There are thousands of languages spoken throughout the world, so whether you only speak one, or you speak multiple languages, chances are that you will still encounter language barriers when traveling if you choose countries that don’t speak the same language as you. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and while I can also muddle through Italian and Portuguese, I always find there are times when I’m stuck for words, and I’ve learned to enjoy the challenge! While traveling when you don’t speak the language can seem intimidating, you shouldn’t let that fear stop you from traveling. Muddling your way through will allow you to breakdown barriers and learn more, not just about the culture and language, but also about yourself. It is scary when you know you may not be able to communicate, but I’ve outlined some of my top tips below for traveling when you don’t speak the language, and how to get by on a day to day basis.
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