Before the Trip Learn basic words such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” to greet and express yourself politely in common situations.
Familiarize yourself with transportation-related words such as “airport,” “train station,” and “taxi” to be able to ask for directions and move around easily.
Expand your vocabulary by adding food-related words such as “restaurant,” “menu,” and “order” to be able to order your meals and explore local cuisine.
During the Trip Use simple phrases to ask for information such as “Where is the train station?“, “How do I get to the airport?“, and “What is the best restaurant in town?“.
Be prepared to understand basic instructions such as “Turn left,” “Take bus number 5,” and “Get off at the next stop” to navigate easily and use public transportation.
Learn some useful phrases to ask for help such as “Can you help me please?“, “I am lost,” and “I don’t speak English” to overcome emergency or confusion situations.
After the Trip Consider practicing your English using apps, podcasts, or participating in online courses to maintain your skills and improve your confidence.
Share your travel experiences with others using the words and phrases you have learned, which will help you consolidate your knowledge and remember more about your trip.
Continue to immerse yourself in English culture by watching movies and listening to music in English, which will help you maintain your level of understanding and expression.
Overcoming Language Barriers: Discover tips and strategies to feel more comfortable and confident speaking English during your travels.
Prepare in Advance Practice regularly: Take time every day to practice speaking English, whether it’s by repeating simple phrases or engaging in conversations with natives if possible.
Watch movies and series in English: This will help you become familiar with the pronunciation and intonation of the language.
Use mobile apps: There are many apps that allow you to learn and practice English. I myself have created over 200 English vocabulary lists on the Quizlet app. You can sign up for my class for free here. Take advantage of it to reinforce your vocabulary and improve your grammar.
Be confident in your verbal exchanges Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: It’s normal to make mistakes when learning a language, so don’t worry too much about it. The important thing is to communicate and make yourself understood.
Ask questions: If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Native speakers will usually be happy to help you.
Use non-verbal communication strategies: If you don’t know a word, try to replace it with gestures or facial expressions. This can help convey your message.
Practice listening to English Listen to English-language music: This will help you become familiar with different accents and expressions of the language.
Watch videos and audio documents in English: This will help improve your understanding of spoken English by getting used to different rhythms and intonations.
Participate in conversations in English: If you have the opportunity to interact with native speakers, seize this opportunity to practice listening and understanding English.
5 Critical Travel Situations When You Don’t Speak English
At the restaurant: You don’t understand the menu and can’t communicate your food allergies to the servers. You risk ending up with a meal that doesn’t suit your dietary needs.
At the hotel: You’ve lost your room keys and need to ask for help at the reception. Unfortunately, you can’t explain your situation, leading to frustration and confusion.
On public transportation: You need to buy a train or bus ticket but lack English skills prevent you from understanding directions or schedules. You risk taking the wrong vehicle or missing your stop.
In case of a medical emergency: You’re experiencing worrying symptoms but can’t describe your health condition to doctors or nurses. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
During sightseeing tours: You can’t understand the explanations from tour guides or ask questions about points of interest. You risk missing important information about the sites you visit.