planning a road trip vocabulary

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40 Basic Vocabulary Words and Common Phrases for Travel in English

Embarking on a journey to a foreign country can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially when language barriers come into play. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! This page is dedicated to all the globetrotters out there who are keen on enhancing their English language skills specifically for travel.

We’ve curated a list of 40 essential English words and phrases that will prove to be your best companions on your travels.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first overseas trip, mastering these words and phrases will not only boost your confidence but also enrich your travel experiences. So, let’s dive in and start preparing for your next adventure with our comprehensive travel vocabulary guide. Happy learning and safe travels!

40 essential English words and phrases for travel

• Passport – “Don’t forget to bring your passport to the airport.”
• Luggage – “Please make sure your luggage is not left unattended.”
• Reservation – “I have a reservation under the name Smith.”
• Itinerary – “Our itinerary includes stops in Rome, Paris, and London.”
• Destination – “Our final destination is Sydney.”
• Accommodation – “I’ve booked accommodation for three nights in the city center.”
• Sightseeing – “We’re going sightseeing in the old town tomorrow.”
• Currency – “What’s the local currency in Japan?”
• Boarding Pass – “Please have your boarding pass and identification ready.”
• Departure – “Our departure time is 6:00 PM.”
• Arrival – “Our estimated arrival time is 8:00 PM.”
• Customs – “You’ll need to declare any items at customs.”
• Visa – “Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?”
• Tourist – “As a tourist, I love exploring new places.”
• Landmark – “The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.”
• Guidebook – “I bought a guidebook to learn more about the city’s history.”
• Souvenir – “I bought a souvenir from each city we visited.”
• Jet Lag – “I’m feeling a bit of jet lag after the long flight.”
• Travel Agency – “The travel agency arranged all of our accommodations.”
• Backpack – “I prefer to travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase.”
• Could you help me, please? – When you need assistance.
• How much does this cost? – When you want to know the price of something.
• Where is the nearest…? – When you’re looking for something specific, like a bathroom or a subway station.
• I would like to book… – When you want to make a reservation.
• Do you speak English? – When you need to find someone who speaks English.
• I’m lost. Can you help me? – When you need directions.
• Can I have the menu, please? – When you’re at a restaurant and want to see the menu.
• I’m allergic to… – When you need to inform someone of your allergies.
• Can I have the bill, please? – When you’re ready to pay at a restaurant.
• What time does it open/close? – When you want to know the operating hours of a place.
• Can I have a ticket to…, please? – When you’re buying a ticket.
• Where can I catch the bus/train? – When you need to find the bus or train station.
• Is it far from here? – When you want to know the distance to a place.
• Can you recommend a good…? – When you’re looking for recommendations.
• Do you accept credit cards? – When you want to know if you can pay with a credit card.
• What’s the Wi-Fi password? – When you need to connect to the internet.
• I’d like to go to… – When you’re telling a taxi driver your destination.
• Is there a pharmacy nearby? – When you need to find a pharmacy.
• Can I try this on? – When you’re shopping for clothes and want to try something on.
• Could you take a picture of us, please? – When you want someone to take a photo of you and your group.

Wrapping Up Our English Travel Vocabulary Journey

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through 40 essential English words and phrases that will help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, language is a powerful tool that can open doors to understanding new cultures, making new friends, and creating unforgettable experiences.

Don’t worry if you can’t memorize all the words and phrases at once. The beauty of language learning is that it’s a continuous process. Keep practicing, and soon these words will become second nature to you.

But why stop at 40? If you’re eager to expand your travel vocabulary even further, we have an exciting offer for you. Follow us on Instagram and send us a direct message to get your hands on our comprehensive eBook (write “Travel eBook”), which features 200 essential English words and phrases for travel, plus 2 special bonuses!

We hope this guide will be a valuable resource for your travel adventures. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, tranquil countryside, or exotic beaches, these phrases will help you navigate your way with confidence.

Thank you for joining us on this linguistic journey. We wish you all the best in your English learning and your future travels. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, or in this case, a single word. Happy travels and happy learning!

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English vocabulary for a road trip

Learn more about the Vocabulary Builder Course Hello students! I’ve just gotten back from a road trip with my family – that’s a long trip taken by car – and I’m going to use this opportunity to teach you some vocabulary for driving and traveling by car.

To learn more vocabulary that’s organized by topic, you can join my Vocabulary Builder Courses , which will teach you hundreds of useful words.

We left early in the morning because we had already packed our bags the night before. To pack your bags means to put everything you’ll need for the trip (clothes, personal care items, etc.) into a suitcase or backpack.

Most of our trip was on the highway. A highway is a wide road where cars are allowed to go very fast. Highways have multiple lanes – a lane is a section of the road wide enough for one car.

Most highways have multiple lanes, which are separated by painted lines on the road.

In the first part of our road trip, we were making good time. This expression means that the trip is going well, without delays.

Of course, we didn’t want to drive too fast, because then we might get a speeding ticket. That’s when the police catch you driving faster than the limit, and you have to pay some money as a penalty.

When we crossed a bridge, we had to pay a toll. A toll is money that all drivers have to pay in order to drive on that part of the highway, bridge, or tunnel.

Drivers may need to pay a toll for use of the highway, bridge, or tunnel.

We stopped at rest areas or rest stops several times during the road trip. These are places next to the highway where you can take a break from driving, use the bathroom, and sometimes get food or gas.

Later in the trip we encountered bumper-to-bumper traffic. This expression describes when the traffic is extremely slow and almost stopped. The “bumper” of the car is the metal and plastic bar on the front/back of the car, which helps absorb the impact in case of an accident. If the traffic is “bumper-to-bumper,” it means the cars are traveling so slowly that their bumpers are almost touching.

The reason for the bad traffic was an accident – a truck had hit a pothole in the road and lost control. A pothole is a hole in the surface of the road. Potholes are dangerous for drivers.

The truck and emergency vehicles were blocking two lanes, so all the rest of the cars had to merge into one lane. When talking about traffic, merge refers to when cars from a lane need to transition sideways into another lane (usually because the first lane is ending).

In the U.S., this sign indicates a merge

Unfortunately we got a little lost when we got close to our destination. We took the wrong exit out of a roundabout – that’s a traffic circle with various streets going in and out of it.

A roundabout has various entrances and exits. Cars only go in one direction around the circle.

Then, when we finally got back on the right road, there was a detour due to construction – that’s when the cars need to take a different way because the main road is blocked for some reason.

By the time arrived, it was dark outside, so we had to turn on our headlights – those are the bright white lights on the front of the car.

Our friends’ house was on a one-way street – a street where traffic can only go in one direction – so we had to be careful not to pass it.

If we passed their house, we would have to go around the block. The noun “block” is used to refer to a segment of a street between two other streets. We reached our friends’ house safely after the long road trip.

I hope you’ll continue learning vocabulary with me inside my courses!

Want to increase your vocabulary & improve your fluency?

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Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

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Learn Real English: Let’s go on a road trip!

Test your understanding of this English lesson

135 comments.

Thank you Mr.Adam I got a lot of new words from this video-lesson. I just wanna try to use these words while I am driving. :)

Hi Adam, how’ve you been? Long tine no see.

Road trips sound interesting, however . . . how safe are the roads in Canada Adam?

If all of the sudden you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and see a vehicle approaching . . . are you sure they are going to help you out? I have serious reservations about it.

Just one observation Adam, as far as I know GPS stands for Global Positioning SYSTEM not satelite.

Thanks for this supeb video-lesson Adam. Have a great weekend!

Long time indeed ;)

Firstly, I believe that Canadians would actually stop and help you out. At least, I’d like to think so.

As for GPS, you’re right. Actually , it’s global positioning satellite system. Not sure why I tend to drop the system not the satellite. Anyway, good point.

Now we are ready hit the road.Thanks

Great lesson. Thanks, Adam.

You’re simply the best. I’m always looking for your new lessons. Thanks, Adam.

I finished the test with the best mark. Now im loking formard for you next video. Hello from Ukraine :))

ohh i’m very sory

Thank you so much for giving me the English lesson.

I want to know how to learn english at this？ I don’t see the video, where is it?

Hi there! According to your profile you’re in China. All our videos are on YouTube, which is blocked there. You may have to use a VPN or find a mirror to watch the videos.

ok,I konw,thanks

Hi Adam,good job!I wanna ask you an extra question, if we can write the “to do something” after ANY transitive verb with an objective.Such as “I VT somebody TO DO SOMETHING”(VT here means a transitive verb). I am very looking forward to your reply.Thanks.

Hi Patrick,

You can use ‘to do something’ as a complement to the direct object or as an object itself to the transitive verb.

I need to call my mother.(object) I need you to call my mother. (complement to object ‘you’)

Does this help?

Thanks Adam, but I’ve known that.I might not make myself clear,so I try to explain what really confuses me a lot now-does the usage you described above apply to all the transitive verbs? That is to say,can “to do sth” be any transitive verb’s direct object? not just a few words like”want,need,hope,etc”. If it can,I think I can compose compositions more freely and boldly and do not be afraid to make any mistakes in the use of to do sth.

Not really. Sometimes adding ‘to do or to do something’ changes the transitive to an intransitive:

I play tennis.–tennis is a direct object to play.

I play to win (contests).–to win is an adverb complement to play (how I play, not what I play)

Thank you Adam!It helps me a lot! I like your lessons so much that I’ve almost watched all of your lessons.Whenever you posted a new lesson I would watch it with my full attention.Your accent is so standard and is very clear so I can understand what you said.

I truly believe this is a pragmatic lesson for all those who are planning to go on road trips, whereas, I’m from a small island in the Caribbean and usually we are completely careless about those good advices. I love you Adam! Thanks!

Thanks a lot, Mr.Adam , very useful lesson, full of the new vocabularies. but, if you don’t mind Sir, would you make a lesson about the ” Tourism” and the words and vocabulary that we need to know. Thank you again, Sir.Adam, and we always appreciate your effort.

I’ll see what I can do, Antar. In the meantime, look for the search button on this site and type the word ‘travel’–you will see a few good videos here already about this topic.

Thanks, Adam

Scenic route is always the best choice when we have time.It’s the less boring:) Thanks Adam for this useful lesson.

Hi Adam! nice lesson! thanks. You made me travel in imaginary. My longest road trip was in California, I drove more than 1600 km part of them on the scenic route 1.

I’d love to take that trip someday Jorge. On a motorcycle maybe :)

“L/100km” will be more correct.

In the US they might not understand you Happyman ;)

Very useful and complete explanation about road trips in English, very entertained and amused, we can imagine us traveling a long journey or long haul trip between two cities in a big country or continent. Very interesting lesson overall for the people who even work as professional drivers too, very interesting class. Thanks a lot, teacher Adam, we are learning and enjoying the English as if it was our own main or first language.

Thank you very much Adam for this useful lesson for me . I have a RV an I love to travel with my family around Europe. But I thought that these vehicles were called also motorhome . Might have more names depending if we are in UK or America ? Here we have also small vans , called ” camper ” in Spain with kitchen and beds . I don’t know if these vehicles exist also in America and how does it called .

Good point, Cascoxa. We have these names as well, but less commonly used. regional word choice does make a difference indeed.

Thank you! I found many new words such as “itinerary”, as I understood it means the same thet “route”. Probably few people knew such word as “wheat”. The most importante that if you are interesting while you are lisening it will have result. I went to such trip every year with my wife or friends, in one or two cars, it was inside of Ukraine from Kiev to Krimea until Russia invaded to this part of my country. The distance is about 1000 km, climate is warmer, other view, mountains, sea and good time with close friends, it was olways full of fun.

Thanks, Adam.

Good lesson. Thank you very much.

