Learning Spanish for Travel: Essential Phrases for Your Next Adventure
You don’t need to be fluent to travel confidently, just a few key phrases in your back pocket can go a long way. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or trying to find the nearest toilet for your toddler (been there), learning Spanish for travel is one of the most empowering and practical things you can do before heading abroad.
We’ve been learning Spanish as a family in preparation for long-term travel through South and Central America. These are the real-life phrases we’ve found most helpful so far.
We’re building this while prepping for a year on the road with two kids. If you want to support the journey even just a little, here’s how.
Start with the Basics
These polite phrases are great for everyday situations and they open the door to friendlier interactions.
Hello / Goodbye – Hola / Adiós
Please / Thank you – Por favor / Gracias
Yes / No – Sí / No
Excuse me / Sorry – Perdón / Lo siento
I don’t speak much Spanish – No hablo mucho español
Do you speak English? – ¿Habla inglés?
Pro tip: Even if someone speaks English, starting in Spanish usually earns extra kindness and effort in return.
Getting Help or Directions
When you’re exploring new places (and getting lost is part of the fun), these will come in handy:
Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?
How do I get to…? – ¿Cómo llego a…?
I’m lost – Estoy perdido/a
Can you help me? – ¿Puede ayudarme?
How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta?
I’d like to buy this – Quisiera comprar esto
True story: “¿Dónde está el baño?” once saved us during a park emergency with our five-year-old. Worth memorising.
Ordering Food Without the Guesswork
Menus can be an adventure of their own. These phrases help you order confidently and avoid unwanted surprises (like extra spice or unexpected seafood eyes).
A table for four, please – Una mesa para cuatro, por favor
I’m allergic to… – Soy alérgico/a a…
No spicy, please – Sin picante, por favor
Water, please – Agua, por favor
The bill, please – La cuenta, por favor
Do you have something for kids? – ¿Tiene algo para niños?
Our Pick
Real-life language learning for families
✅ Uses phrases in daily life, not vocab lists
✅ Builds routine with your kids naturally
✅ No grammar drills, no stress
With Kids in Tow
If you’re travelling as a family, you’ll want to know a few phrases to help navigate kid-specific moments.
My son/daughter is five years old – Mi hijo/hija tiene cinco años
He/She doesn’t feel well – No se siente bien
Is there a playground nearby? – ¿Hay un parque infantil cerca?
We’re looking for a family room – Buscamos una habitación familiar
Is this safe for children? – ¿Es seguro para niños?
Transport & Travel Situations
Getting from place to place often means asking questions and understanding signage. These phrases help simplify the process.
Where is the airport/bus/train station? – ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto/la estación de autobuses/el tren?
What time does it leave? – ¿A qué hora sale?
One ticket, please – Un boleto, por favor
We are going to… – Vamos a…
Is there a bathroom on the bus? – ¿Hay baño en el autobús?
Learning Spanish for Travel as a Family
Here’s what’s worked best for us as a family learning together:
Use phrases in everyday life – Practice around the house. “¿Quieres agua?” instead of “Do you want water?”
Keep it fun – Make it a game, not a lesson.
Label your home – Sticky notes on doors, chairs, snacks.
TalkBox.Mom – Genuinely helpful for full family phrases and routines.
Flashcards or mini-packs – Keep them in the car, kitchen, and travel bags.
Even 5 minutes a day builds confidence over time.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to speak Spanish fluently to travel with confidence, just learning a handful of practical, respectful phrases can completely change your travel experience. Locals appreciate the effort, your kids see language as fun, and you’ll feel so much more capable when things don’t go as planned.
Learning Spanish for travel doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be intentional.
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