You don't need to be fluent to travel well. A few dozen well-chosen phrases, said with a smile, completely change the experience: you make yourself understood, you feel reassured, and local people appreciate the effort. Here is how to prepare the essentials in a few weeks.
Politeness first
Hello, thank you, please, excuse me, goodbye: these are the words you will say most often. In many countries, saying them in the local language opens doors. Add "I don't speak … well" and "Do you speak English?": two phrases that save many situations.
Travel situations
Prepare a list of phrases for each moment: transport (a ticket to…, what time…), hotel (I have a booking), restaurant (the bill, I am allergic to…), directions (where is…), emergencies (I need help, call a doctor). Learn them with spaced repetition.
Numbers and prices
Understanding a price, a time, a platform number: numbers come up all the time. Practise hearing them, not just reading them, for example with videos of markets or station announcements.
Basic pronunciation
A few minutes to understand how letters are read will spare you many misunderstandings, especially in languages with a different alphabet (Arabic, Russian, Thai, Chinese). Repeat out loud: our tips for daring to speak apply perfectly to travel.
Respect the culture
A language comes with customs: how to greet, to thank, to refuse politely. Find out before you leave. This respect is often noticed, and it leads to wonderful encounters.
On the spot
Keep a small phrasebook, write down new words you hear each day, and don't be afraid of making mistakes. When they come back, many travellers want to continue: it is the best moment to learn the language online, at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
How many phrases do I need to know to travel?
A few dozen are enough to get by: politeness, transport, hotel, restaurant, directions, numbers and emergencies.
How long does it take to prepare for a trip?
About four weeks of regular practice, around fifteen minutes a day, are enough to master the essentials.
Do I need to learn the alphabet of a language like Russian or Arabic?
It is not essential for a short stay, but recognising a few letters helps you read signs and street names.