Perfect Adam and, perhaps one day, you’ll talk about your bad experience on a road trip. A road trip across the Canada should be a very interesting souvenir. Thank you

So many new words. Thank you, Adam.

Thanks Adam it’s very nice lesson, appreciated

Hello people

I need someone to practise, so if anybody has an interest to do it with me pleasw text me on whatsApp is +249916107878

100%=) It’s very useful lesson. Thank you Adam.

Only once, I’ve got caught for speeding. Of course there was a fxxxxx speed trap. Police is so evil that I hate it. It cost me 15,000 yen (approximately 150 dollars). It was totally ridiculous. So I no longer drive too fast since then, and am trying not to get caught for it.

Probably safer for you too, Juneriver ;)

100 … thank you Adam

Adam, regarding Recreational Vehical, can I call them as motor-home?

Yes, you can, Dudurito.

hi, vocab videos like this one are really great for learners. but it would be better if you add the words and phrases that in the video. and maybe add to memrise.com too. it would be greater :D

I’ll pass this on to the administrators Angelsdemos ;)

Thanks a lot Adam!!!Very interesting lesson. Just one question: how much is one litre of the most used petrol by cars in Canada??

Hi Knopfler,

Do you mean the price? Today, 1 liter of regular unleaded gas is C$1.15. (87 octane)

Thank you so much Adam)

Thank you so much!!

I definitely agree with you, Adam, because enjoying a long and pleasant road trip, driving my car, is surely the best way of travelling that I know. We don’t have the (almost) infinite distances that you have in Canada, but consider that Italy is almost 2.000 kilometers long from the Alps to the extreme South; and, moreover, from here we can reach by car distant countries like Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, the scandinavian peninsula and more. Greetings from Europe,ciao!

I would love to do a road trip in Europe, Canardo. Maybe some day :)

I got 80.☺ Great topic you have picked adam. Thanks.

Thank you! I really enjoyed.

thanks adam ☺

Thanks a lot! Mr. Adam Your lesson very useful. We found many new vocabularies here especially to me as learner. As far as I concerned, MPG depend on brand of cars exactly asia cars difference Europa cars to need consumtion of petrol.

In the US they us imperial measures. Most of the rest of the world uses metric (L/100km). Good to know both.

Thanks,very interesting lesson

Good luck in your goals )

Thank you Mr. Adam !

Hi Mr. Adam. I like your video. Now I know more new words. It’s great.

Great lesson, Adam! I’ve got a question what is the difference between carpool lane and hov lane? And what is the reason for having those lanes? What does it influence? Thank you!

Hi Polluxtroi,

Essentially, they are the same. Both are reserved for cars that carry two or more passengers. The idea is to discourage single-user car use (only driver) and thereby reduce emissions and traffic congestion.

Thank you Adam.

Hi Adam, it was really helpful !! I learned some new words and i hope it will help me in improving my vaocab !! Good job ??

i have got 8of 10 , thank u

Hiya , I have learnt quite a lot vocab , thank you. Next weekend, maybe I will hit the road!

Great lesson, thanks

thanks, Mr. Adam. Although I have not a car and no hit the road, but what you talk is very useful.

it’s useful lesson.Thank you very much.

Great and very useful lesson, thenk you Adam

thank you Adam,very useful

Adam your an epic! I fell in lovd with your lessons! I have been watching them since I planned to take my ielts and searched for tutorials in taking a language test.

Good luck, Jbvalencia.

You can also check out my writing site writetotop.com for more videos on IELTS wriitng.

thanks for the lesson

Thank you for the great lesson.

Thank you so much

90% Good lesson!!!!!

Hi, Adam thanks for your great videos. I had a request on a video about punctuation specifically about colon and semicolon

I’ll see what I can do Alirezashr. IN the meantime, see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yACi434aqY&t=21s

Thank you Adam. I’m ready to hit the road now.

Please explain the difference between “little” & “a little”.

I have little time to study.– almost no time. I have a little time to study.– some time (a small amount of time)

Dear Sir; Thank you very much. Yes, it does help.

Your videos are very helpful. thank you, but am having a hard time to figure out the way to take the quit. every time i click on take quiz, i cant see the quiz option. what should i do?

Make sure your web browser is up-to-date. Visit this site and reply with the link it gives you – it will help us figure out the problem.

Thanks for your important information,Its great!

Thank you, Adam.

9 out of 10

Thank you Mr. Adm very good lesson, I got 8 out of 10 thanks Fawzi

Hi Adam,good job!I wanna ask you an extra question, if we can write the “to do something” after ANY transitive verb with an objective.Such as “I VT somebody TO DO SOMETHING”(VT here means a transitive verb). I am very looking forward to your reply.Thanks.

Thank you teacher for such great informative lesson, It was amazing cause there wasn’t any grammar,this clause and that clause in it, rather I would say you should teach only conversation and not the grammar because once we learn the language we will automatically learn its grammar like the natives do,don’t you think? Its been long since I have been learning this language but I couldn’t yet get a hold on it because when ever I try to speak it I get confused with the grammar rules and that affects my fluency and because of that I recently lost an opportunity of getting job at the American consulate…so sad.Teacher please help me and guide me how I can improve my English speaking skills without getting involved in the grammar.And please do tell me about my writing level I mean what do you think my English writing level is? Is it beginner or even more worst.I didn’t even dare apply for the job because they asked for speaking, writing and reading level of the language while I don’t even know what my level really is.I am so disappointed teacher cause there are no good English teaching institutions in my country whatever I have learnt so far is with my own hard work but am still unable to speak the language fluently and there for unable to get a good job at a good organisation despite all skills and abilities I have.I need your detailed guidance.here is my email address : [email protected]

Hi Eichi (nice pic lol)

Actually, your English writing is quite good. And you’re right, too much focus on grammar often takes away from students’ fluency in spoken English. As for writing, it is essential to know the grammar rules.

If you want to know your “official” level, you can take a test, such as the Cambridge tests, or the IELTS.

Ideally, you need to find someone to practice speaking with. You can also listen to interviews and take the part of the interviewee and try to mimic his or her responses; pay attention to intonation, pace, stress, etc. If you can find transcripts and follow along the first time then repeat, that might work.

Thanks Adam. It’s easy to understand in this section for an non-native English speaker.

Thanks Adam. That reminds me my road trip experience in AU.

Hi Adam .I have been listening to your YouTubes for a long time. I got your lesson about the adjective and noun clause. I have also been reading a novel and from that I found the following sentence which I can not recognize if it is adec

……if it is adjective or noun clause. . It was like that was so imamazing Could you please explain it and where is the conjunction here

To be honest, I’m not sure what this sentence is saying to be honest. Can you give the sentence or a couple of sentences before it as well?

Thanks everyone,

Just a quick note (thanks to Regino for pointing it out): GPS is global positioning satellite system. Not sure why I tend to drop the system not the satellite (global positioning system). Anyway, keep the system, drop the satellite if you want ;).

Hi Adam and thanks for replying “The night before, she had freaked when Muhammad Ali, who was cumming out of retirement to try to become the first four-time world heavyweight Champion, was beaten convincingly by the current champ Larry Holmes.It was like that was symbolic.” the last sentence I asked you about. and I have another confusion sentence I will ask: “i was so glad Id tolerated those Teddy Kennedy posters on my Jeep and that I had not make an issue about my own political opinions.Because for the first time, I felt that I really, truly had a partner.” before these two sentences the author had told how the mentioned man has attracted his partner. and the question is about the second sentence I think there “Because” should be completed with extra sentence. It does make scene but the structure does not convince me. Thanks for your patient. Ali

You need to keep in mind that in creative writing, authors have more license to play with the grammar. The writer in this case separated the ‘because’ clause as its own sentence because he/she wanted to emphasize this point (for the first time). In this example the ‘because’ can even be left out.

you mentioned in the noun clause lesson about type of clause comes after the adjective working as adjective complement and it called noun clause as well. but in the lesson of dependent clause you mentioned to cause called that clause and you separated it as a dependent clause different from noun clause. That a bit confused me could you please explain it.I am too greedy in learning as I know all the lessons is free.

I separated it to make it less confusing. I wanted noun clauses to be thought of as objects or subjects, so I made it a complement on its own. It is technically a noun clause but can be used in many situations other than subject or object.

I ,herein, have to mention that I learned from engvid more than I learned from log term curse I had taken. The way you explain is the thing Ive gotten familiar with.So I do not like to ask some body else to address my weakness in English to avoid any confusion.

No worries ;)

appreciate friend.

Thank you Adam! a very nice lesson.

Hi Adam Thank you for your lessons. I have started to listen to your lessons 1 month. It’s very interesting for me. you are full of energy when you teach in your videos.

Welcome Farzadmakhmal :)

Nice tips! Thank you, Adam. You are a great teacher! =)

thanks, Adam, I love them I should watch more of your vids

Thanks for the lesson, Adam! It’s really useful and interesting as usual.

See you in your next video!

Adam, where are you my friend? Where are your videos? Will you not make lessons anymore?

I am great full to you for sharing this video. i wish i could do that in my life,and now i have experience how to be prepared.

This lesson Was great; when I was in Canada I made a trip from Montreal to Niagara falls, and all things that Adam said was necessary for me; I love Canada and I hope to return to that beautiful country. Thanks Adam, God bless you!!!!

Hi, Hadam, I hope you be well. thanks for this great class.see you!

Thank you, Adam. I got 10. You are great. Just like Roger Federer.

hi teacher i get lower mark in my first day in lesson

Very useful class ! Thanks

Tks… Enjoy the lesson!

Tanks you Adam, great lesson!

Thanks, Adam!It was too easy.

Adam, you tell of it very well . But still need to have a fire extinguisher (to fend off wild animals), a good book (to make smart look, when the rescures will find me) and a shovel (of course, if i will decide to dig a den in the snow). :)) No :)) these things for the other targets/ and i am not crazy))

good lesson thanks Adam

Great lesson with lot of vocabulary! As I live in Poland I’m familiar with speed traps, polish police loves to catch innocent people and they are always in need of money so.. I’ve never heard about HOV lane, and I doubt we have sth like that in our country, for me it even sounds weird. Canada must be beautiful, I would love to hit the road in Toronto and go to Vancouver, it must be great. Anyway GO GO Raptors! Thanks for the video

All Russian drivers have an empty glass. Just in case.

Thank u to my best teacher Adam I’ve learnt a lot since I discovered ur lessons keep up ur hard work as always :)

thanks teacher Adam for this useful lesson

Thanks for the quiz, I had no time to watch the video this time (I’m at the office :) ) but will make sure to do it next time since I missed some words. It’s amazing that venthough I speak very good English it’s like I used to tell my students “English it’s a matter of practice, practice, practice” :) :) and this page is amazing for that!

Huge thanks dear Adam, you’re the best!

thank you, Adam, you are the best teacher I have ever had.

Thank you for this lesson, i’m dying to do a road trip in Canada!

Thank you, Adam, for this great lesson for road trips.

10/10! I like travelling. My dream is driving a recreational vehicle around my country. Now, I don’t have enough time to realize my dream.

Summer… August, 17-18 PM… Good car, no grinding, no bumps, shocks do their work, soft rumbling of the Engine… 120 km/h, Long straight road ahead, the forest on the both sides, the Sun is slightly beneath the tops of the trees, it’s rays slightly touching the road surface, but give no allusion of the heat… gentle music, a dog on the rear seat, a good rifle on the front… full tank of gas and in an hour you will be in your country house with your family… Ufff :)

Hi Adam can you help me practice English?

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Travel Vocabulary

Do you often travel for business or for pleasure? Learn this essential travel vocabulary before your next trip!

Planning your journey

Some people book online , while others go to a travel agent and read the holiday brochures before buying tickets or making a hotel reservation .

