Traveling to A Country Where You Don't Know the Language

[Anonymous]

There are now few countries without a significant number of English speakers. In most places you are fine in the larger cities. Anywhere in Europe and most places in asia you will be fine. Latin America a bit if Spanish is very helpful. But fracophone Africa, Russia, and central asia can be very tough. I havent been to China so can't speak to that.

I always try to learn some of the language before going. Even listening to something like Pimsleur for a couple of hours a week on your commute for the months before you travel can be a great help. Plus, it is good for the brain.

[Anonymous]

You don't have to learn ALL of the language. Start with basics that you know you'll use: hello, thank you, goodbye, how much, the numbers, yes, no, sorry, I don't understand, do you speak English?

You can do a LOT with that.