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The Most Essential Arabic Travel Phrases

Isn’t it exciting to imagine?

The crashing surf of a Moroccan beach or the tall and rugged mountains of Jordan . The streetside bazaars in Cairo or the resorts in Dubai .

And you’re there. Speaking in Arabic.

Or rather, that’s the plan, right?

You’re still working on it. And that’s okay. Arabic is a long, long journey for anybody.

Speaking of journeys, there are a couple of Arabic travel phrases that tourists need to learn in the local language, no matter where they go. In this article, I’ll outline some of the most useful travel phrases in Arabic for any traveler, tourist, or expat in an Arabic-speaking country. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

• Using Modern Standard Arabic vs. Using Dialects
• The Most Essential Arabic Vocabulary and Phrases for Your Travel Needs
• Conclusion: ArabicPod101 is Your Guide to Arabic Mastery

1. Using Modern Standard Arabic vs. Using Dialects

Before you learn Arabic travel phrases, we need to go over the topic of MSA vs. dialects.

When it comes to Arabic words and phrases for travellers, this is a perpetual debate among Arabic learners.

Is it better to start with MSA or with a dialect? What if you’re planning to visit more than one country? What if you’re hanging out in a cafe in Egypt, and suddenly your friend from Iraq and his roommate from Morocco come in? What do you speak?

The position of this article is: Start with MSA . In terms of Arabic travel phrases for beginners, this is the best place to begin.

Most people in the Arab world won’t be able to speak MSA to you. They’ll do their best, but they may end up switching to another international language or just trying to make their local language sound as close to MSA as possible.

But you’ll be understood wherever you go, and when traveling, that’s what matters most. With a basic or intermediate ability in MSA, you can easily express your travel needs—not to mention read what’s written around you everywhere!

Once you’re able to express yourself in MSA, read up on the local language of wherever you’re planning to go, and listen to learning materials or native content as much as you can to get prepared for the answers you hear.

2. The Most Essential Arabic Vocabulary and Phrases for Your Travel Needs

Now, without further ado, here are Arabic travel phrases for your trip that you need to know!

1- Basic Expressions

What types of things do tourists usually say?

Pretty much the same things over and over, it turns out. Being able to speak a language “at a tourist level,” to me, means that you can handle the situations that are likely to come up, without necessarily being able to hold a real conversation.

That means, for instance, that you can order, pay for, and maybe even compliment a meal pretty smoothly in Arabic, but if the cook asks if you have that kind of food in your own country , you might find yourself grasping for words.

But hey, you’ve got to start somewhere, right?

If you only look at one guide to tourist Arabic, it should be the next three paragraphs. Here, I go over the most important Arabic travel phrases, the one you shouldn’t be traveling without.

2- Greetings and Goodbyes

We’ll start with the first words out of anybody’s mouth: Hello.

• “Hello!” Ahlan! أَهلاً

In Arabic, there are appropriate hellos for the morning, evening, and night.

• “Good morning!” ṣabāḥu al-ḫayr صَباحُ الخَيْر
• “Good evening!” masāʾu al-ḫayr مَساءُ الخَيْر
• “Good night!” laylah saʿīdah لَيْلَة سَعيدَة

Now let’s have a look at how to properly address people that you need to talk to . How should you get their attention?

• “Excuse me. Could you tell me…” raǧāʾ, hal yumkinuka ʾiḫbārī… رَجاء, هَل يُمكِنُكَ إخباري…

And when you’ve finished what you need to do, it’s time to take your leave.

• “ Goodbye! ” ʾilā al-liqāʾ إلى اللِقاء

Although you can point and grunt your way through a language barrier, it’s simply good manners to be able to use a couple of nice words when the time comes .

• “This one, please.” haḏihi min faḍlik. .هَذِهِ مِن فَضلِك

Suppose you’re on the bus and an elderly man gets on. The polite thing to do is offer your seat with the phrase:

• “Go ahead.” tafaḍḍal. .تَفَضَّل

I personally always like to learn “thank you” in as many languages as I can, just in case. If there’s one phrase you remember after reading this article, make it this one.

• “Thank you!” šukran! !شُكراً
• “Thank you very much!” šukran ǧazīlan! !شُكراً جَزيلاً

Of course, guests aren’t the only ones doing the thanking. An exchange of “thank you” is likely to occur several times any time that money is exchanged for goods or services.

This means you’ll have to be ready with the “It’s nothing” and “Sure thing!” equivalent in Arabic.

• “No problem!” lā muškilah لا مُشكِلَة

4- Compliments

It’s amazing how far you can get in a foreign language by pointing, smiling, and saying “Good!” People simply love to hear that! And it’s one of the simplest Arabic-language travel phrases.

The word for “good” in Arabic is جَيِّد ( ǧayyid ). But you can do a little bit better .

• “I really like this!” yuʿǧibunī haḏā kaṯīran! يُعجِبُني هَذا كَثيراً!

For referring to food you just had:

• “It was excellent!” kān rāʾiʿan! !كان رائِعاً

For looking at a view from a room or complimenting something aesthetic:

• “This is so beautiful!” haḏā ǧamīlun ǧiddan! !هَذا جَميلٌ جِدّاً

5- Transportation

One pretty scary challenge in a foreign language is making a phone call. And if your language skills make the difference between arriving at the airport on time or arriving at the bus station two hours late, the pressure starts to get pretty high.

When you order a taxi in a foreign language, it’s a good idea to speak loudly and slowly, and probably repeat yourself a couple of times to make sure they understand.

The thing is, though, taxi companies are used to hearing the same sort of formula said over and over with a variety of different accents, so as long as you’ve got all the right words in there, you’re probably good to go.

• “I want to order a taxi to the airport for tomorrow morning.” ʾurīdu sayyāraẗa ʾuǧrah ʾilā al-maṭār ġadan ṣabāḥan. .أُريدُ سَيّارَةَ أُجرَة إلى المَطار غَداً صَباحاً

It never hurts to double-check:

• “Did you understand all that?” hal fahimt? هَل فَهِمت؟

Shuttle buses and minibuses are very popular in many Middle Eastern countries. Here are some vital phrases for dealing with those:

• “Does this bus go to…?” hal taḏhabu haḏihi al-ḥāfilah ʾilā…? هَل تَذهَبُ هَذِهِ الحافِلَة إلى…؟
• “Where can I buy a ticket?” ʾayn yumkinunī širāʾ taḏkarah? أَيْن يُمكِنُني شِراء تَذكَرَة؟
• “I want two tickets to … please.” ʾurīdu taḏkarataīn ʾilā… min faḍlik. أُريدُ تَذكَرَتَين إلى… مِن فَضلِك.

6- Shopping

When most people imagine shopping in Arabic , the first thing that comes to mind is that stereotypical image of a crowded street market.

You know the one: goats, toothless old men selling rugs, maybe a snake charmer in the corner. Something out of Indiana Jones .

Those definitely still exist (or at least street markets do), but don’t forget that big cities in the Arab world are pretty much like big cities anywhere else.

You’ll find just as many big air-conditioned malls with local and international brands. Need some Nikes or Levi’s? No problem.

And guess what? You’ll need Arabic there, too! Just because a brand is international doesn’t mean all the shop staff will be amazingly multilingual. That’s particularly the case if you go out of the touristed city centers and head to the other malls further out of the way.

• “Do you have a bigger size? / Do you have a smaller size?” hal ladaykum ḥaǧmun ʾakbar? / hal ladaykum ḥaǧm ʾaṣġar? هَل لَدَيْكُم حَجمٌ أَكبَر؟ / هَل لَدَيْكُم حَجم أَصغَر؟
• “I’m looking for jeans size 32/34.” ʾabḥaṯ ʿan sarāūīl ǧīnz min maqās ʾiṯnān wa ṯalāṯūn ʿalā ʾarbaʿah wa ṯalāṯūn. أَبحَث عَن سَراويل جينز مِن مَقاس إثنان و ثَلاثون عَلى أَربَعَة و ثَلاثون.
• “Can you make it any cheaper?” hal min taḫfīḍ? هَل مِن تَخفيض؟
• “Okay, I’ll take it!” ǧayyid, saʾāḫuḏuh جَيِّد, سَآخُذُه

Part of bargaining effectively is knowing when to quit, or perhaps when to fake quitting so that you can get a better deal. Whether or not you’re serious about walking away, it’s polite to say something like this as you go:

• “Maybe next time.” rubbamā fī al-marrah al-qādimah. رُبَّما في المَرَّة القادِمَة.

7- Restaurants

• “How do you say this?” kayfa yunṭaqu haḏā? كَيْفَ يُنطَقُ هَذا؟

It’s very likely that you’ll find things on the menu that you’re not able to pronounce. Depending on your study motivation, you might still have trouble with the Arabic alphabet when you arrive.

So you can ask somebody nearby to read out the name of the food. Maybe you’ve heard of something similar at another restaurant, or maybe it even has a loanword in its name that you’re familiar with.

• “What exactly is…?” mā … bilḍabṭ? ما … بِالضَبط؟

You may not understand the answer in its entirety—food words are notoriously specific and vary based on location. But the important thing is to keep your ears tuned for loanwords you may recognize, as well as the body language of the person you’re talking to. If they look like they’re holding back a smile or silently guessing that you won’t like it, better order something else.

Travelers with allergies can have a rough time of it in foreign countries. Many expats don’t speak the language of the country of residency except the words for things they can’t eat. It’s imperative to know those words well.

• “I’m allergic to …” laday ḥasāsiyyah min… لَدَيْ حَساسِيَّة مِن…

Here, you simply say the phrase, tacking on the name of the food you can’t eat. For a list of common food names, check out this vocabulary list on ArabicPod101.com. (It includes common allergens like peanuts and soybeans!)

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal and are ready to leave, you’d best know this phrase:

• “Can I have the bill, please?” hal yumkinunī ʾaḫḏ al-fātūrah laū samaḥt? هَل يُمكِنُني أَخذ الفاتورَة لَو سَمَحت؟

8- Directions

Directions are relatively complicated, and they’re not made any easier the way they get taught in a lot of coursebooks.

Have you ever noticed how in textbooks, people are always giving each other complicated directions in order to fit in as many vocabulary words as possible?

• “Where is …?” ʾayna…? أَيْنَ…؟
• “I’m looking for the…” ʾabḥaṯu ʿan… أَبحَث عَن…
• “It’s over there.” ʾinnahā hunāk. إنَّها هُناك.
• “Go straight down this road.” iāḏahab mubāšaraẗan ʿalā haḏā al-ṭarīq. .ِاذَهَب مُباشَرَةً عَلى هَذا الطَريق
• “You need to take the number 10 bus.” ʿalayka ʾan taʾḫuḏ al-ḥāfilah raqm 10. عَلَيْكَ أَن تَأخُذ الحافِلَة رَقم 10.
• “Is it far?” hal hiya baʿīdah? هَل هِيَ بَعيدَة؟
• “Can I walk there?” hal yumkinunī al-mašī hunāk? هَل يُمكِنُني المَشي هُناك؟

Really, these basic Arabic travel phrases are enough to get you from A to B in most cases. But it’s always good to have more complex direction phrases in your Arabic arsenal, just in case.

