Try not to stand out like a sore thumb as a tourist and learn some basic conversational vocabulary
Directions and Transpoartation
If you have to ask for directions, remember to be polite. Most locals will speak english but it is polite to attempt to ask for help in their language. They will know right away you are a tourist, but will generally appreciate your efforts.
Asking for Directions
Use 'vous' when you are talking to a stranger
Start with 'bonjour' and end with 'merci' - Bonjour, pouvez m'aider s'il vous plaît? = Hello, can you help me please?
- Pouvez-vous me dire où se trouve le mètro? = Can you tell me where to find the metro?
Words To Know
To the right = à droite
To the left = à gauche
To continue = continuer
Continue (command) = continuez (vous form)
Until = jusqu'à
To turn = tourner
Turn (command) = tournez
Here = ici
There = là
Street = rue (f.)
Airport Words for Comprehension
A airport = Un aéroport
Airplane = Un avion
Passport = Un passeport
Plane ticket = Un billet d'avion
Boarding card = Une carte d'embarquement
Air hostess/steward = Une hôstesse de l'air/un steward
Suitcase = Une valise
Bags = Des bagages
The flight has been delayed = Le vol a été retardé
Flight 800 is now boarding = Le vol 800 est en train d'embarquement
Your flight leaves from gate 15 = Votre vol parte de la porte 15
Your seat number is 8f = Votre numéro de place est 8F
Airports can be stressful for many people. Especially big foreign ones with a maze of gates. The good thing is that the majority of people around the world can speak English. Be sure to ask first though. In most airports, you can tell by the pictures and maps to find where you need to go. I know that some airports can be very complicated and I've been grateful to have people to explore it with me. Try to book flights with a decent amount of layover time in order to give yourself extra cushion in case you get lost, or a flight is delayed or early. I don't think I've ever been to an airport where I haven't seen a family desperately running to their gate with an armful of bags.
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