There are so many things to prepare for your next trip. Getting a permission from your boss is the only beginning. Then, you still need to book your accomodation and transportation tickets, and of course make the itinarary schedule.
All you want is the perfect vacation, by means of escape for awhile from work, go somewhere you’ve never been to before and meet new people on the process.
Even after you’ve packed all your things in your suitcase, your preparation is actually not finished yet.
If you are planning to go to a strange place, it is best to learn a bit about the culture in your destination. When we are talking about culture, it is not only about the list of thing to do and not to do there, but also about the way people live in there. Eventhough what you’ve learnt will be somewhat different than what you will see in your destination, you still have to be prepared for that. One of the way to have a good travel experience is by learning the local language.
On the one side, understanding local language will help you to communicate with local people and understand their culture better. On the other side, it also brings you some other benefits, such as getting cheaper price while shopping, better understand the directions and road signs, and many more.
Learning local language does not mean you have to know each of the local words. In addition, you probably don’t have so much time learning it. So, just simply write down important words, phrases and sentences that you find handful in your journal. It is not less important to know and understand when and where to use that expressions. Here is some recommendations for you.
Important expressions
- Greetings:
- Hello!
- Good morning / afternoon / evening
- How are you?
- Nice to meet you.
- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- Good bye.
- Have a safe trip!
- Responses:
- I’m fine. thank you. How about you?
- My name is ….
- See you again.
- I am from ….
- Thank you.
- Others:
- Cool!
- Good luck!
- Excuse me.
- Please.
- Yes / No.
- I’m sorry.
Situation
- In the street:
- How to get to Schillerstrasse?
- I’m looking for Best Western Hotel. Can you show me the way?
- Do you know where the nearest ATM is?
- In the market:
- I would like 2 kilos apple.
- How much does it cost?
- What is that?
- In the train station:
- What time does the train A leave?
- Do I have to change trains?
- A single ticket to …. , please.
Resources to learn
- Youtube Videos
- Easy Languages
- Pod101
- CultureAlley
- JeFrench
- Babbel
- Mobile Apps
- Duolingo
- Mango Languages
- My Happy Planet
- BBC Language
- DW Deutch Lernen
Mind that the most important thing is you can express your thoughts and be understood by your speaking partner, no matter how much grammar mistakes you made.