The Most Important Phrases to Learn Before Traveling Abroad
Traveling is definitely a great way to learn about other cultures, see historical sites and enjoy different cuisines. There are plenty of travel guides out there to help you find tourist destinations and restaurants, and these days you can get by pretty well using your phone to navigate, even in a country you’ve never visited. But the old adage of your high school Spanish teacher still holds true: you’ll be better off (and safer) traveling if you can interact with the locals even if they don’t speak English at all. Here are the phrases you should learn in the language spoken in the destination country before you fly.
Basic phrases you need to know
Before heading to a country where English is not the main language, brush up on the basics. Learn to pronounce these phrases in the language most spoken in the region you are visiting:
- “Do you speak English?” This will probably be the most useful phrase you have in your arsenal, as it will help you find people you can actually connect with. (You should also learn “I’m sorry, but I don’t speak…” to make it clear beforehand that you don’t know their native language. Bonus points if you learn “I only know a little…”)
- “Hello and goodbye.”
- “Please and thank you.”
- “Sorry.”
- “My name is…” and “I am a guest from the USA”.
- “How much does it cost?”
- “Where…?”
- Plus “…bathroom”, “…hotel” and any other destinations you’re likely to need.
- “Help.”
Agnieszka Pilat , an artist who travels frequently for work, also suggested learning some unique modern ones: “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” useful if you don’t have cell service and “Can I use your electrical outlet?” helps you keep your phone charged.
More Specific Phrases You Should Master
There’s some value in learning the basics, whether it’s asking where the bathroom is or “Can I have an iced coffee please?” However, every trip is unique. For example, if you are heading to Germany for a conference, you should learn how to ask for directions to the venue or “Are there any discounts for attendees…?”
Then there are more serious features. Nivin Jay , a Los Angeles-based model who travels frequently for work and pleasure, told Lifehacker that on a recent trip to Europe with her best friend, they had to be extra careful because another woman has a severe nut allergy. They had to learn to say, “I/she is allergic to nuts. Does it have nuts in it? If you have special medical needs or similar concerns, learn as many phrases as you can to prevent unexpected visits to the hospital. (Pilate also mentioned that you should internalize, “I don’t feel well. Please take me to the doctor.” Even if you have trouble translating, it’s better to see a doctor in an emergency than not to see a doctor.)
While you’re doing this, brush up on “I need to go to the American embassy” and “I need to talk to someone who speaks English.” It’s unlikely you’ll actually need to be driven to an embassy or run into any trouble, but you’ll feel better knowing you can ask for help anyway.