Speaking: Specific Purposes B1 - Lesson 2: Handling Basic Travel Scenarios (Check-in, Asking for Information) ✈️🏨🗺️
Objective: To learn and practice common English phrases and strategies for handling basic travel scenarios, such as checking in at an airport or hotel, and asking for information politely.
- Learn key vocabulary and phrases for airport check-in.
- Learn key vocabulary and phrases for hotel check-in.
- Practice asking for directions, recommendations, and other common travel information.
- Develop confidence in using English in typical travel situations.
Traveling can be exciting, but it also involves many interactions where you need to use English, especially if you're in a foreign country or dealing with international services. This lesson will help you prepare for some common travel scenarios like checking in at the airport and your hotel, and asking for information you might need during your trip.
Scenario 1: Airport Check-in
At the check-in counter, you'll need to present your ticket and passport.
Key Phrases for You (the Traveler):
- "Hello, I'd like to check in for my flight to [Destination]."
- "Here is my passport and ticket/booking confirmation."
- "Could I have a window/aisle seat, please?"
- "How many bags can I check in?"
- "Is my flight on time?"
- "Which gate is my flight departing from?"
Possible Phrases from Check-in Staff:
- "May I see your passport and ticket, please?"
- "Are you checking any bags?"
- "Please place your bag on the scale."
- "Here is your boarding pass. Your flight departs from gate [Number] at [Time]."
Scenario 2: Hotel Check-in
When you arrive at your hotel or guesthouse:
Key Phrases for You (the Guest):
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"Hello, I have a reservation under the name [Your Name]."
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"I'd like to check in, please."
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"Could you tell me what time breakfast is served?"
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"Is there Wi-Fi in the room? What's the password?"
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"Can I have a map of the city, please?"
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"What time is check-out?"
Possible Phrases from Hotel Staff:
- "Welcome to [Hotel Name]. Do you have a reservation?"
- "May I have your name, please?"
- "Could you please fill out this registration form?"
- "Here is your room key. Your room is number [Number] on the [Number] floor."
- "Breakfast is served from [Time] to [Time] in the restaurant."
Scenario 3: Asking for Information
During your travels, you'll often need to ask for directions, recommendations, or other help.
Key Phrases for Asking:
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"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to [Place]?"
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"Excuse me, where is the nearest [Type of Place, e.g., ATM/pharmacy]?"
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"Can you recommend a good [Type of Place, e.g., restaurant/place to visit] nearby?"
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"How much does it cost to [Activity, e.g., enter the museum/take a tuk-tuk to...]?"
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"What time does the [Place/Service, e.g., museum/bus] open/close/leave?"
Practice Dialogues
Dialogue 1: Checking in at a Guesthouse in Kampot
Traveler: Hello, I have a reservation for two nights under the name David Smith.
Receptionist: Welcome to Riverside Guesthouse, Mr. Smith! Yes, I see your booking. Could I see your passport, please?
Traveler: Here you go. Also, could you tell me if there's Wi-Fi here?
Receptionist: Yes, we have free Wi-Fi. Here's the password. Your room is number 5, just up the stairs to the left. Breakfast is from 7 to 10 AM.
Dialogue 2: Asking for Directions in Phnom Penh
Tourist: Excuse me, I'm a bit lost. Could you tell me how to get to the Central Market (Phsar Thmei)?
Local: Of course. You can walk from here. Just go straight down this street for about three blocks, then turn right onto Street 130. You'll see the big yellow dome.
Tourist: So, straight for three blocks, then right onto Street 130? Is it far?
Local: Not too far, maybe a 10-15 minute walk. Or you can take a tuk-tuk if you prefer.
Activity 1: What Would You Say?
Imagine you are in these travel situations. What would you say? Click "Reveal Sample Response" for an example.
- You are at the airport check-in, and you want a seat next to the window.
Your request:
"Hello, I'd like to check in. Could I please have a window seat if possible?" - You are at your hotel, and you want to know where you can exchange currency.
Your question:
"Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest currency exchange is?" - You are in a new city and want a recommendation for a place to eat traditional Cambodian food.
Your question:
"Excuse me, can you recommend a good restaurant for traditional Cambodian food around here?"
Activity 2: Travel Role-Play
With a partner, choose one of the following scenarios and role-play it. Try to use phrases from the lesson.
- Scenario A (Airport): One person is a traveler checking in for a flight to Singapore. The other is the airline agent.
- Scenario B (Hotel): One person is a tourist checking into a hotel in Siem Reap. The other is the hotel receptionist.
- Scenario C (Information): One person is a tourist in Battambang asking a local for directions to the Bat Caves and information about boat trips.
- Be polite: Always use "please," "thank you," and "excuse me."
- Speak clearly and not too fast: This helps the other person understand you, especially if there's a language barrier.
- Have important information ready: For check-ins, have your passport, ticket/booking number easily accessible.
- Listen carefully to responses: Pay attention to details like gate numbers, room numbers, and times.
- Don't be afraid to ask for repetition or clarification: If you don't understand, it's better to ask again (e.g., "Sorry, could you repeat that, please?").
- Learn a few basic local phrases (if applicable): Even a simple "Sus-dei" (Hello) or "Aw-kun" (Thank you) in Khmer can be appreciated in Cambodia.
Summary: This lesson provided you with key phrases and strategies for common travel scenarios like airport and hotel check-ins, and asking for information. Practicing these will help you feel more confident and manage these situations smoothly when you travel.