Touring overseas is a good way to find new cultures, attempt new meals, and broaden your perspective. However for a lot of Individuals, the concept of talking one other language creates stress and shapes how they journey.
Our new survey of over 1,500 U.S. adults reveals that whereas 39% plan to go overseas this 12 months, practically a 3rd (32%) deliberately select locations the place English is broadly spoken. This might imply Individuals are limiting themselves to extra acquainted experiences, and lacking the possibility to attach extra deeply with the locations they go to.
At Preply, we consider language must be a bridge, not a barrier. Even studying just some key journey phrases could make an enormous distinction, serving to vacationers transfer via unfamiliar cities with confidence, join with locals, and present cultural respect alongside the way in which.
To higher perceive how language anxiousness is shaping journey habits, we dug into how Individuals put together for journeys, what holds them again from studying, and the way even small steps can result in richer, much less hectic holidays.
Key findings
- Whereas 80% of Individuals say it’s essential to study just a few phrases earlier than touring overseas, solely 58% really do.
- 40% admit to cramming language studying on the final minute, on the airport or en route, whereas simply 25% start making ready months upfront.
- One in six (17%) select American-style or quick meals whereas overseas to keep away from potential language slip-ups.
- China (37%), Japan (34%), and South Korea (23%) high the checklist of nations that Individuals discover most intimidating in relation to talking the native language.
Do Individuals attempt to study the language earlier than they journey overseas?
Many Individuals have good intentions, however don’t at all times take the leap to study the language. Whereas 80% recognise that studying just a few phrases of the native language earlier than going overseas is essential, solely 58% really accomplish that.
Much more telling, 40% admit to cramming on the final minute, grabbing fast phrases on the airport or on the airplane, in comparison with simply 25% who begin practising months upfront.
And though 63% of these planning a visit this 12 months hope to study the language whereas touring, practically one in three (31%) intentionally select locations the place they know English will likely be sufficient, skipping the trouble totally.
The most important obstacles stopping Individuals from studying the native language when touring abroad
The highest cause? Many consider it’s simply too arduous. Over a 3rd (37%) of Individuals say they keep away from studying a language when touring as a result of they assume it’s too tough. This means a standard false impression: that fluency is required earlier than even making an attempt to talk just a few phrases overseas.
In actuality, you don’t should be fluent to make a significant affect. Even studying a handful of phrases can enhance your expertise. Conversational observe, whether or not via apps or on-line tutoring, is commonly simpler (and confidence-boosting) than folks anticipate.
The following barrier is that over a 3rd (35%) of vacationers consider English is spoken broadly sufficient that studying one other language isn’t needed. Whereas this can be true in lots of vacationer spots, it typically limits deeper, extra genuine experiences, particularly in smaller cities or rural areas the place English isn’t widespread.
A 3rd (33%) say they’re merely unhealthy at studying languages, typically as a result of damaging experiences at college. However language studying as an grownup is completely different. It’s extra sensible, conversational, and tailor-made to your wants, particularly when utilizing trendy, versatile instruments and real-life eventualities.
Lack of time is one other key issue, cited by 32% of respondents. However studying doesn’t should be time-intensive. Even brief, common periods, like one hour each different week with an on-line tutor, can construct confidence and make an actual distinction when overseas.
Lastly, practically one in three (31%) worry making errors and by accident offending locals. Whereas it’s pure to fret, most individuals admire the trouble, even when it’s imperfect. Attempting to talk the native language is commonly seen as an indication of respect, not one thing to be embarrassed about.
The nations that intimidate American vacationers most in relation to talking the language
Language anxiousness doesn’t have an effect on each vacation spot equally. Some nations, particularly these with unfamiliar scripts, complicated grammar, or tonal programs, can set off increased ranges of intimidation for American vacationers making an attempt to talk the native language.
Our examine discovered that over 1 in 4 Individuals (26%) really feel scared or intimidated to talk a overseas language, and sure locations stand out as particularly daunting.
Our examine discovered that 4 of the 5 most intimidating nations for American vacationers are in Asia, with China topping the checklist (37%), adopted by Japan (34%), South Korea (23%), and Thailand (13%). These languages typically use non-Latin scripts, which may make studying, pronunciation, and comprehension harder for English audio system.
In Mandarin Chinese language, for instance, tone is all the things; a pitch shift can fully change a phrase’s that means, including one other layer of complexity. The intensive vocabulary and character-based writing system also can really feel overwhelming for newcomers.
Studying Japanese presents a special problem: its grammar construction is vastly completely different from English, with verbs usually positioned on the finish of sentences. For these used to extra acquainted linguistic guidelines, that alone can really feel like a puzzle.
Apparently, France rounds off the highest 5, regardless of sharing the Latin alphabet with English. However this may increasingly lie extra in cultural perceptions slightly than in linguistic issue. There’s a stereotype about French locals being impolite or much less accommodating to non-fluent audio system may additional gasoline language anxiousness amongst vacationers.