You need to decide how much you want to pay for your flights. First-class or business class is the most expensive, while most people travel in economy class .

It’s also a good idea to buy some travel insurance before you go – just in case you have an accident or miss your flight . Independent travellers like to organise everything themselves, to avoid going to the same tourist traps (places where lots of tourists go). But some people prefer to book a package tour , where everything is paid in advance.

Travel vocabulary for flying

Most people travel by air – especially for a long-haul destination (somewhere far away) or for a short weekend break or city break . If you are travelling a long distance, you might have a layover (or stop-over ) for a few hours at an airport, or you might get a connecting flight (where you change aeroplanes).

When you arrive at the airport, you first check in at the check-in desk . If you have luggage for the hold , you weigh it here. Your luggage is taken onto the plane by baggage handlers (people who load the luggage on and off the plane.) You can take hand luggage with you onto the plane. You get a boarding pass (or boarding card ) to get on the aeroplane.

After this, you go through security (where your hand luggage is x-rayed ) and also through passport control , where your passport is checked. (You also go through passport control when you arrive at your destination.) In most airports you also see police and their sniffer dogs , who patrol for explosives. You can also go duty-free shopping , where you can buy things at a lower price. Check that you don’t go over ( = exceed) your duty-free allowance , or you will have to pay duty (tax) when you arrive at your destination.

When you are on the plane, the cabin crew look after you. There’s often an in-flight meal and the pilot usually makes an announcement about the flight route and flying altitude .

When you arrive, find out which baggage carousel your suitcases arrive on. Then when you collect your luggage, you need to go through customs and declare anything that you need to pay extra tax on. From there, you can take public transport to your hotel, get a taxi, or go to the car-rental desk – if you are going to hire / rent a car .

You can expect long queues in airports at certain times of the year, or if flights are delayed , for example. Sometimes, airport staff go on strike (stop work because of “industrial action”) which can also cause delays.

If the flying time is long, you can have jet lag when you arrive, as your body tries to adjust to the different time-zone .

Other means of travel

Here’s some more travel vocabulary if you are going somewhere by road, rail or sea.

If you take a road trip , you can go at your own pace . That means you can stop when you want. If you’re travelling in the UK, you can stop at the motorway services to fill up on petrol , get something to eat, or just for a comfort break (to use the toilet).

Travelling by rail can be a comfortable way to travel, especially if you have good seats and a buffet service (where you can buy food). It’s often cheaper to buy a return ticket (than two single tickets). Like travelling by air, you also have a choice of tickets: first class or second class .

If you travel by sea, you need to get to the port (for cruise ships ) or the ferry terminal . Both cruise ships and ferries have different decks , with the upper decks for passengers and the lower decks for cars or cargo.

More essential travel vocabulary words and phrases

suitcase = a large bag which goes in the hold of the aeroplane

baggage / luggage (uncountable noun) = everything that you take with you on holiday. “Do you have any hand luggage?” “The baggage handlers are on strike.”

oversize luggage = when your bag is very big (for example, if you are carrying skis) “There’s a special place to check in oversize luggage.”

handbag = a bag that women carry

backpack = a fabric suitcase that you carry on your back.

money belt = a fabric belt that you wear around your waist and where you put valuable things like your passport or money

travel documents = everything that you need to travel, such as passport and tickets

Travel Phrasal Verbs

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Planning a Road Trip: The Complete Guide

For many travelers, nothing beats a good old-fashioned road trip—you’re treated to scenic views along your journey, you have the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you please, you can set your own schedule, it’s usually less expensive than flying, and you can pack as many bags (and liquids!) as your heart desires. It’s no wonder 73 percent of Americans would rather road trip to their destination than fly, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ford.

As with any mode of transportation, there’s no shortage of tricks and tips to help make your road trip experience more enjoyable, efficient, safe and cost-friendly. Whether you’re prepping for your first time or you’re a bona fide veteran, your next road trip is sure to benefit from our complete planning guide.

Planning Your Trip

You can learn a lot about a traveler based on his or her road trip style. Some road trippers are content throwing a last-minute backpack in the trunk and letting their mood dictate the route and final destination. Others pre-plan every last detail for weeks, mapping out each rest stop and which sights to visit along the way. Most fall somewhere in the middle, combining a rough plan with a little carefree flexibility. And that’s the beauty of road tripping: it literally puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to control almost any variable except traffic, road construction, weather, and speed limits.

The destination and time of year you’re going should be taken into account when deciding how much or little to plan ahead. “During holidays and peak summer travel seasons, travelers should plan out their trip in advance, including booking their hotels and scheduling their activities,” says Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “If travelers are going to remote areas, they may even want to schedule their stops for gas and food.”

Additionally, if you’re heading to a city that’s hosting a special event (such as a festival, conference, or concert), it’s a wise move to pre-book your hotel room, rental or campsite—otherwise, you could end up sleeping in your vehicle upon arrival. For some road trippers, this is a right of passage; for others, a mistake they won’t soon repeat.

“Some attractions and parks have capacity limits, so plan those in advance if there is a must-do activity on your trip,” suggests Casselano. The same advice holds true for activities and national parks that require pre-purchased tickets or have a permit lottery system. 

Renting vs. Driving Your Own Vehicle

A couple weeks before your road trip, you’ll need to evaluate whether your vehicle is the most appropriate option for not only the road trip you’re planning, but the destination itself—and then determine if you need to rent a different vehicle before you hit the road. For instance, if you’re going camping or skiing, does it have enough cargo space for all your gear? If you’re heading to a mountainous region, will you need four-wheel drive or a higher ground clearance? If your car is leased, will this trip put you over your allotted mileage and result in extra charges from your dealership down the road? Is your vehicle older, unreliable, or in need of repairs? Are you headed to the beach, where a convertible would be more fun? There’s a lot to assess, so take your time and consider all vehicle specs accordingly.

And if you do decide to drive your own vehicle, make sure it’s up-to-date on maintenance in order to minimize the risk of a breakdown or accident. “Our cars have become so complex, it can be difficult to change out wiper blades or a headlamp yourself, let alone determine if your car is mechanically sound," says Fix.

Have a trusted mechanic check the tires and pressure, brakes, battery, engine, wiper blades, and top off engine oil and fluids as needed. Also, be sure to book your appointment far enough in advance of your road trip to allow adequate time for any repairs.

What to Bring

With luggage only limited by the amount of cargo space your vehicle has, it can be tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink when embarking on a road trip. Resist the urge and instead focus on practicality.

For starters, AAA recommends keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle. Consider the below list of things to include (depending on location and season), and be sure to replenish any depleted items as needed:

• Cell phone and car charger
• First-aid kit
• Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
• Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
• Basic set of tools, along with duct tape and car emergency warning devices (such as road flares or reflectors)
• Ice scraper/snow brush/shovel
• Jumper cables/jump pack
• Traction aid, such as sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter
• Tarp, raincoat, and gloves
• Paper map or printed directions (in case GPS or Wi-Fi aren’t working)
• A car sun shade

“If you’re heading from a warm climate to a cold climate, make sure to bring a snow brush, ice scraper, and hand warmers,” suggests Lauren Fix , an ASE-certified technician, race car driver and award-winning author of three automotive books. “And if you’re going into the mountains, you will need snow chains. If you’re heading from cold climate into warm, make sure to have washer fluid, paper towels, and glass cleaner to clean the bugs off your windshield.”

Next, you’ll need to pack clothes, toiletries, medications, prescription glasses or contacts, electronic devices and their corresponding chargers (camera, laptop, tablet, fitness watch, wireless earbuds , etc.), and any other necessities. Depending on the weather and your itinerary, don’t forget coats, rain jackets, hiking boots, an umbrella, and sunglasses. Plus, you’ll need to pack the required equipment for any planned or impromptu activities, such as swimsuits, beach and pool gear, and tennis rackets or golf clubs.

“If you are traveling with small children, bring extra food, supplies, and changes of clothes, and plan stops more frequently and around their feeding and nap schedule,” advises Casselano. It’s also a good idea to pack board games, a deck of cards, books, toys, a tablet filled with movies, their favorite pillow or blanket, and stuffed animals to keep little ones busy during the drive.

Budget-Friendly Tips

While traveling by car tends to be inherently cost-conscious, there are at least 10 ways to save money on a road trip that you may be overlooking. The following habits will help make your wallet even happier.

Be flexible. “Road trips are most popular during the summer and during the winter holidays when school is out of session,” says Casselano. “These are also the times of the year when travel is more expensive.” When possible, choose to travel during shoulder season or during the week for better deals on hotels and attractions.

Bring your own snacks. Snacks and road tripping go hand-in-hand, but purchasing food and drinks at each rest stop adds up fast. Instead, plan ahead for your cravings, and load up on your favorites at a big box retailer before you hit the road. You can also pack a cooler to keep everything fresh.

Download helpful apps. Don’t be shy about leaning on technology to act as your co-pilot. Use them to find the lowest gas prices (GasBuddy, which also made our list of the eight best travel apps for a Great American road trip ), the least-expensive routes (TollGuru), the least traffic, and construction (Waze), and the nearest public restroom (Flush).

Shop around for rentals. If you decide renting a car is the way to go, follow these tips to save the most: Compare prices at various locations around the city (airport locations typically cost the most), consider discount brands, namedrop your memberships (such as AAA or Costco), and reserve the most economic car tier you and your travel companions will feel comfortable driving in (you may even luck out with an upgrade due to supply/demand on the day you pick it up).

Increase fuel efficiency. Aside from saving at the pump, you can also manage your fuel efficiency by avoiding roof-based luggage when possible (which makes the car less aerodynamic), driving at or below the speed limit, using cruise control on long stretches of open road, and keeping your tires properly inflated.

There’s a palpable sense of excitement when hopping in the car for a road trip that truly stands apart from other forms of transportation. The open road is positively brimming with possibilities, so feel free to choose the road less traveled. With each trip, you’ll gain a better sense of how to plan, what you’ll tweak next time, and, most importantly, where the next adventure will take you.

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Road Trip Vocabulary: Part One

Today, I will teach you about useful English vocabulary for traveling especially for that classic American tradition: the road trip.

To memorize this vocabulary, read the text a couple of times, write your own little text using the vocabulary below and imagine where you would like to travel in the United States. As an English coach and teacher, I always tell my English students that one of the best ways to learn about America is to drive across the country experiencing as many places as possible, and not only checking out the sights . To experience America, is to see how diverse it is regionally, locally and so on; to realize how one’s own perception of space shifts while driving down long roads under seemingly endless skies; to understand how this vast land has shaped the mythology of America for better and for worse.

