It’s time for a new adventure to a country where you don’t speak the language!  No worries! While in most tourist areas you’ll be able to get around with no issues, it is a delight to immerse yourself in the culture by learning as much as you can to enjoy your travels and take every opportunity to enjoy yourself!   

Even if language isn’t your thing, look up these phrases and add them to your notes app on your phone for a quick reference!  You’ll thank your past self for showing up for your present trip!  

The Bare Minimum:

Hello/Goodbye/Please/Thank You

We all know these are the basics of traveling, but it is best to represent your country by showing that you respect the destination you are traveling to by learning essential greetings.  Having the ability to walk into a cafe in Paris, an art gallery in Mexico City, or treat yourself to fantastic breakfasts inside a 7-11 in Tokyo; you secure an easy in with locals by acknowledging them is the first step towards your wondrous journey abroad.  

Okay, They’re Trying:

How are you?/I’m Good/Bad/Okay

You’ve learned the fundamentals of your desired destination and you wish to take it a step further.  It’s always kind to take that extra moment to ask how someone is, plus it gives you an extra moment to embrace the magic that comes with stepping outside of your comfort zone and starting to immerse yourself in the country you’re visiting.  

Getting Around:

I am lost/Where is?/How much?/Excuse me?/I’m sorry!

When you are out and about and need to ask for assistance in shopping or just getting around town, these are necessary for your exploration.  Being able to express when you are lost and need assistance, even in the age of smartphone maps, is helpful.  Other necessities like learning to haggle in open-air markets, asking how much things cost, and other niceties like “excuse me” when you bump into someone or need to express that “you’re lost” will certainly assist you on your way.  

Dining Out:  

I would like/I’m Allergic To/I don’t eat meat/Vegan/Surprise me.

As someone who worked in restaurants for years, I’d like to say that it is not the staff’s job to know about your dietary restrictions/preferences.  You must learn how to speak to ensure that your meal arrives just as you desire it!  Learning how to simply say, “I’m allergic to shellfish” or “No cilantro please” helps not only your server get your order right, but helps you accomplish a sense of authenticity when out in a foreign country. 

If you’re feeling brave and looking for adventure in your dining experience, picking two or three items that the restaurant is known for and asking them to surprise you is a bit of travel magic I’d advise to all who venture outside of their own backyard.