kitty55

As an American traveler, I think that the key to improving language skills while traveling is to spend time away from touristed areas. The areas with the most tourists will also be the areas where English is most likely spoken. While convenient, this is obviously a hindrance in terms of picking up language skills. A language learner's best bet is to spend some time in less-traveled areas and stay among locals - shop at small markets, eat at small eateries. This will encourage (ok, force) you to practice what language skills you already have, and perhaps you'll be able to learn a few new phrases, as well.