And, of course, you can’t drive in complete silence so let’s roll down the windows and put on some music to kick your highway journey into high gear. Here is a little playlist : 

“Born to be Wild”- Steppenwolf

“Cruisin’” - Smokey Robinson

“On the Road Again” - Willie Nelson

“Little Red Corvette” - Prince

“Going Back to Cali” - L.L. Cool J

“Sweet Home Alabama” - Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Route 66”- Chuck Berry

“Take me Home Country Roads”- John Denver

“America”- Simon & Garfunkel

“Holiday Road” - Lindsey Buckingham

“Love Shack - B-52’s

“Ride Like the Wind” - Christoper Cross

“Fast Car” - Tracy Chapman

“Hit the Road Jack” - Ray Charles

“Mustang Sally” - Wilson Pickett

“I Drove All Night” - Roy Orbison

“California Dreamin’” - The Mamas and the Papas

Now imagine, to drive across the country from the East Coast of the U.S. to the West Coast, you start your journey in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. You will first hit the road driving out of the city towards Richmond, Virginia. There you will probably hit some traffic on the way down to North Carolina for a quick stop in Durham. There is a wonderful coffee/chocolate place, called Cocoa Cinnamon, you want to check out while passing through on your way to your first overnight stay in Charleston, South Carolina. While in Durham, you get hungry and decide to get some amazing arepas from a place called Guasaca. You have heard great things about that place and don’t want to miss the chance to try their wonderful Colombian/Venezuelan treats . After filling up your belly with some arepas and hot chocolate drinks, you leave Durham to get back on the highway towards Charleston. On your way to South Carolina, you get thirsty and decide to pull over at a gas station to buy some water. There you also walk around for a bit to stretch out your legs and get some fresh air. Then you get back on the highway. After a couple of hours of driving through North Carolina and parts of South Carolina, you take the exit to Charleston. Your GPS is telling you to drive into the city to get to your hotel. There you check in quickly because you realize that you are super tired. You take the elevator up to your room , walk down the corridor leading to your room , and unlock the door to your room where you, immediately, put on/turn on the TV and fall asleep . The next day, you take the elevator down to check out, get back into your car , pull out of your parking spot and drive off. After a while, you cross into Georgia where you want to make an overnight stop in Savannah. You put on some more music and drive down the road excited about all the adventures ahead of you ....

To be continued...

ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

in Icebreakers + Warm-Ups · Listening · Reading · Speaking · Writing

Travel & Holidays ESL Games, Worksheets | ESL Travel Activities

If you need some fresh, new ideas for the ESL travel and holiday unit that you can find in most textbooks, then you’re in the right place. We’ll share our top ideas for games and activities, along with travel vocabulary, worksheets and lesson plans. Let’s get to the best ESL holiday activities.

ESL holiday and travel-themed activities

Let’s get into everything you need to know for an ESL holiday lesson. Keep on reading!

ESL Travel and Holiday Activities

Here are the top ESL travel activities that you may want to try out with your students.

#1: Plan a Trip

Have your students plan a dream vacation in English! Instead of researching in their first language, use Google in English. In order to practice writing, keep notes only in English. Here’s an example of how you might plan your trip using English. You can have your students add as little, or as much detail as you’d like. However, the point of the activity is to practice writing in point form which is useful when writing outlines for tests or essays.

Day 1: Monday, January 1

Fly Seoul (3pm) —-> Vancouver (7am) Check in Hotel ABC, 123 Avenue Rest, relax

Day 2: Tuesday, January 2

Stay Hotel ABC Tour Stanley Park Eat Pub XYZ dinner

Day 3: Wednesday, January 3

Check out Hotel ABC Rent car Budget 123 Drive Whistler Rent skis shop ABC Go Skiing Lunch ski lodge Check in Hotel ABC Whistler Bed early

Procedure for one of my favourite ESL travel activities:

• Give students time to do some Internet research about a place they want to go. It’s helpful to specify the number of days. I generally make a rule that they must do this research in English. Suggest some helpful websites where they might like to start (Trip Advisor, Air BnB, etc.).
• Students can make a day-by-day itinerary of what they’re trip is going to look like.
• They can share about their trip with the class or turn it in for a graded assignment.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 78 Pages - 03/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#2: A-Z Alphabet Game

If you know that your students already know a fair bit about holiday and travel, you may want to try this quick warm-up game. Or, you could consider using it as a review game at the end of a class.

The way it works is that students, in pairs or small groups write down the alphabet on a piece of paper. Then, they have to think of one travel related word for each letter. It doesn’t have to be done in order. For example:

P: Passport

The winner is the team with the most completed letters at the end of the allotted time. Do you want to find out more? Check this out: A-Z Alphabet Game ESL .

#3: Travel Word Association

This is nice ESL activity to do if you know that your students have studied about travel and holidays before. They can shout out vocabulary words related to this and you can make a mind map or sorts on the board. Group similar things together. For example, articles of clothing.

Find out more about this quick ESL warmer right here: ESL Vocabulary Word Association.

• 146 Pages - 06/18/2020 (Publication Date)

#4: Postcards ESOL Travel Activity

If you can get your hands on some cheap postcards or have some laying around your house or teacher’s office, try out this fun writing activity. It may just be the novelty factor, but students seem to love it. This activity is ideal for working on common greetings, the past tense (more ideas here: ESL past tense games ), and using descriptive words, as well as using synonyms to avoid repetition.

Distribute the postcards to the students. You can do one per student, or put the students into pairs. They have to look at the picture on the front of the postcard and imagine that they went on this vacation. Then, they can write about their trip to a friend or family member.

Next, the students trade postcards with another student or group. After reading them, they can write a response back of at least a few sentences. Finally, you may want to display them around the class as they’re colourful and fun and other students may enjoy reading them! Have some fun with this ESOL travel activity.

• Give each student or pair a postcard. They look at the picture and imagine what they did on that vacation, and then pretend that they’re writing to a friend or family member.
•  Exchange postcards and another student or group have to write a response to what they read.
• Display the postcards around your classroom (optional).

#5: Travel or Holiday Videos

I’m ALL about using videos with my ESL/EFL students. They’re fun, engaging and a nice way to grab student’s attention and introduce a topic. Of course, you can base an entire class around one too if you design the activities well.

If you want to find out more about using them in your classes and some activities and games to do with them, you’ll want to check this out: Using Videos for Teaching English .

#6: Dictogloss ESOL Travel Activity

This is a challenging activity that works on listening and writing skills. Find a short story related to holiday or travel. It could even be a description of your own vacation that you took recently.

Then, you read out the story to your students in a way that is a bit challenging for them to catch every word. Students have to take notes and then try to reconstruct what they heard based on their notes in small groups. You can read it again so that students have a chance to make some additions or corrections. Finally, students compare their version with the original.

Do you want to try it out with your students? You can learn more about one of the best ESL travel activities here: ESL Dictogloss Activity .

#7: Holidays ESL Lesson Plan

It’s easy to plan an ESL lesson about any topic, including holidays. Check out this video for the steps to follow:

#8: Yes/No Questions and Answers

If you think about it, holidays and travel lend themselves to a ton of yes/no questions. For example:

• Did you fly or drive?
• Did you eat some delicious things?
• Was the food good?
• Did you have nice weather?

If you want to see some activities or games to work on these kinds of questions, you’ll want to check this out: Yes/No Activities and Games.

• 279 Pages - 07/12/2020 (Publication Date)

#9: ESL Food Activities and Games

I’m not sure if it’s the same for you, but when I travel, it’s ALL about the food. I want to try all the delicious things where I’m staying! The good news is that I have a ton of fun, interactive games and activities for food. You can easily adapt most of them to focus on holidays.

You can find out more details here: ESL Food Activities.

#10: ESL Surveys

I love to use surveys in my classes because they lend themselves to just about any topic. In the case of travel, they’re ideal for working on the present perfect and simple past together.

For example:

Have you ever travelled to another country?

Where did you go?

If you want to know more about how to design and use surveys in your classes for an ESL travel lesson, then you’ll want to check this out: Surveys for ESL Students.

ESL Travel Games and Activities

I also love to use ESL surveys to get students to express an opinion in English.

#11: Present Perfect Activities Related to Travel

The present perfect is often used to talk about vacations, travel and holidays. For example:

• Have you ever been to another country?
• Have you travelled to ______ before?

In order to incorporate this grammatical construction into some of your lesson, you’ll want to check this out: Present Perfect ESL Activities.

#12: Brochure Scanning

This is an excellent travel activity! You’ll have to get your hands on some travel brochures first. The way it works is that students get tons of practice with a reading sub-skill (scanning) because they have to look quickly through the brochures to find specific bits of information. For example, cost or number or days.

Do you want to try out this reading activity? You can find out all the details here: Brochure Scanning Reading Activity for ESL .

#13: Odd One Out ESL Warmer

This is a quick English warm-up activity that you can try out with your students. The way it works is that you write words, in groups of 4 on the board. 3 are similar and 1 is the odd one out. Students have to choose this one and say why it doesn’t fit. For example:

Bathing suit, sunglasses, boots, flip-flops

Answers: Boots because it’s not for a beach vacation. I accept many different answers as long as students support it well.

You can learn more about this ESL warm-up here: Odd One Out for ESL .

• 87 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date)

#14: Would you Rather? 

I’m sure you’ve done this before with friends. You have to choose between two negative things, or two positive things. For example, how you want to die, or what you want to eat. In this case, students could choose between two types of vacation. For example:

Would you rather have a beach or forest vacation?

Would you rather stay in a big hotel, or an AirBNB?

Learn more about this nice activity for an ESL travel lesson here: ESL Would You Rather?

• 81 Pages - 06/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#15: Task Based Activity: Dream Vacation

I love to incorporate this style of teaching into my holiday lessons. It allows students more freedom to choose what they want to learn about and also builds opportunities for some serious teamwork.

In this case, I’ll have students work in groups of 2-3 to plan a dream vacation. They can do some research to find out all the details including how to get there, food, budget, where to stay, etc. Then, they either have to write a report and hand it in to me and/or do a short presentation to the class.

Need some more ideas for this style of a lesson? Check this out: Task-Based Learning .

#16: Travel Themed Charades

I love to play charades with my students. The way it works is that you can think of some travel-related phrases. For example:

• Flying on a plane
• Sleeping on a bus
• Eating noodles
• Buying souvenirs

Then, students have to act this out and their teammates have to guess what the phrase is. More details here: ESL Charades.

#17: Travel Journal

Encourage students to keep a travel journal for a fictional trip. They can describe their experiences, sights, and sounds, using new vocabulary.

Travel and Holidays ESL

#18: Eliciting in an ESL Travel Lesson

Unless your students are absolute beginners, then it’s likely that they already know a good amount of travel and holiday vocabulary. That’s often why I like to start off my ESL traveling lesson by using some eliciting techniques. There are two main reasons for this.

The first reason is that it’s possible to find out what the students already know about this topic to avoid wasting class time covering these things. The second is that it helps students activate their prior knowledge about travel/holidays to make the new things they learn more memorable. Learn how to do this tactic for an ESL holiday lesson here:

ESL Eliciting Advice .

#19: Travel Listening Lesson

A nice way to talk about any topic is through a listening lesson. In this case, find a conversation between two people talking about an upcoming vacation plan. Or, someone talking about a favourite vacation from the past (it could even be you). Then, design an entire listening lesson around that. Find out how here:

#20: Idiom ESL Traveling Activity

There are lots of idioms related to holidays, travel and transportation. Here are just a few of them:

• All hands on deck
• To send flying
• Bump in the road
• Off the rails
• Train wreck
• Asleep at the wheel
• Fall off the wagon
• Hit the road

One of the best ways to make these idioms super memorable is to do this fun activity. Afterwards, your students will never forget! Learn more about this ESL activity:

Idiom Activity for Language Learners .

#21: Concentration ESL Traveling Vocabulary

One of the best ways to review new words during an ESL holiday or travel lesson is to play this memory game. Depending on the level of the students, make some matching pairs of cards with the following:

• Word/picture
• Word/definition
• Word/clue about the word

Then in small groups, students play the game to find the matches. Find out all the details about how to set it up and play:

ESL Concentration Game .

#22: Speaking Fluency Activity

To use this activity with a unit on holidays or travel, have students talk about a past, or upcoming vacation.

#23: Me Too!

Students have to make a true statement about themselves related to holidays and travelling. For example:

• I’ve been to Japan.
• I hate the beach.
• My family goes on a big vacation every summer.

If other students can agree, they stand up and say, “Me too!”

#24: Labour Day Guessing Game

#25: Holiday Interviews

Pair students and have them interview each other about their favorite holidays. They can then present their partner’s holiday to the class.

