Vocab Guide — Spanish Travel

To boost your Spanish vocabulary before your trip, focus on common travel words and phrases. Use language apps, flashcards, and practice with short conversations. Listening to Spanish podcasts or watching videos about travel can also help you pick up useful terms quickly.

To negotiate prices in Spanish, learn key phrases like ¿Puede hacerme un descuento? ("Can you give me a discount?"), ¿Cuánto cuesta? ("How much does it cost?"), and Es muy caro ("It’s very expensive"). Be polite, smile, and don’t be afraid to bargain, as negotiation is common in many markets.

South America features several Spanish dialects, including Rioplatense (Argentina and Uruguay), Andean (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador), Caribbean (coastal Colombia and Venezuela), and Chilean Spanish. Each has unique accents, vocabulary, and expressions, but all are generally mutually understandable.

Essential Spanish travel phrases include:

• Hola — Hello

• ¿Dónde está…? — Where is…?

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?

• Por favor — Please

• Gracias — Thank you

• Ayuda — Help

• La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please

• No hablo mucho español — I don’t speak much Spanish

Making mistakes is a normal and valuable part of learning! Most Spanish speakers appreciate your effort and will help you. Don’t let fear of errors stop you. Each mistake is a step toward improvement!

Learning Spanish makes travel in South and Central America easier and more enjoyable. It helps you navigate, connect with locals, understand culture, and handle emergencies. Even basic Spanish opens doors to richer, more authentic travel experiences.