Okay, I'll admit I had a little trouble learning Spanish in high school (and college) but I got through it. Since that time I've developed an interest in new languages. I've left Spanish behind for now and started digging into Latin. No one really speaks Latin anymore but it's useful when you deal with words all day.

Before your next trip try learning a few words from the local language. You'll be amazed what a difference it makes. All of the sudden you are able to communicate with someone from the other side of the world. And it at least shows you are trying!

Picking up a few French phrases for example, is also a great way to keep your mind active and healthy before your trip.

Common French terms

• Good Morning  Bonjour (bohn-ZHOORÃ?)
• Good Afternoon Bonsoir (phonetics)
• Hello, my name is Salut, Je mappell (zhuh muh-PELL)
• How are you?  a va? (sah vah)
• Goodbye  Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR)
• Do you speak English Parlez-vous anglais? (PAHR-lay voo zahn-GLAY)
• How much? combien? (co-by)
• Where is the hotel?  O se trouve l´tel? (oo eh low tel)
• Thank you  merci (mair-see)

Written by:  Johnny Quest, Collette Vacations