Buongiorno! Olá! Xin chào! Salaam!
Learning a few words in the local language such as "hello, please, thank you, delicious" is a lovely way to show respect and care wherever you travel. Plus, when you show you’re making an effort (even if it isn’t perfect), people appreciate it.
It makes the trip richer
Markets, taxi rides, and casual chats with shopkeepers all open up a little more when you can offer up a few words in their language. It also sharpens your attention while you’re there by listening for words you recognize keeps you tuned in to your surroundings, from station announcements to the name of the dish arriving at your table.
It’s great exercise for your brain
Did you know that people who regularly use more than one language show stronger cognitive flexibility than those who speak only one? Building new vocabulary, listening for unfamiliar sounds, switching between two languages in your head are all good for you.
Even short bursts of learning, like a few minutes a day with an app, engage important memory and pattern-recognition skills. It’s like a warm-up for your mind before the trip even begins.
A few key phrases to try on your trip
South Korea: Annyeonghaseyo (hello) and gamsahamnida (thank you) are two good ones to practice before visiting Busan, Gyeongju, and Seoul on our Japan & South Korea tour.
Portugal: Try bom dia (good morning) and “obrigado/obrigada” (thank you, said by a man or woman respectively) as you cruise from Porto along the stunning Douro River on our Douro Valley Cruise.
Chile: Buenos días (good day) and gracias (thank you) will serve you well from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia on our Majestic Chile tour.
Norway: Say hei (hi) and takk (thank you) as you cruise through the breathtaking scenery on our Inner Fjords Explorer cruise.
Morocco: Greet people with salaam (hello) and say shukran (thank you) in Arabic (or bonjour and merci, since French is also widely spoken), as you explore Fez, Marrakech, and the Sahara on our Magnificent Morocco tour.
Easy ways to pick up a few words before you go
* Download a free language app on your phone, even just ten minutes a day for a couple of weeks builds real recognition
* A small paperback phrasebook tucked into your carry-on
* A short video on pronunciation so you’re not guessing at how words actually sound
* Your Tour Manager and local guides will be delighted to teach you a phrase or two along the way
Ready to put your new language skills to use? Explore our tours and start planning your next multilingual adventure!
