How do you all navigate the language barrier during trips?
Probably been asked before, but curious how people here handle the language thing when you’re traveling somewhere English isn’t really spoken. Did three trips last year and used Google Translate for basically everything. And it was fine times I was in a fix, but you’re staring at a screen while the person across from you just stands there waiting. Then, before a Portugal trip earlier this year, I decided to just learn a handful of phrases beforehand. Used babbel for a few weeks before the trip, and the lessons were like some situations you’d meet, like restaurants, directions, small talk, basic requests. By the time I got there, I could order food at least without pulling out my phone every five seconds. I only had a handful of phrases locked in, but it was s a big anxiety lifter. I kind of wish I’d done some more learning so I could handle follow-up questions and more off-the-cuff stuff.
Does anyone else lang prep before a trip, or do you just wing it when you land?