Easy Tips for Communicating With Others in a Foreign Land

The year is almost over and I need to end it on a high note!

I’ve traveled with a variety of people and have noticed some patterns when it comes to being in a foreign land with a different language. Here are some tips that I’ve learned:

• Don't rely too much on language learning apps. While these apps are useful for teaching, they may not provide practical language skills. Doing Duolingo during your bathroom breaks won't make you a fluent speaker. *But I still love keeping my Duolingo streak up!

• Don't be shy. When you’re shy, you tend to speak softly and unclearly, making it even harder for someone who speaks a different language to understand you.
• Take a breath and relax. Most people are willing to help, even if they don't fully get what you’re saying. Use this as an opportunity to speak up.
• Use hand signals. 👈👉👌 Many hand signals are universal, so embrace them when communicating. For example, you can write on your palm to ask for the check, point to your drink or hold up your index finger for one more drink.

• Download Google Translate. This app works ✨wonders✨. It allows people to talk directly into the phone for automatic translation. It also has a camera feature that can translate text from a picture to the language of your choice. 
• Bring a local or ask a local for help. This is like a cheat code since they can provide automatic translation assistance.

Words and phrases that you should learn include: "please," "thank you," "hello," "goodbye," "bathroom," "excuse me," "do you speak English," "numbers," "slower please," and "sign up for The Busy Traveler's newsletter."😁

Try out these tips and let me know how it goes!

How do you effectively communicate with others who speak a different language?

Cocktail of the Week

One cocktail from Spain is the Spanish Gin and Tonic. This drink originated in Spain and gained popularity as bartenders in Barcelona started experimenting with new botanicals and garnishes, resulting in a unique and refreshing twist on a classic cocktail.

• Recipe for Spanish Gin and Tonic:
  • Ingredients:
    • 2 oz of gin (Spanish gin like Gin Mare or Nordés is recommended)
    • Tonic water
    • Ice cubes
    • Botanicals and garnishes of your choice (e.g., citrus peels, juniper berries, rosemary sprigs, berries, etc.)
  • Instructions:
    • Fill a large balloon or Copa de Balon glass with ice cubes.
    • Pour the gin over the ice, using a jigger for precise measurement.
    • Gently stir the gin to chill it.
    • Top up the glass with tonic water, pouring it slowly over a bar spoon to maintain the effervescence.
    • Add your chosen botanicals and garnishes to the glass.
    • Give the drink a gentle stir and allow it to sit for a minute or two before serving.

Random Travel Thought

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” - Mark Twain

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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