#26: Travel Bingo

Create bingo cards with images or words related to travel and holidays. Students mark off the squares as they learn new vocabulary.

#27: Travel-Themed Role-Plays

Set up role-plays where students act as travelers, airport staff, or hotel receptionists. This helps them practice common travel dialogues.

#28: Travel Vocabulary Pictionary

Play Pictionary using travel-related words. Students take turns drawing and guessing the vocabulary words.

#29: Travel Storytelling

Ask students to create and share short stories about a memorable travel experience they’ve had or wish to have in the future.

#30: Travel Debate

Have students debate the pros and cons of traveling. This encourages critical thinking and speaking skills.

Travel and Holiday Vocabulary

Here are some of the most common vocabulary words that you may want to teach your students related to traveling for an ESL holiday lesson.

• bathing suit
• boarding pass
• vaccination
• The months of the year in English

Do you have any ESL travelling vocabulary that you’d like us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know!

Travel Worksheets and Lesson Plans for ESL

If you’re looking for some worksheets or lesson plans related to holidays and travel, then you’ll want to check out some of our top resource recommendations:

ESOL Courses

ISL Collective

Lingua House

ESL Travel Vocabulary Worksheets

If you want students to get some practice with ESL travel vocab, here are a few recommendations:

English Club

Did you Like these Travel Games for ESL?

• 68 Pages - 11/12/2019 (Publication Date)

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book: The Emergency English Teacher: No-Textbook, No-Prep, No-Materials ESL Activities.

If you’re always in need of last-minute activities and games for your classes, then this book is exactly what you might need. It’s English teaching made easy in a serious way.

You can get the book in digital or print formats. Take the e-version with you to your favourite coffee shop for lesson planning on the go. Or, keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide. But the best idea is to have it with you at all times for those English teaching emergencies.

Do you want to find out more? Head on over to Amazon to pick up your copy today:

FAQs about ESL Travel Lessons

There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching this unit. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What is the purpose of teaching the travel and holiday unit to English learners?

The purpose is to help English learners develop vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills related to travel and holidays.

What topics can be covered within the travel and holiday unit?

Topics can include modes of transportation, booking accommodations, tourist attractions, holiday activities, travel phrases, and cultural aspects of different destinations.

How can I introduce vocabulary related to travel and holidays?

You can introduce vocabulary through visual aids, realia (actual objects), flashcards, and interactive activities such as matching games or vocabulary quizzes.

What grammar structures can be taught in the travel and holiday unit?

Grammar structures such as present simple for schedules and timetables, past simple for recounting travel experiences, future tenses for making travel plans, and modal verbs for expressing preferences or asking for permission can be taught.

What speaking activities can be used to practice travel and holiday-related topics?

Role-plays, group discussions about dream destinations, travel itineraries, or describing holiday experiences are effective speaking activities. Additionally, pair work activities like “Find Someone Who” or “Guess the Destination” can engage learners in conversation.

ESL Travel Activities and Games: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts about these Holiday ESL activities? Do you have another one that you’d like to recommend to us? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource for ESOL travel lessons.

ESL Travel Lesson

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About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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Best-selling author and English teacher Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL activities and games since 2015. The goal is to bring you the best ideas, lesson plans, and activity recommendations for your TEFL classes.

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ESL Lesson Plan: Travel Plans

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• TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
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This English lesson plan helps reinforce  vocabulary related to traveling  by asking students to plan trips and excursions based on the profile of different groups of travelers. It is helpful to use local newspapers, especially newspapers that provide local events, to give students ideas of real places to visit. Most large cities have specialty newspapers that focus on local events and attractions available for free throughout the city.

Instructions for Teachers

The lesson begins with students deciding which types of groups are going to take a trip. Based on which group of travelers are going, students then use resources to plan out a short stay in a specific city or area of the country. Of course, you can choose to have students focus on distant locations. If you are teaching English in another country, it's probably best to vary this and focus on traveling abroad to allow the use of English place names.

Lesson Aims: Completing a small group task using the internet and other resources available in English, describing a travel destination and itinerary in detail

Activity: Planning a short trip to a specific location based on different traveler types

Level: Intermediate  

Lesson Plan

As a class, discuss what types of locations, travel plans, etc. might be suitable for these different types of travelers:

• A married couple on a honeymoon
• Two friends who are attending college
• Two business people 

As a class, discuss which resources students can use to make travel plans. There are many travel websites online that offer all the necessary tools for scheduling a trip. If available, use a projector and walk through the process of finding round trip flight tickets and hotels on a travel site. 

Using the worksheet below, break students up into pairs or small groups (maximum of 4) assigning a pair of travelers to each group. Have students come up with detailed plans for each travel group. After each group has finished, have them present their travel plans to the entire class.

Variation: To extend this activity, ask students to create a presentation using PowerPoint or another similar software application. Students should find photos and write up bullet points for each of the activities to include in the presentation . 

Plan a Trip to ___________ for the Following Travel Groups:

Honeymooners

Mary and Tim have just married and are in the mood for a great honeymoon to celebrate their eternal love for each other. Make sure to include lots of romantic options and some excellent meals to mark this happy event.

College Friends

Alan and Jeff are attending college together and are looking to have a wild week of fun and adventure. They love going to clubs and partying hard, but they don't have a lot of money to eat at fine restaurants. 

Cultured Couples

The Andersons and the Smiths are married couples that have been friends for years. Their children are grown up and have their own families. Now, they enjoy traveling together and place a great deal of emphasis on visiting sights of cultural significance. They also love going to concerts and eating fine food. 

Business People

These business people are interested in opening up a new company at your chosen location. They need to find out about the area, meet local business people, and discuss their proposal with local government.

Family with Children

The McCarthur family has three children aged 2, 5, and 10. They love spending time outdoors and have a limited budget for eating out. They aren't interested in entertainment, but the parents like to take the children to important museums to help with their cultural education. 

Peter and Dan

Peter and Dan married a few years ago. They love to explore gay hot spots in cities they travel to, as well as do traditional sight-seeing tours. They are also gourmets who spend up to $500 on good meals, so they'd like to go to at least one top rated restaurant. 

Travel Planning Sheet

Fill in the information to complete the vacation plans.

Dates / Times: Cost:

How many nights?: Cost:

Rental car yes/no? If yes, cost:

Trips / Sightseeing for the day: Cost:

Restaurants / Eating: Where?: Cost:

Evening entertainment: What / Where? Cost:

Add as many days as necessary to your travel planning sheet.

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Topic: Planning a Trip/ Travel

Travel Vocabulary

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Travel and exploration are integral parts of the human experience, offering opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and learning. If you're a language learner, understanding the travel vocabulary can enrich your travel experiences and communication. This guide aims to expand your vocabulary by introducing various trip-related terms, making your next adventure even more rewarding.

Vacation vocabulary

Leisure trips are all about exploring and enjoying the world at your own pace. They offer a chance to escape from the daily grind and indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether you're seeking a tranquil beach holiday or an exciting city adventure, leisure trips cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.

• Vacation . A general term for a leisure trip away from home for relaxation and enjoyment.
• Staycation . Enjoying a vacation in your own city or home, exploring local attractions.
• Cruise . A journey by ship, visiting different places, often with entertainment on board.
• Safari . An adventurous trip to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, usually in Africa.
• Road Trip . A long-distance journey on the road, typically by car, exploring multiple destinations.
• Backpacking . Traveling with minimal luggage, often on a budget, and staying in hostels or camping.
• Pilgrimage . A religious journey to a sacred place or site of importance to a particular faith.
• Retreat . A trip focused on relaxation, wellness, or spiritual growth, often in a secluded place.
• Honeymoon . A romantic trip taken by newlyweds shortly after their wedding.
• City Break . A short vacation spent in a city, exploring its culture, history, and attractions.

Leisure trips are a fantastic way to recharge your batteries and create memorable experiences. They provide an opportunity to explore new cultures, indulge in your hobbies, or simply relax in a new environment. As a language learner, this vacation vocabulary can be a wonderful opportunity to practice language skills in real-world settings.

Types of Business Trips

Business trips are primarily focused on professional development and work-related tasks. However, they can also offer unique opportunities to explore new cities, cultures, and experiences. These trips are a great way to network, learn, and grow in your professional field while sometimes enjoying a bit of leisure.

• Conference . A formal gathering for discussion, typically involving experts in a particular field.
• Seminar . A meeting for training or sharing information on a specific topic or industry.
• Trade Show . An event where companies in a specific industry showcase and demonstrate their new products.
• Corporate Retreat . A getaway with colleagues or clients, often for team-building or strategic planning.
• Networking Event . An event focused on meeting and interacting with professionals in your field.
• Site Visit . A trip to inspect or review a location for business purposes, such as potential investments.
• Client Meeting . Traveling to meet with clients or potential clients, often to discuss business opportunities.
• Incentive Trip . A reward trip given to employees for achieving specific business goals.
• Research Trip . Traveling to gather information or data for a project, study, or business development.
• Lecture Tour . A series of lectures given by a speaker in different locations.

Business trips can be more than just meetings and conferences; they can be enriching experiences that broaden your professional and personal horizons. They offer the chance to develop new skills, meet diverse people, and understand different business cultures. For language learners, they provide a practical context to apply language skills in a professional environment.

Adventure and Special Interest Trips

Adventure and special interest trips are designed for those who seek more than just a getaway. These trips cater to specific passions or hobbies, offering unique and immersive experiences. Whether it’s diving into the deep sea, hiking through mountains, or exploring culinary delights, these trips promise excitement and personal growth.

• Eco-Tour . A trip focused on observing and appreciating natural environments, often involving conservation efforts.
• Ski Trip . A journey to a ski resort for skiing or snowboarding.
• Culinary Tour . A trip centered around experiencing and learning about local cuisines and cooking techniques.
• Volunteer Tourism . Traveling to offer your services for free, often for humanitarian, educational, or environmental causes.
• Scuba Diving Trip . A journey specifically to engage in scuba diving, often in exotic marine locations.
• Photography Tour . A trip focused on taking photographs, usually guided by a professional photographer.
• Wine Tasting Tour . A trip to visit vineyards and wineries, sampling different types of wines.
• Music Festival . Traveling to attend a music festival, often featuring various artists and genres.
• Historical Tour . A journey focusing on visiting historical sites and learning about the past.
• Wildlife Tour . A trip specifically to observe and learn about wildlife in their natural habitats.

Adventure and special interest trips provide enriching experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Understanding these traveling words, you amy delve deep into your interests, challenge yourself, and create unforgettable memories. For language learners, these trips are a way to connect with others who share your interests and to practice language skills in specialized contexts.

Educational Trips

Educational trips are journeys with the primary purpose of learning and gaining knowledge. They are an excellent way for you to immerse yourself in a new environment while acquiring new skills or information. These trips can range from school field trips to academic research expeditions.

• Field Trip . A short journey by students and teachers to explore and learn outside the classroom.
• Study Abroad . Traveling to another country to study at a foreign educational institution.
• Language Immersion . A trip focused on learning and practicing a foreign language in its native environment.
• Cultural Exchange . Traveling to experience and learn about a different culture, often living with a local family.
• Archaeological Expedition . A journey to excavate and study historical or prehistoric sites.
• Educational Cruise . A sea voyage that includes lectures and learning activities related to various subjects.
• Research Expedition . Traveling specifically for academic or scientific research purposes.
• Art Tour . A trip visiting museums, galleries, and art studios to study art and art history.
• Historical Reenactment . Participating in recreations of historical events or eras.
• Astronomy Camp . A trip focused on observing celestial objects and learning about astronomy.

Educational trips offer a unique blend of travel and learning experiences. They allow you to explore new places while expanding your knowledge and skills. These trips are not just about seeing new sights but also about deepening your understanding of the world.

