Newcomer A1
The Ultimate Spanish Travel Guide
Spanish Travel — Preparing For Your Trip
The best time to start thinking about learning a language isn't when you're already on the plane. Check out these articles designed to be ready as you get ready for your trip to Mexico, Spain, or anywhere else in the Spanish-speaking world!
Newcomer A1
Spanish New Years Superstitions: Why Latinos Throw Water, Burn Dolls, and Run With Suitcases at Midnight
Explore Spanish new year superstitions and the midnight celebration! Why Latinos are eating 12 grapes, throwing water, and burning dolls.
Newcomer A1
Common Spanish Phrases: Essential Words You Need
Essential Spanish words & common Spanish phrases to get you started! Master basic Spanish greetings and more.
Newcomer A1
Ways to Say Hello in Spanish (and Other Spanish Greetings)
“Hola” is easy, so what are some other ways to say hello in Spanish?
Beginner A2
How To Talk About The Home In Spanish
Furnish your vocab with this guide to household rooms and items.
Beginner A2
How To Start Speaking Spanish Before Your Vacation
So you want to learn some Spanish for your upcoming vacation, but don’t know where to start? No problem!
Need speaking practice before your trip?
Rehearse real travel scenarios like ordering food and asking for directions with an AI speaking partner.
Spanish Travel — Ordering Food and Drink
Explore the rich culture of the Hispanic world through its cooking, with these essential Travel phrases for navigating the kitchens, restaurants, and markets you'll spend time in.
Beginner A2
La carta, por favor: How to Read a Spanish Menu With Confidence
Reading a menu in Spanish is intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!
Newcomer A1
How To Talk About Food And Drink In Spanish
Once you learn to name and pronounce these Spanish food words, you’ll be ready to have a delicious meal in any Spanish-speaking country.
Beginner A2
How To Talk About Fruits And Vegetables In Spanish
All the vocabulary you’ll need for your next trip to the produce aisle.
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Spanish Travel — Getting Around
You may have your maps app at the ready, but knowing a few common phrases for Spanish travel will make navigating a new town or city much easier.
Beginner A2
Hotel in Spanish: Essential Phrases for Your Next Trip
Learn how to book, check in, and more at a hotel, all in Spanish!
Intermediate B1
How To Talk About Countries And Nationalities In Spanish
No, you can’t just say “Germano” and hope to get away with it.
Beginner A2
How To Talk About Transportation In Spanish
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, we’ve got you covered with the words and phrases you need to navigate transportation in Spanish.
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Spanish Travel — Shopping
Whether you're planning to hit designer stores or just need to pick up some essentials, these Spanish phrases for travel will help make each transaction seamless.
Beginner A2
How To Talk About Fruits And Vegetables In Spanish
All the vocabulary you’ll need for your next trip to the produce aisle.
Beginner A2
How To Talk About Clothes In Spanish
Learn how to get dressed in Spanish with this guide to basic clothing vocabulary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Travel
Admittedly, it's difficult to make a quick recommendation. Madrid is famous for its art and food, Barcelona for architecture and beaches. Then you have Seville for flamenco and Moorish heritage, Granada for the Alhambra, Valencia for paella and the City of Arts, Bilbao for the Guggenheim, and Santiago de Compostela for the pilgrimage vibe. Each offers distinct culture, cuisine, and history. And that's only looking at "Spanish" in the Spain sense, because there is far more to explore in the larger Spanish-speaking world. You might want to do a decent amount of research around your personal interests to find the best option for you.
Prioritize essentials for navigation, lodging, eating, and emergencies: greetings and politeness (hola, por favor, gracias), asking for directions (¿Dónde está…?), tickets and reservations (¿Tiene disponibilidad?), ordering food (Quisiera…, ¿La cuenta, por favor?), prices (¿Cuánto cuesta?), and help (Necesito ayuda). If you have the time, though, it's always worth it to dive deeper into the language.
If you are really trying to stick to the basics: hola ("hello"), por favor ("please"), gracias ("gracias"), sí ("yes"), no ("no"), baño ("bathroom," though there are some regional differences), ayuda ("help"). With these plus pointing and a smile, you can handle many basic situations while you learn more.
At the risk of getting repetitive, focus on transport (tren, autobús, metro, taxi, billete), lodging (hotel, habitación, reserva, llave), food (menu, agua, sin, con), directions (izquierda, derecha, recto), time (hoy, mañana, tarde), money (efectivo, tarjeta, precio), and essentials (baño, farmacia, policía). We cover all of these in the guides above.
“Travel” as a noun is viaje, and as a verb, it’s viajar. You’ll also see turismo ("tourism") and recorrer ("to tour"/"go around") depending on context.