If you're traveling anywhere that doesn't primarily speak English, you'll want to know at least a little of the local language. If you have the time to prepare by getting more fluent, that's even better, but in a pinch there are only a few sentences that you truly need.
The key here is not to just plug the English version of your sentences into Google Translate. Many languages have formal and informal pronouns or other specific rules that aren't always accurate through Google. Instead, do a Google search for "essential Italian phrases" (or whatever language you need). The articles that come up are often written by professional teachers of that language and often contain useful information such as how to understand the responses you get or warnings about two similar-sounding phrases with very different meanings. They also often have audio clips or videos so you can hear the correct pronunciation.
Basic Phrases
Hello, excuse me, yes, no, please, thank you, sorry, good morning/afternoon/evening - It doesn't hurt to be polite! These are usually one or two word phrases, very easy to remember, and a nice touch any time you're traveling outside of English-speaking countries.
Where is...? / Where is the bathroom? - If you're looking for a specific museum or restaurant but Google Maps is acting up, it can be really useful to ask where something is. Even if you don't completely understand the response, you can usually understand a pointed finger. Being able to ask for the bathroom specifically is just a no-brainer.
Go straight / right / left / across from / next to - Knowing these will just come in handy when ask about the aforementioned directions.
How much? / Numbers - If you plan to do any shopping, this is truly essential. Usually knowing the numbers 1-10 and then the multiples of 10 up to 100 should do it. Most languages have a fairly formulaic approach to how numbers are constructed, such as the German vier for 4, vierzehn for 14, vierzig for 40, and so on.
Do you speak English? - Once you've exhausted your basic phrases, you may have more questions about the area, such as what restaurants are good, or just want to make a new friend! This will help you find people who can answer your burning questions. Just stay polite and if they say no, smile and thank them anyway.
Check, please - Most areas in Europe are much slower paced. Servers at restaurants won't bring you the bill until you ask for it because it would be incredibly rude to rush you out if you're not finished. Pretty much any restaurant is happy to keep bringing you wine or espresso all afternoon if you're really into people watching or have a book to read while you enjoy the ambience. (Another helpful tip, tipping is almost non-existent in Europe and is sometimes seen as quite rude. Make sure to look up the suggested guidelines for your travel destination.)
Thinking Ahead
While living in Vienna, the washing machine in the basement took only 50-cent Euro coins. So on my first grocery store outing, I prepped ahead of time to ask the cashier for 50-cent coins when she gave me my change. If you're staying somewhere for a while and need certain coins for laundry or vending machines, a phrase like "Can you give me 50 cents please?" can be very helpful when you get change somewhere.
In Italy and many other countries in Europe, gelato is heavenly. This is not your average, every day frozen dessert. Gelato is denser and creamier than American ice cream with much less fat (only 4-9% as opposed to ice cream's 10-25%). Nowadays there are often dairy free versions for people with dietary restrictions. So if you decide to indulge (which I highly recommend - you'll walk it off, I promise), you may want to order your scoop in a cup or a cone in the local language! You can say "A small cup of mango, please" or "One scoop of strawberry in a cone, please."
As you explore and make plans for further adventures, you may think of other phrases that you'd really like to know. This is where keeping a note on your phone or a good old notebook and pen in your bag can be really handy. As you think of phrases you'd like to learn (or learn first hand what you need where you are), write down the English version and leave some empty space so you can look up the local equivalent and pronunciation when you get back to your accommodations for the night. Then you'll be able to look it up as a quick refresher just before you go in to that gorgeous leather bag store or the tiny grocery store on the corner. Plus, writing things down helps cement them in your brain better, so it makes it more likely that you'll just know it without having to look at all!
What You Don't Need
An English to *insert local language* dictionary. It will take you too long to look up all the individual words you need for a sentence, often leaves you in the lurch with verb conjugation, and takes up too much space and weight in your bags. Even a tourist's phrasebook isn't that useful. Stick with a digital notepad or a super slim notebook like the Moleskine Cahier Journal. The pocket size set is 3.5 by 5.5 inches, which is just slightly bigger than an American passport and fits in my travel wallet. Plus they come in fun colors!
What are your essential phrases when traveling? If I missed one, let me know in the comments!
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