Mummy says…. Travelling overseas is so exciting, and can be made even better with a little planning, including attempting to learn a little of the local lingo! We have teamed up with Holiday Autos to bring you some great tips for travelling overseas, as well as some interesting findings about us Brits abroad.
- Try and learn some of the local language. Brits find French the most familiar, knowing around 15 words! We tried as we holidayed in France a couple of weeks ago. Even Pickle picked up the basics – Bonjour, Au Revoir. It can be hilarious to have a go at speaking the local language! I had a few disastrous attempts at ordering coffees, but it was a lot of fun!
- Take a basic phrase book at least – one that also shows you how to pronounce the word is really helpful. You can get apps to help you too.
- Keep all travel documents safely in one place when travelling – a large pocket in a rucksack is ideal to reach them easily.
- Check any restrictions at airports or ports just before you travel. They can update their rules daily at the moment. For example, power banks are not allowed in hold luggage on a plane – as my daughter found out, her luggage was delayed by two weeks before it reached her out in Cambodia. You also have to carry tablets, laptops etc. fully charged.
- Check in advance if you need any vaccinations – some need to be given several weeks before you travel. Malaria tablets can cost between £70 and £200, just to warn you.
- Take the largest, lightest hand luggage bag or case that you are allowed. Pop a spare change of clothes in, as well as a basic toiletries set. Ladies, carry some sanitary products if needed too.
- Hiring a car from the UK before you travel gives you peace of mind and the best price. One less thing to worry about once you arrive. Make sure you book all necessary car seats for children too.
Holiday Autos car hire conducted a survey recently about Brits speaking foreign languages when on holiday – do you try and have a go?
It didn’t surprise me, if I am honest, that over a quarter of Brits make no attempt at learning a different language. Everyone speaks English don’t they?
Almost a third of us can ask where the bathroom is – very important! Over a third can ask for a beer!
How many of you have actually started speaking slower to try and be understood? We are SO guilty of this!
1500 respondents were surveyed.
June 20, 2017 at 10:11 am
Haha!! I am so not surprised that so many people learn how to ask for a beer! Very funny!
June 20, 2017 at 9:03 pm
I completely agree with learning a bit of the language of the country you’re travelling too – I speak French fluently, and can speak a bit of German and Spanish too x
June 21, 2017 at 10:29 am
I must say I do look at cleanliness in the bathroom -says so much about the place
Have asked to be moved several times
June 21, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Really helpful advice here! Always good to remember to fully charge my laptop/phone cause I am so bad at it!!
June 21, 2017 at 3:16 pm
It’s quite embarrassing that as a whole us Brita make so little effort to learn languages. I know the very basics in French, German and Spanish but would love to learn more.
I didn’t realise power banks can’t go in hold luggage so I’m so glad I’ve read this!
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June 22, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Always good to check when travelling abroad eith each countries restrictions
Don’t want to have anything confiscated
June 23, 2017 at 10:32 pm
Great tips here (I’m still not brave enough to think about taking the toddler abroad yet lol!) fab tip about the car seats too, something I definitely would have forgot about!
Jess Howliston recently posted…Keeping kids cool in a heatwave
June 24, 2017 at 12:59 am
Great tips, makes it so much less stressful when you prepare a little bit in advance!
June 24, 2017 at 8:13 am
This is fab advice – im going on holiday with my goddaughter and her parents so will use some of your tips!
June 25, 2017 at 8:53 pm
I found it much easier to get around when I was in Spain just by learning a little of the local language, especially when using the taxi/cab services.
June 29, 2017 at 10:37 pm
Great advice! I always find that people abroad are much more helpful when you make an effort to try and speak a few words in their native tongue. As for the malaria tablets, they may be expensive but they are worth every penny and it’s also good to seek advice about how long you should be taking Malaria tablets before entering and after leaving a malaria area. As someone that has had malaria this advice would have been very helpful.