9- Emergencies

• “Do you have a bathroom?” hal ladaykum ḥammām? هَل لَدَيْكُم حَمّام؟
• “I lost my passport.” faqadtu ǧawaza safarī. فَقَدتُ جَوَازَ سَفَري.
• “I need to go to a hospital.” ʾanā biḥāǧah lilḏahāb ʾilā mustašfā. أَنا بِحاجَة لِلذَهاب إلى مُستَشفى.
• “May I please borrow your phone? It’s an emergency.” hal yumkinunī istiʿāraẗu hātifik? ladayya ḥal-ah ṭāriʾah هَل يُمكِنُني اِستِعارَةُ هاتِفِك؟ لَدَيَّ حالَة طارِئَة
• “My phone was stolen.” laqad tammat sariqaẗu hātifī. لَقَد تَمَّت سَرِقَةُ هاتِفي.

If you’ve lost something in a public space, you may be in luck if an honest stranger turned it in to the information desk. In that case, you can ask:

• “Did anyone find a laptop here?” hal waǧad ʾaḥaduhum ḥāsūban hunā? هَل وَجَد أَحَدُهُم حاسوباً هُنا؟

10- Language Troubles and Triumphs

Speaking Arabic when you’re out and about isn’t going to be all smooth sailing, no matter how easy it may seem when you’re flipping through a phrasebook.

There’s a helpful set of phrases that can really go a long way toward smoothing things over when your vocabulary or grammar fails you.

• “How do you say…?” kayfa taqūl…? كَيْفَ تَقول…؟
• “Does anyone here speak English? French?” hal yatakallamu ʾaḥaduhum al-ʾinǧlīziyyah ʾaw al-firinsiyyah hunā? هَل يَتَكَلَّمُ أَحَدُهُم الإنجليزِيَّة أَوْ الفِرِنسِيَّة هُنا؟
• “I don’t know that word.” lā ʾaʿrifu haḏihi al-kalimah. لا أَعرِفُ هَذِهِ الكَلِمَة.
• “Thank you! I’ve been learning for one year.” šukran. ʾanā ʾataʿallam min sanah. شُكراً. أَنا أَتَعَلَّم مِن سَنَة.
• “Sorry, my Arabic isn’t very good.” ʾāsif, luġatī al-ʿarabiyyah laysat ǧayyidah آسِف، لُغَتي العَرَبِيَّة لَيْسَت جَيِّدَة
• “Sorry, I can’t read Arabic very well.” ʾāsif , lā ʾastaṭīʿ qirāʾaẗa al-ʿarabiyyaẗa ǧayyidan آسِف ، لا أَستَطيع قِراءَةَ العَرَبِيَّةَ جَيِّداً
• “You just said ___. What does that mean?” laqad qult al-ʾān… māḏā yaʿnī ḏalik? لَقَد قُلت الآن… ماذا يَعني ذَلِك؟

3. Conclusion: ArabicPod101 is Your Guide to Arabic Mastery

Now that you’re packed with the most useful Arabic travel phrases, you’re all set for your next adventure. Want to learn even more Arabic? Check out ArabicPod101.com and get access to more than a thousand Arabic learning audio and video lessons that will take your Arabic to the next level.

Until next time, let us know how comfortable you feel with Arabic travel phrases. Is there anything you’re still struggling with? Drop us a comment and tell us about it!

Author: Yassir Sahnoun is a HubSpot certified content strategist, copywriter and polyglot who works with language learning companies. He helps companies attract sales using content strategy, copywriting, blogging, email marketing & more.

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73+ Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF

Disclosure: This essential Arabic travel phrases for tourists article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

Want to know what essential Arabic travel phrases for tourists are? Planning a journey to Dubai, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Oman or other places in the Middle East and North Africa? You are at the right place! If you are traveling to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids, or venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra in Jordan, knowing some basic Arabic words and phrases will be key to successful communication. Just like easy Arabic phrases “Marhaba” (Hello) and “Shukran” (Thank you). Learning common phrases in Arabic will come in handy when bargaining at local markets in Morocco or exploring the vibrant streets of Dubai. Want to know, what are those useful Arabic words for travel ?

🗩 If you have been wondering “What is Anja’s favorite Arabic word?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Middle East and Northern Africa , home of the Arabic language, desert landscapes and vibrant souks and bazaars. From modern marvels like Burj Khalifa to ancient historic sites like Nabaatean’s Petra, or Egyptians Great Pyramids of Giza. Knowing basic Arabic phrases for tourists will be helpful in any Arabic-speaking country.  In this language guide on the best Arabic phrases to know, you’ll find a curated selection of essential Arabic words, greeting Arabic phrases and Arabic for tourists . Inside there is also FREE Arabic phrases pdf , that will serve as a handy resource for your Arabic adventure.   Let’s dive into your Arabic adventure, one essential Arabic for travelers phrase at a time!

for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PHRASES: • 73+ Essential ENGLISH Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know • 73+ Essential ARABIC Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF • 73+ Essential GREEK Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday & Download • 73+ Essential JAPANESE Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet • 73+ Essential SLOVENIAN Travel Phrases for your trip to Slovenia & Free Download • 73+ Essential SWAHILI Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download for WORDS & PHRASES in 101 different languages: • How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages • How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages • How to say Hello in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Love in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say I love you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Thank you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Happy Birthday in 101 different languages spoken In the World • How to say Happy New Year in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Friend in 101 different languages spoken around the World with Pronunciation

for ITINERARY idea: • HOW TO SPEND FIVE DAYS IN DUBAI: RELAXED TRAVEL ITINERARY for Dubai TRAVEL TIPS: • 31 BURJ KHALIFA FACTS: SURPRISING, INTERESTING, AND STUNNING • HOW TO BARGAIN ON YOUR TRAVELS: 17 ESSENTIAL BARGAINING TIPS for ACCOMMODATION suggestions: • REASONS TO STAY AT ROVE DOWNTOWN HOTEL IN DUBAI • 17 BEST HOTELS IN DUBAI WITH BURJ KHALIFA VIEW • AMAZING SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN DUBAI • LUXURY POOL AND BEACH DAY | DAYCATION AT ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE for CAPTION IDEAS: • 187 BEST DESERT CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – PUNS, JOKES, RIDDLES & QUOTES • 107 FANTASTIC PALM TREE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – LAVISH AND STRONG • 77 EPIC COCONUT CAPTIONS AND COCONUT PUNS – TROPICAL COCONUT BONANZA • 77 BEAUTIFUL PINEAPPLE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – SWEET AND JUICY

for Jordan TRAVEL TIPS: • How to bargain on your travels: 17 essential bargaining tips • Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman • 73+ Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF for CAPTION IDEAS: • 111 Best JORDAN Captions for Instagram and PETRA Captions • 187 Best DESERT captions for Instagram

Table of Contents

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1. Where is ARABIC spoken?

Did you know that more than 400 million people speak Arabic as their first or second language? That is a lot of “shukrans” and “habibis”.  Arabic is spoken in several countries primarily in the Middle East and North Africa , as well as in some other regions. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and below you can find Arab countries list.

Arabic is the official language in the following countries:

• Middle East countries list: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen.
• List of Arab countries in North Africa: Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania.
• Other regions: Palestinian territories, Israel (Arabic is one of the official languages, along with Hebrew), and parts of Western Sahara.

In addition to being the official language in these countries, Arabic holds cultural and religious significance as the language of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. It is widely used in Islamic religious ceremonies and prayers by Muslims around the world, regardless of their native language. Arabic also serves as a lingua franca for communication between speakers of different Arabic dialects and is used as a second language in many countries with significant Arab diaspora communities. The best way to learn Arabic phrases for travel is by using apps like Duolingo or Memrise. But since Arabic is hard language to learn, you will most probably learn most of your phrases when traveling. It will be beneficial to download Arabic for travelers pdf and bring it with you.

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2. Arabic language basics

Before you start to learn everyday Arabic phrases , you should know that the Arabic language is one of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers. Not only because of their unique and beautiful alphabet but also because of their grammar and writing system. Words in Arabic and standard Arabic phrases are written and read from RIGHT to LEFT . This is also the case in Arabic travel phrases you will find below. Phrases in Arabic are written from right to left and Arabic translation phrases are written from left to right.

Letters in Arabic words and phrases change shape based on their position in the word . Some of the wolves also don’t get written, and Arabic speakers should ‘just know’ how to pronounce the word. Not unlike in Japanese or Swahili language , where once you know the sound of the letter, you can read everything. Arabic language also uses different grammar and has sounds that are foreign to the English language. Plus there are many dialects distinctive for Arabic-speaking countries. A collection of Arabic phrases for travel you will find below is using Modern Standard Arabic. This is like a common Arabic, that everywhere in the Arabic-speaking world should understand. All essential Arabic travel phrases also have a phonetic translation under their Arabic writing.

3. Essential Arabic travel phrases

3.1. basic arabic phrases for travel.

Basic Arabic phrases for conversation that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and are a base for every communication. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • How to spend 5 days in Dubai: Relaxed travel itinerary

3.2. Essential Arabic phrases for greetings and introductions

Basic Arabic greetings phrases will lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression. They are Easy arabic words you already know and Arabic basic words, to know when visiting Dubai. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Best hotels with Burj Khalifa view

3.3. Essential Arabic travel phrases for directions and getting around

Arabic phrases to know when asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know

3.4. Useful Arabic phrases for tourists when ordering food and drinks

Useful Arabic words and phrases for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

3.5. Basic Arabic words for travel and shopping

Arabic language words for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Jordan captions and Petra captions for Instagram

🗩 “What is Anja’s favorite Arabic word?” It is Habibi. It can be translated as “my love”, “my dear”, “my darling”.

3.6. Basic Arabic hotel phrases

Arabic hotel phrases you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman

3.7. Standard Arabic phrases and best Arabic phrases in case of emergencies

Here you will find simple Arabic words in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT and that those can be useful phrases in Dubai.

ALSO READ: • Best Dubai captions for Instagram

3.8. Beyond essential Arabic travel phrases

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the must know travel phrases and basic phrases in Arabic. I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit a country without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;

4. Best language App for traveling abroad

Learning a language is a long process. If you think you won’t have time to learn basic Arabic greetings and responses , or if the situations come your way when above mentioned Arabic phrases for travel won’t be enough, use Google Translate. This is my favorite language app, that I use on (almost) every trip.

4.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places. I’m sure you are familiar with the language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘ camera translation ’. All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone. Language: 133 languages Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • How to Bargain on your travels: Travel bargaining guide

5. Final Thoughts on Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists

Whether it’s a warm greeting, ordering a meal, or expressing gratitude, useful Arabic words and phrases not only open doors to easier communication but also show respect. Learning common phrases in Arabic for tourists will help you in souks and bazaars and when ordering food. Before traveling to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, or any other country in the Middle East or Northern Africa, learn Arabic for travel basics that will help you to navigate through this unique, and culturally filled world. How to say Hello in Arabic and how to say thank you in Arabic language. A collection of useful Arabic phrases for travelers, like what is the Wifi password , Arabic tourist phrases for directions, and checking in a hotel. Which of these common Arabic phrases have you managed to memorize so far? Safe travels = طَريق السَلامةِ! [ataryq alsalamti!], Anja

➤ What you should read next …

• 17 Best Hotels in Dubai with Burj Khalifa view • How to spend 5 day in Dubai: relaxed travel itinerary • Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman • How to say Friend in 101 different languages

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✈ Travel like a PRO

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

Where is Arabic spoken?

Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. It is a native language in numerous countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Arabic is an official language in 22 countries. Some of them are, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others. It is widely used for religious purposes among Muslims worldwide.

How to say hello in Arabic word?

Hello in Arabic language is مرحبًا pronounced as “marhaba” This is also the answer to how to say hello in Dubai or how do you say hello in Jordan. Learn more useful common Arabic greetings and basic Arabic for travel words and phrases on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE Arabic phrases pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say Thank you in Arabic?

Thank you in Arabic is شكرًا لك , which is pronounced as “ shukran lak”. This is also the answer to how to say thank you in Dubai and how to say thank you in Jordan. Learn more Dubai language words and Moroccan phrases for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE Arabic words list pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say How are you in Arabic?

كيف حالك؟ pronounced as “Kayf halika?” Learn more useful Arabic words and phrases and popular Arabic phrases for travel on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE Arabic phrases pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say Nice to meet you in Arabic?

سعيد بلقائك , pronounced as “ saeid biliqayik …”. Learn more useful Arabic words and phrases and popular Arabic phrases for travel on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE basic Arabic sentences for beginners pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say Love in Arabic?

حب , pronounced as “ habun” Learn more basic words in Arabic, find out what are some basic arabic words and a list of simple Arabic phrases on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE basic Arabic words for beginners pdf, with Arabic words list with meaning, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say safe travels in Arabic?

طَريق السَلامةِ! , pronounced as “ataryq alsalamti!”. Learn more than 100 Arabic phrases, Arabic common phrases and other Arabic words to know when traveling on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a basic Arabic for tourists and common Arabic terms.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

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All The Basic Arabic Phrases for Travelers, [Video to Illustrate]

• February 23, 2023
• Posted by: mostafa
• Category: Learn Arabic

When traveling to an Arab country you must learn some useful words to communicate with the locals, therefore we collected the most common and useful Arabic phrases for travelers.

What are the essential Arabic phrases for travelers? There are a couple of Arabic phrases and words that you will need like Ahlan, ṣabāḥu al-ḫayr, masāʾu al-ḫayr, laylah saʿīdah, šukran, šukran ǧazīlan, lā muškilah, afwan, salaam ‘aleikum, ma’a salaameh, 3aamil eh, izzayak, eh akhbaar, akhbaarak eh, and more.

If you want to learn the common and useful Arabic phrases and words that you will need on your trip, in addition to useful apps then let’s get started.

What to learn MSA or Arabic dialects?

As a tourist, you must be wondering “should I learn modern standard Arabic or one of the Arabic dialects?” If you’re planning to travel to a specific country then it’s better to learn its dialect. For example, if you’re planning to go to Egypt then it’s better to learn Egyptian Arabic.

What if I’m planning to visit more than one country? In this case, you have two options. First, learn Modern standard Arabic as all Arabs understand it. However, nowadays, modern standard Arabic isn’t used in daily life situations, meaning that Arabs don’t use it. Each country has its own dialect, but they will understand you and you will understand what they say.

The second option is to learn Egyptian Arabic, Egyptian Arabic is the Arabic used in Egypt. And most Arab understand it, as Egyptian movies and TV series are popular. So, if you are a non-Arabic speaker then this might be the easiest dialect to learn.

Arabic is one of the major languages spoken by people around the world, there are 25 countries speaking the Arabic language as the official language or as a co-official language. Today, there’s a high demand for the Arabic language. the US government agencies are searching for Arabic speakers; if you can speak it then you will be an excellent candidate. Besides that, you could work in one of the Arab countries like the Emirates in different fields like engineering, medicine, and business. Also, Arabic has many dialects, and each one of them has its own beauty and differences. You can choose the one that you like more and learn it.   

One of the top 5 spoken languages in the world is Arabic, and only one percent of US universities study Arabic, if you learn it you will get many job opportunities and excel in them.

If you’re planning to go to an Arab country for work or to study abroad then you must learn Arabic. We wrote an article with some tips and tricks on how to understand Arabic and learn it fast. Also, you could enhance your Arabic Skills with the help of Arabic language immersion programs that will take you to a whole new adventure, and take your Arabic to a new level in no time

The most common Arabic phrases for travel needs.

When traveling to an Arab country you will need to learn some Arabic phrases to express yourself and communicate with the locals. So here are some of the most common Arabic phrases that you will need on your trip:

How to greet others and say goodbye in Arabic?

When you meet someone the first thing to say is “Hello”. In Arabic there are different ways to say hello, here’s how to greet someone:

There are other ways to greet someone in Arabic, and they are:

And here’s how to say goodbye in Arabic:

If you want to talk to someone to ask about something then you simply say:

Talking politely in Arabic.

When asking about directions or if you want something you should ask politely using nice words. Let’s say you’re at a supermarket and want to buy something then you can say:

If you want to offer something to someone else in a polite way you can say:

tafaḍḍal. .تَفَضَّل

It’s always nice to thank others for helping you, hence learning to say thank you in Arabic is essential, and here’s how to say it and its response:

Now you know, if someone say’s “Thank you!” you can respond with “lā muškilah”, or “afwan”, it’s not hard to memorize, don’t worry.

Arabic phrases to say you like something.

Let’s say you’re at the supermarket or you went out shopping and you saw something that caught your eye, how can you express that? Here’s how:

You could simply say “good”, in Arabic it’s “ǧayyid”, however, to express your amazement in something, there’s a better way to do so.

When saying that the food is was great you can express that be saying:

Transportation and asking for directions.

Here’re the names of some places:

Arabic phrases for directions:

Here are other phases that will be useful:

“I want to order a taxi to the airport for tomorrow morning.”

ʾurīdu sayyāraẗa ʾuǧrah ʾilā al-maṭār ġadan ṣabāḥan.

.أُريدُ سَيّارَةَ أُجرَة إلى المَطار غَداً صَباحاً

“Did you understand all that?”

hal fahimt?

هَل فَهِمت؟

“Does this bus go to…?”

hal taḏhabu haḏihi al-ḥāfilah ʾilā…?

هَل تَذهَبُ هَذِهِ الحافِلَة إلى…؟

“Where can I buy a ticket?”

ʾayn yumkinunī širāʾ taḏkarah?

أَيْن يُمكِنُني شِراء تَذكَرَة؟

“I want two tickets to … please.”

ʾurīdu taḏkarataīn ʾilā… min faḍlik.

أُريدُ تَذكَرَتَين إلى… مِن فَضلِك.

Where can I buy a bus/train ticket?

‘ayn yumkinuni shira’ tadhkirat biasi/qtar

أين يمكنني شراء تذكرة باص/قطار

I would like to buy a___ to __[location]__ please.

‘awadu shira’an ______ ‘iilaa __[muqie]__ min fadliki.

أود شراء ______ إلى __[موقع]__ من فضلك.

single ticket ……

tadhkirat munfaridatun…

تذكرة منفردة…

return ticket ..

….tadhkirat eawdati…

….تذكرة عودة…

first class/second class ticket

…… tadhkirat darajat ‘uwlaa/darajat thaniatun..

…… تذكرة درجة أولى/درجة ثانية..

How much is a ticket to __[location]__ ?

kam sier altadhkirat ‘iilaa __[muqiei]__?

كم سعر التذكرة إلى __[موقع]__؟

I’d like to reserve a seat (by the window).

‘arghab fi hajz maqead (bijanib alnaafidha(

أرغب في حجز مقعد (بجانب النافذة

Does this bus/train stop at __[location]__ ? __

hal yaqif albasu/alqitar eind __[muqae]

هل يقف الباص/القطار عند __[موقع]

How long to get to __[location]__?

kam min alwaqt yalzam lilwusul ‘iilaa __[muqae]_

كم من الوقت يلزم للوصول إلى __[موقع]_

When does the bus/train bound for__[location]__ leave? __؟

mataa yughadir albas/alqitar alkhasa b __[muqae]

متى يغادر الباص/القطار الخاص ب __[موقع]

Is this seat taken?

hal hadha almaqead mahjuzi?

هل هذا المقعد محجوز؟

That is my seat

.hadha maqeadi.

.هذا مقعدي.

“Where is …?”

“I’m looking for the…”

ʾabḥaṯu ʿan…

أَبحَث عَن…

“It’s over there.”

ʾinnahā hunāk.

إنَّها هُناك.

“Go straight down this road.”

iāḏahab mubāšaraẗan ʿalā haḏā al-ṭarīq.

.ِاذَهَب مُباشَرَةً عَلى هَذا الطَريق

“You need to take the bus number …”

ʿalayka ʾan taʾḫuḏ al-ḥāfilah raqm …

عَلَيْكَ أَن تَأخُذ الحافِلَة رَقم …

“Is it far?”

hal hiya baʿīdah?

هَل هِيَ بَعيدَة؟

“Can I walk there?”

hal yumkinunī al-mašī hunāk?

هَل يُمكِنُني المَشي هُناك؟

Arabic phrases for shopping.

“Do you have a bigger size? / Do you have a smaller size?”

hal ladaykum ḥaǧmun ʾakbar? / hal ladaykum ḥaǧm ʾaṣġar?

هَل لَدَيْكُم حَجمٌ أَكبَر؟ / هَل لَدَيْكُم حَجم أَصغَر؟

“I’m looking for jeans size …..”

‘abhath ean sarawyl jinz min maqas ….

أَبحَث عَن سَراويل جينز مِن مَقاس ….

“Can you make it any cheaper?”

hal min taḫfīḍ?

هَل مِن تَخفيض؟

“Okay, I’ll take it!”

ǧayyid, saʾāḫuḏuh

جَيِّد, سَآخُذُه

“Maybe next time.”

rubbamā fī al-marrah al-qādimah.

رُبَّما في المَرَّة القادِمَة.

Restaurants phrases.

تحب تشرب حاجة؟

Te7eb teshrub 7aga?

Would you like to have some drinks?

اخترت خلاص؟

E7’tart 7’las?

Have you chosen already?

تحب تطلب ايه؟

Te7eb totlob a?

What would you like to order?

تحب طبق مشهي؟

Te7eb taba2 moshahy?

Would you like a starter?

What would you like?

Te7eb totlob?

Would you like to order?

تحب تاكل ايه؟

Te7eb takol a?

What would you like to eat?

“How do you say this?”

kayfa yunṭaqu haḏā?

كَيْفَ يُنطَقُ هَذا؟

“What exactly is…?”

mā … bilḍabṭ?

ما … بِالضَبط؟

“I’m allergic to …”

laday ḥasāsiyyah min…

لَدَيْ حَساسِيَّة مِن…

“Can I have the bill, please?”

hal yumkinunī ʾaḫḏ al-fātūrah laū samaḥt?

هَل يُمكِنُني أَخذ الفاتورَة لَو سَمَحت؟

تحت امرك يافندم.

Ta7t amrak ya fandem??!!

At your service, sir!?!?!

لحظة واحدة, لوسمحت.

La7za wa7da, lao sama7t.

One moment, please.

عايز اطلب حاجة اشربها الاول.

3ayez atlob 7aga ashrabha el awel.

I’d like to order something to drink to start with.

لسه مش عارف.

Lesa mesh 3aref.

I don’t know yet.

Tektere7 a?

What can you recommend?

ايه السبيشل النهاردة؟

A el special el naharda?

What is the daily special?

ايه الشوربة النهاردة؟

A el shorba el naharda?

What is the soup of the day?

Food and drinks names in Arabic:

La7ma ba2ary

Fera7′

La7met 7’anzir

7’odar

مياه معدنية

Maya ma3daneya.

Mineral water

Taba2 ganeby

El 7alaweyat

Yoghurt drink

Nebit abyad

Nebit a7mar

Emergencies Arabic phrases.

“Do you have a bathroom?”

hal ladaykum ḥammām?

هَل لَدَيْكُم حَمّام؟

“I lost my passport.”

faqadtu ǧawaza safarī.

فَقَدتُ جَوَازَ سَفَري.

“I need to go to a hospital.”

ʾanā biḥāǧah lilḏahāb ʾilā mustašfā.

أَنا بِحاجَة لِلذَهاب إلى مُستَشفى.

“May I please borrow your phone? It’s an emergency.”

hal yumkinunī istiʿāraẗu hātifik? ladayya ḥal-ah ṭāriʾah

هَل يُمكِنُني اِستِعارَةُ هاتِفِك؟ لَدَيَّ حالَة طارِئَة

“My phone was stolen.”

laqad tammat sariqaẗu hātifī.

لَقَد تَمَّت سَرِقَةُ هاتِفي.

“Did anyone find a laptop here?”

hal waǧad ʾaḥaduhum ḥāsūban hunā?

هَل وَجَد أَحَدُهُم حاسوباً هُنا؟

It is an emergency

إنها حالة طارئة

inhā ḥālẗ ṭārʾiẗ

Get out of here

اخرج من هنا

aẖrǧ mn hnā

I need the police

أحتاج لمساعدة الشرطة

aḥtāǧ lmsāʿdẗ al-šrṭẗ

I am worried

أنا أشعر بالقلق

anā ašʿr bālqlq

I can’t find my dad

لا أستطيع العثور على والدي.

lā astṭīʿ al-ʿṯūr ʿli wāldī

Some helpful Arabic phrases.

“How do you say…?”

kayfa taqūl…?

كَيْفَ تَقول…؟

“Does anyone here speak English? French?”

hal yatakallamu ʾaḥaduhum al-ʾinǧlīziyyah ʾaw al-firinsiyyah hunā?

هَل يَتَكَلَّمُ أَحَدُهُم الإنجليزِيَّة أَوْ الفِرِنسِيَّة هُنا؟

“I don’t know that word.”

lā ʾaʿrifu haḏihi al-kalimah.

لا أَعرِفُ هَذِهِ الكَلِمَة.

“Thank you! I’ve been learning for one year.”

šukran. ʾanā ʾataʿallam min sanah.

شُكراً. أَنا أَتَعَلَّم مِن سَنَة.

“Sorry, my Arabic isn’t very good.”

ʾāsif, luġatī al-ʿarabiyyah laysat ǧayyidah

آسِف، لُغَتي العَرَبِيَّة لَيْسَت جَيِّدَة

“Sorry, I can’t read Arabic very well.”

ʾāsif , lā ʾastaṭīʿ qirāʾaẗa al-ʿarabiyyaẗa ǧayyidan

آسِف ، لا أَستَطيع قِراءَةَ العَرَبِيَّةَ جَيِّداً

“You just said ___. What does that mean?”

laqad qult al-ʾān… māḏā yaʿnī ḏalik?

لَقَد قُلت الآن… ماذا يَعني ذَلِك؟

You can also Watch the following video to learn how to pronounce some of the useful Arabic phrases for travelers.

The video is called: Essential Arabic Phrases for Tourists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afC5Xye774Y

This video will teach some essential words and phrases like “ana la afham, aina, shukran” and many other words.

Here’s another video that’s useful to watch, it is called “20 Travel Phrases You Should Know in Arabic” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKwhNca6o0g

What are the basic Arabic phrases for travelers?

Here are some common Arabic phrases for travel that will come in handy:                                  

Best app for learning arabic travel phrases.

There are many apps that can help you learn some useful Arabic words and phrases. We will mention some of the best iOS app for learning Arabic travel phrases , and for Android too. Here are some of them:

1.     Drops          

This app is available for Android and iOS, and it’s not just for Arabic, with the help of this app you can learn any language you want. It has over 40 languages like Arabic, Korean, Spanish, Japanese, French, Chinese, German, English, and more.

The app is free, you can use it to learn some Arabic phrases and words effectively. With the help of this app, you will be able to learn the Arabic alphabet, become fluent, learn new words through illustrations to memorize them better, play games to learn in a fun way, track your progress, learn more than 3000 Arabic phrases and words, and more.

Other languages to learn with this app includes:

Spanish, Japanese, German, French, European Portuguese, Russian, Castilian Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Tagalog, Hebrew, Icelandic, Polish, Mandarin Chinese, Turkish, Cantonese Chinese, Dutch, Norwegian, Thai, Swedish, Vietnamese, Maori, Brazilian Portuguese, Farsi (Persian), Hungarian, Greek, Hindi, Danish, Samoan, Indonesian, Finnish, Serbian, Croatian, Esperanto, Estonian, Hawaiian, Ukrainian, Yoruba, Bosnian, Swahili, Igbo, Sanskrit and Ainu!

2.     Memrise Easy Language Learning

Memrise is a great app for learning any language, it uses various tools to help you learn language easily and effectively. The app is available for Android and iOS, and it’s free.

3.     Duolingo

Another great app for language learning is Duolingo, it’s available for iOS and Android. In addition to Arabic, the app includes many languages and it teaches in a fun way using games.

You will find more information about the best app for learning Arabic travel phrases and words in here.

Useful Arabic phrases for traveling to Egypt.

Here is some useful Egyptian Arabic phrases for travelers that you will certainly need in your trip to Egypt:                                    

Greetings in Egyptian Arabic:

Here’s how to respond to it:

How to say “how are you?” in Arabic?

To respond to the question, you can say one of the following:

Arabic Phrases to Get someone’s attention.

Talking to the driver., talking with others., saying yes or no in arabic., arabic phrases to ask for permission and being polite., how to say thanks in arabic.

To respond say:

Arabic phrases to Ask for directions.

General useful phrases..

Watch this video to learn how to pronounce common Arabic phrases for travelers:

20 SUPER USEFUL Travel Phrases in Egyptian Arabic: Essential for Tourists and Travelers

The video will teach some basic phrases in Egyptian Arabic like

•       salaam ‘aleikum سلام عليكم
•       law samaHt     لو سمحت           

and other useful words and phrases

The most popular tourist destination in the middle east is undoubtedly Egypt, and fortunately, the Egyptian dialect of Arabic is the easiest to learn and the most commonly used and understood throughout the arab world. Make sure to check out our guide on the Egyptian dialect here before heading to Egypt as it can be immensely helpful to you.  

And that’s it.

Safe Travels! 

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ARAB 402: Travel Literature in Arabic: Introduction

• Introduction
• Arabic Literature
• Travel Literature
• Cartography, geography and space
• Finding Journal Articles
• Citing Sources
• Some Starting Points
• Discussion #1
• Discussion #2
• Discussion #3
• Discussion #4

Purpose of this guide

This library guide is designed to help you research literary scholarship and to contextualize library collections of Arabic literature. It includes: 

• Information about how to construct effective search strategies (using keywords and subjects)
• Recommended online databases to research Arabic travel literature
• Link to examples of sources and recommendations for starting points 

In preparation for this session, I read the following article: 

• Daniel L. Newman Arabic Travel Writing.

Help build the library collection: Suggest new books

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• Next: Arabic Literature >>
• Last Updated: Mar 22, 2024 12:00 PM
• URL: https://libguides.williams.edu/ARAB402

Introduction

Arabic phrases for giving directions, arabic phrases for transportation, arabic phrases for accommodations, miscellaneous arabic words and phrases, scenario 1: exploring the city, scenario 2: at the hotel, scenario 3: at the restaurant, scenario 4: at the tourist information center.

Help us share the article:

Traveling To an Arab Country? Here are 25 Excellent Arabic Phrases to Guide You

by Dania Ghraoui

24 Jul, 2023 . 6 mins read

Learning Tips

Hello, my dear Arabic language learners. The first thing that you might think about when traveling to an Arab country or countries that speak Arabic is the ability to communicate with the locals. This is vital, as it ensures safety and comfort during the trip. What’s more, the ability to articulate some essential phrases in the local language grants us the confidence to move around our temporary residence and remain highly functional. Whether the trip is for work, leisure, or studying, conversing in the local language can significantly enhance our overall experience.

And because Arabic is a language rich with history, culture, and diversity, your journey could be even more rewarding. As you’re exploring the historical sites of Egypt, the luxurious cityscape of Dubai, or the cultural wonders of Morocco, you’ll find that a basic understanding of Arabic is immensely helpful. From asking for directions, and haggling at a local market, to ordering food at a restaurant, your attempts to communicate in Arabic can open doors, bring smiles, and foster mutual respect.

In this post, we will introduce you to 25 Arabic phrases to use when you travel to an Arab country. These phrases have been carefully selected to cover various situations, including directions, transportation, accommodations, dining, etc. By learning and using these Arabic words and phrases, you will not only be able to navigate the Arabic-speaking world more easily but also enrich your cultural experience and make lasting memories. 

In addition to providing you with essential Arabic phrases, this blog also includes real-life scenarios to help you apply what you’ve learned and see them in context. These scenarios, set in common travel situations, are designed to offer practical demonstrations of how and when to use the phrases. Whether you’re trying to find your way in a bustling city, ordering a meal in a restaurant, or checking into a hotel, these scenarios will give you a realistic insight into navigating the Arabic-speaking world. The aim is to ensure that you’re not only memorizing these phrases but also understanding their context, thereby enhancing your confidence to communicate effectively during your travels. 

So, are you ready? Let’s start by looking at 25 essential Arabic words and phrases for travel , including vocabulary for directions, transportation, accommodations, and more. 

When you’re in a new place, it’s important to be able to ask for directions. Here are some Arabic phrases that can help you navigate your way around:

Getting around in an Arabic-speaking country can be an adventure in itself. Here are some Arabic words and phrases related to transportation:

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse, here are some Arabic words and phrases related to accommodations:

Here are some additional Arabic words and phrases that can be useful for travelers:

In the following two scenarios, we’ll explore some common situations a traveler may encounter while visiting an Arabic-speaking country. In Scenario 1 , our tourist interacts with a local resident to get information about public transportation and the city’s layout. In Scenario 2 , the tourist checks into a hotel, inquiring about room availability and payment options.  In Scenario 3 , our tourist is dining at a restaurant. They discuss dietary preferences and ask about the menu with a waiter, and in Scenario 4 , our traveler visits a tourist information center. They ask for a city map and inquire about a specific location.

These scenarios demonstrate the practical use of the essential Arabic phrases and vocabulary we learned for travelers in real-life situations .

Real-Life Arabic

Tourist: مرحبا!ً كم تبعد المدينة من هنا؟

(Hello! How far is the city from here?)

Local: تبعد المدينة حوالي خَمسَةَ كيلومترات من هنا. هل ترغب في السّير على الأقدام أو استخدام وسائل النّقل العامّ؟

(The city is about 5 kilometers from here. Do you prefer to walk or use public transportation?)

Tourist: أفضل استخدام وسائل النّقل العامّ. مِن أين يمكنني شراء تذاكر الحافلة؟

(I prefer to use public transportation. Where can I buy bus tickets?)

Local: يمكنك شراء تذاكر الحافلة من أجهزة البيع الآلي في محطة الحافلات أو داخل الحافلة نفسها.

(You can buy bus tickets from vending machines at the bus station or inside the bus itself.)

Tourist: شكراً! هل يمكنني الحصول على خريطة المدينة؟

(Thank you! Can I get a map of the city?)

Local: بالطّبع! يمكنك الحصول على خريطة مجّانية من مكتب السّياحة أو تنزيل تطبيق على هاتفك الذكي.

(Of course! You can get a free map from the tourism office or download an app on your smartphone).

Tourist: مرحباً! أريد غرفة فندقيّة لمدة ثلاثة أيام. هل لديكم غرف متاحة؟

(Hello! I want a hotel room for three days. Do you have available rooms?)

Receptionist: نعم، لدينا غرف متاحة. هل تفضّل غرفةً مزدوجةً أم مفردةً؟

(Yes, we have available rooms. Do you prefer a double or a single room?)

Tourist: أريد غرفة مزدوجةً من فضلك. هل يمكنني استخدام بطاقة الائتمان هنا؟

(I want a double room, please. Can I use my credit card here?)

Receptionist: بالطّبع! يمكنك استخدام بطاقة الائتمان للدّفع.

(Of course! You can use your credit card for payment.)

Tourist: ما هو رقم الهاتف الخاصّ بالفندق؟

(What is the hotel’s phone number?)

Receptionist: رقم الهاتف الخاصّ بالفندق هو 123-456-7890. إذا كنت بحاجة إلى أي مساعدة أخرى، لا تتردد في الاتصال بنا.

(The hotel’s phone number is 123-456-7890. If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.)

Tourist: شكراً لمساعدتك!

(Thank you for your help!)

Receptionist: وداعاً ! استمتع بإقامتك!

(Goodbye! Enjoy your stay! )

Tourist: مرحبا! أنا نباتي. هل لديكم خيارات نباتية؟

(Hello! I’m a vegetarian. Do you have vegetarian options?)

Waiter: نعم، لدينا العديد من الخيارات النباتية. يمكنك الاطلاع على القائمة هنا.

(Yes, we have many vegetarian options. You can check the menu here.)

Tourist: هل هذا الطبق حار؟

(Is this dish spicy?)

Waiter: لا، هذا الطبق ليس حارًا.

(No, this dish is not spicy.)

Tourist: رائع! أود طاولة لشخصين، من فضلك.

(Great! I’d like a table for two, please.)

Waiter: بالطبع، تفضل.

(Of course, right this way.)

Tourist: مرحبا! هل يمكنني الحصول على خريطة المدينة؟

(Hello! Can I get a map of the city?)

Information Officer: بالطبع! ها هي خريطة المدينة. هل تحتاج إلى مساعدة في تحديد المواقع؟

(Of course! Here is the city map. Do you need help identifying the locations?)

Tourist: نعم، من فضلك. أين المتحف الوطني؟

(Yes, please. Where is the National Museum?)

Information Officer: إنه في الجزء الشرقي من المدينة، يمكنك استخدام الخريطة للوصول إليه.

(It’s in the eastern part of the city. You can use the map to get there.)

We hope this excellent collection of Arabic travel words and phrases has been helpful. We’re wrapping up for today, dear learners, and I truly hope you’ve found our journey through these Arabic travel phrases and real-life scenarios valuable. You know, these words and phrases are more than just tools for communication – they’re your keys to connecting with the people and culture of the Arabic-speaking world.

Speaking even a little bit of the local language can make your travel experiences richer and more memorable. And trust me, locals always appreciate it when visitors try to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words or phrases.

So, keep practicing these phrases – they’re your first steps into the beautiful world of the Arabic language. And remember, there’s so much more to discover beyond these basics.

As you set off on your travels, remember to stay curious, enjoy every moment, and embrace the joy of learning a new language. And above all, have a wonderful journey. Wishing you all safe travels, or as we say in Arabic, رحلة سعيدة – ‘Happy Journey’!

Now, to assist you further in your Arabic language journey, I’m excited to share with you a comprehensive planner we’ve created. It has a 30-page worksheet complemented by over 200 exercises and activities designed to enhance your grasp of the Arabic language. This resource is an excellent companion to your studies and will provide you with structured practice to help you retain and apply what you’ve learned.

https://www.alifbee.app/planner

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Essential Arabic Phrases For Travel – Speak Freely While Traveling

Some of the best experiences in life are had when one travels abroad. Indeed, when you travel to another country and immerse yourself in its culture, it can be fun and exciting. However, speaking that country’s language, even if it’s just a few words, can offer you an even richer experience. For instance, while poring over those brochures of Petra, did you ever think about learning Arabic phrases for travel to make your trip to Jordan even more rewarding?

Listen to the locals

After all, isn’t it the locals who can tell you the best places to eat, sleep, and sightsee? Certainly, learning more than just how to say “hello” in Dubai offers tourists opportunities they’d never find in a guidebook. What’s more, when you travel in Arabic speaking countries , you’ll find most locals are friendly and happy to help.

This is especially true when some knows what to say in Arabic when someone is traveling. This is because Arabs really admire someone who attempts to speak their language. You see, they, too, realize that Arabic isn’t the easiest language to learn. Nevertheless, they’ll respect your effort. Besides that, when you speak to a native speaker of Arabic, you’ll be improving your Arabic language skills as well. Thus, you’ll be ensuring a richer and more rewarding experience no matter which Arabic speaking country you decide to travel to.

Essential Arabic phrases for travel

The Arabic word for travel is السفر / alsafar . Now that you’ve learn your first travel-related word in Arabic, let’s get you started on the rest of your journey.

Here’s a list of Arabic words related to travel to get you started:

In conclusion.

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The 6 Must Know Arabic Phrases for Traveling Posted by jesa on Jun 7, 2015 in Arabic Language , Culture

Marhaba! Take a moment and enjoy the beautiful change of seasons. Wherever you are in the world, I am most certain that weather conditions look better than what they were a few weeks ago. It could be really humid or too hot, but still try to spend at least some part of your day in the beautiful sun. Speaking of changing seasons; it might be that time of the year when you are mapping your summer travel plans. Well, you might have made reservations already or still wondering what to do. In any case, today I want to provide you with what I think are the 6 essential Arabic phrases for traveling, especially if you are planning to vacation somewhere in the Arab world. In the past, I have discussed why I think you should learn Arabic now and why you should visit the Arab world to boost your learning journey of the beautiful Arabic language. I know that the political and security climate in many places around the Arab world is at the moment uncertain; however, there many places like Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and any of the Emirates that are relatively safer than neighboring Arab countries.

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So, if you are convinced to travel to the Arab world for all the reasons I mention and others of course, these are the 6 essential phrases that you can use the moment you land in the airport to check in your hotel room. In the near future, I will provide you all with other essential phrases for making the best out of your trip abroad. For now, let’s begin with the basics. I have also translated the phrases to Arabic and I have transliterated the phrases so that you are able to pronounce them. I have added them in form of dialogue to give you a sense of how the conversation might take place. Please note that there are many dialects in different Arab countries. Nonetheless, these basic phrases will be understood by almost anyone in the Arab world.

So, you’ve landed and now you need to get to your hotel ( الفندق ). Let’s assume you want to hail a cab/taxi (سيارة أجرة) to get your hotel. Amin: Greetings, excuse me, where can I get find taxis? أمين: مرحبا, من فضلك, أين ممكن أن أجد سيارة أجرة؟ Amin: Mar-ha-ba, min fad-lak, ay-na mum-kin an ajid sayya-rat uj-ra.

Airport official: Taxis are located at this side of the airport. مسؤول المطار: سيارات الاجرة موجودة في هذا الجانب من المطار Mas-ul al-ma-tar: Sayya-rat al-uj-ra maw-ju-da fi ha-tha al-ja-nib min al-ma-tar.

Amin: Thank you. أمين: شكراً Amin: Shuk-ran

Amin: Hello, I need you to take me to my hotel, which is located in Beirut near the American University of Beirut. Thank you. أمين: مرحبا, من فضلك أريد الوصول الى الفندق الواقع في بيروت قرب الجامعة الاميركية. شكراً Amin: Mar-ha-ba, min fad-lak u-reed al-wu-sul ila al-fun-duq al-wa-qih fi bay-rut qurb al-ja-mi-a al-ame-ri-ki-ya. Shuk-ran.

Once you pay your taxi fare and thank the driver, you get your luggage and you are the hotel.

Amin: Greetings, I have a reservation for a double room under the name Amin. أمين: مرحبا, لدي حجز لغرفة مزدوجة تحت اسم أمين Amin: Mar-ha-ba, la-da-ya ha-jiz li-ghur-fa muz-da-wi-ja tah-ta is-im Amin.

Hotel Staff: Yes, I see your reservation Mr. Amin موظف الفندق: نعم, أرى حجزك أستاذ أمين Mu-wa-thaf al-fun-duq: na-am, a-ra haj-za-ka us-tath Amin.

Amin: Please, just to confirm, does this room have a shower and bathtub? What about a balcony? أ مين: من فضلك, للتأكيد, هل يوجد دش وحوض للاستحمام في الغرفة؟ ماذا عن شرفة؟ Amin: Min fad-lak, lil-ta-keed, hal yu-jad douch wa hawd lil-is-tih-mam fi al-ghur-fa? Ma-tha an shur-fa?

Hotel Staff: Yes, Mr. Amin. You are right. Your room has a shower, bathtub, and a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean. موظف الفندق: نعم أستاذ أمين. غرفتك فيها دش, وحوض للاستحمام, وشرفة مطلة على البحر المتوسط Mu-wa-thaf al-fun-duq: na-am us-tath Amin. Ghur-fa-tu-ka fi-ha douch wa hawd lil-is-tih-mam wa shur-fa mu-til-la ala al-ba-hir al-mu-ta-wa-ssit.

