Having the opportunity to travel far and wide is something that many of us don’t have the resources or time to do very often in life, but those who make a regular habit of it will understand that the ability to see so much of the world is a real blessing.
From spying the seven wonders of the ancient, modern and natural world to undertaking experiences that most could never imagine embarking on to seeing animal life across the globe and so much more, travelling is the ultimate way to open up one’s mind, and often once a person has had a taste of travel, they will undoubtedly want more.
One of the bigger sticking points when it comes to travelling off the beaten track, seeking out new experiences, finding out information while abroad, using transport, dining out and more is the barrier between being able to fully communicate with locals in the destination that you’re visiting. Lots of travellers have enough language skills to get by, whether that’s through their time in education, by being part of a multi-lingual family or having learned little bits before they travel, and let’s not forget that many major cities are multi-lingual, but the ability to learn another language before your travel is sure to stand you in good stead from the minute you land.
Whether you learn a foreign language on italki or via another platform, the benefits you will see when it comes time to pack your suitcase and head off out into the world will become evident. Read on for the main reasons you should learn a second language for travel.
Which language?
Before we delve into the benefits, it may be good idea to take a look at some of the more widely spoken languages in the world so that you can see to where your efforts may be best directed. At the top of the list with 1.132 billion English speakers, 379 million of which are native speakers, it’s safe to say that, as you’re reading this article, you’re off to a good start when it comes to being able to communicate with others around the world.
However, if you’re heading to the majority of South America or Spain, for example, you’ll find that Spanish will be very useful for you – it is the fourth most spoken language in the world. Mandarin, Hindi, French and Arabic make up the rest of the top six, so depending on where you’re looking to travel, starting with one of these is a good bet.
The main benefits
It makes the day to day easier
When it comes to grabbing a table in a restaurant for dinner and ordering items off the menu, hopping on a train to discover a new part of your chosen country, ordering a taxi, taking part in a local tour, heading to a show or dealing with an issue that arises on your travels, the value that comes with knowing how to easily communicate is unrivalled.
Return travel
You may find that after one visit to a particular country or area you may just fall in love with the place and long to return again and again for years afterwards. In this case, being able to speak with locals and travel around with ease will ensure that your experience of the place each time is only elevated.
More freedom to travel alone
While you may do a lot of travelling with friends or family or as part of a couple, it’s not uncommon to rely on others who perhaps have better language skills. Learning a language yourself will bolster your confidence and give you the freedom to travel solo without fear of being stuck and unable to communicate.
Off the beaten track travel
As mentioned above, many cities make it much easier for foreign visitors to enjoy their country with ease, but as you get further away from a metropolis and deeper into the more local towns and villages, you will find that it will be a far easier experience if you can speak with ease, and any keen traveller will know that exploring a country further often yields the best experiences.
More enriched travel
One of the biggest takeaways anyone can get from travelling is that it leads to a deeper understanding of the locale, history and also the people in it. You will find that being able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life in many different parts of the country will afford you deeper connections and a greater understanding of the culture overall.
