Don't Speak the Local Language Abroad? Try This
Simple phrases and free language learning apps to help you feel confident abroad.
Headed abroad but do not speak the local language?
A simple but often overlooked way to improve your travel experience is to learn the local language, even if it's just the basics.
Learning just a handful of key phrases can make your trip smoother, more affordable, and even more fun.
This week on The Thought Card Podcast, I sat down with Lindsay Dow, a language educator fluent in over 15 languages. She shared budget-friendly tools and essential phrases every traveler should know before hopping on a plane.
Quick Wins for Language Learning
Start learning as soon as you know your travel plans. The more time you can dedicate to practice, the better. Even 5 minutes a day adds up.
Use free trials and lifetime deals to save big on language learning apps.
Skip grammar drills. Instead, focus on set phrases and keywords. Learn how to order food and ask for help.
Are you a vegetarian?
Do you have allergies?
Any health concerns? Start there.
Learn phrases you’ll actually use, like basic greetings, polite expressions like “please” and “thank you,” and practical questions like “How much is this?”
Prioritize listening and speaking over reading and writing.
Choose language learning resources that align with your overall learning preferences (audio, visual, etc.).
Hear the language being spoken as much as possible through podcasts, music, and movies.
Practice speaking out loud daily (even if solo), not just listening.
At the destination, use signs as a learning tool.
Overall, language learning doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. And you don’t have to be fluent or have perfect pronunciation to be effective, either.
There’s so much I want to share about this topic, but the best next step is to listen to the podcast episode to get the full scoop.
For more practical, low-pressure tips to help you build the confidence to learn a new language before a trip, listen to this podcast episode.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music | Any player
Make Road Trips Cheaper With Credit Card Rewards
Think points and miles are only for flights and hotels? Think again.
In this episode of , I break down (8) credit card perks that cut down road trip costs.
Listen here!