Amin: Thank you. أمين: شكراً Amin: Shuk-ran.

Before you finalize checking in, you might want to ask the staff about breakfast and other related issues.

Amin: I believe my room includes breakfast for two. Please, could you tell me when does breakfast begin and end every day? أمين: أعتقد أن غرفتي تشمل وجبة فطور لشخصين. من فضلك, ممكن أن تعلمني متى يبدأ الفطور وينتهي كل يوم؟ Amin: Aa-ta-qid an-na ghur-fa-ti tash-mal waj-bat fu-tur li-shakh-sayn. Min fad-lak, mum-kin an tu-li-ma-ni ma-ta yab-da al-fu-tur wa yan-ta-hi kul yawm?

Hotel Staff: Of course, Mr. Amin. Breakfast is served everyday between 6 AM and 10 AM. موظف الفندق: طبعاً أستاذ أمين. الفطور يقدم كل يوم من الساعة السادسة صباحاً حتى العاشرة صباحاً Mu-wa-thaf al-fun-duq: tab-an us-tath Amin. Al-fu-tur yu-qa-ddam kul yawm min al-sa-a al-sa-di-sa sa-ba-han ha-tta al-a-shira sa-ba-han. Amin: Thank you. أمين: شكراً Amin: Shuk-ran

Amin: Could you please schedule a wake up call at 7.30 AM tomorrow? My wife and I have a long day of sightseeing. أمين: من فضلك, ممكن تدوين منبه للنهوض من خلال مكالمة غداً الساعة السابعة والنصف صباحاً؟ أنا وزوجتي لدينا يوم سياحة طويل Amin: Min fad-lak, mum-kin tad-ween mu-na-bih lil-nu-hud min khi-lal mu-ka-la-ma gha-dan al-sa-a al-sa-bi-a wa al-nu-sif sa-ba-han? Ana wa zaw-ja-ti la-day-na yawm si-ya-hi ta-wil.

Hotel Staff: Of course. I will schedule this wake up call immediately for 7.30 AM tomorrow. موظف الفندق: طبعاً, سوف أسجل مكالمة للنهوض حالاً للساعة السابعة والنصف غداّ Mu-wa-thaf al-fun-duq: Tab-an, saw-fa u-sa-jil mu-ka-la-ma lil-nu-hud ha-lan lil-sa-a al-sa-bi-a wa al-nu-sif gha-dan.

 Amin: Thank you for all the help. أمين: شكراً على كل مساعدتك Amin: Shuk-ran ala kul mu-sa-a-da-tak.

As you can see from these 6 phrases, these cover the basics. These phrases should allow me to check in easily. Take care and stay tuned for related posts in the near future.

For now take care and stay tuned for upcoming posts! Happy Learning! Have a nice day!! نهاركم سعيد

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About the Author: jesa

Salam everyone! Born as an American to two originally Arab parents, I have been raised and have spent most of my life in Beirut, Lebanon. I have lived my good times and my bad times in Beirut. I was but a young child when I had to learn to share my toys and food with others as we hid from bombs and fighting during the Lebanese Civil War. I feel my connection to Arabic as both a language and culture is severing and so it is with you, my readers and fellow Arabic lovers, and through you that I wish to reestablish this connection by creating one for you.

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Two Arabic Travel Books

Accounts of china and india and mission to the volga.

• by Abū Zayd al-Sīrāfī and Aḥmad ibn Faḍlān
• Edited and translated by Tim Mackintosh-Smith and James E. Montgomery

December 2014

ISBN: 9781479803507

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Two Arabic Travel Books combines two exceptional exemplars of Arabic travel writing, penned in the same era but chronicling wildly divergent experiences. Accounts of China and India is a compilation of reports and anecdotes on the lands and peoples of the Indian Ocean, from the Somali headlands to China and Korea. The early centuries of the Abbasid era witnessed a substantial network of maritime trade—the real-life background to the Sindbad tales. In this account, we first travel east to discover a vivid human landscape, including descriptions of Chinese society and government, Hindu religious practices, and natural life from flying fish to Tibetan musk-deer and Sri Lankan gems. The juxtaposed accounts create a jigsaw picture of a world not unlike our own, a world on the road to globalization. In its ports, we find a priceless cargo of information; here are the first foreign descriptions of tea and porcelain, a panorama of unusual social practices, cannibal islands, and Indian holy men—a marvelous, mundane world, contained in the compass of a novella. In Mission to the Volga , we move north on a diplomatic mission from Baghdad to the upper reaches of the Volga River in what is now central Russia. This colorful documentary by Ibn Fadlan relates the trials and tribulations of an embassy of diplomats and missionaries sent by caliph al-Muqtadir to deliver political and religious instruction to the recently-converted King of the Bulghars. During eleven months of grueling travel, Ibn Fadlan records the marvels he witnesses on his journey, including an aurora borealis and the white nights of the North. Crucially, he offers a description of the Viking Rus, including their customs, clothing, tattoos, and a striking account of a ship funeral. Mission to the Volga is also the earliest surviving instance of sustained first-person travel narrative in Arabic—a pioneering text of peerless historical and literary value. Together, the stories in Two Arabic Travel Books illuminate a vibrant world of diversity during the heyday of the Abbasid empire, narrated with as much curiosity and zeal as they were perceived by their observant beholders. A bilingual Arabic-English edition.

"Both these accounts are full of fascination and wonder. These volumes continue the contribution this excellent series is making towards integrating classics of Arabic into the global canon."

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"This welcome volume is one of the first in a new series that will be of inestimable value to both scholars and general readers."

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"Both travel accounts edited and translated here by Mackintosh-Smith and Montgomery are a tribute as well to the foresight, ambition, and excellent quality achieved by the Library of Arabic Literature. This will become a library of cultural richness and enduring value."

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"We have been given a precious gift in Two Arabic Travel Books. Mackintosh-Smith and Montgomery bring their years of experience in the field, their towering erudition, and, most importantly, their love of the texts themselves—and of travel—to a wide audience that is most in need of a fresh look at the world shared by the peoples of Eurasia a millennium ago."

— Journal of the American Oriental Society

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Inspire Your Trip

Essential Arabic Phrases for Tourists

The Middle East if a fascinating region of the world to visit with a different people, cultures, food and countries. There are some of the most incredible tourist attractions located in the Middle East , from ancient biblical sites to the tallest building in the world.

One way to make travel to the Middle East easier and more special is to try to learn Arabic and the basics of the language are easier to know than you might think.

Whether you are planning to visit Dubai , Saudi Arabia, Jordan, or any country in the Middle East, or you are just keen to pick up the basics of the language, our beginners Arabic words and phrases will help you to get a grasp of the language and impress the locals.

Basic Arabic Phrases for Tourists

Our list of the most used common and important beginner Arabic words and phrases has a focus on travel and tourism.

General Greetings Hello – Marhaba How are you? – Kaeef halak Good morning – Sabah el khair Good evening – Massa el khair Goodbye – Maaa es-salama Good night – Tosbeh Aala Khayr Have a nice day – Atamanna lak yawm saeed

Basics Yes – NaAm No – La Excuse me – MaAzera I’m sorry – Ana asef (M) / Ana asefa (F) Please – MinFadlak Thank you – Shukran-Lak You’re welcome – Afwan

Conversational Nice to meet you – sarertu Lemuqabalatek What is your name? – ma iSmaK My name is (Paul) – ismii (Paul) I don’t speak Arabic – Ana la atakallamu Al arabiyyah Could you speak slower, please? – Hal yumkinuk altahaduth bishakl ‘abta min fadlika? How do you say (insert word) in Arabic? – KayfaTaqul (insert word) Belarabiyyah? Do you speak English? – HalTatakallam Beler?

Sightseeing & Directions Where is…? – Ayna Is this the way to..? – Hal haza howa et-tareeq ela? Where can I buy…? – Ayna yomkanany shera? How do I get to? – Kaeef yomKanany El hosool ala? Where is the nearest Metro station? – Ayna aqrab mahattat Metro? I’m lost – Athonn Annani ta’eh

Shopping How much? – Kam ath-thaman How much does it cost? – Kam et-taklefa I want – Ana bi haja urid Where is the nearest cash machine? – Ayna aqrab Saraf aalee

Food & Drink Can I see the menu? – Hal yomkinuni an ara ka’emat al taaam Tasty – Jayyed I’m hungry – Inni jaa’eh I’m thirsty – Inni aatshan Do you have hand sanitizer? – Hal ladayk muaakkem/mutahher lel yadayn? Where is the bathroom? – Ayna Al Hamam

Weather How’s the weather today/tomorrow? – Kayfa hal al taks al yawm / ghadan?

Help & Emergencies Help! – mosaada Police! – Shurtah! I need advice – Ana bi haja ela nasiha I have a problem with – Ladayy mushkila fi I need a doctor – ahtaj ela Tabib I have a fever – Aendee Huma It hurts – Enahu Moalem Hospital? – Mustashfaa

Where is Arabic Spoken There are around 25 Arab speaking countries that have Arabic listed as an official or co-official language including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Algeria, Comoros, Eritrea, Djibouti, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Bahrain, Tunisia, Chad, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. There are also six sovereign states where Arabic is a national language or “recognized minority language” including Turkey, Niger, Mali, Iran and Senegal.

Is Arabic Difficult to Learn Arabic is a challenging language to study, especially for native English speakers. But like when learning any language, practising really helps development. When you start learning Arabic you will discover what a beautiful language it is, and although writing in Arabic can take a long time, speaking it is fairly easy to learn.

Best Ways to Learn Arabic Studying online – apps, websites, live classes are the fastest ways to study Arabic.

Hopefully our guide to the best Arabic phrases to know before visiting the Middle East has helped you with the very basics of the language. This region of the world really is an amazing place to visit and local people will really appreciate when you try to converse with them in their own language.

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Travel literature

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• 3 19th century and later

Travel literature is a broad and popular genre of writing covering adventure and exploration, travel writing collections, travel-related memoirs, and travel-centric fiction. Travel writing often blends with essay writing, coming in the form of travel writing collections or as features in magazines. Styles range from journalistic, to the introspective, to funny, and to serious. Early examples appear in medieval China, ancient Greece, and in early Arabic literature.

Understand [ edit ]

Historical [ edit ].

• Narrow Road to the Deep North ( Oku-no-hosomichi )- Verses and poems by 17th century haiku poet Basho Matsuo on his travel to the northeastern Japan.

19th century and later [ edit ]

Long distance travel became more accessible to people with the advent of rail, ocean-going steamships and later the automobile and aeroplanes.

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• Fiction tourism
• Travel writing

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29 Travel and Travel Writing

Maria Pretzler is Lecturer in Ancient History at Swansea University.

• Published: 18 September 2012
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Greek travellers tried to take their city with them: travel is typically conducted as a civic act, one justified and defined by one's tie to the city: trade, for example, or martial aggression, or colonization. This article discusses the range of travel experiences reflected in surviving literature. The study of ancient travel focuses on the process of travelling, on individual travellers' movements and their reactions to particular journeys and places. The evidence is therefore mainly literary, with valuable additions from epigraphic sources. The remains of sites that were particularly attractive to ancient travellers, depictions of their means of transport, shipwrecks, and traces of ancient roads can add further information. Greek travel literature had a strong influence on early modern geography and ethnography, and it still has an impact on how people understand the Greek world.

