Learn some basics to get by - could pay dividends and you might make new pals

How do I deal with the language barriers when I travel?

Build a vocabulary in the local language. Learning even a few words and phrases of the local language in advance of your trip can greatly increase your enjoyment, safety and comfort during your stay in a foreign country. Here's a suggestion list of a few words and phrases you might consider researching to build your new vocabulary.

First, the complicated bathroom, this can be a complex issue when you probably don't have the time to deal with complications. Asking for a "badezimmer", literally a bathroom in German will get you a room for taking a bath. But, it might be lacking the toilet you were seeking. Find out what they call it and ask for it. It is always best to keep it simple and direct. For example:

• How do I get to ….?
• How much for……?
• How many….?
• May I have….?
• Where is the…….?
• When is the…..?
• What time is…..?
• I need help.
• I don't understand.
• Would you please speak slower?
• I don't speak much …
• I would like to speak to someone that speaks English.
• Please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, may I?, hello, goodbye.
• Yes, no, accept, decline, agree, and disagree.
• The names of any foods to which you are sensitive or allergic.
• The names of any of your medical conditions or allergies.
  Fire exit, emergency exit, help, police, doctor, hospital.
• Telephone, taxi, bus and bus terminal, train and train station, airport, rental car office, auto repair.
• Toll Road, prohibited, forbidden, exit ramp, entrance ramp, detour, parking, danger, construction, closed.
• Post Office, Tourist Office, Customs Office, Bank, Embassy, Consulate
• Basic numbers, at least one to ten.
• Restaurant, hotel, bar.
• Left, right
• North, South, East, West
  

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