Today we have a guest post from the guys over at Language Reach about the benefits of learning a new language before travel. I really enjoyed reading this guest post and hope you do too!

Learning a new language to use it in your travels is perhaps one of the best reasons to do so, wherever your journey takes you. Travelling to a new country opens you up to adventure, and what a better way to immerse yourself fully, than to go on your voyage having your language skills in hand. This may seem picture perfect to a language lover like myself, however many people still think that the English language is sufficient enough to get around. While this can sometimes be true, I personally think that speaking the language of the country you are visiting, or even knowing how to get by in that particular language can have a positive impact on your adventure as a whole. Working for translations agencies based in London, Language Reach and Translation Services 24 I can see first-hand just how important languages are in business in today’s globalising world, but I personally believe that knowing a language can also be extremely beneficial in anyone’s personal life. In fact, I want to share 5 reasons to learn a new language before you travel, which I hope at least some of you will find motivating!

You will be able to discover your destination outside the normal tourist itinerary

Envision just how awesome your journey will be by delving in and mingling with locals to get a true experience of your holiday. Your language skills will not only allow you to dig into all the hidden gems of your destination, but it will also allow you to experience an authentic version of your adventure. Yes, the touristy areas of any country are exciting to experience, but by engaging your language skills, your adventure will be even more wholesome. Your language skills will lead you to new discoveries, whether that be an untouched route leading to a secret beach, or stumbling upon a local delicacy that you weren’t aware of. In fact, check here how you can use your language skills wherever you travel and whichever language you speak…

To keep you in the know

Simple communication will allow you to be in the know and make traveling so much easier. Imagine travelling to a destination where the Latin alphabet isn’t used and having no one who speaks English to help you. Being able to read street signs or having the ability to ask someone where the nearest gas station is will probably get you out of potential trouble! Not having a language barrier will also make everyday occurrences such as negotiating prices, understanding the menu much easier. A friend of mine who has a nut allergy told me of her ordeal of traveling. She recently went to France on a short getaway but said that she was unable to understand the menu and more importantly, she couldn’t establish whether a dish was nut free or not. In one particular occasion she said that an English speaker over heard her awkward conversation with the waiter and politely helped her.

Meet new people

There really isn’t a better way to meet people, especially during your travels. I know that whenever I’m on holiday, I am really interested in meeting locals to ask questions and learn more about their culture. One of my favourite continents to visit is South America. I am always able to take away so much just by speaking to locals. One of my most memorable holidays was a trip to Nicaragua last year. I met a small shop owner who I used to speak to at least once a day, every day. She was so kind and because I was able to speak to her in Spanish, I learnt so much about her life and she even recommended a few restaurants to me. Having great interactions such as this one really opens you up to new people experiences, and as well as an understanding of a different way of living that you weren’t aware of before.

You are able to test your language skills

There really isn’t a better time to test your language skills then doing so when you’re on holiday and among locals. You will undoubtingly pick up on new words and phrases whether your intentions are to or not. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic way to test your skills and learn even more. I have been learning Spanish for the past 4 years and I always find that when I go to a Spanish speaking country, I make it a must to listen to people, which allows me to get a real feel of how words are pronounced. Not only has this, but being around people who speak Spanish in my case for example, helps me improve my language skills drastically, and I always leave my trip with more knowledge which is a plus!

To explore literature, film and music

In most instances I’ve noticed that that some people, including myself, travel to a faraway places to understand and discover all the amazing factors of a culture, however we never truly explore literature, film and music as such. Many adaptations of the books we read, or the films we watch, come from these places, so there really isn’t a better time to open your mind to these phenomenon’s that in the midst of your voyage. Having the ability to communicate in that particular language will allow you to absorb the culture fully. Instead of selecting a book to read before your holiday, why not go to a book store, or a library and pick one up. It doesn’t have to stop there, if reading isn’t for you then try your hands at watching a film or listening to music.

As you can see learning a language before you travel can bring along some truly amazing benefits. From understanding locals through history or culture to being able to get yourself out of trouble. Also, remember that you don’t need to speak fluently at all, everyone has to start somewhere, and what better occasion than right before your escapades?