We’ve all done it: naming each item as we pack our suitcase or mutter “phone… keys… wallet” while patting our pockets before leaving the house. But what if you could turn this autopilot ritual into a Portuguese learning opportunity? By naming items in your suitcase, backpack, or grocery bag in Portuguese as you handle them, you’ll absorb vocabulary effortlessly—no flashcards required!
The focus of this post is practical: we’ll be sharing useful travel-related vocabulary. Next time you’re packing—maybe for your first trip to Portugal—try naming some of these items in Portuguese:
Bags and storage essentials
- a mala de viagemtravel bag, suitcase
- a mochilabackpack
- As alçashandles
- os bolsos lateraislateral pockets
- o bolso da frentefront pocket
- o compartimento principalmain compartment
- a carteirawallet
- a divisóriadivider
Toiletries you’ll need
- o protetor solarsunscreen
- as toalhitas desinfetantesdisinfectant wipes
- o desinfetante para as mãoshand sanitizer
- as pastilhaschewing gums
- o spray bucalmouth spray
- a escova de dentestoothbrush
- a pasta de dentestoothpaste
- o fio dentáriodental floss
- o gel de banhoshower gel
- champôshampoo
- o perfumeperfume
- o desodorizantedeodorant
- o bálsamo labiallip balm
Everyday essentials
- as chaveskeys
- os óculos de solsunglasses
- o telemóvelmobile phone
- o carregadorcharger
- os lenços de papeltissues
- a canetapen
- a lancheiralunch box, lunchbox
- o lanchesnack
- a garrafabottle
To hear many of these words in context, here’s a fun and interesting video of one of our founders, Rui, telling us what he carries in his bag: O Que Tem A Mala Do Rui?.
Practicing Tips
Below are three things you can do to both learn and retain the vocabulary you just learned:
1. Label items mentally or verbally as you pack. For example, touch your chaveskeys and say aloud: As chaves estão no bolso da frenteThe keys are in the front pocket
2. Create a checklist using your new vocabulary: Preciso de protetor solar e de toalhitas desinfetantesI need sunscreen and disinfectant wipes
3. Use our Smart Review tool: add these words to your own database and use the power of Flash Cards and spaced repetition!
Lastly, if you’re looking for more vocabulary related to travel, make sure to check out our unit Travel & Transport.