Advice for Travelling Abroad

Follow this advice and have a great trip!

a Stay in a central city that is near many other interesting cities, then take "day trips" from there. In that way, you will not have to look for a different hotel in each city.

a Take care of your belongings. Never let your suitcase out of your sight - it can disappear in an instant!

a Try to appear like an average person, not a tourist. If you look like a tourist, you may attract the attention of thieves.
a Use travellers checks during your trip. If they are lost or stolen, they can be replaced. If your cash is lost or stolen, it's gone forever!

a Pack as light as possible. Don't bring anything unless you really need it. The less you bring, the easier it will be for you to move from place to place.

a Plan your trip in advance. Use a guidebook such as Lonely Planet or Frommer's to help you find where to stay and what to see. If you use your time well, you will be able to see much more and have a lot more.

Useful English Phrases

ñ At the Airport

Airports are stressful even in your own native country. Practise these English phrases before you travel to English speaking destinations.

Tip: Print these and keep them as a “cheat sheet” in your carry-on luggage.

Questions you will hear at the check-in counter:
Ticket please./ May I see your ticket?
Do you have an e-ticket?
How many bags are you checking?
Did you pack these bags yourself?
Do you have a carry-on bag? (a bag or purse to take on the airplane)
Do you require special assistance? (example a “wheelchair”)
Have you paid your airport improvement fee/tax?
Would you like a window or an aisle seat? (aisle is pronounced “eye + l”)

Problems you may hear:
Your baggage is overweight. (Remove some contents or pay a fine.)
Your carry-on luggage is too large.
Your flight is delayed. (It’s late.)
Your flight has been cancelled. (You must rebook a new flight)
Your connecting flight/connection has been cancelled/is delayed.
Your ticket is expired.
Your passport is expired.

Commands and questions at the Security Checkpoint:
Boarding pass, please.
ID please. (show your photo ID)
Spread your arms out please. (Put your arms up and out to the sides of your body)
Open your bag.
Take off/remove your belt.
Do you have any change in your pockets?
Do you have any metals?
Do you have any food/produce?
Do you have any liquids or medicine?
Walk through.

Questions YOU may need to ask:
Is my flight on time?
When should I be at the gate?
Where is the boarding gate?
Where is the washroom?
Can I get a window seat?
Is there somewhere to eat?
Can I get a coffee at the gate?
Is my connection on time?
Where do I collect my baggage?
Where can I find a taxi?
Where is the departure gate?
Where is the arrival gate?
Where is the check-in desk for ….airlines?
Where is the domestics level?
Where is the international level?