For all the countries we’ve visited in this beautiful world of ours, we know there is still so much to explore.
But we like to think that we have picked up some useful tips and tricks along the way to share with you and make your travel experiences even better.
One of the most useful tips we could give is to take a little language learning wherever you go!
Why learn a language?
Surely English is spoken the world over, right? Well, yes. But how much more fun would it be to, say, order your next meal in Barcelona in Spanish, or ask for directions around Paris in French?
If your travel plans are disrupted by late flights or bus delays, why not take advantage of that time to pick up a little of the local lingo with Rosetta Stone or FluentU and make the delay less of a disaster and more of an adventure? And if all those dip kisses result in an injury, well. A few words to get some assistance at the pharmacy would be great!
Hidden treasures
Aside from all the practical reasons for learning a language, your travel experiences could also be turned from something fun, into a memory that is amazing.
By understanding enough of a language to be able to ask questions that typical tourists might not, you could find yourself exploring parts of a city normally only frequented by locals.
Or you could listen in on a tour guide and truly understand what is being said. Taxi drivers, waiters, hotel staff, and anyone else you interact with will love that you are trying to speak their language. You might even meet other couples who will happily give you a tour of all their favorite spots. Why not give it a try?
Part of the experience
If vacation blues set in for you the second you walk through your own front door, incorporating language learning into your vacation planning can be a great way to keep them at bay.
Imagine how much more fun it will be when you plan your next vacation, looking up local websites for things like museums, hotels, and restaurants, than sticking to those typically used by English speakers only. A bad day at work could be turned into a great one by practicing your new language skills over dinner as you dream about your upcoming escape.
There are lots of little ways to get some language practice in together, to make your travels even more exciting.
Learning together
Whether you learn better with another person or thrive on competition, learning languages as a couple can be fun!
You can test each other’s understanding, and download language apps like Duolingo or Memrise to see who gets to the highest levels quickest. You can surprise your partner by taking them out to a restaurant and ordering in the language of the place you are traveling to next.
And if the idea of learning puts thoughts in your head of stuffy textbooks and boring lists of words, then let’s change that mindset! Why not settle down together to watch a film or series on Netflix in the language you are learning or take a class together via Language Trainers. How about listening to some music together from the country you are planning on going to, turning a quiet evening at home into one filled with laughter and dance?
The possibilities for learning languages are endless, as are the benefits both at home and when you travel.
So, which languages do you want to learn?
This is a collaborative post.
