Some of the nicest vacation spots in the world to vacation are in Spanish-speaking countries. Cozumel, Barcelona, Buenos Aries, and hundreds of other spots make a great destination. But your vacation will be much more enjoyable if you learn some Spanish phrases before you depart. It is easy to be civil with "please" and "thank you" when you are on vacation in your own country. You can easily learn the Spanish phrases for similar civilities. Everyone's mom has taught them to be polite - this includes moms in other countries as well. Everyone will appreciate that you at least tried to speak their language even if you pronounce it wrong. Remember, you are a guest and you need to be polite to your hosts. If you also learn Spanish phrases for "pardon me" and other small apologies people are more inclined to help you. For example, yelling "waiter" in English is definitely rude, so learn a simple phrase for "excuse me sir". No one likes being summoned or talked to in a rude way in a foreign language.



Experiencing the Country

Many tourists visit places but never leave their tourist zone. They stay on the bus, the designated restaurant, or the tour. While this might be a stress-free way to travel, it is also a little bit disingenuous. Why travel to another country just to watch it like a TV show? You want to have memorable experiences in that country. Learning a few Spanish phrases can turn a TV experience into something more special.

For example, many people like to take public transportation in the city they are visiting. After all, that is how the real locals live. Besides a fifty-cent bus ride is a tour in itself. However it will be very difficult to navigate even a simple bus ride without learning simple Spanish phrases such as asking for direction, destination, distance, and fares.

Rarely is the best restaurant the one on the tourist boardwalk. It is not the one the locals frequent anyway. You will have a culinary treat on vacation by learning some Spanish food phrases. Especially learn Spanish words for what you do not like or are allergic to.

Then try anything else on the menu. Even if you do not understand everything the waiter says, point and smile, that helps.

Country Specific

Spanish is a very diverse language. There are as many nuances as there are Spanish-speaking countries. Be sure to pick up the local words and phrases. Buy a guidebook specific to your destination that has a glossary of phrases and language notes.