Wellness and Health Trips

Wellness and health trips focus on improving your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. They are perfect for rejuvenating your body and mind, offering a break from the stresses of everyday life. These trips can range from spa retreats to fitness boot camps.

• Spa Retreat . A relaxing trip to a spa, focusing on health and beauty treatments.
• Yoga Retreat . A journey to practice yoga, often in a serene and natural setting.
• Medical Tourism . Traveling to another country for medical treatment or surgery.
• Detox Retreat . A trip focused on cleansing the body through special diets and therapies.
• Fitness Boot Camp . A rigorous exercise-focused trip, often with personal training and nutrition advice.
• Thermal Bath . A trip to hot springs or thermal baths for relaxation and health benefits.
• Meditation Retreat . A journey to practice meditation, often in a peaceful and secluded location.
• Holistic Healing . Traveling to receive alternative therapies for overall wellness.
• Adventure Therapy . Engaging in outdoor activities as a form of physical and mental therapy.
• Weight Loss Camp . A dedicated program focused on exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes for weight loss.

Wellness and health trips provide an opportunity to focus on your personal well-being. They offer a chance to step away from your daily routine and focus on health, relaxation, and self-care. These journeys are not just about travel; they're about transforming your life for the better.

In this guide, you’ve explored a wide range of traveling terms. From leisure vacations to business conferences, and adventure tours to culinary expeditions, each term opens a window to a new world of experiences. As a language learner, you now have a richer vocabulary to share your travel stories, plan your adventures, or navigate your business trips.

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ESL Taking a Trip Vocabulary

People often want to visit places with their friends, so you will need the words on this ESL taking a trip vocabulary page to be able to join in the conversation. This means that you will be able say what you want to do when visiting new and interesting places.

This page has a vocabulary list with definitions of lots of words about taking a trip. You should try to learn as many of them as possible so you will be able to use them in conversations or understand them when other people speak. After the vocabulary list there is a set of flashcards with all the vocabulary items that you can download and use anywhere to learn the words. Then the words in the ESL taking a trip vocabulary list have been included as recordings of a native English speaker pronouncing the words.

After all of that there are then three exercises for you to do that will test your understanding of some of the ESL taking a trip vocabulary. The exercise are as follows:

• Identification of the definition of a word.
• Identification of the word that matches a definition.
• Identification of word that matches a picture.

ESL Taking a Trip Vocabulary List with Definitions

This section has the ESL taking a trip vocabulary list so you can learn all the words and their simple definitions, or you can just use it as a reference source. If you want to learn the items offline you can down load the flashcards that follow it. Then finally there are a couple of recordings of the ESL taking a trip vocabulary list being spoken by a native English speaker.

Aircraft: A vehicle that can fly. (noun) Airfare: The money paid to travel by airplane.  (noun) Airline: A company that provides scheduled flights for carrying passengers to different places.  (noun) Airport: A place where airplanes land and take off and which is equipped with terminal buildings and hangars.  (noun) Airplane: A vehicle that has a fixed wing and is powered by propeller or jets.  (noun) Aisle: A long narrow passage between seating areas in a passenger vehicle.  (noun) Arrivals area: The area of an airport where incoming passengers arrive.  (noun) Baggage: The bags or cases used to carry belongings when traveling.  (noun) Baggage claim: An area in an airport where arriving passengers collect their baggage.  (noun) Board: To get onto trains, buses, ships, etc.  (verb) Boarding pass: A card that allows you to board a ship or plane.  (noun) Cab: A car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money (same as taxi) (American English).  (noun) Cabin: 1) A room on a ship where passengers can sleep. 2) A space in an airplane where passengers sit.  (noun) Check-in: To announce your arrival at a hotel or airport.  (verb) Connecting train/flight: A different train/flight taken from a station/airport other than that from which the journey started.  (noun) Cottage: A small house in the country.  (noun) Cruise: An ocean trip taken for pleasure.  (noun) Cruise ship: A passenger ship used commercially for pleasure cruises.  (noun) Currency: The money that is used as a medium of exchange in a particular country.  (noun) Customs: The procedure for examining baggage and freight, paying duty, etc.  (noun) Depart: To move away from a place into another direction.  (verb) Departure: The act of departing.  (noun) Departure board: A board in an airport, bus terminal, or train station which displays the times and destinations of future departures.  (noun) Departure lounge: A lounge in an airport where passengers can wait before the departure of their flight.  (noun) Destination: A place where you end your journey.  (noun) Domestic flight: A flight that begins and ends in the same country.  (noun) Duty-free: Goods that you can bring into a country without paying tax on them.  (noun) Embark: To get onto a ship or airplane.  (verb) Excursion: A short journey taken for pleasure, usually by a group of people.  (noun) Excess baggage: Baggage that weighs more than the maximum amount each passenger is allowed to carry without paying extra fees.  (noun) Fare: The money paid to use public transport, such as bus, plane, taxi, etc.  (noun) Flight: A journey made by air transport, especially by plane.  (noun) Flight attendant: A person whose job is to serve and take care of passengers in a plane.  (noun) Foreign: In or from a country that is not your own.  (adjective) Foreigner: A person who comes from a different country or who does not belong in a particular place.  (noun) Gate: A way out of an airport terminal through which passengers go to get on their plane.  (noun) Getaway: (1) A short holiday or vacation.  (noun)  (2) A place that is suitable for a holiday or vacation.  (noun) Guide: A person who shows tourists around interesting places.  (noun) Guided tour: An activity of walking around a town, building, etc. accompanied by a guide.  (noun) Hand luggage: The small bags that passengers can carry into an airplane.  (noun) Holiday: A period when a break is taken from work or studies for rest, travel, or recreation.   (noun) Hostel: A building that provides cheap accommodation and meals to travelers.  (noun) Hotel: A building where people pay to stay and eat meals.  (noun) Immigration officer: A person who examines the passports, visas, etc. of foreign nationals entering a country at an airport, port, etc.  (noun) Inn: A small hotel, usually in the country side.  (noun) Itinerary: A plan or list of places to be visited on a journey, including the route.  (noun) Jet lag: The feeling of being tired and slightly confused after flying a very long distance because of a time difference between the places left and arrived.  (noun) Journey: An act of travelling from one place to another, especially over a long distance.  (noun) Keepsake: A small object or gift that reminds you of a person or an event.  (noun) Knapsack: A bag that you carry on your shoulders.  (noun) Landing: The action of bringing an aircraft down to the ground after being in the air.  (noun) Leisure time: When you are not working or studying and can relax or do things you enjoy.  (noun) Lodge: To pay to live in a room in someone’s house.  (noun) Lodging: A place to stay.  (noun) Luggage label: A piece of paper attached to luggage that gives information about it.  (noun) Luggage: Bags or cases that you carry when you are travelling.  (noun) Map: A drawing of a particular area, such as city or country, which shows its roads, rivers, mountains, etc.  (noun) Motel: A hotel for people who are travelling by car, where they can park a car outside their room.  (noun) Off-peak:  A time when less people take trips and tickets are usually cheaper.  (adjective) Ocean liner: A passenger ship that travels on the ocean.  (noun) Overnight bag: A bag for holding clothes and other necessities when staying away from home for one night or a short period of time.  (noun) Pack: To put things into bags, cases, etc. in preparation for a trip somewhere.  (verb) Passage: A journey on a ship.  (noun) Passport: An official document that you get from your government that identifies who you are, and which you need to use to leave your country and enter other countries.  (noun) Peak time: A time when the greatest number of people are travelling.  (noun) Platform: The raised area beside a railway track where you get on and off a train in a station.  (noun) Port: A place where ships load and unload goods.  (noun) Return: A ticket for a trip to a place and back again.  (noun) Resort: A place where a lot of people go for holidays.  (noun) Safari: A trip to seen or hunt wild animals.  (noun) Sail: To travel across an area of water in a boat or ship.  (verb) Scenery: The natural features of a beautiful landscape.  (noun) Shore: The land along the edge of a large area of water such as an ocean or lake.  (noun) Shuttle: A plane, bus, or train that makes regular short journeys between two places.  (noun) Single: A ticket for a one-way trip to a place.  (noun) Sights: Anything worth seeing, such as attractions, events, etc.  (noun) Sightseeing: The activity of visiting the famous or interesting sights of a place.  (noun) Ski lodge: A small hotel where skiers may stay on a skiing trip.  (noun) Souvenir: An object that you buy or keep that reminds you of a special occasion or a place you have visited.  (noun) Stopover: A temporary stop for a day or two during a long trip.  (noun) Suitcase: A large case with a handle, used for carrying clothes and belongings when travelling.  (noun) Take-off: The time when a plane leaves the ground and begins to fly.  (noun) Taxi: A car with a driver that you pay to take you somewhere (same as cab) (British English).  (noun) Taxi rank: A place where taxis wait for customers.  (noun) Terminal: A large building at an airport where passengers arrive and leave.  (noun) Ticket: A small piece of printed paper which shows that you have paid to travel on a bus, plane, train, etc.  (noun) Tour: 1) A journey for pleasure, during which you visit places of interest along the route.  (noun)  2) A short trip through a place to see it.  (noun) Tourist: 1) A person who travels for pleasure.  (noun)  2) A person on a sightseeing tour.  (noun) Tourist trap: A place that many tourists visit, but where accommodation and meals are more expensive.  (noun) Train: A line of carriages pulled along a railway by a locomotive.  (noun) Tram: A passenger vehicle powered by electricity that runs on rails along the streets.  (noun) Transit system: The public transport which allows people to travel from one place to another.  (noun) Tramway: The tracks that form the route of a tram.  (noun) Travel: To move from one place to another using a vehicle, usually over a long distance.  (verb) Trip: A journey to visit a place for a particular purpose.  (noun) Unpack: To remove things from of a suitcase, bag, box, etc.  (verb) Vacation: Leisure time away from work or studies in order to rest or for pleasure.   (noun) Visa: A stamp or an official mark put on your passport that gives you permission to enter or leave a foreign country.  (noun) Voyage: A long journey to some distant place in a ship.  (noun) Wander: A short relaxed walk around a place.  (noun) Yacht: A large sailing boat with a place to sleep on board that is used for pleasure trips.  (noun)

Vocabulary Flashcards for Taking a Trip Words

The following ESL taking a trip vocabulary flashcards can be downloaded as a pdf document by either clicking the picture or link that follows it. You can then use then whenever you are not at your computer.

Taking a trip vocabulary flashcards

Spoken Taking a Trip Vocabulary

This section has two recordings of the ESL taking a trip vocabulary. The first is just a simple recording that you can listen to, while the second is a video that shows the flashcards at the same time as the vocabulary is spoken by a native English speaker. This will help you learn the correct pronunciation for the ESL taking a trip vocabulary. 

ESL Taking a Trip Vocabulary Exercises

Exercise 1 – correct definition.

For the first ESL taking a trip vocabulary exercise you need to decide which option (A-D) has the definition that matches the word given in each question. When you have finished you can use the get score button to see how many you got correct.

ESL Taking a Trip Vocabulary Definitions

Exercise 2 – correct meaning.

In the second ESL taking a trip vocabulary exercise you need to match the definition given in each question with the correct word (options A-D). Again you can use the get score button to see the correct answers when you have finished.

ESL Taking a Trip Vocabulary Identification of Meaning

Exercise 3 – identify picture.

For the third ESL taking a trip vocabulary exercise you need to decide which word (options A-D) in each question corresponds to the pictures given below. Then at the end you can again use the get score button to see how many you got right and the correct answers.

ESL Taking a Trip Vocabulary Picture Descriptions

   other pages about taking a trip that you might    like.

