Those of us who speak English definitely have an advantage when it comes to travel. When visiting major cities, you don’t have to look too far to find another English speaker should you need help, and signs in international areas such as airports almost always include English. That said, we think it can be nice when visiting a foreign country to learn a few words of the local language. It can help you get a feel for the culture as well as connect with the people who live there, not to mention make your trip a bit more seamless. Whether you’re just looking to say “hello” or feel up for trying your hand at ordering a cup of coffee, there are plenty of free apps available to help get you started. Here are a few of our go-tos.
Memrise
Memrise is our favorite app for learning new vocabulary. It’s designed so that users can upload their own pictures and memes of mnemonic devices to make learning new words fun and easy.
Duolingo
This app has been around for as long as it has for a reason. Sure, it may ask you to translate some questionable sentences once in a while, but that’s actually the point. It’s an effective way to learn new words and how to use them.
Drops
Unfortunately, the free version of this app only allows you to do one lesson a day, but it’s definitely an effective way to learn new words and phrases. Vocabulary is broken up into categories so you can prioritize learning whatever you need most.