5 Tips to Handle Language Barriers when Traveling

Traveling in a place that speaks a different language than you is a huge stressor for many people. I personally know people who dislike visiting countries that do not speak English because it makes them so nervous. Don’t let a language barrier prevent you from experiencing a new culture! Here are 5 tips to handle language barriers, preparing for travel, and quickly learning a language’s basics for your trip.

Table of Contents

Try!

While no one expects tourists to be completely fluent in a different language, a little effort will get you a long way. Locals will be much more willing to help you if you actually try, rather than expecting them to know English. Learning a few basic words and phrases will help you tremendously, and gain you some friends! I’ve found it’s much easier to just assume nobody speaks English until someone surprises you, rather than searching for someone who speaks (most likely) broken English. This is, quite honestly, the biggest and easiest tips to handle language barriers while traveling.

Learn Some Basics of the Language

Before I go somewhere new, I learn how to say a few basic phrases. Phrases such as “Where is the bathroom?”, “Thank you”, and a polite “Hello!” will score you some points with the locals (and keep you from having an accident!)

I didn't know the language while visiting Rome, but the people were, in general, more than willing to help! — I had a really difficult time navigating **Rome**, as I know very little Italian! People, in general, were very willing to help.

My favorite ways to learn new languages are YouTube and Duolingo. Both are free ways to learn new words and phrases before you leave, and to keep practicing while you are visiting! Duolingo is a free site and app that will teach you the very basics of a new language, and all the major international languages are available. There are also dozens of helpful videos on YouTube that will teach you new words and phrases, especially when it comes to travel!

Of course, if you truly want to learn more of a language, paid apps such as Rosetta Stone and tutors available on iTalki will help you much more quickly. You can find tutors online or in your area fairly easily with a quick Google search. They’ll help you tackle those language barriers the quickest!

Take a Course Online

The best way to learn a language quickly is by taking immersive lessons with a fluent speaker. My favorite way to do this is with iTalki!

iTalki is an online website that matches language learners to teachers for their level. You can find one-on-one classes for nearly every spoken (and signed!) language in the world! Teachers often offer lower rates for a trial class and will cater to your individual needs for your future lessons. The site is very budget-friendly, and the quickest way to learn from home.

Carry the Language Translation

With smartphones, there’s really no reason to ever get stuck without some kind of translation to help. Personally, I use Google Translate on my iPhone. While the translations aren’t always perfect, it gets the point across, and you can use voice to text for automatic translations back and forth! Just make sure to download the language(s) that you’ll need in case you don’t have cell service.

Stacia overlooking the city of Quito from a rooftop hammock — In Quito, a woman who spoke no English offered to take us to our Airbnb when we got lost.

You can also carry a small pocket multilanguage dictionary as a backup in case your phone is inaccessible. Amazon has some cheap copies, as well as local bookstores.

Channel Your Inner Mime

When all else fails, never underestimate the power of simple words and hand gestures! I learned this first hand while teaching English to Chinese students: hand motions are, overall, universal. While it may feel silly to act out what you need, chances are someone will understand what you are trying to say. A sense of humor about the whole thing will help you relax, and help the other person feel more comfortable as well. I have found that people are extremely helpful around the world, especially when you are kind and ask for help. Just laugh off those little silly moments!

Traveling in a world where you don’t understand the people, the menus, or even the street signs can be terrifying. However, you WILL pick up bits of the language just by existing in this new place. By trying to communicate, however poorly, people will help you and you will learn very quickly! Take the plunge, and you will get to experience a culture entirely different from your own.