The most respectful thing you can do when traveling abroad
3 min read- Learning basic phrases in a local language is a sign of respect when traveling abroad.
- Knowing a few key phrases can significantly improve a traveler’s experience and connection with locals.
When we travel, curiosity drives us to discover the unknown — flavors, landscapes, customs. But often, we forget that one of the greatest gestures of respect we can offer is to learn, at the very least, the basics of the language spoken where we’re going. While for many Americans speaking another language is seen as something extraordinary, true empowerment when traveling comes from embracing linguistic diversity, not expecting the entire world to speak English.
I’ve read dozens of reviews from travelers who complain that a restaurant “doesn’t deserve more stars” because the staff speaks little English. This stems from an implicit mindset: “I travel, you adapt to me.” But the real question we should be asking is: why should people in the countries we visit have to learn our language, while we don’t bother to learn theirs?
Just 10 or 15 phrases — hello, how are you, thank you, excuse me, how much is it, where is…? — can completely change the experience. It not only opens doors but sends a message of respect, intention, and humility. We’re not asking everyone to be bilingual—we’re asking ourselves to make the minimum effort to integrate.
Yes, it’s true that many people in tourist destinations speak some English, and that helps with communication. But that doesn’t exempt visitors from responsibility. Expecting others to adapt to us is a selfish gesture that distorts the spirit of travel.
For many Americans, the idea of relying on another language brings up feelings of insecurity. But that insecurity isn’t strength — it’s isolation. A monolingual traveler can pass through a place, but will rarely connect with its people. Learning a second language doesn’t subtract—it adds. It lets us engage, have conversations, and see the world with more layers. And in a moment like the Super Bowl halftime show, with Bad Bunny singing in Spanish, it’s worth remembering that language is identity. He himself, in response to criticism for not singing in English, gave a bold answer: “You have four months to learn.”
Some interpret his stance as provocation; I prefer to see it as a call to move beyond monolingualism.
The latest Census data backs this up: in the United States, more than 1 in 5 people speak a language other than English at home. One study also reports over 350 languages spoken across the country. Diversity exists, even where many don’t perceive it. This doesn’t weaken a country’s unity — it enriches it.
A conscious traveler understands they’re not the center of the world — they’re just one among many. It’s not enough for others to adapt; we must adapt too, even if only with linguistic humility. It’s not about being a polyglot, but about showing the bare minimum tools of courtesy and opening the door to deeper connections.
At every destination, beyond the monuments or the traditional dish, there are people. If we take the time to say hello in their language, ask for help in their language, give thanks in their language — we’re already building a bridge. And that simple, yet powerful gesture is what separates the tourist from the traveler.
May our next adventures be lessons — not in conquest, but in openness. May we talk less about what we demand, and more about what we’re willing to learn.
Wilson “Wil” Santiago Burgos is the founder of Mochileando.com, one of the largest travel platforms in Puerto Rico and the Latin American market in the U.S.
