For those that traveled alone to foreign countries on vacation and not know the language, how do you do it?

[Rage187]

I hit Rotterdam and Amsterdam, 90% of the people can speak decent English.

 

[xSauronx]

if it helps you can hit sweden for encouragement, their eductaion requirements stipulate 8 years of english for all students by the time they graduate high school, most of the people will speak it quite well, and the chicks are hot 😉

 

[TallBill]

I have no desire whatsoever to leave the country.

Edit - I should say for vaction purposes.

 

[dr150]

MANY people in Europe have a working understanding of ENglish....and fluent in Germany and Nordic countries.

The countries you'll find less English speakers are France (of course), Italy, Spain.

Generally, though, you'll be able to make yourself understood by anyone as long as you communicate SLOWLY and use some key words in the foreign language. If you show class and patience you won't get the eyes rolled at you.

 

[josh0099]

I just got back from a 3 days in Prague and if you stay near the tourists areas you will have no problems finding people that can speak english. If you travel outside of that area you can tell. Most Germans also can speak English. As for Asia I do not know. I have been traveling Europe for the past few months and the place I had the most trouble was in France with the language, but also I did know a little German so that may of helped there.

 

[AndrewR]

As most people have said, you'll find many people speak English, especially in the high tourist areas. Unfortunately, the best places to visit are AWAY FROM the high tourist areas, where people do not speak English.

1) Buy a good, somewhat portable guide book. Buy a comprehensive one if you want, or separate ones for different countries. You can also simply tear out pages and use them in your pocket if you don't want to constantly take out the book. They are usually only good for a few years anyway.

2) Do your research before leaving. Know the areas to avoid in each place you're visiting. Know where you want to go and where you want to stay. Leave yourself options. For sightseeing, leave some time in there to add places you spot while there. For hotels, give yourself options if some place is booked, and also try to make reservations in advance. However, if you aren't traveling in the high season, you might want to avoid reservations in case the guidebook isn't entirely honest, and you want to stay somewhere else.

3) Buy a dictionary and/or phrasebook. Make AN ATTEMPT to speak their language, even just "hello" and "do you speak English?" Most people will appreciate the attempt, and even if that's all you can do, it makes the exchange much more pleasant. Blurting out English to someone in their country is rude and makes you look like an @ss. Make sure you have a pen and paper to write down numbers when trying to buy something.

4) Keep a positive attitude. I traveled by myself in the backwoods of Hungary where no one spoke English (or even French, since I speak that as well), but I got along just fine. I had some good laughs with the locals who generally spoke Hungarian, German and/or Russian. It was fun.

Good luck!

 

[vegetation]

You'll only have issues talking with older folks, who may not know English. Otherwise, just look for anyone under 30 and it's likely they can speak English, at least passable enough. Yes, it's sad that the majority of Americans can only speak one language while everywhere else being bilingual (or more) is common.

 

[badmouse]

I spent a lot of time travelling alone back in college, 30 years ago, and I didn't find it to be a problem. Sure, I got to eat some interesting things by pointing at lines on menus etc, but I got by just fine.

Times may have changed, but the most important thing to learn quickly in the local lingo was "where is the bathroom?"