Language Anxiety Keeps Millions Of Americans From International Travel

Survey reveals one-third of travelers deliberately avoid countries where they can’t speak English

NEW YORK — Standing in a bustling Tokyo market, you smell incredible aromas from food stalls but end up at McDonald’s instead. You skip that dream trip to China’s ancient temples because navigating Mandarin feels impossible. Sound familiar? You’re among the millions of Americans whose travel plans are dictated by language fears rather than wanderlust.

A new survey from language learning platform Preply shows that nearly one-third of Americans who have traveled abroad deliberately choose destinations where they won’t need to speak a foreign language. That represents over 64 million potential travelers who are ruling out entire regions before they even start planning.

The research, based on responses from over 1,500 U.S. adults, reveals a striking disconnect between intentions and actions. While 80% of Americans agree it’s important to learn a few words before traveling abroad, only 58% actually do it. Even more telling: 40% admit to cramming language learning at the last minute by grabbing quick phrases at the airport, compared to just 25% who start practicing months ahead.

Which Countries Give Americans The Most Language Anxiety?

China tops the list as the most intimidating destination for American travelers, with 37% citing it as particularly daunting for language reasons. Japan follows at 34%, and South Korea claims 23%. These countries use different writing systems and tonal languages where pitch changes can completely alter a word’s meaning, a stark contrast to English pronunciation rules.

Thailand appears on the intimidation list at 13%, despite being a popular tourist destination. But here’s the surprise: France rounds out the top five at 13%, even though it uses the same alphabet as English. Cultural perceptions, including stereotypes about French locals being less patient with non-fluent speakers, seem to fuel anxiety beyond pure language difficulty.

The reasons Americans avoid learning local languages break down into five main categories. The biggest barrier? Thirty-seven percent believe language learning is simply too difficult, assuming they need fluency before attempting even basic phrases. Close behind, 35% think English is widely spoken enough to get by without local language skills.

One-third of Americans say they’re bad at learning languages, often because of negative school experiences. Practical concerns also loom large: 32% cite lack of time to prepare, and 31% worry about accidentally offending locals by using the language incorrectly.

“There’s a noticeable gap between travelers’ good intentions and their actual preparation,” says Yolanda Del Peso Ramos, language expert at Preply. “Many Americans genuinely want richer, more confident travel experiences, but fear, embarrassment, and outdated assumptions often hold them back.”

How Do Americans Cope With Language Barriers Abroad?

When language barriers arise, Americans resort to strategies that range from practical to cringe-worthy. The most common approach, used by 35% of travelers, involves pointing at menus to avoid pronouncing foreign words. While this works for ordering food, it can lead to surprises and missed opportunities for cultural connection.

Other frequent tactics include making pronunciation mistakes (32%), relying on travel companions to do the talking (26%), and turning to translation apps only after arriving (26%). More problematic behaviors include speaking English slowly and loudly (23%), staying in familiar places like resorts (17%), eating American fast food to avoid local cuisine (17%), and even mimicking local accents (15%).

Meanwhile, 26% report feeling guilty when they have to ask if someone speaks English.

What Benefits Do Travelers See From Learning Local Languages?

For Americans who do learn some local language before traveling, the payoffs are substantial. More than half (54%) report that basic language preparation makes navigation significantly easier, from asking directions to reading signs.

The benefits extend well beyond logistics. Nearly half (49%) say speaking even simple local phrases leads to more enjoyable interactions with locals, while an equal percentage find that everyday travel tasks like ordering food, checking into hotels, and handling emergencies become much smoother.

The emotional rewards are equally strong. Forty-seven percent feel locals treat them more positively when they make language efforts, while 45% experience a stronger cultural connection. Additional benefits include less stress and anxiety (43%), increased confidence (40%), and personal pride in the effort (39%).

Perhaps most telling: only 3% of respondents saw no benefit at all to speaking local languages, showing that even minimal effort can significantly improve travel experiences.

The broader impact becomes clear when considering that 45% of Americans say they would travel more if they spoke a foreign language. Language anxiety isn’t just affecting destination choices but determining whether people travel internationally at all.

Currently, 63% of Americans planning 2025 trips want to learn local languages while traveling, but nearly one-third deliberately choose destinations where English dominates, limiting their options from the start.

“The encouraging news is that learning just a few simple phrases can completely transform a trip, making it more immersive, enjoyable, and meaningful,” adds Del Peso Ramos. “With the right support, travelers can move from hesitation to connection. Just a few phrases can open doors to new cultures and make every journey more rewarding.”

Methodology: This analysis is based on a comprehensive survey of 1,526 U.S. by Preply adults aged 18 and over, conducted in June 2025. Results were segmented by respondents’ international travel experience and their holiday plans for 2025, providing insights into both seasoned travelers and those planning future trips.