Travelling is one of the best ways to learn a language — you’re surrounded by native speakers, immersed in the culture, and picking up real-life vocabulary every day! Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills, here are the top ways to learn a language while exploring the world:
🎯 Before You Go: Set Yourself Up for Success
✅ Download language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise
✅ Learn essential phrases for greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions
✅ Watch TV shows or YouTube videos in your target language
✅ Create a cheat sheet with common words
🚶♀️ Immersive Learning Tips While Travelling
- Stay with Locals (Airbnb or Homestays)
🏠 Choose homestays or guesthouses where the hosts speak the local language — they’ll naturally teach you new words in daily conversations.
- Take a Language Class in the Country
🧑🏫 Book short courses or drop-in classes — many cities offer affordable language lessons for tourists.
👉 Try:
- Spanish School in Barcelona
- Alliance Française (French)
- Goethe-Institut (German)
- Use Public Transport
🚌 Listen to announcements and read signs around you. It’s a great way to pick up everyday language without even trying.
- Shop at Local Markets
🥖 Ask vendors questions about food, prices, or recommendations. It’s a great way to practice small talk!
✅ Bonus: Most vendors will correct your mistakes nicely if they see you’re trying!
- Join Language Exchange Meetups
💬 Apps like Tandem, Meetup, or Conversation Exchange connect travellers with locals who want to practice languages.
- Order in the Local Language Only
🍕 Whether you’re at a coffee shop or restaurant, challenge yourself to always order in the local language — no matter how simple or broken it sounds.
- Listen to Local Radio or Podcasts
🎧 Tune into radio stations, playlists, or podcasts in the language to get used to accents and rhythm.
- Journal in the Language
📓 Write down what you did each day in the local language — even if it’s just a few sentences.
- Ask Questions (Even if You Know the Answer)
🤔 People love to help! Ask locals for directions, recommendations, or how to pronounce something.
- Learn the “Polite Basics” First
💡 Knowing how to say please, thank you, excuse me, and sorry can open so many doors and encourage locals to engage with you.
📌 Bonus Tip: Use Flashcards with Real-Life Objects
Write down words on sticky notes and attach them to objects in your hotel room — mirror, phone, door, fridge — to memorize them faster.
💡 How to Stay Motivated
✔ Celebrate small wins (like ordering your coffee without switching to English)
✔ Track new words in a notebook or app
✔ Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — locals appreciate the effort!
🌍 Top Destinations to Learn Languages While Travelling:
| Language | Destination | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Mexico, Colombia, Spain | Affordable + friendly locals |
| French | France, Morocco, Canada | Diverse accents + culture |
| Italian | Italy | Food + conversational locals |
| Japanese | Japan | Polite culture + language cafes |
| Portuguese | Brazil, Portugal | Music + laid-back locals |
Final Thoughts 💪
Learning a language while travelling isn’t just about speaking — it’s about connecting with people and truly experiencing the culture.
