Lesson
Tourist vocabulary
Text
This lesson covers common English vocabulary used in tourism and sightseeing contexts. You'll learn words and expressions useful for planning trips, describing attractions, booking tours, and reading travel materials.
Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Example |
|---|---|---|
| itinerary | noun | Our itinerary includes three museums and a walking tour. |
| landmark | noun | The Eiffel Tower is a famous Paris landmark. |
| guided tour | noun | We joined a guided tour to learn about the city's history. |
| attraction | noun | This theme park is the main attraction of the region. |
| excursion | noun | They booked an excursion to the nearby island. |
| tourist trap | noun | Avoid that street at night — it's a tourist trap with overpriced shops. |
| brochure | noun | Pick up a brochure at the tourist information desk. |
| audio guide | noun | The museum provides an audio guide in several languages. |
| entrance fee | noun | The entrance fee includes access to the galleries. |
| off the beaten path | expression | We prefer restaurants that are off the beaten path. |
Tip
Remember common word combinations and register when using tourism vocabulary:
Collocations are important in TOEIC contexts—learn the usual verb + noun pairs.
Example
We booked a guided tour of the historic district.
Please check the itinerary before your business trip.
The museum's entrance fee includes a free audio guide.
Travelers recommended an excursion to the nearby vineyards.
Tip
Watch out for these universal errors when using tourism vocabulary:
Focus on collocations, prepositions, and noun countability to improve accuracy.
Quiz
Choose the correct sentence:
Hint: Check verb tense and the correct noun phrase for an organized visit.
Correct!
The correct collocation is 'booked a guided tour' (past simple) and 'guided tour' is the proper noun phrase.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: We booked a guided tour to visit the main landmarks.
The correct collocation is 'booked a guided tour' (past simple) and 'guided tour' is the proper noun phrase.
Quiz
Complete: The guide recommended an _____ to the countryside.
Hint: Think of a short, organized trip to a nearby place
Correct!
'Excursion' means a short trip or outing, often organized for tourists.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: excursion
'Excursion' means a short trip or outing, often organized for tourists.
Quiz
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: Many travelers avoid tourist traps and prefer _____ attractions.
Hint: Choose the adjective that contrasts with 'tourist traps' (real vs fake)
Correct!
'Authentic' fits best because it contrasts with 'tourist traps' which are often inauthentic or commercial.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: authentic
'Authentic' fits best because it contrasts with 'tourist traps' which are often inauthentic or commercial.
Vocabulary
A planned route or schedule of a trip.
Please send the meeting itinerary before the trip.
Vocabulary
A well-known building or place that is easily recognized.
The guide pointed out several historic landmarks on the tour.
Vocabulary
A tour led by a guide who provides information about the place.
They preferred a guided tour to learn local history.
Vocabulary
A short trip or outing, often organized for pleasure.
We took an excursion to the islands for the day.
Vocabulary
A place that attracts many tourists and offers overpriced or low-quality services.
Ask locals for recommendations to avoid tourist traps.
Vocabulary
A recorded guide that provides information about exhibits or sites.
The audio guide is available in English, French and Spanish.
Vocabulary
The money charged to enter a place, such as a museum or park.
The entrance fee is included in the conference registration.