Connecting through language

Here's how learning a language can completely transform your travel experiences.

1. Authentic Interactions with Locals

There's nothing quite like connecting with people in their own language. You can make your travel experiences so much richer if you're able to speak with people you're staying with or make your exploration much more enjoyable through chatting with the people around you. Speaking even basic Spanish opened doors to experiences I’d have completely missed otherwise.

2. Insider Tips and Hidden Gems

Locals always know the best spots — and they often only share them if you can communicate. While exploring Colombia, I chatted with a market vendor in Medellín who recommended a secluded waterfall. It ended up being one of the most memorable parts of my trip. Learning the language helped me tap into that local knowledge and explore places I’d never have discovered otherwise.

3. Helpful Warnings and Staying Safe

On a bus ride through Peru, a kind woman sitting next to me on the bus warned me (in Spanish) to keep an eye on my bag at the night market I was heading to because pickpockets often targeted tourists in that area. Being able to understand locals’ advice not only enriched my trip but also kept me safe.

Ready to Start Learning? 🔥

If you're looking for an engaging and effective way to build your French skills, check out my new book: Beginners French Language Learning Story: A Hitchhiking Adventure. Tailored for beginners, it's designed to make learning immersive, fun, and practical.

Follow Vincent and Amélie as they hitchhike from Paris to Switzerland, encountering inspiring characters, real-life conversations, and plenty of useful vocabulary along the way.

When I moved to Spain a few years ago, my limited Spanish felt like a huge barrier to enjoying everyday life and feeling at ease around Spanish friends. But after committing to learning Spanish every day, everything changed. I went from feeling like an outsider to enjoying chats in Spanish and being accepted in a new community.