Nevertheless, the French typically emphasize directness and ritual, which may be misinterpreted as rudeness. Taking on-line French courses may also help learners perceive these cultural variations and result in a extra pleasant journey.
The highest language fake pas Individuals make on trip
Language difficulties and obstacles typically result in plenty of embarrassing moments for holidaymakers, as many depend on awkward coping mechanisms as a result of language anxiousness. To higher perceive this, we requested American vacationers to share among the issues they’ve carried out whereas on vacation overseas.
Based on our survey, the commonest factor Individuals do is level at menus to keep away from saying overseas phrases, one thing over a 3rd of them (35%) admit to doing. Studying food-related vocabulary earlier than a visit can stop awkward and approximate sign-based communication and mistaken orders. It could additionally assist the 17% who follow American or quick meals overcome their worry of language slip-ups and really feel extra assured exploring native delicacies, typically some of the genuine methods to expertise a brand new tradition.
One other widespread workaround is the basic “communicate slower and louder” strategy. Practically 1 / 4 (23%) of Individuals say they’ve carried out this to be higher understood. Whereas talking extra clearly may be useful, elevating your voice can typically come throughout as impolite or condescending. A greater strategy is to make use of easy, clear English, and even higher, study just a few native phrases to assist bridge the hole.
Some vacationers go a step additional, 15% admit to making an attempt out native accents within the hope of mixing in or being higher understood. Whereas typically well-intentioned, this could simply backfire. Mimicking accents could also be interpreted as insensitive and even offensive, significantly if carried out poorly or with out understanding the cultural context.
Whether or not it’s pointing, shouting, or impersonating, these habits spotlight how language anxiousness shapes journey habits, however with just a bit preparation, many of those fake pas may be prevented altogether.
How studying the native language transforms the journey expertise
For the 58% of Individuals who do attempt to familiarize yourself with a rustic’s language earlier than visiting it, we requested what they noticed as the primary advantages of language preparation earlier than going overseas.
Based on our survey, smoother and simpler navigation is the primary advantage of studying the native language earlier than touring overseas, reported by over half of American vacationers surveyed (54%). It’s straightforward to get misplaced in a brand new metropolis, and with the ability to ask for instructions or learn indicators may be extremely useful, saving precious time and avoiding pointless stress.
Journey logistics come a detailed second. Practically half (49%) say figuring out the language makes it simpler to handle on a regular basis conditions like ordering meals, checking into lodging, or dealing with emergencies. These sensible expertise may also help keep away from misunderstandings and easy out the journey expertise.
However the rewards transcend comfort. Virtually half (49%) say talking the native language helps them take pleasure in their journey extra via significant interactions with locals, from chatting with market distributors to understanding cultural references that vacationers would possibly in any other case miss.
Emotional advantages are additionally a key driver. 47% really feel they’re handled extra positively by locals once they communicate, and even simply attempt to communicate, the native language. Moreover, 45% report feeling a stronger sense of connection, and over two in 5 (43%) say it helps scale back stress and anxiousness whereas overseas.
And for a lot of, there’s a private reward as nicely. 39% say they really feel happy with themselves for making the trouble, and 33% say talking the language merely makes them really feel happier on their journey.
Tips on how to put together with confidence earlier than touring overseas, in response to language specialists
At a time when journey is changing into extra spontaneous and self-directed, many vacationers nonetheless discover language studying intimidating. That’s why Preply encourages a mindset shift: language prep just isn’t about perfection, it’s about constructing the arrogance to attach.
In reality, 45% of Individuals say they might journey extra in the event that they spoke a overseas language, highlighting simply what number of adventures are held again by uncertainty and worry of communication overseas.
Yolanda Del Peso, spokesperson at Preply, explains:
“Language studying isn’t about mastering each rule, it’s about being open to the expertise and prepared to make errors. That’s how actual progress occurs. The encouraging information is that studying just some easy phrases can fully remodel a visit, making it extra immersive, pleasant, and significant.”
Even modest preparation could make an actual distinction, particularly when it’s targeted on real-life conditions.
“With the appropriate assist, vacationers can transfer from hesitation to connection. Just some phrases can open doorways to new cultures and make each journey extra rewarding.”
That can assist you really feel extra ready (and fewer overwhelmed), listed below are Preply’s high ideas for assured language prep earlier than your subsequent journey:
- Embrace errors. They’re not failures, they’re the quickest technique to study. Most locals admire the trouble greater than excellent grammar.
- Prioritize the helpful. Give attention to phrases you’ll really use; greetings, ordering meals, and asking for assist can all assist you acquire confidence rapidly.
- Converse out loud. Working towards aloud helps with pronunciation, reminiscence, and prepares you for actual dialog circulation.
- Keep constant. A couple of minutes of each day observe are simpler than last-minute cramming.
- Use each interplay as observe. When you’re there, even a brief alternate at a market or café is a precious studying alternative.
Methodology
All knowledge is predicated on a survey of 1,526 U.S. adults aged 18 and over, carried out in June 2025. Outcomes had been segmented by respondents’ worldwide journey expertise and their vacation plans for 2025.