How to Improve Your English While Traveling
How's your English, guys? When traveling abroad, where Russian is not the main language, and not even second, it's tough without English. What if there are problems at the hotel or airport? What if you get lost on the map? Charades are always an option, of course, but it's better with words. Some people have an intermediate level of language proficiency, as they say — at the level of a shy tourist. With this, you can sort out minor issues during check-in (complain that the room hasn't been cleaned, there are no towels, and so on), ask for directions to the library, or order in a restaurant. But to chat with locals and make new friends — no, no, I'm shy and don't understand anything. That won't do. Let's raise the bar — it adds comfort to your trip and helps you learn more about the area.
Sitting at home, we agree, it's hard to do this — you need to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and step out of your comfort zone. Here are some tips on how to improve your English while traveling if you have a beginner's level.
Listen to Podcasts
It's not always convenient to read on the road, as your eyes need rest, and reading on a long journey can cause motion sickness. Moreover, it's more beneficial to listen to foreign speech, so download plenty of foreign podcasts. Ideally, the podcast should be about the country you're traveling through. Look for podcasts on NPR or from popular bloggers.
Read
If reading is indispensable — read. Late in the evening at the hotel with a glass of something. But put aside highly specialized literature and work-related books for better times — complex words and formulations will only add difficulties for those with a low or intermediate level. Take light stories, collections of tales, magazines, or even fairy tales written in simple language. Even English-language forums will do — they use conversational English. You might pick up some useful expressions.
Watch Vlogs
The most beautiful and enjoyable way to learn a foreign language by ear is to watch vlogs. It can be any travel blogger, as there are so many — choose anyone. Alex Strohl and his wife Andrea Dabene have many beautiful travel videos. Andrea speaks more clearly and slowly than Alex, but both use simple words. Ben Brown's channel is also popular.
Take Notes
Grab a small notebook and keep a little diary in English. Even short sentences with simple words will do. Small vocabulary? No problem, it's even more interesting that way, and there's a reason to learn new words and expressions. It's useful to write down words whose meaning you don't yet know, but which have caught your attention. This makes them easier to remember, as a whole story will be associated with them.
Eavesdrop on Everyone Around You
A clever life hack for those who are afraid to start a conversation with locals but want to listen to their speech. Eavesdrop! Sitting down for lunch? Listen to what people at the next table are talking about. Resting on a bench, riding public transport, standing in line — listen, listen, listen! This will help you prepare to perceive speech when you finally overcome your shyness and talk to someone.
And Finally, Communicate
Even if you're terribly shy, your palms are sweating, and your tongue gets tied, you'll have to make contact with locals. At the hotel, museum, on the street, or in a cafe — it's inevitable. The main thing is to learn a phrase to explain that you don't speak the language very well. No one will laugh at you; on the contrary, they will use simpler words. Add gestures when speaking; they will help convey meaning and replace some words. And just in case, keep an offline translator with you. And our Telegram channel also has useful and relevant information. We talk about places you immediately want to fly to, publish cheap tickets, and share news.
