So you’d like to travel internationally, but wonder…Do I need to speak the language?

My short answer is NO.

If you wait until you are fluent in all the languages spoken in the amazing countries you dream about visiting, you will never actually get to any of them.

And that would be a shame.

Of course there are some exceptions, and by that I mean countries or cities, where not speaking the language could make international travel rather difficult. This could be the case if you are traveling to extremely remote countries or cities that don’t get very many tourists.  But rest assured, if you have your sights set on a romantic rendezvous in Paris or a family vacation at a Mexican resort (or most other common vacation spots for Americans), you will do just fine not being fluent in the native language!

But there are some things you should consider before packing your bags and basic etiquette that will ensure you have an amazing trip.

3 Travel tips when you don’t speak the language:

1. Download a translator app

I use Google Translate and it works great.  But there are tons of other options so find the one that work best for you.

Google Translate has more than 100 languages to select from and is super easy to use. Simply choose the language you speak and then the language you want to translate to and type in a word or phrase.  The app immediately spells out the translation and even gives the option to hear it spoken out loud.

You can also swap the languages to get the reverse translation. Type in that word you keep seeing in the Metro station in Paris but don’t understand (Sortie).   Ask for the English translation…and viola! You are navigating your way through a foreign country…and figuring out how to EXIT the subway system!

Google Translate even gives you the option to take a photo of text (maybe on a menu or a street sign) and it will provide the translation.  Or you can use the microphone option. Simply speak into your phone and the translation will pop up on the screen.

How did we ever survive before these handy apps?!

2. Learn some common phrases

Part of the thrill of travel is getting a bit out of your comfort zone and seeing things from a new perspective. So if you will be traveling to a country that primarily speaks Italian, spend a little time learning key phrases you might need.

Hello! My name is Tanya.

Ciao! Mi chiamo Tanya.

Where is the bathroom?

Dove’è il bagno?

How much does this cost?

Quanto costa questo?

Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

Aiuto! Sono caduto e non riesco ad alzarmi!

You get the idea!  Not only is this a fun part of travel planning, it will go a long way in showing respect to shop owners, waiters, and taxi drivers.

Many travel guide books include a cheat sheet with translations of basic phrases you might need. There are countless podcasts or youtube videos that will have you spouting off foreign phrases in no time.

Your local library is bound to have reference books, DVDs, or CDs to help you get a very basic grasp of the language you will be encountering on your travels. If you haven’t checked out your local library lately, I urge you to do so right away!!  Libraries are a great source of all kinds of travel information (just check to see how current a publication is) and everything is FREE!!

I know I’m not the only one who loves FREE!

Remember that app from tip 1? Use it before you ever get on the plane to brush up on some words or phrases you think you might need.  You can even save common phrases in the app so you can easily go back to them when you need them.

Most service staff in museums, hotels, restaurants, and major attractions in popular tourist cities around the world will speak at least some English.  But they will appreciate the gesture when you greet them in the native language. And they usually help you out when you get flustered.

Don’t worry about them assuming you are fluent and starting to ramble on as if you understand…more than likely, your American accent will clue them in to your likely lack of fluency!

Travel guru, Rick Steves, offers some great tips on communicating in foreign countries in this video.

3. Get creative, embrace our differences, and pack some patience!

Did you know there are over 6,900 distinct languages?  (I had no idea, but I googled it!)  That blows my mind!

Rather than get frustrated when someone doesn’t speak the same language, I choose to embrace this as a learning experience.  And I marvel at how big our world really is and how my vantage point is just a minuscule part of it.  But it is growing through my travels!

When you are faced with a waiter that doesn’t quite understand what you want to order, think of this as an opportunity to be a creative problem solver.  Try communicating through a bystander, pointing or using polite gestures, presenting printed materials, or hand writing what you are trying to communicate.

And remember to keep your patience.

When you reach an understanding (and get your desired food) you will both feel a sense of accomplishment.  The longer you spend abroad you will also start to pick up more and more of the language.  Don’t you feel smarter already?

Now what are you waiting for?!

Schedule that European adventure or African safari you have always dreamed of…TODAY.  Then embrace the anticipation of your trip while you use my 3 language tips to get you ready for a memorable journey. Bon Voyage!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to my email list so you will never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips!