40 Key Spanish Travel Words and Phrases for Holidaymakers

While English is taught as a second language in schools and is spoken by some segments of the population, it is not as widely spoken or used for everyday communication as it is in some other European countries. The primary and official language of Spain is Spanish.

Like in Costa Rica, English proficiency varies. However,  it’s great for tourists to know that English is more common in tourist areas. Therefore, tourists should not be at a loss for words while visiting countries like Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.

That said, if you want to impress the locals, try to say a few words in Spanish. They’ll love you for trying and you will be remembered for all the right reasons. It’s almost like creating that warm fuzzy emotion of love and appreciation when you utter a cheerful greeting or order something from the menu in Spanish.

I find that the basic words and phrases are sufficient to sail through my holiday. And on the odd occasion when I need a little bit more, I open my Google Translate application. The Google Translate application comes in handy when you find yourself shopping for groceries, like when you are on a self-catering holiday because you can scan the products’ labels for instant translation!

So with all that in mind, here are the basics that will get you through.