ESL Taking a Trip Conversations ESL Taking a Trip Listening ESL Taking a Trip Reading ESL Taking a Trip Writing

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Learn english, english idioms, kids english, contact excellent esl 4u, site information, recent articles, esl new year listening.

Dec 18, 16 03:17 AM

There are several ESL New Year listening tasks for you to do on this page so you can learn how to listen to the vocabulary.

ESL New Year Writing

Dec 11, 16 03:40 AM

This page has a range of ESL New Year writing exercises for you to do.

ESL New Year Conversation

Dec 04, 16 02:07 AM

There are example ESL New Year conversations on this page as well as some exercises and activities.

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Project Based Learning Idea: Plan a Road Trip

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Project based learning is a great way to expose students to real world problems and activities. PBL activities engage them in learning skills and problem solving in a way that traditional class activities don’t. If you’ve never tried a PBL project, you will love it, AND your students will ask for more! These project based learning ideas for middle school and elementary students are just what you need to get started.

Who doesn’t love an epic road trip? Road trips are filled with memories, fun, adventure, and excitement.  But planning a road trip is anything but easy. There are so many amazing math, reading, writing, map reading and problem solving skills involved in a road trip that it is the perfect task for a fun project based learning activity.

Plan a Road Trip Project

This project based learning activity  will have your students planning a road trip from start to finish.  Students can work independently or in small groups as they work through this PBL project. Although working in small groups can sometimes be more difficult, it also gives students opportunities to develop communication skills and inter-personal problem solving skills.

A great way to introduce this project is to show kids a variety of print or video commercials for vacation destinations. Show pictures from a personal road trip that you’ve taken. You can even ask your students to talk about road trips they have taken with their families or friends. Once the class is excited about the topic, it’s time to let them get started

The  Plan a Road Trip PBL Project  has everything you need to get you class started. Just choose the activities from the packet you want your students to complete. Start with the planning pages included in the project. You can then do all of the activities or choose the ones that best meet your own learning objectives.

This resource includes a variety of printable activity pages and 3 final projects – more than enough for a great PBL unit. You can choose to have the students complete one final activity at the end, or weave them into the project so they ultimately complete all three projects.

1. Choose a Destination

Students start by choosing 4 possible destinations for their road trip. After doing some basic research on each location they then narrow down their options to one final destination.

Let your students determine whether they will visit one place or make a loop from start to finish in order to see multiple locations, or whether to travel near or far. For older students, a great way to add a new level of complexity to the project is to give them an overall road trip budget.

After students choose their destination, you could add in project #1, Mapping the Route. This would be a great place to have students create a map of the road trip with labeled states and destinations!

2. Prepare for the Road Trip

Choosing the destination is just the start! Students will then work on planning their road trip. In this planning phase they will be working on activities like:

• The Packing List
• Must-See Spots
• Places to Stay
• Distance Traveled
• Time and Money on the Road
• So Much More!

As students research and complete the pages, they use many different problem-solving skills, while strengthening their reading, writing, and math skills. As you can see there is no academic skill loss in this project!

Students will document their amazing  road trip project  by creating their own road trip selfies, music play list and more.  They will send postcards to their friends from one or more locations and they can even design a billboard for one of the tourist attractions they visit.

3. A Virtual Road Trip

Once back home from their virtual road trip students will spend some time reminiscing!  They will love writing about their favorite places and activities along the way. This is the perfect place for project #3 – An Amazing Destination. In this persuasive writing activity, students write about their destination in an attempt to get others to visit it too!

Finish up with your very own Travel TV Show where students present their road trips to the class.  A fun way to end is to let students vote on where they want to go next based on their classmates presentations!

4. The Final Projects

Once students have completed the planning pages, it’s time to assign one (or all) of the three final projects! You can choose any or all of these final projects. And yes, the scoring rubrics are included!

Final Road Trip Project Options:

• Mapping the Route
• Create a Destination Brochure
• An Amazing Destination Paragraph Writing

Once back home from their virtual road trip students will spend some time reminiscing!  They will love writing about their favorite places and activities along the way.  This is the perfect place for project #3 – An Amazing Destination.  This persuasive writing activity has students write about their road trip or one destination in an attempt to get others to visit it too!

Ready to get started?

If you need more ideas on  how to use project based learning in your classroom, check out this blog post filled with ideas .

Are you a parent or family getting ready to go on an actual road trip? Check out this great list of  30 Road Trip Trivia Games  by Outdoorish.com!

SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER

If you are not quite ready for this fun and engaging project, then pin it to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can find it quickly when you are ready!

Shelly Rees

Hi, I’m Shelly! Thank you for being here. I love helping third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers with fun and engaging activities that require no to little prep! Let me help you by taking some of the stress and work off your plate.

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Hi, I'm Shelly

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RV Tips: Preparing Your RV for a Cross-Country Road Trip

Introduction to rv tips for a cross-country trip.

Embarking on a cross-country road trip in an RV offers an unrivaled sense of freedom and adventure. Whether you’re cruising through towering mountains, rolling plains, or scenic coastlines, preparing your RV is key to a smooth and enjoyable journey. This means checking not just your itinerary but ensuring your home-on-wheels is in top condition. We’ll cover vital tips to get your RV ready, focusing on maintenance checks, packing essentials, and getting familiar with your route. These simple steps will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure you make the most out of your epic adventure. Remember, a well-prepared RV means less time worrying about potential hiccups and more time soaking up the joys of the open road.

Checking Your RV’s Engine and Tires: The Basics

Before hitting the road, ensuring your RV’s engine runs smoothly and your tires are in good shape is crucial. Remember, you don’t want to deal with a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. For the engine, start by checking the oil level. If it’s low, top it off. Also, look at the coolant level to prevent the engine from overheating during your trip. It’s straightforward – more of a glance and a fill if needed. Next, give the air filter a quick look. A dirty air filter can choke your engine, reducing its efficiency. For the tires, it’s all about pressure and tread. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure each tire, including the spare, is at the recommended PSI. This isn’t just a safety issue; it can also improve fuel efficiency. Then, check the tread for wear and tear. No fancy tools needed here, just use a penny. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head when you insert it into the tread, it’s time for new tires. Skipping these checks? That’s not an option unless you fancy unplanned stops. Keep it simple, and you’ll be all set for smooth cruising across the country.

Inside Your RV: Essential Packing Tips

When it comes to packing your RV for a cross-country trip, think minimal but essential. Packing too much can weigh you down, literally. Start with the basics: clothes that match the weather forecast and are versatile, toiletries, and a first aid kit stocked with the usual suspects – bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Next, kitchen essentials. Stick to multipurpose cookware, a compact set of dishes, and enough food to cover you between grocery stops. Remember, space is premium. For entertainment, select items that don’t require internet or power. Books, cards, and simple outdoor gear like a football or a frisbee are great choices. Lastly, tools and spare parts for your RV should not be forgotten. A basic toolkit, an extra set of keys, tire repair kits, and replacement fuses can be lifesavers on the road. Keeping your load light and meaningful will make your cross-country adventure smoother and more enjoyable.

Planning Your Route and Stops Ahead of Time

Planning your route and stops before hitting the road isn’t just about making a schedule. It’s about ensuring a smooth adventure. First off, know the main highways and byways you’ll be taking. Apps and maps are your friends here. Look into the scenic routes too, because, let’s face it, that’s part of the RV charm. Now, for stops, think beyond gas stations. Pin down campgrounds or RV parks where you can rest. And remember, not all places welcome RVs, so check ahead. Also, consider the weather. Storms or heavy snow? Not ideal. Adjust your route if needed. Lastly, plan for attractions and must-see spots. They make the journey memorable. Smart planning equals fewer surprises and more fun on the road. RV Tips for Efficient Fuel Usage

Efficient fuel usage is crucial when taking your RV on a cross-country road trip. First things first, make sure your RV is in tip-top shape. A well-maintained RV runs more smoothly, which means better gas mileage. Check the tire pressure regularly; under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by making your RV work harder to move. Aim to drive steadily. Sudden accelerations and hard braking eat up more fuel. Whenever possible, use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed. Also, don’t overload your RV. Carrying extra weight forces the engine to work harder, burning more fuel in the process. Lastly, plan your route efficiently. Use GPS or maps to plan a route that avoids heavy traffic and steep inclines, as these can increase fuel usage. Keeping these tips in mind can help stretch your fuel further on your adventures.

Managing Water Supply and Waste

Managing your RV’s water supply and waste is crucial for a smooth cross-country road trip. First, always start with a full freshwater tank. It may seem basic, but having ample water means you’re prepared for areas without access to clean water. For drinking water, consider carrying separate containers or installing a water filtration system in your RV. This way, you won’t deplete your main supply too quickly. When it comes to waste, ensure your RV’s gray water and black water tanks are empty before hitting the road. Gray water comes from your sinks and shower, while black water is the sewage from your toilet. Knowing the capacity of these tanks is key, so you can plan stops for emptying them at RV dump stations along your route. Ignoring this can lead to unpleasant odors or, worse, backups.

Lastly, conserve water whenever possible. Simple habits like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes can significantly extend your water supply. Remember, managing water and waste efficiently ensures you focus more on the adventure than the next place to refill or empty tanks.

Preparing for Different Weather Conditions

Before you hit the road for that dream cross-country journey in your RV, remember, the weather won’t always be sunny and clear. Preparation is key to ensure you’re ready for any storm, heatwave, or cold spell that comes your way. Pack a variety of clothes. Think layers. A mix of light and warm clothing will have you covered, whether it’s scorching desert heats or chilly mountain air. Don’t forget waterproof gear too, in case you run into unexpected rain. Your RV itself needs attention. Check the insulation and make sure your heating and cooling systems are top-notch. This isn’t just for comfort; it can be a safety thing in extreme temperatures. Always have an emergency kit handy. Include things like extra water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, a first-aid kit, and tools. You never know when you might need them. Weather alerts are your friend. Use apps or a weather radio to stay updated on local forecasts. No one likes getting caught in a surprise blizzard or a heat advisory with no plan. These steps don’t just prepare you; they protect you. Facing the elements head-on without worry? That’s the spirit of a true RV adventurer.

Staying Connected: Internet and GPS on the Road

No matter where you’re headed, staying online and knowing your direction is key. In today’s world, losing signal isn’t just annoying; it could leave you stranded. For internet, consider a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. These gadgets grab cellular data and create a Wi-Fi network for your devices. Costs vary, but investing in one with a strong signal might save your sanity. Alternatively, many RVers rely on campsite Wi-Fi, but be warned, it’s often slow and unreliable. As for GPS, don’t just rely on your phone. A dedicated GPS device designed for RVs can be a game changer. They account for vehicle size, suggesting the best routes and avoiding low bridges or weight-limited roads. Some even include campsite directories. Yes, it’s an extra cost, but imagine the ease of always knowing where to go next, without the headache of finding a signal. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the journey without getting lost in the hassle of poor connection or wrong turns.

Safety Measures and Emergency Preparedness

Before hitting the road, make sure your RV is safe and you’re ready for emergencies. Start by checking your RV’s brakes, lights, tires, and engine to ensure they’re in top shape. Don’t overlook the importance of a fire extinguisher – keep one that’s up to date and know how to use it. Next, pack a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications. It’s also smart to have an emergency kit with items like a flashlight, batteries, blankets, water, and non-perishable snacks. Remember to bring tools and spare parts for your RV. This could include a tire repair kit, extra fuses, and light bulbs. Knowing basic repair skills can save you in a pinch. Lastly, always inform someone about your travel plans and route. This ensures someone knows where you are in case of an emergency. Safety first means you’re prepared for the fun parts of your journey.

