Say What? Overcoming Language Barriers While Traveling

Traveling can be scary - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm a firm believer in the idea that good things never come from inside our comfort zones. When you put yourself out there, you tend to learn more about yourself and can experience new things you would've missed out on.

One of the scariest or most awkward situations that can arise while traveling is a language barrier. The fear of not understanding or being misunderstood can open up a lot of overwhelming "what if" scenarios - like what if you get lost or what if you have dietary restrictions or what if you can't understand an announcement in the airport.

If potential communication struggles have you putting off a trip, then this post is for you. Today I'm showing you the ins and outs of traveling when you don't speak the language. Read on for my advice and handy tools to make a trip anywhere possible - regardless of your language skills!

The most important advice is to take the time and learn a few key phrases beforehand. If you remember only one thing from this post, PLEASE have it be this! At a minimum, learn to say hello, goodbye, please, and thank you in the local language. It will go a LONG way in getting friendly assistance. Some other useful phrases include I don't speak (insert language here), asking for the check/how much something is, and asking where the bathroom is. You don't need to be fluent to visit a country - these basic phrases will get you much further than you would think!

Technology is a wonderful thing. Google is a go-to when it comes to translating on the fly (PS - not sponsored/affiliated). Their app can translate over 100 languages to some extent. If the local language is available, download it onto your phone through the app - this will keep the functionality stable if you don't have strong cell service abroad. Some languages even allow for real-time voice translation in a conversation mode or can translate pictures of signs you snap. How easy is that?

Sometimes the solution is as simple as pointing and gesturing! Even with apps or some language knowledge, I've resorted to pointing more times than not and find it works better than you would think. If you're struggling to find the words to bridge a language gap, see if you can go the non-conversational route. This works really well when ordering food from street vendors. JUST BE AWARE OF CULTURE NORMS - it can be considered rude to point in some parts of the world. An open-palm approach is safest.

Think about your preferences and priorities. For me, I like my coffee with a splash of milk and don't eat beef or pork. I'll make an effort to learn how to say these things in the local language to make sure my "needs" can be communicated clearly. If you're gluten free, allergic to something, or anything along those lines, take some steps to learn how to say it.

If you don't want to go the app route, and want to up your pointing game, a great solution is a picture translator. These are tiny (like the size of a business card) little booklets with pictures of common things you may need to ask for or make reference to while traveling. They are fairly universal, so all you need to do is point to the picture. I own this little baby and it includes pictures for directions, food, facilities, and everything in between!

Most popular destinations will offer an abundance of English-led tours. These are perfect for getting your bearings, learning about the city, and getting a chance to ask some questions. If you can't find a group tour, see if your budget allows you to do a private tour with an English-speaking guide. I actually prefer these tours more - you can really customize the experience to what you want to see - and can get the ins and outs from a local. We use English-led tours as an opportunity to ask for restaurant suggestions, learn local etiquette norms, and any other odds and ends.

At the end of the day, if you are making an effort to say hello in the local language and are being polite and respectful, people will help you with your language barriers. Positive intent goes a LONG way. Don't be the rude tourist who immediately launches into English and expects the locals to reciprocate. Imagine if someone came up to you at work and started firing away in Italian or French - be respectful, make an attempt, and be patient.

I've found the best way to deal with language barriers while trying to navigate is to screenshot the address of where I need to be. It's easy to flash the screenshot at a taxi driver rather than try to explain where I need to go. If you can provide the information readily it'll make asking for directions or a ride much easier.

This last bit of advice comes with a disclaimer - don't stress about language barriers. They really aren't as bad as they seem in your head. I've been to many countries where I didn't speak the language and areas where English was basically non-existent and I did JUST FINE. Really, take that chance and see for yourself. BUT….if you really want to minimize communication concerns, pick your destination wisely. The UK and Australia are obvious choices. The Greek Isles, Amsterdam, Sweden, and Denmark are also areas where English is spoken very widely.

If you've been delaying a trip abroad because of language disconnects, fear no more. These tools and tricks will ensure you can enjoy your trip despite not speaking like the locals. What foreign language-speaking country is #1 on your travel list?

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