G reeks liked to think about their world by tracing colonists' movements from the old motherland to distant Mediterranean shores: they considered mobility as a crucial factor in defining what, and who, was essentially Greek. Myth and epic poetry set the scene by depicting an earlier age of travellers, be it the Achaeans on their overseas campaign against Troy and then on their tortuous journeys to return home, or adventurous heroes such as Heracles or Jason and the many founders of Greek cities everywhere. For us, the Odyssey in particular provides a wide range of responses to the experience of travelling overseas in the crucial period when Greek colonization began to shape the ancient Mediterranean as we know it. In Odysseus' tales we encounter a variety of travellers engaged in friendships, diplomacy, and marriage outside their own community, and many people risking adventures for gain through trade, piracy, war, or increased knowledge. Others were forced to leave their home, either displaced as slaves or seeking refuge after conflict. Odysseus, always longing to go home to Ithaca while experiencing both the benefits and the horrors of a long overseas journey, shows how the image of the traveller could be reconciled with that other crucial aspect of Greek identity, a close and lasting connection to one's polis. Many did, however, not return home: by the end of the archaic period we find hundreds of colonies, new poleis, around the coasts of the Mediterranean, and some Greeks sought opportunities well beyond the regions settled by colonists.

It is possible to document complex and dense connections between places and regions around the ancient Mediterranean and beyond (Horden and Purcell 2000 ), but most of the evidence for high levels of connectivity in the ancient world does not provide information about the actual process of travelling. The general and vague information derived from imported objects found on archaeological sites suggests the movements of people without offering much insight into the mode or direction of particular journeys. Nevertheless, the general observation that travel was not an exceptional activity in the ancient world should inform our approach to ancient texts dealing with travel experiences. The study of ancient travel focuses on the process of travelling, on individual travellers' movements and their reactions to particular journeys and places. The evidence is therefore mainly literary, with valuable additions from epigraphic sources. The remains of sites which were particularly attractive to ancient travellers, depictions of their means of transport, shipwrecks, and traces of ancient roads can add further information.

Much of what we know about ancient travel concerns the small, eloquent elite that generally dominated the ancient literary record. Throughout antiquity travel was a part of life for wealthy individuals who were involved in the affairs of their community. They were particularly active in maintaining contacts beyond their community, from the elaborate guest-friendships of the Homeric epics to embassies to the emperor in the Roman period. Throughout antiquity, members of the elite relied on widespread contacts which could include acquaintances who were not Greek. Travelling as we see it in most ancient texts was expensive, because eminent people travelled in grand style, with numerous attendants and considerable luggage (Casson 1994 : 176–8). Early Christian texts, particularly the Gospels, Acts, and some of St Paul's epistles, look beyond the small, wealthy elite and offer a different cultural perspective, but this valuable source-material has yet to be fully integrated with classical scholarship.

Information about the activities and routines of ancient travel has to be pieced together from disparate references in ancient texts, and the bulk of the evidence dates from the Roman period (Casson 1974 ; Camassa and Fasce 1991 ; André and Baslez 1993 ). The preferred mode of long-distance travel was by ship: not only was sea travel faster and more comfortable (e.g. Pliny, Epistles 10.17a; Casson 1974 : 67–8, 178–82), but few important Greek sites were located far from the sea. Journeys on land probably often meant walking, even for long distances, although wealthy travellers would use carriages. Mainland Greece at least had a dense road network suitable for vehicles which reached even remote, mountainous locations. Many of these roads date back to the archaic or early classical period and they were in use until the end of antiquity (Pikoulas 2007 ; Pritchett 1980 : 143–96). These practical aspects of ancient travel are rarely the focus of modern research, but they are crucial for our understanding of how ancient travellers interpreted their surroundings. The slow pace of ancient journeys facilitated intensive encounters with landscapes, sites, and local people, while ancient travellers were often less interested in the wider context of their location. Geographical overviews and accurate maps of large regions seem to have remained the domain of scholarly experts, while many travellers may have adopted a view which organizes the landscape along particular routes without paying much attention to a ‘global’ perspective (cf. the Peutinger Table and Pausanias, with Snodgrass 1987 : 81–6).

Trade, war, and the search for opportunities may have accounted for a majority of individual journeys in antiquity (Purcell 1996 ), but these activities are rarely at the centre of attention. Journeys made for the sake of travelling, usually for the spiritual and intellectual benefit of a particular individual, account for much of the information about travel experiences that can be found in ancient texts, and modern scholarship reflects this emphasis on what we might call ‘cultural travel’. Early Greek travellers were often engaged in new discoveries, encountering unknown regions and strange cultures. The exploration by Greeks of regions around the western Mediterranean and the Black Sea may be reflected in the epic tradition, particularly the Odyssey , although it came too early to leave credible traces in the literary record. Areas beyond the Mediterranean remained largely unknown well into the Hellenistic period. The Atlantic coasts of both Europe and Africa were occasionally visited by explorers who recorded their observations, for example Hanno and Pytheas of Massalia (Carpenter 1966 ). Egypt and the Middle East had always been more accessible to the Greeks, not least because there they encountered highly developed cultures that were much older than their own.

By the end of the archaic period Greeks had travelled widely and extended the boundaries of their known world: from Egypt they had reached the upper Nile Valley and brought news of regions further south, and, from the sixth century, knowledge about distant regions of the East as far as India could be obtained through good connections with the Persians. Herodotus criticizes the theories about the shape of the earth inferred from such information by the geographical theorists of sixth-century Ionia, but he also testifies to the usefulness of maps created in this period and he includes geographical information about distant regions in his own work (Herodotus 4.39, 5.49; Harrison 2007 ). Alexander's conquests in the East and the expansion of the Roman empire, especially in western Europe, provided the Greeks with opportunities to reach hitherto unknown regions and to obtain more detailed geographical information (Polybius 3.59; Clarke 1999 ). The edges of the earth, however, remained a matter of legends about unusual peoples and cultures and wondrous natural phenomena (Hartog 1988 : 12–33; Romm 1992 ). All surviving ancient explorers' tales have been subjected to intense scrutiny to match them to actual regions and cultures. Recent scholarly attention, however, has been focused on the particularly Greek perspective on alien cultures which often describes strange people in terms of stark contrasts with what was familiar to the writer and his audience. In fact, authors dealing with ‘barbarians’ often seem more concerned with exploring their own culture than with giving an accurate picture of a distant region and its people. (Hartog 1988 : 212–59).

Most ancient travellers stayed within the familiar confines of the Mediterranean, but there was plenty of scope for ‘cultural’ travel in the Greek world and among its immediate neighbours. Educated Greeks would embark on sightseeing tours to visit famous places, for example a number of historical sites in mainland Greece, including Athens, Olympia, Delphi, and perhaps Sparta, some of the cultural centres of Asia Minor such as Ephesus or Pergamon, and Ilium as the main location of the Trojan War. Egypt, with its spectacular ancient sites (Casson 1974 : 253–61), was also an attractive destination. These sightseeing activities are sometimes described as ancient tourism, but this term is rather misleading because it invites analogies with the seasonal mass movements of today. The Grand Tours of wealthy Europeans of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries would be a more appropriate analogy (see Cohen 1992 ). Most visitors were particularly interested in ancient monuments with historical connections, artworks by famous artists, and sights that could be classified as curiosities. In most places with important historical monuments a visitor could employ professional tourist-guides to explain the sights, and wealthy travellers could apparently rely on members of the local elite to provide a tour appropriate for refined tastes and educated interests (as Plutarch does in his work On the Pythia's Prophecies ; and cf. Jones 2001 ).

In recent years ancient pilgrimage has attracted particular interest (Hunt 1984 ; Dillon 1997 ; Elsner 1997 ; Elsner and Rutherford 2005 : esp. 1–30). The applicability of this term to the activities of ancient travellers is contentious (Morinis 1992 : 1–28; Scullion 2005 : 121–30), but valuable interpretations of ancient texts have emerged from this line of enquiry. Throughout antiquity many sanctuaries saw large numbers of visitors, and some festivals could attract considerable crowds. Many people undertook such visits on their own initiative, but states also maintained regular official links with specific sanctuaries beyond their borders. The concept of pilgrimage invites new enquiries into the function and meaning of such journeys, especially as a means of defining identities and collective memories. Pilgrimage can also be a useful category in assessing ancient attitudes to historical sites. After all, the classical texts played a dominant role in the lives of educated Greeks and determined their approach to places that were in some way linked to the literary tradition. Historical sites, such as important battle-fields or places that played a crucial role in the Homeric epics, allowed visitors to explore localities with which they were intimately familiar from their reading since childhood, and which were part of a common Greek consciousness. Visits to such places could therefore have a profound effect which cannot easily be distinguished from a spiritual or religious experience (Hunt 1984 ). This approach to spiritual, cultural, and emotional aspects of pagan visits to significant places also allows a new evaluation of Christian pilgrimage in late antiquity (e.g. Egeria), by considering it in the context of earlier, pre-Christian traditions (Hunt 1982 ; Holum 1990 ).

Travelling was seen as an important source of knowledge and wisdom, and it was closely linked to the ideals of Greek culture and education ( paideia ) (Pretzler 2007 b ). A traveller could learn by seeing and experiencing different places and civilizations for himself, and he might gain access to information which was not available in Greece. The Greeks were aware that some civilizations were far more ancient than their own, and they assumed that in some countries, for example Egypt, Mesopotamia, or India, travellers might be able to acquire considerable knowledge, particularly about the remote past. There were many legends about the extensive journeys of famous sages such as Solon or Pythagoras, echoed by later traditions about the adventures of Apollonius of Tyana, or Dio Chrysostom's claims about his own wanderings while he was in exile (Hartog 2001 : 5, 90–1, 108–16, 199–209). In the Roman period, many aspiring young men from all over the Roman world travelled to acquire a Greek education: they would move to one of the leading cultural centres such as Pergamon, Athens, or Smyrna to study with a distinguished sophist. Prominent intellectuals could enhance their reputation by travelling to give lecture tours and to compete with their peers (Anderson 1993 : 2–30). Educated Greeks were therefore expected to be acquainted with famous cities and sites, and such personal knowledge influenced intellectual debates and texts. Experience gained through travelling became particularly important to enhance the credibility of arguments and reports. Authors often stress that they have personally seen places or witnessed events they are describing, and such claims of autopsia became a standard literary topos, particularly in historical and geographical works (e.g. Thucydides 1.1; Strabo 2.5.11; Polybius 3.4; Nenci 1953 ; Lanzillotta 1988 ; Jacob 1991 : 91–4).

