Airport, restaurant, and hotel lines that sound natural — not lifted from a 1990s phrasebook.

Before you land

British travellers often over-prepare directions and under-prepare small talk. Spaniards frequently appreciate a greeting and attempt at Spanish before switching to English. Learn these first: "Buenos días / tardes", "Perdone", "¿Habla inglés?", "Muchas gracias".

At the restaurant

Useful lines
  • "¿Tiene mesa para dos?" — Do you have a table for two?
  • "Soy celíaco/a" or "Sin gluten, por favor" — dietary needs.
  • "¿Qué recomienda?" — What do you recommend?
  • "La cuenta, cuando pueda" — The bill, when you can (polite).

At the hotel

"Tengo una reserva a nombre de…" covers most check-ins. For problems: "Hay un problema con la habitación" beats frustrated English at the desk. Keep booking confirmation on your phone — reference numbers transcend accent gaps.

Perfect grammar matters less than calm delivery and a smile when you stumble.

Transport and emergencies

"¿Dónde está la parada de autobús?" / "Necesito un taxi, por favor." For health: "Necesito un médico" and your EHIC/GHIC details ready — post-Brexit cards differ; check GOV.UK before travel.

Practice without a classroom

Order coffee in Spanish at a local Spanish café in London or Manchester. Watch travel vlogs with subtitles off for ten minutes nightly the fortnight before departure. Phrases stick when tied to sensory memory — coffee smell, airport noise.

Regional vocabulary varies — vale (OK) is widespread; listen locally.