Final Checklist Before You Hit the Road

Before you set your wheels rolling, run through this final checklist to ensure a smooth journey. First, confirm your RV insurance and roadside assistance are up to date. Breakdowns without backup can turn your adventure sour. Check your tire pressure; incorrect pressure can lead to blowouts. Ensure your engine and generator oils are topped up; they’re the lifeblood of your RV. Test all lights — internal and external. No one wants a ticket or, worse, an accident because of a faulty taillight. Pack an emergency kit with essentials: first aid, extra food and water, tools, and spare tires. Empty your wastewater tanks to avoid unpleasant surprises. Lastly, double-check your route for any travel warnings or restrictions. Safe travels!

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

The great outdoors are closer than you think. How to find hiking, camping, more near you.

There are more federal lands and waters than you can explore in a lifetime.

And there’s a free tool to help find the best ones for you. Recreation.gov is a one-stop shop for planning adventures in the great outdoors. 

“Our job with Recreation.gov is to set people out to have the best experience they can, and when they know what to expect, they know how to prepare, they know what passes they might need, if their entry fees, if they need time, reservations, anything like that,” said Janelle Smith, who works for the U.S. Forest Service and Recreation.gov Public Affairs.

Here’s how to use the site to plan your next getaway or level up your next road trip .

Is Recreation.gov a real website?

Yes. Fourteen federal agencies , ranging from the National Park Service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, use Recreation.gov as a “centralized travel planning and reservation platform,” according to the website.

“All of our federal agencies that participate in Recreation.gov share their data with us, even if it's not a reservable location,” said Smith. Travelers can use that data to find points of interest across the country. “Today, there are about 5,000 recreation areas and 121,000 individual sites available to reserve on Recreation.gov .”

Where is a good place to camp? 

To find highly rated campgrounds near you, use the map tool in the middle of the homepage or select the Camping & Lodging thumbnail near the top. Either can help you search Recreation.gov’s database of campgrounds and other accommodations, which you can narrow by rating as well as distance, price, availability, and even mobile coverage. You can click on each location to find additional details like rules, activities and nearby attractions.

You’ll need to create an account on the website to make a reservation.

“There's many reasons for that, the most important being those local managers, who manage the locations where you're going to visit, need to be able to communicate with you for things like maybe a fire emergency or flooding or anything that could impact your stay,” Smith explained.

How do I plan where to stop on a road trip? 

Recreation.gov's Trip Builder can help you find all sorts of scenic places to stop, whether for a picnic or a full park day. 

From the homepage, click on Plan Your Vacation with Trip Builder. From there, you can enter a starting point and destination and filter what you’d like to do along the way. Do you want to go hiking or snorkeling? Are you interested in historical and cultural sites or simply driving around and looking at scenery? You can indicate how far out of the way you’re willing to go for these destinations.

“I can set this buffer zone right here to, say, 50 miles outside of my route,” Smith said. “It will show me then all of the different recreation opportunities along that route … that I wouldn't have known about otherwise just driving along the road.”

From Acadia to Zion: What travelers should know about each of America's national parks

Can you just show up to a national park?

Sometimes. Most national parks do not require reservations for entry. Of those that do, most only require reservations for certain areas, during certain times, like summit sunrises at Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii. 

Some may require reservations or fees for specific activities, like cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Others may require activity permits or lotteries, like hiking Angels Landing at Zion National Park in Utah.

“If a location requires a permit, it's typically a location that is extremely popular and the demand is greater than the capacity of that experience,” Smith said. She encourages travelers to consider less visited destinations.

“All the participating agencies of Recreation.gov, beyond the big national parks, have hundreds and thousands of amazing locations that people may not know about,” Smith said. “By venturing out just beyond sort of the known areas, I think you can discover parts of this country that are really surprising, and they have so much to offer.”

6 Iconic Truck Stops To Check Out If You're Taking A Road Trip Across The U.S.

Few things are more enjoyable than a road trip across the United States. Sure, flying is the quickest way to get around, but you'll miss all the character the country has to offer. If you're not in a hurry, however, loading up the car is the way to go. With so many cheaper EVs getting good range these days and most truck stops installing EV charging stations, it's not impossible to pile into an electric vehicle, as well, so you can take your time to enjoy the sights.

The country is filled with iconic landmarks that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Its diverse landscape gradually transforms from coastal cities to arid deserts to mountainous terrain. From historic Route 66 to all of Appalachia, countless incredible sights exist. However, there's no getting around stopping off for a stretch when traveling across the country.

Popular places to take a break while driving along major highways include truck stops, which range from simple rest areas to experiences in and of themselves. Whether you're making a trek across the states with family or close friends or as a long-haul trucker, these are the truck stops you don't want to miss. So grab a postcard from each of them to send home for others to see, but don't forget your camera to immortalize the visit.

Iowa 80 and the world's largest truck stop

Our first must-visit place on a trip across the U.S. is in Iowa. Iowa 80, a truck stop that's been around since 1964, is known as the World's Largest Truckstop and services 5,000 customers every day, making it an excellent destination for truckers, families, and travelers of all kinds. 

While the truck stop serves food and provides fuel for vehicles, as all truck stops do, it also contains a movie theater and a Super Truck Showroom that highlights old trucks from history. Truckers can be on the road for weeks or months, leaving them without a chance to keep up with their health, but Iowa 80 even has a dentist's office that allows truckers to stay up to date with their dental hygiene.

Sitting for long periods often causes back pain, and the World's Largest Truckstop has its own chiropractor's office to help drivers who experience that pain. It's open Monday through Saturday and has various working hours. With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles , Iowa 80 now sports plenty of EV charging stations. It's quite literally a one-stop shop for those on a long trek.

Little America

Sweetwater County in Wyoming is home to a little oasis that has been servicing cross-country travelers for over 60 years. Little America doesn't fit the conventional image of a truck stop that most travelers are familiar with. Located along I-80, Little America offers travelers lodging in its luxury hotel or RV park. Hotel guests can choose between a standard or deluxe room, where deluxe rooms have kitchenettes with mini-fridges and extra spacious bathrooms.

If you stay longer than a single night, you can explore one of the many outdoor areas, such as the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area or Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. And anyone looking to escape the confines of their car where they've likely been eating each night can enjoy Little America's Lobby Bar.

It's a beautiful little truck stop perfect for stretching your legs and exploring some sights before continuing on your road trip. Wyoming alone is a beautiful place to see, but this little spot on the map is worth visiting if you don't have time to check out the rest of the state.

Big Horn Travel Center

The Big Horn Travel Center in Fort Worth, Texas, opened in 2018. It's a 9,000-square-foot fueling station filled with rustic decor known for its clean facilities and ultra-friendly customer service, kind of like Texas as a whole. Anyone who has been on the road for an extended period can take advantage of the private showers there and enjoy its speedy food service. If you're in a hurry, the convenience store always has plenty of grab-and-go options.

Unlike other well-known rest stops, Big Horn doesn't have its own website. What it does have, however, is a Facebook page where patrons love sharing pictures from their time at the rest stop. It might be nothing more than a truck stop to refuel and regain some energy for the road, but it's clearly a place worth writing home about. The Big Horn Travel Center encapsulates what Fort Worth is all about.

Russell's Travel Center

Along the historic Route 66 in Glen Rio, New Mexico, is a window into the past. Russell's Travel Center is home to a vintage car and collectible museum, popular with haulers passing through the Land of Enchantment. The museum has an assortment of classic cars like the '65 Ford Mustang, similar to  the one driven by Ken Miles , and some Corvettes.

If vintage cars aren't your thing, you can enjoy a meal in the old-fashioned diner connected to the travel center. They serve classic dishes such as a big cheeseburger and an all-you-can-eat fried catfish platter. It's a simple menu, but that's exactly what you need when you're traveling cross-country and too tired to think.

Russell's Travel Center also has a small chapel that's open 24 hours a day for silent meditation and holds Sunday Services at 11 a.m. every week. This truck stop is nothing if not relaxing and an excellent place to get some rest before jumping back on the road.

The Tennessean Travel Stop

Travelers can find some of the best services from family-owned establishments. The Tennessean Travel Stop is one such establishment, operating since 1974. Located in Cornersville, Tennessee, off Interstate 65, the Tennessean Travel Stop prides itself on being open "All day, every day."

While the establishment suffered a fire in July 2021 that put it out of commission for a couple of years, the owner was determined to keep it going. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, The Tennessean Travel Stop reopened in January 2024. It's now better than ever with its 25,000-square-foot facility serving truckers, travelers, and locals alike.

The Tennessean provides truckers and travelers with private showers, laundry services, a full-service restaurant and buffet, a dog park, and plenty of parking. The inclusion of live music and a full bar has made it a fun spot even for locals. Even before the fire, the Tennessean Travel Stop was an iconic part of the community. As Gregory Sachs, the owner, told WKRN News , "...it's a great place, all the locals come here all the time and everybody knows each other."

Gee Cee's Truck Stop

On the road between Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, is a nice little pit stop called Gee Cee's Truck Stop. It caters to travelers of all kinds. Thanks to its 24-hour deli and restaurant with a huge menu, it's a great place to grab a bite. However, it's also ideal for long-haul truckers, especially when their trucks need repairs. Gee Cee's has a repair shop that can fix any minor and most major issues with a semi-truck.

The best truck stops have private restrooms and showers, but Gee Cee's takes it a step further, catering to all travelers by offering laundry services to anyone who needs them. To keep you coming back whenever you pass through Toledo, Gee Cee's has a rewards program. Joining the rewards program not only earns you points that can be spent like cash in the shop, but getting the rewards card automatically enters you into any prize giveaways the truck stop is having. 

If you’ve got an EV, Google Maps is about to become much more valuable

New updates address one of americans’ top concerns about owning an electric car: finding a place to charge.

Google has announced new features in its Maps app designed to help electric-car drivers find a charge.

The updates include a tool to help drivers find nearby chargers with real-time information about availability and charging speed, the ability to find charging stops on longer road trips and more detailed instructions about how to find chargers within parking lots and garages.

Google expects to start rolling out these features “in the coming months,” according to a blog post. Some will come first to people who drive a car that comes with “Google Built-in,” the company’s driver-assistance software. Google updated its other route-finding app, Waze, with information on EV chargers last month.

The update addresses one of Americans’ top concerns about owning an electric vehicle: finding a place to charge. Range anxiety remains a significant barrier for EV sales — especially for drivers who don’t own a house . Among people who don’t drive an EV, roughly half say they think finding a place to charge would be “extremely” or “very” difficult, according to a 2023 Washington Post-University of Maryland poll .

EVs make up roughly 7 percent of new U.S. car sales, which some experts believe is a tipping point at which electric cars will quickly become popular and take over the market. But lately, the EV market appears to be cooling off . Sales slowed in the first quarter of this year.

In addition to building more charging stations, companies can make driving an EV easier by building apps that help drivers find chargers, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. “That could be really helpful with mitigating some of those concerns about charging anxiety,” she said.

Find available EV charging stations

For electric-car drivers who need a last-minute charge, Google is developing a feature that can find nearby chargers with updated information about how many ports are available and their charging speed. The company says this feature will eventually be available to all drivers but will be available first for drivers with Google Built-in.

Plan a road trip with EV charging stops

The Maps update will allow EV owners with Google Built-in to plan where they can power up when taking long trips with multiple stops, such as a cross-country road trip. The feature will access information about your car’s battery life to suggest the best places to charge up.

The company also announced a search feature that allows travelers to look for hotels with electric-car chargers.

Locate hard-to-find EV charging stations

Some EV chargers are tucked in hard-to-find corners of parking garages. The Maps updates will crowdsource information from Google reviewers to generate more detailed instructions about how to get to a charger. According to the company’s blog post, the instructions might read something like, “Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right.”