Language Learning

Languages, they can be incredibly unique, some seem easy, some are totally opposite of our native tongue and can make a person apprehensive to travel to certain destinations. The unfortunate truth, for most Americans, is that we do not make a considerable effort to learn another language. Yet so many people around the world speak two if not more languages. I want to encourage you that there are many ways to learn a few simple phrases or have reference guides right in the palm of your hand so you won't be afraid to travel to those incredible "bucket list" destinations.

Learning how to say a few short phrases can completely enhance your experience traveling. For you, its easier to navigate, ask questions, or read information. For others within the country or place you are traveling, they will appreciate the more effort and intent you show to learn their people or culture.

But you no longer have to flip through pages of book. There are some amazing Social Media tools to help you learn easy useful language phrases, here are a few...

On Twitter: Oh La La Jadore

On Facebook: Learn German

On Youtube: JapanesePod101

On Instagram: Learn Italian with Lucrezia

My top tip, try to learn at least one compliment in the language of your destination. For example, in Japan, I can easily say "You are such a nice person." Now here is why... Sometimes- Well a lot of the times, I have to ask questions...where can I find this or how do I get there and show a map. These situations happen often. I have already learned how to say "Please" "Thank you" so adding just a short phrase like "You are so kind" in addition to my "Thank you" allows me to share a bit more of my heart or my feelings of appreciation versus a generic answer with not much feeling or motivation behind it. Does that make since? You gain so much from seeing new place but it's nice to leave a little nice impression behind, to the people you meet. Next tip, know how to ask "Where is the bathroom?" Trust me you will say it more than you think. ;)

So practice your Bonjours (French: Good Day), Buon pomeriggio (Italian: Good Afternoon), Konbanwa (Japanese: Good Evening), Como Estas? (Spanish: How are you?) and Wie Viel (German: How Much?)