Do you struggle with languages?
More than one in 10 British travellers has missed out on visiting a particular holiday destination because of a perceived language barrier, according to research by Skyscanner.
Whilst French is the most widely spoken foreign language amongst Brits, it is also one of the countries that Brits are most likely to have avoided visiting if they don’t speak the language.
It's a shame that some people have let their language skills dictate their holiday plans, as they could be missing out on some great experiences
Brits are renowned within Europe for having poor foreign language skills; however 13 per cent of us claim to be able to speak at least three languages, with French the most commonly spoken followed by Spanish and German.
Skyscanner also found that British men are taking the lead with the lingo on holiday. Although on average women speak more languages, men are more confident when it comes to conversing abroad and are more likely to jet off to foreign shores regardless of any language barrier.
Two fifths of men said the last time they held a conversation in a foreign language was during their last holiday, whilst 28 per cent of women say the last time for them was at school.
Skyscanner spokesperson Victoria Bailie said: “With budget airlines opening routes to new destinations such as Russia, there are more opportunities than ever before for British travellers to experience new destinations this Easter.
"It's a shame that some people have let their language skills dictate their holiday plans, as they could be missing out on some great experiences."
Across the UK, the Welsh are the most confident travellers and are least likely to allow language to impact their holiday plans. A third also make the effort to learn a few key phrases before they go. On the flip side travellers from East Anglia are the most likely to avoid non English speaking countries.
With more than 300 languages spoken within multi-cultural London, locals claim to be the most linguistically skilled; with one in five speaking a foreign language on a regular basis.
At the other end of the scale, almost a third of those from Northern Ireland and 27 per cent of those from the North East of England, expect to be understood in English whenever they go on holiday.
Furthermore, 15 per cent of those from the North East claim to never speak any other language, no matter where they are in the world.
Victoria added: “Being in a foreign country is one of best ways to pick up a foreign language, but it’s good to learn a few key phrases before you go as the locals always appreciate it. A simple hello and thank you can get you a long way."
Do you let language barriers dictate your travels? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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