Languages Travel Guide

Unless you’re some kind of savant when it comes to languages, or you only stick to countries where you can speak the local lingo, chances are good that at some point you’ll need to pick up a phrase book or spend some time studying the basics of a foreign tongue. There are a zillion tools out there to help you learn a new language, from basic books to high-tech gadgets that’ll do the talking for you, so you’ll just need to figure out which option suits you best.

This page contains information about recommended phrase books for all kinds of languages in just about every region of the world, as well as online language-learning resources and tips. If you think we’re missing something here, please send us a note and let us know.

Language learning resources

There are an infinite number of websites, books, classes, and other resources to help you learn a new language, whether it’s just basic words and phrases or becoming fluent. Here are some of our favorites:

Products and programs

• 101Language.com – 101Language.com gives you helpful hints and tips on many languages around the world including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. We update our blog daily from various sources on the internet including about.com, transparent.com, and more.
• AmeriSpan – Since the very first student was sent in the spring of 1993, AmeriSpan has evolved from offering three Spanish schools in Latin America to offering over 15 languages in more than 45 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Africa.
• Berlitz – The global environment offers infinite opportunities—but only to those who have the right skills. Berlitz helps individuals and businesses, government and non-profit organizations develop the language, cross-cultural and leadership skills necessary for success.
• Oideas Gael – Since its foundation in 1984, Oideas Gael has attracted hundreds of participants annually to its highly acclaimed language courses and cultural programmes.
• Languages Abroad – Languages Abroad have been helping people learn a foreign language for 30 years. There are programs for any age and programs to suit any level.
• Language for Travelers – Fodor’s has partnered with Living Language to offer a method for learning key travel phrases in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese.
• Rosetta Stone – Perhaps the most popular (and pricey) language learning software available today. Rosetta Stone offers courses in 30 languages, from the most commonly spoken (like English, Spanish and Mandarin) to the less prominent (including Swahili, Swedish and Tagalog).