You do not need to prepare for every possible conversation before a holiday in Italy. Start with your own plans: where you will stay, how you will travel and what you would like to do without switching straight to English.
Make a list of three likely conversations
Look at your itinerary. Will you arrive by train, check into a hotel or meet Italian-speaking relatives? Choose three situations and prepare a small exchange for each.
Write your opening sentence and a question someone might ask back. For a restaurant, that might be “Avete un tavolo per due?”: Do you have a table for two? The reply could include “Dentro o fuori?”: Inside or outside?
Prepare a few phrases you can reuse
- “Buongiorno” and “buonasera”: greetings to start an exchange.
- “Vorrei…”: I would like…
- “Dov’è…?”: Where is…?
- “Quanto costa?”: How much does it cost?
- “Può ripetere, per favore?”: Can you repeat, please?
- “Non ho capito.”: I didn’t understand.
Use these in short exchanges rather than trying to memorise a long list. “Vorrei un biglietto per Verona” gives you something specific to practise. Change the destination to match your trip.
Rehearse what happens after your first sentence
Ordering is only the start. At a restaurant you might hear “Naturale o frizzante?”: Still or sparkling? At a shop, “Vuole una borsa?”: Would you like a bag?
Ask a practice partner to choose a follow-up question. Try answering, asking them to repeat or saying what you did understand. You can keep a short note on your phone for phrases you may need during the trip.
Keep your practice close to your actual plans
Use a menu, a booking confirmation or a railway timetable as a prompt. Say what you would ask about it, then practise a possible reply.
If you are travelling with someone, take turns asking the questions. If you are practising alone, say both sides aloud, then try the exchange with a teacher or language partner when you can.
A manageable plan before you leave
- Choose one travel situation for each practice session.
- Say your opening sentence aloud without reading.
- Practise two possible replies and one clarification phrase.
- Keep a note of a question you want to ask your teacher.
Your goal can be small: ordering breakfast, greeting your host or asking which platform you need. Pick something you will have a chance to try.
Would you like to rehearse your trip?
In private Italian lessons, we can focus on the situations in your itinerary and the words you want to use. If you prefer practising everyday scenarios with other learners, explore the Conversation Club.
