The Most Respectful Thing You Can Do While Traveling Abroad

Travelers love discovering new flavors, landscapes, and customs. But they often skip the most basic gesture of respect: learning basic phrases in the local language.

For many Americans, speaking another language seems extraordinary. But real empowerment when traveling comes from embracing linguistic diversity, not expecting everyone to speak English.

Restaurant reviews are full of this: "Doesn't deserve more stars because the staff speaks little English."

That mindset boils down to: "I travel, you adapt to me."

But why should people in countries we visit learn our language while we don't bother learning theirs?

Ten Phrases Change Everything

Hello. How are you. Thank you. Excuse me. How much is it. Where is...?

Just 10 or 15 basic phrases can completely change the experience. It can opens doors and most of all – it sends a message of respect, intention, and humility.

Nobody's asking travelers to be bilingual. Just make the minimum effort to integrate.

"But They Speak English There"

English is the global business language. That's reality. But using that as an excuse to never learn anything else is embarrassing.

Yes, lots of people in tourist destinations speak some English. That helps communication.

This doesn't exempt visitors from responsibility though. Expecting others to adapt is selfish and distorts the whole spirit of travel.

The Insecurity Excuse

For many Americans, relying on another language brings up insecurity. But that insecurity isn't strength. It's isolation. A monolingual traveler can pass through a place but will rarely connect with its people.

Learning a second language doesn't subtract. It adds. It lets people engage, have conversations, and see the world with more depth.

Bad Bunny's Answer

When Bad Bunny was announced to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, some criticized him for being chosen, because he doesn't primarily sing in English.

His response? "You have four months to learn."

Bold. Some saw it as provocation. Others saw it as a call to move beyond monolingualism. Language is identity. Expecting everyone to perform in English erases that.

According to the latest census data: more than 1 in 5 people in the United States speak a language other than English at home. Over 350 languages are spoken across the country, and they also deserve representation.

The Tourist vs. the Traveler

A conscious traveler understands they're not the center of the world. They’re just one person among many. It's not enough for others to adapt. Visitors must adapt too, even if only with linguistic humility.

Every destination has people. Not just monuments or traditional dishes. People.

Taking time to say hello in their language, ask for help in their language, give thanks in their language—that builds a bridge. That simple gesture separates the tourist from the traveler.

Why This Matters

Travel without linguistic effort is lazy. It's consuming a place without engaging with it.

Learning phrases shows you care about more than just taking photos and eating local food. It shows you see locals as people worth connecting with, not service providers who should cater to your needs.

The "I travel, you adapt" mindset treats countries like theme parks. That's not travel. That's just being somewhere else while maintaining the same bubble.

It's Not that Hard

Ten to 15 phrases. That's it. Download a language app. Spend 20 minutes before the trip. Practice on the plane.

Hello. Thank you. Please. Excuse me. Where is the bathroom. How much. Yes. No. Help. Goodbye.

That's the bare minimum. It takes little effort but makes a massive difference in how locals respond.

What Happens When You Try

Locals notice when travelers make an effort, even if pronunciation is terrible. A butchered "buenos días" is better than walking in and immediately speaking English like everyone should understand.

It shows respect and that you tried. That goes a long way.

Doors open. People smile. Conversations happen. The experience becomes richer because connections form beyond transactions.

This isn't just about travel. It's about recognizing that linguistic diversity exists and matters. Expecting the world to speak English reflects a deeper problem—the assumption that American norms should be universal norms.

They're not. And the sooner travelers figure that out, the better their experiences become.

Make The Effort

During your next trip abroad, learn basic phrases. Not fluency. Not perfect grammar. Just enough to show respect and attempt connection.

Say hello in the local language. Try to ask for directions. Thank people in their language. That's it. That's the most respectful thing travelers can do.

Talk less about what's expected from others. Focus more on what's worth learning.

May the next adventures be lessons in openness, not conquest. May travelers build bridges instead of demanding adaptation.

Did you find this information useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline to share with your friends.