Travelling to an English-speaking country? 6 simple things you need to know

A woman with a backpack stood in a airport looking at one of the many boards
Reading time: 2 minutes

Regardless of where youre travelling, its definitely worth learning some basic English, and you wont be alone: (20% of the world). Of course, if youre visiting an English-speaking country like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, its especially useful to brush up on your English.

Here are six simple things you need to know when travelling to English-speaking countries:

Travel tips for English speaking countries
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Be polite

It sounds obvious, but remembering to say please and thank you will help in most travel situations. British people are famously fond of their manners, so if youre visiting the UK, its particularly important to make sure you queue behind everyone else.

Learn the currency

There are many ways to ask the price of something, but your wallet wont be grateful if you dont understand the reply. Take time to understand the slang words for money in the countries youre visiting. For example, a $1 coin in Canada is referred to as a loonie, and in the U.S., a five-cent coin is almost always called a nickel.

Dont rely on your smartphone for directions

Even if you have a smartphone, its easy to get lost in a foreign place. Local people will often know the quickest and cheapest routes to places and may even have some good sightseeing suggestions that you wont find in a guidebook. If you dont understand what theyre saying, dont be embarrassed to ask them to speak slowly or repeat themselves.

Introduce yourself

If you like meeting new people while traveling, its important to know how to speak to them. You may have been taught that How do you do? is a polite way to introduce yourself. In reality, most English speakers dont use this phrase very often as its seen as old-fashioned and overly formal. Its much better to say pleased to meet you or good to meet you when youre meeting someone for the first time.

Even if youre traveling to a non-English speaking country, having some knowledge of English is always useful. International airports, for example, almost always display their signage in English alongside the local language(s).

Dont be afraid to ask about customs or etiquette

If youre unsure about the proper etiquette in a given situation, dont hesitate to ask. Locals will appreciate your effort and are usually happy to explain whats appropriate. This can help you avoid any unintentional faux pas and make your interactions more pleasant and respectful. Even if its for simple things like, 'Where do I order at the bar?' or 'Where should I leave my wet umbrella?' are perfectly fine to ask.??

Observe and adapt

When in a new environment, observing what others around you are doing can provide valuable clues about local etiquette and expected behavior. Whether its how people order food, navigate public transportation, or interact in social settings, taking cues from locals can help you blend in and avoid misunderstandings.

For example, if you see everyone standing on a certain side of public transport, there's probably a good reason for that which you can follow and blend in.?

Equip yourself for a rewarding travel experience

By equipping yourself with these simple yet effective tips, youll not only navigate your travels more smoothly but also enrich your overall experience. Remember, the effort you put into learning and practicing English will be met with appreciation and open doors to new opportunities and friendships. Safe travels.

Read our posts 'Essential English phrases to blend in like a local on your holiday' and 'Language learning tips for international students'

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