While travelling and travel experiences play a crucial role in many ancient texts, there is no clearly defined genre of Greek travel literature. Modern examples of the genre often offer an insight into personal experiences on a journey, and they reflect reactions to strange landscapes, places, and people (Campbell 2002 ). Few ancient texts cover any of these aspects extensively, and a study of literary responses to travel experiences needs to include texts which touch upon the subject although they belong to different genres. There is no comprehensive modern study of Greek travel writing, and the re-evaluation of relevant texts as travel literature is a relatively recent phenomenon (e.g. Elsner 2001 ; Hutton 2005 ; Roy 2007 ); much work remains to be done in this field. As far as we can tell, the expectations of ancient readers of travel texts differed considerably from those of their modern counterparts. Few ancient writers provide a clear sense of the topography of a place, and they rarely attempt to create a comprehensive image of a location that would allow readers to visualize what the traveller has seen. In fact, ancient travel writers are usually very selective about what to report: particular features of a landscape are usually only mentioned if they represent a curiosity or if they are relevant to the author's aims, for example sporadic topographical details in a historian's account of a battle. Detailed descriptions of objects were the subject of rhetorical exercises ( ekphrasis ), and landscape descriptions play a particular role in pastoral poetry, but they rarely take up much space in ancient travel accounts (Bartsch 1989 : 7–10; Pretzler 2007 a : 57–63, 105–17).

Ancient travel writing (in the widest sense) can be roughly divided into two categories: on the one hand there are accounts of particular journeys, and on the other hard there are texts which present facts about places or cultures without discussing the process of travelling. The tradition of such ‘factual’ geographical texts was traced back to the ‘Catalogue of Ships’ in the Iliad (2.484–760; cf. 2.815–77), which provides a list of Greek cities and tribes in a roughly geographical order. The earliest geographical texts probably took the form of periploi (e.g. ps. -Scylax), essentially seafarers' logs describing coastlines with important places and landmarks, or stadiasmoi which listed paces and distances along overland routes (Giesinger 1937 ; Janni 1984 : 120–30). Hecataeus' Periodos Gēs developed this genre further by combining a periplous -style description of the world with a scientific discussion of the shape of the earth and the layout of the continents. Later geographers continued to rely on verbal descriptions of coastlines and regional topographies which were never fully superseded by maps (Janni 1984 : 15–19; Jacob 1991 : 35–63). As Strabo shows, geographical works could include information about the landscape, history, and culture of particular places. Texts dealing with particular regions, for example local histories (e.g. Atthidography, Arrian's Bithyniaca ), could go into more detail and would usually rely on an intimate knowledge of landscape, monuments, and local traditions.

Most descriptions of regions and sites were probably mainly interested in historical monuments, religious sites, and significant artworks, not unlike the ‘cultural’ travel-guides of today (Bischoff 1937 ; Hutton 2005 : 247–63). Only two such works survive, Lucian's On the Syrian Goddess , a description of the sanctuary of Atargatis in Hierapolis which is clearly not meant entirely seriously (Lightfoot 2003 ), and Pausanias' Periēgēsis Hellados , ten books describing the Peloponnese and a part of central Greece which represent the longest extant ancient travel text (Habicht 1985 ; Alcock, Elsner, and Cherry 2001 ; Hutton 2005 ; Pretzler 2007 a ). Pausanias, a Greek from Asia Minor carried out extensive research between about 160 and 180 ce , but he rarely refers to his own travel experiences, probably in order to maintain his credibility as an objective observer. Pausanias shows little interest in the life of contemporary communities or the natural landscape. Instead, he focuses on sites with a historical or religious significance, and he provides detailed information about the symbolic and cultural interpretations that Greeks could attach to the landscape. The Periēgēsis follows a long ethnographic tradition, and particularly Herodotus, but instead of reflecting on his own identity by contrasting it with the strange customs of barbarians, Pausanias applies his observations to the heartlands of the Greek world, and he presents an intensive study of the history and state of Greek culture in his own time. A fragment of an early Hellenistic description of Greece by Heraclides Criticus offers a very different view of the landscape of Attica and Boeotia (Pfister 1951 ; Arenz 2006 ). He adopts an often humorous and somewhat flippant tone to comment on the customs and character of contemporary people and on general conditions for a traveller. Heraclides also records his impressions of the landscape and the general appearance of the cities on his route: his approach to the landscape remains unique among the preserved ancient Greek travel texts.

It seems that authors who described places without discussing a particular journey found it easier to assert their credibility. Accounts of individual journeys had a long tradition, but such stories rarely allowed clear distinctions between fact and fiction. Heated discussions about the veracity of tales about distant regions show that ancient readers were aware of this problem, but their conclusions about particular texts often do not agree with modern opinions (e.g. Strabo 1.2.2–19; Romm 1992 : 184–93; Prontera 1993 ). Fictional travel accounts should therefore be included in any study of ancient travel literature because they add to the range of possible literary responses to travel experiences, even if they may not provide factual information about ‘real’ places or journeys. Greek travel writing begins with a fictional tale, namely the Odyssey , with its stories about monsters and incredible events (Jacob 1991 : 24–30; Hartog 2001 ). What is more, its main narrator, Odysseus, is clearly an unreliable reporter who tells untrue stories (‘Cretan tales’) about himself and his adventures, and the epic demonstrates how a traveller can construct false tales which will stand up to scrutiny. Odysseus therefore was a hard act to follow: in his wake no traveller reporting adventures in distant lands could be without suspicion, and many did indeed feel free to add fantastic details to their accounts. The earliest explorers' accounts usually took the form of a periplous which would include some details about specific adventures and discoveries (e.g. Hanno, Pytheas of Massalia). In the Roman period, Arrian revisited the genre and demonstrated its potential complexities: he reports his activities as governor of Cappadocia in a Periplous of the Black Sea , which also allows him to explore his own position as a Greek with multiple identities (Stadter 1980 : 32–41; Hutton 2005 : 266–71; Pretzler 2007 b : 135–6).

Few ancient travel accounts deal with emotional responses to a journey or the transforming impact of the experience on an individual's character, knowledge, or spiritual state. Aristides' Sacred Tales are unique in presenting the authors' personal perspective on his activities, including many journeys, in the pursuit of health and a special relationship with Asclepius (Behr 1968 : 116–28). Most texts dealing with such personal experiences are fictional, and can take the form of extensive accounts, for examples a trip to India in Philostratus' Life of Apollonius , or the Greek novels that usually send their main characters on convoluted journeys before they can settle down to live happily ever after (Morgan 2007 ; Rohde 1960 : 178–310). Some travel authors make no attempt to disguise the fact that their stories are invented, and this can lead to fresh perspectives on the experience of travel. For example, Apuleius' Golden Ass (cf. Lucian, Ass ) takes the opportunity to consider a journey from the point of view of a beast of burden, and it describes a spiritual transformation which turns the main character into a devout follower of Isis. The story also provides a rare chance to observe various travellers who are not members of the elite (Schlam 1992 ; Millar 1981 ). Lucian's fantastic stories ( Lovers of Lies, True Histories ) and other examples of ancient fiction can be seen as a humorous exploration of the many devices employed by travel writers to make their accounts believable (Ní Mheallaigh 2008 ).

Travel accounts could recover some credibility in the context of historiography: after all, Herodotus' Enquiries ( Historiai ) involved extensive travelling around the eastern Mediterranean, and autopsy remained crucial to enhance a historian's authority. Some journeys were themselves historical events, for example long military campaigns, and they inspired a new kind of travel account which owed much to historiography but could also follow some of the conventions of ancient adventurers' tales. Xenophon's Anabasis is the most extensive personal account of a specific journey that survives from antiquity, although the author never admits that he is in fact one of the main characters in the story. Xenophon includes specific information about distances, topography, flora, fauna, and local people, and he gives the impression that decades after the events he can draw on detailed memories, perhaps even a travelogue (Cawkwell 2004 ; Roy 2007 ). His perspective, however, is not that of an explorer whose main aim it is to describe a foreign region, but that of a historian who includes details about landscape and people when they are relevant to the events described. Alexander's conquests inspired a number of participants to write accounts which probably took the form of historical accounts in the mould of Xenophon's Anabasis (Pearson 1960 ). In the East, Alexander's military operations turned into a journey of exploration, and his scientific staff gathered reliable, factual information about areas which had hitherto been almost unknown to the Greeks (Strabo 1.2.1; 2.1.6). Well-founded knowledge could, however, be superseded by fantasy: if Strabo (2.1.9) is anything to go by, realistic reports about India did not have a lasting impact and were soon replaced by the old traditions about an exotic land full of strange wonders (Seel 1961 ; Romm 1992 : 94–109). Alexander's campaign became itself the subject of the Alexander Romance , which reinterpreted historical events in the tradition of myths and fictional adventure stories: in ancient travel writing, imagination could sometimes be stronger than reality.

Like Odysseus, Greek travellers are often unreliable witnesses of places and events they have seen, but their tales offer great insights into ancient perceptions of the world. Greek travel literature had a strong influence on early modern geography and ethnography, and it still has an impact on how we understand the Greek world. Since the Renaissance, western travellers who set out to discover the eastern Mediterranean relied on ancient texts to guide them to classical sites and to help them interpret the historical landscape. They also drew on similarities between the reactions of travellers in the Roman period and their own feelings about ancient sites and the loss of Greek culture. Ultimately, our understanding of antiquity owes much to ancient travellers who contributed their observations and interpretations to the definition of Greek culture and identity. The reception of ancient travel literature, especially of major texts such as Strabo or Pausanias, deserves attention, not least in the context of the development of our own disciplines, namely Classics, Ancient History, and Classical Archaeology.

Suggested Reading

The classic account of many facets of ancient travel in English is Casson (1994) . Casson gathers the ancient evidence to describe the activities and aims of ancient travellers, and his work offers a useful introduction to the subject. André and Baslez (1993) cover similar ground, but in addition to gathering and digesting the sources their work also reflects more recent developments in the study of ancient travel, and they offer more discussion of the cultural and intellectual context of their material. Two collections of articles on travel and travel writing, namely Camassa and Fasce (1991) and Adams and Roy (2007) , provide a good insight into a variety of lines of enquiry that have influenced the study of ancient travel in recent years.

Ancient travel writing has mainly been covered in works about specific authors. Recently the study of Pausanias in particular has led to further investigations of travel and travel writing. Pretzler (2007 a ) offers a general discussion of ancient travel, travel literature, and attitudes to geography and landscapes. Hutton (2005) analyses methods of travel writing, with a particular emphasis on the geographical structure of texts that deal with landscapes. Alcock, Cherry, and Elsner (2001) presents a wide range of approaches, including a number of papers discussing the reception of Pausanias.

Travel to distant places and the role the edges of the known world played in the imagination has been at the centre of stimulating discussion in recent years. Carpenter (1966) provides a basic overview of ancient explorers and their discoveries on the margins of the oikoumenē . Ideas about distant regions are discussed in Romm (1992) , and Hartog (1988 and 2001 ) contributes many valuable insights. Pilgrimage is another special aspect of travelling that has recently attracted a good deal of scholarly attention: much progress has been made in the analysis of pilgrimage in an ancient pagan as well as an early Christian context. Elsner and Rutherford (2005) is a collection of conference papers which offer a good overview of recent debates.

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