Learn Spanish Before Your Next Trip   

Few things are as exciting as planning travel that includes visits to important cultural and historical sites. Because so many are in Spain and Latin America, taking Spanish classes before you visit is an excellent idea. Or, if you have some knowledge of Spanish but would like to expand it before you travel, taking classes can help as well. One of the most enriching experiences from travel is the ability to make friends and to converse with people who live in the area you're visiting. It only happens when you're able to communicate and speak the local language. Language learning also sharpens your mind in general.

Becoming bilingual has benefits in many areas of life; you'll use your Spanish speaking skills many times before and after your trip. It comes in handy in many ways. For example, if you want to call ahead and make reservations for dinner and activities during your trip, you'll find out more and be better prepared if you can speak the language. It will be quicker and easier to enjoy books, tours, and dinners when you can communicate without limitations. Being able to ask questions and understand nuance also lets you get to know people better and begin to build friendships. Your language skills will help in many ways.

Most adults learning Spanish as a second language opt for conversational courses that emphasize speaking, especially at first. It's excellent preparation for travel. For example, if you plan to join a tour group, you can attend in Spanish and get much more out of your experience. While local guides speak other languages, nothing replaces the experience of hearing the tour in Spanish. When you're on your own during travel, you can easily converse with local residents and feel more confident as you tour. You can also read signs and menus with ease and ask for directions and recommendations. 

No matter where you may be traveling in Latin America, the Philippines, the Caribbean, or Spain, learning conversational Spanish will be an asset. You'll gain more from your visit and discover things you'd otherwise miss when you can speak the local language. Nearly every museum and cultural site you visit will have additional information for visitors in Spanish. When you can understand and absorb it, your visit will be enriched. In museums, exhibit captions will be in Spanish, and reading them without translation will give you a direct understanding of the curator's point of view.