Learn key English vocabulary for travel. What are the main differences between commonly confused travel-related terms? I will help you understand how to use these words correctly, improving your speaking skills and sounding more like a native English speaker.
This lesson will be especially useful for those preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE.
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Essential Vocabulary
Key English Vocabulary For Travel
Harry
Okay, so in this advanced English lesson, what are we going to explore? Today, we’re going to focus on everything related to holidays. We’re going to learn the vocabulary you need to talk about different types of holidays and travel experiences.
This lesson will help you expand your vocabulary, especially if you’re aiming to improve your conversational English. Whether you’re planning a trip, sharing stories about past holidays, or talking about your dream destinations, these words and phrases will be very helpful. By learning this vocabulary, you’ll be able to express yourself more naturally and confidently in English.
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It’s common to confuse words like words related to travel when learning English, as they are similar but used in distinct situations. Understanding the differences between the words journey, trip, travel and voyage. can be very helpful for ESL students. These words may seem similar, but they are used in different contexts.
Let’s look at each word, its meaning, and how it is used in a sentence:
journey (noun)
Meaning: travelling from one place to another, usually long and possibly challenging
She went on a long journey across the country to visit her grandparents.
After his long journey from Brazil to Japan, Marco felt both exhausted and exhilarated.
Her spiritual journey included visiting sacred sites all around the world.
trip (noun)
Meaning: when you go somewhere and come back, and it’s often short
We planned a weekend trip to the beach.
They took a day trip to the mountains to enjoy some hiking and fresh air.
Our school organised a trip to the science museum for all the students.
travel (verb)
Meaning: to move from one place to another. It’s a general term that doesn’t specify the time or distance.
I love to travel during the summer holidays.
She plans to travel to the United States next week on business.
His job requires him to travel frequently, often visiting three cities in one week.
voyage (noun)
Meaning: a long trip by sea or in space
The sailors prepared for their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
The three-month voyage to Antarctica was challenging but rewarding for the research team.
During the 18th century, voyages across the ocean were dangerous and often took many months.
Key English Vocabulary For Travel
Now, let’s see which verbs are commonly used with journey, trip and voyage.
verbs used with journey, trip and voyage
Take: take a trip, take a journey, or take a voyage
Go on: go on a journey, go on a trip, or go on a voyage
Make: make a journey, make a trip, or make a voyage
For example:
She took a journey through the mountains.
They went on a trip to London.
He is planning to take a voyage around the world.
We should make a trip to the museum next weekend.
When considering which verbs aren’t typically used with travel-related nouns like journey, trip and voyage, it’s important to focus on the verb “do.”
You wouldn’t use “do” with any of these nouns.
❌ do a trip
❌ do a journey
❌ do a voyage
Using “do” in the context of travelling sounds unnatural and is grammatically awkward.
✅ do the homework
✅ do the dishes
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cruise
Meaning: a journey by sea, usually for pleasure, where the ship visits multiple places
✅ to go on a cruise
✅ to embark on a cruise
✅ to take a cruise
Examples:
They enjoyed a Mediterranean cruise, visiting vibrant cities and picturesque villages across Southern Europe.
They went on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their anniversary.
They had plenty of activities on their cruise, including swimming, rock climbing, and live entertainment.
package holiday
Meaning: a holiday where the price includes accommodation, flights, and other services
✅ to book a package holiday
✅ to go on a package holiday
✅ to take a package holiday
Examples:
A package holiday usually offers a convenient and cost-effective way for holidaymakers to enjoy a break.
After comparing several options, they chose a package holiday that offered both relaxation and adventure activities.
They went on a package holiday to Greece to enjoy guided tours and Greek cuisine.
city break
Meaning: a short holiday spent in a city, typically over a weekend or a few days
✅ take a city break
✅ book a city break
✅ plan a city break
Examples:
We’re going to take a city break and head to London, where we plan to see a show and visit several museums.
A city break in Paris will leave you charmed by the city’s timeless elegance and rich cultural scene.
Key English Vocabulary For Travel
luxury holiday
Meaning: a holiday with high-quality accommodation, fine dining, and exclusive activities
✅ go on a luxury holiday
✅ take a luxury holiday
✅ afford a luxury holiday
Examples:
After working hard, they booked a luxury holiday to unwind in style.
They won a luxury holiday as the top prize in the contest.
all-inclusive
Meaning: the price includes accommodation, meals, drinks, and most activities
Examples:
Families with young children love all-inclusive holidays because everything is taken care of.
At the all-inclusive resort, the wristband allowed guests to access unlimited meals, and drinks.
self-catering
Meaning: you arrange and prepare your own meals during your stay
Examples:
They chose a self-catering cottage for their holiday, cooking their own meals in the kitchen.
By choosing self-catering accommodation, they were able to save money on meals.
Self-catering makes city trips more affordable by reducing your daily expenses.
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off the beaten track
Meaning: going to places that are less known and not frequented by many tourists
Examples:
They preferred travelling off the beaten track to experience local culture away from the crowds.
They chose to go kayaking off the beaten track, enjoying quiet and less-travelled routes.
adventure holidays
Meaning: holidays that involve exciting and physically engaging activities
Examples:
People like adventure holidays for the thrill and excitement they offer.
Adventure holidays attract people who love physical challenges and exploring the outdoors.
interrailing
Meaning: a type of travel where people use a single train pass to explore multiple countries in Europe
Examples:
Many young travellers go interrailing to explore different countries during their gap year.
Interrailing is a great way to see Europe and cut down on costs.
So we’ve looked at this key English vocabulary for travel. We’ve discussed verbs and how we can use them: to go on a trip, to take a trip, and to make a trip.
If you have any questions about any of these travel terms, come back to me at www.englishlessonviaskype.com. Always happy to get your questions. Always happy to help you further, and leave any comments or suggestions for something you want to see included in one of the future videos.
This is Harry thanking you for watching, thank you for listening, and just a gentle reminder to join me for the next lesson.
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Advanced Vocabulary with the News
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
