5 Important Phrases to Learn When Traveling

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When we travel, we don't usually make a decision and then leave immediately. Most of us plan trips well in advance. We make an itinerary that tentatively outlines what we will do during our time away. So, why not make part of the planning process the native lingo?

It is important to show host country people that we have come to their country with more than just the intent to enjoy the sights. While we we have come to soak up the country's splendor, it shows an extra appreciation and effort if we learn some of the host country's language, too.


A friend of mine recently visited Thailand just before I returned to the States, and she impressed me greatly by immediately trying to use Thai to say hello and thank you. I noticed that the Thais she said this to were impressed no matter how awful her pronunciation was!

The following list offers you the most important words and phrases to know before you depart, and there is one bonus at the end for vegetarians.

Hello/Goodbye.

Definitely the most obvious on this list, but one that I have recognized over and over again as being ignored by travelers. Don't let the linguistic differences hold you back! Show the host country's people your extra effort with these two simple words.

Please/Thank You.

I had a great experience during a layover in South Korea. I arrived at the airport with ten hours to burn, so I decided to do one of the free day tours. I pulled up a list of Korean phrases and only memorized how to say a couple things. Saying thank you got me smiles and giggles from everyone I said it to.

Nice to meet you.

I was preparing to move to Thailand when I met visitors from Thailand in Sacramento, and I thought it would be great to memorize this phrase. It was a great decision! The people I met loved it, and once I was in Thailand I used the phrase right from the start. People always had a gracious reaction to my saying this in Thai, especially if they were English speakers.

Where is the bathroom?

When nature is calling, don't get lost in translation trying to ask where you can relieve yourself. It is much more embarrassing to have to cross your legs and point to your crotch then it is to have poor pronunciation when asking where to find a toilet.

How much?

You may think that it isn't a good idea if you don't know numbers, but it is received better than holding up an item and politely smiling so the seller recognizes implied interest. Have your phone in hand with the calculator open, or step up the challenge and learn numbers, too.

Vegetarian Bonus: No meat.

You could step this up by learning the words for different meats and the word for vegetarian, but the simplest way is to just learn "No meat." Another tip for vegetarians abroad is to stay away from soup, as broth is likely to be made with meat even if it's a veggie soup. Other than that, remain flexible.

Sarah and Pae embrace communication success

Of course there are the situations when people travel through more than one country, and each has a different language. For example, many backpackers in Southeast Asia travel through Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. While Thai and Lao are similar, Vietnamese and Khmer are very different, from each other and the other two.

In this situation one may think there is no point to learn because many people involved in tourism can communicate in English and it's not worth the trouble. That is a bad attitude! Trust me, even when you pronounce things terrible, the hosts that receive you will be impressed at your effort.

Next time you are making travel plans, find these words and phrases in the language of your destination on the Omniglot phrases page and practice them before you depart and on the plane. If you are going with a friend or spouse, make a game out of it and quiz each other.

Leave a comment below about your experience, good or bad, using another language abroad. If you have a trip planned, tell me where you are going, the language they speak, and how to say hello!