Useful Phrases for travel booking in Italian
If you are planning to come to Italy for business or on vacation, you may be interested in learning some key phrases in Italian so that you can not only book your trip, but also reservations for everything from a hotel to a restaurant. Keep practising these phrases until you feel comfortable with them, the more you practise, the easier it will become!
While many Italians – especially the younger generation and those that work in tourist-centric areas – do speak English, it is always polite to attempt conversation with someone in their native tongue when visiting their country. Moreover imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel if you’re able to book a hotel or a theater ticket in Italian!
Remember, most Italians will be more than happy to help you along if they see you trying. Just speak slowly, be polite and don’t be afraid to let them know that you’re just learning.
Here is a sample conversation between a person and their travel agent. George is planning to go to Rome next month and to visit his relatives and is discussing the trip with his agent.
Travel Agent : Buongiorno, Oasis Travel, come posso aiutarla? = Good morning, Oasis Travel, how may I help you?
George: Vorrei prenotare un volo = I would like to make a flight reservation.
TA: Dove vuole andare? = What’s your destination?
G: Vorrei andare a Roma = I would like to go to Rome
TA: Quando desidera partire? = When would you like to leave?
G: Il prossimo mese = Next month
Finalmente incontro i miei parenti dopo molto tempo = Finally I’ll meet my relatives, after a long time.
TA: Bene, mi lasci controllare quali voli sono disponibili. Quando vuole ritornare? = Let me check what flights are available. When will you be returning?
Preferisce il posto vicino al finestrino o al corridoio? = Do you prefer window or aisle?
G: Vorrei prendere il volo di ritorno il 21 dicembre e vorrei la business class e il posto vicino al finestrino = I’d like to catch a return flight on the twenty-first of December and I’d like business class and a window seat.
Quanto costa? = How much does it cost? / How much is it?
TA: Well, the price for the flight is $620 = Bene, il prezzo del volo è $620.
G: E’ un volo diretto? = Is it a direct flight?
TA: Yes, it is
G: Avete dei posti liberi con il primo volo del pomeriggio? = Do you have any seats left on the first flight in the afternoon?
TA: Aspetti un attimo, adesso controllo = Hold on please, I’ll check
Si, ho un posto libero venerdì che parte alle 15 del pomeriggio = Yes, I have one seat on the Friday, leaving at 3pm.
G: Va bene quello = Let’s go with that.
Per favore, quali sono gli orari di partenza e di arrivo? = what are the departure and arrival times?
TA: La partenza da Boston è alle 15.00 e l’arrivo a Roma è alle 6.00 di mattina = Departure time from Boston is at 3pm and the arrival in Rome is at 6 in the morning.
G: Mi piacerebbe richiedere un pasto vegetariano = I’d like to request a vegetarian meal
TA: Va bene, signor Clarks, non c’è problema = No problem, Mr. Clarks
Questo è il suo biglietto e le è permesso portare un bagaglio a mano = This is your ticket. You’re allowed one piece of carry-on luggage.
G: Potrei avere alcune informazioni riguardo il volo ? = Could I have some information about the flight?
TA: Il numero del volo è 375 = The flight number is 375
G: Grazie. Potrebbe consigliarmi un buon hotel che non sia troppo caro? = Could you recommend a good hotel that isn’t too expensive?
TA: Le consiglio l’Hotel Mirabella, è centrale, a pochi passi c’è la metropolitana, i più importanti teatri ed i più bei negozi di Roma = I recommend the Hotel Mirabella. It is centrally located, only a few steps away from the subway , and very close to the most famous theatres and the best shopping in Rome.
G: Potrei avere qualche ulteriore informazione su Roma? = Could I have further information about Rome?
TA: Si, sicuramente = Yes, certainly
I negozi sono aperti dalle 9 alle 13 e dalle 15.30 alle 19.30 eccetto le domeniche ed i lunedì mattina = Shops in Rome are usually open between 9am and1pm and between 3:30pm to 7:30pm, except on Sundays and Monday mornings.
Meritano anche una visita i più grandi, i più colorati e vivaci mercati nel centro città. = The larger, more colorful and lively markets in the center of Rome are also worth a visit.
Non si dimentichi, siccome i Romani amano mangiare il buon cibo, troverà molti ristoranti affollati. Le consiglio quelli frequentati da locali così non si può sbagliare = Don’t forget, as Romans love to eat good food, you’ll find many crowded restaurants; but I recommend you try those packed with locals.
Ci sono possibilità per ogni portafoglio e per ogni gusto = there are possibilities for every budget and for every taste and mood.
Bene Signor Clarks, si goda il suo soggiorno in Italia = Well, Mr. Clarks enjoy your stay in Italy!
G: Molte grazie, a presto = Thank you very much, see you soon.
Hopefully this sample conversation will help you to understand your Italian travel agent. If you’d like more information on travel to Italy just look through Life in Italy for all the tips you’ll need!
By Elisa Bressan
