Do you like to travel and explore new countries and cultures? Then you know how important it is to learn a new language. Indeed, you know how much fun it is to learn a new language. It literally opens doors to new places, cool experiences and connection with people all over the world. But with so many languages to choose from, which are the most important ones to learn for world travellers?
English and Spanish: your global foundation
English is undoubtedly the most widely used language among travellers. And that is not surprising. It is the official language in dozens of countries and is used worldwide in business, science and, of course, when travelling. In many countries you can get by with it just fine, especially in bigger cities or in tourist spots. Still, it is useful to have a good command of the language. It makes travelling more relaxed and you are less likely to have to ask for help. A practical English course can give you that extra bit of confidence to manage better in all kinds of situations.
Spanish is right behind it as a world language, especially when exploring Latin America or southern Europe. Spanish is spoken as an official language in 21 countries and is the mother tongue for millions of people. Moreover, it is easy to learn for Dutch people (even if we here at home still have quite some trouble with it). The better you speak it, the richer your experience will be and the easier travelling will be, from conversations in a small mountain village in Peru to ordering tapas in Barcelona.
Regional languages giving access to other worlds
Besides the well-known world languages, there are also regional languages that can make your trip a lot more interesting. They give you access to places where English or Spanish will not take you as far, and often offer a unique insight into culture, customs and ways of thinking. Whether you are touring Asia, Africa or South America, these languages really help you get to know the country from the inside.
1. Madeira
As a first example, let's take Mandarin. This is the most widely spoken native language in the world and has a growing influence worldwide. It is therefore an interesting language for those who want to get to know Asia better. Learning it is not easy, but it offers access to a completely different way of thinking and communicating.
2. French
French is also still a popular choice among travellers. Not only because of France and Belgium, but also because it is spoken in large parts of Africa, Canada and the Caribbean. In areas where English is less obvious, French can help you further as well as give you access to a rich cultural world.
3. Spanish
We already briefly mentioned the Spanish language in the heading above. Because anyone who has mastered this language has a good basis! Are you planning to travel to Latin America or Spain, for example? Then a low-threshold Spanish course a smart way to get off the ground quickly. By immersing yourself in such languages, you invest not only in convenience, but also in understanding and respecting other worlds.
More contact, more experience
OK... this title may sound a bit floaty, but it really is true! During all our travels, we find that a few simple words in the local language are enough to start a conversation or at least bring out a smile.
This does not only apply to world languages like English or Spanish. Especially in regions where fewer travellers bother to learn some of the language, such as the Middle East or North Africa, you quickly make a difference. And that brings us to Arabic: a language you might not have had on your list right away, but which surprisingly opens many doors in the Middle East and North Africa. These are regions with deep traditions, welcoming communities and unique history. It is not the easiest language, but is becoming increasingly popular among travellers who want to look beyond the standard tourist routes.
What many travellers forget is how much difference it makes to speak even just a few words in the local language. Many people rely entirely on English, but it is precisely that extra step that often makes your trip more special. It shows that you are interested in the other person and that is appreciated everywhere.
Learning language is not just about ordering something or finding your way around. It is also about connecting, understanding culture better and expanding your world view. Those who make an effort to speak the language often get something very valuable in return: genuine conversations, new insights and a travel experience that sticks.
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