in many places. Always smile and be polite. These simple Spanish phrases for travel might even help you get a good deal.

6. Emergency Spanish for Travelers

In emergencies, knowing the right words can really help. This is one of the most important parts of any travel Spanish 101 guide.

Emergency Help

Necesito ayuda: I need help
Llame a una ambulancia: Call an ambulance
Llame a la policía: Call the police
He perdido mi pasaporte: I’ve lost my passport

Medical Help

¿Dónde está el hospital?: Where is the hospital?
Necesito un médico: I need a doctor

It’s a good idea to write these down or save them on your phone, especially if you’re traveling alone.

7. Everyday Basics to Make Life Easier

Here are a few extra basic Spanish for travel 101 phrases that are super useful in everyday situations.

Tech and Tools

¿Tiene Wi-Fi?: Do you have Wi-Fi?
¿Dónde está el baño?: Where is the bathroom?
¿Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?
No hablo mucho español: I don’t speak much Spanish

These travel Spanish 101 phrases help you avoid awkward moments or confusion.

8. Travel Spanish Tips for Beginners

Before your trip, here are some simple ways to prepare and boost your confidence with Spanish phrases for beginner travelers:

Practice a Little Every Day

Try using free apps like:

Duolingo
Quizlet
Memrise

Practice saying phrases out loud at home. You don’t need to be perfect just be willing to try!

Keep a Cheat Sheet

Make a mini list of these essential travel Spanish basics and keep it in your phone or wallet. Use it when you get stuck or forget a word.

Smile and Use Gestures

Even if you mess up, a smile goes a long way. Most people will appreciate that you’re trying.

Why Learning Beginner Travel Spanish Matters

Here’s what makes knowing travel Spanish for beginners so helpful:

You won’t feel lost or confused as easily
You’ll enjoy local food and shops more
You’ll feel safer and more independent
Locals will appreciate your effort and may be more helpful
You’ll connect more deeply with the culture

Even learning just a few must-know Spanish travel phrases helps make your trip more fun, easier, and more meaningful.

Conclusion

With these Spanish phrases for beginners traveling, you're ready for any adventure. You can use this basic travel Spanish for beginners to catch a bus, check into a hotel, or order a taco.

This is your go-to travel Spanish guide for beginners; your starting point for fun, safe, and memorable trips.

Final Tip: Don’t be afraid to try. Locals will often be happy to help, and every word you practice makes your experience better.

Have a great trip—¡Buen viaje!

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.