As millions of Brits prepare for summer holidays across Europe, many are doing so without any knowledge of the local language, leaving themselves vulnerable abroad.
A survey by Vueling revealed that 85% of Brits admit to getting the local language wrong on holiday, while nearly half (48%) don’t learn even the basics before they travel. Last year, 3 in 4 UK adults holidayed abroad – a number expected to remain high this summer, with Spain and Italy once again the top choices.
Now, online education platform Tutors Valley is urging families to learn a handful of essential phrases before they fly, particularly for the five most-visited European destinations: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and Portugal.
“We all hope for a smooth trip, but things like losing your bags, needing medication or even asking for the bill can become much more stressful if you don’t know how to explain yourself,” says Lindsey Wright, senior tutor at Tutors Valley. “Learning just a few key phrases before you travel can massively reduce anxiety and help you feel more confident, and it’s something the whole family can get involved in.”
Top Holiday Situations Where Language Skills Matter
Based on common problems faced by British holidaymakers:
1. Lost luggage
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Spanish: “He perdido mi maleta.” (I’ve lost my suitcase.)
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French: “J’ai perdu ma valise.”
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Italian: “Ho perso la mia valigia.”
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German: “Ich habe meinen Koffer verloren.”
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Portuguese: “Perdi a minha mala.”
2. Asking for help or pain relief
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Spanish: “¿Dónde está la farmacia?” (Where is the pharmacy?)
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French: “Avez-vous quelque chose pour la douleur ?” (Do you have something for pain?)
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Italian: “Ho bisogno di un medico.” (I need a doctor.)
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German: “Ich brauche Hilfe.” (I need help.)
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Portuguese: “Tenho dor. Onde está a farmácia?” (I’m in pain. Where is the pharmacy?)
3. Getting directions or when you’re lost
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Spanish: “¿Dónde está el hotel?” (Where is the hotel?)
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French: “Je suis perdu(e).” (I’m lost.)
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Italian: “Come arrivo a…?” (How do I get to…?)
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German: “Können Sie mir den Weg zeigen?” (Can you show me the way?)
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Portuguese: “Pode ajudar-me? Estou perdido.” (Can you help me? I’m lost.)
4. Ordering and asking for the bill
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Spanish: “¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?” (Can I have the bill, please?)
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French: “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”
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Italian: “Il conto, per favore.”
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German: “Die Rechnung, bitte.”
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Portuguese: “A conta, por favor.”
5. Emergencies
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Spanish: “¡Ayuda!” (Help!)
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French: “Appelez une ambulance !” (Call an ambulance!)
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Italian: “Chiamate un’ambulanza!”
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German: “Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen!”
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Portuguese: “Chame uma ambulância!”