Here is yet another great reason to start learning the language: speaking in English can help you in your travels. Time and again, the English language has proven its universality. In fact, aside from securing its position as the language of the internet, it is slowly making its mark in the world of travel as well.
The truth is English is considered as the ‘international language’ in most parts of the world. That is, whether you are in China or in Peru you will always find someone who can speak English.
English is for travelers.
If you are an avid traveler, then you are well aware of the fact that traveling can be frustrating. Especially when it comes to communication. In fact, a lot of people decide to stop traveling just to avoid this little inconvenience. However, this only happens to people who do not know how to speak in English.
Since communication is a big part of traveling, speaking in English makes it a lot easier. A whole lot easier. For one thing, knowing how to speak in English is an important skill in the tourism and hospitality industry. Still having second thoughts on whether or not you should enroll in an English language course? If you plan on living the life of a globetrotter, you must learn English. But to ease your doubts, here are other reasons why learning English is the best thing you can do if you want to be a jet-setter:
English is the language of the world.
As mentioned earlier, English is indeed the language of the world. It is the language of the hospitality industry, too. The hospitality industry is a part of the service industry. Components of the hospitality industry include lodging operation, transportation services, food and beverage operation, and activities. Lodging operations include hotels, resorts, inns, and etc. Meanwhile, transportation services include taxis, trains, airplanes, and etc. Food and beverage operations include bars and restaurants. Lastly, activities include recreation, and guided tours.
People involved in the hospitality industry are most likely to know how to speak in English. As a traveler, these are the people you will be engaging with often. Well, aside from the locals of course.
Bookings are easy with English.
Every seasoned traveler knows that booking a flight and accommodation is the first step of planning a trip. In other words, once a trip has been greenlighted, the next step involves buying tickets. Now, buying plane tickets is quite easy. After all, these will be bought from your end. You do not have to worry about any sort of language barrier. However, it is a little different when it comes to booking hotels.
Although most hotel chains have satellite offices in different countries, majority of accommodation do not. If you are a non-English speaker, the odds of finding someone who can speak your language are low. But the odds of finding someone who can speak in English are higher. Being part of the hospitality industry, the majority of front-desk clerks and receptionists will surely be speaking in English. Learning English will prevent you from experiencing any difficulty in booking accommodation.
You can eat whatever you want by speaking in English.
They say that the best way to experience a culture is through their food. A lot of countries offer a wide array of exotic food. As a stranger in a strange land, wouldn’t it be nice to have some idea of whatever it is you are placing in your mouth? If you are the adventurous type, you are most likely to head out of the comforts of the city during your travels. But the further away you are from the city, the harder it is to find English speakers. If you do not know how to speak in English, you will definitely have a hard time asking what that kai khao is made of.
But if you know how to speak in English, even if it is imperfect, you can easily find an interpreter. For a fee, an interpreter will bridge the language gap between you and the locals. Interpreters allow you to be able to freely enjoy any local delicacy without having to doubt its ingredients.
Speaking in English allows you to join guided tours.
Joining guided tours is another way to fully enjoy a trip. You get to visit the most important and popular places. Aside from that, you get to learn about their cultural history as well. The participants of guided tours are usually made up of a mixture of races. This means that the tour guide would likely be speaking in English. If you are a non-speaker, you will not be able to fully enjoy the tour. Sure, you can enjoy the sights, but you will be missing out on everything else.
If you know how to speak in English, guided tours will not just be for sight-seeing. It will be an enriching experience as well.
Communicate with the locals by speaking in English.
There are only two possible ways to be able to communicate with the locals of a place. Firstly, you can learn the local language (which will require more than a year of study). Secondly, you can hire an interpreter. Non-English speakers may find a difficult time finding an interpreter who can speak their language. Truth is, since English is a very easy to learn, this is the language most local interpreters know.
As mentioned, you will not have a hard time finding an interpreter if you know how to speak in English. With an interpreter, you can easily communicate with the locals. And easy communication leads to better experiences.
Don’t be afraid to be on your own as long as you know how to speak in English.
Non-English speakers can still enjoy a trip overseas. However, their movements are restricted, especially if they are in groups. If you know how to speak in English, you wouldn’t be afraid to venture out to explore on your own. This is because knowing how to speak in English gives you confidence. If you lose your way, you can always ask for directions.
In fact, you can even travel on your own! You won’t be relying on groups because knowing how to speak English is the best superpower you can have to conquer the globe!
