Although many people would find this impractical, this is by far the fastest way to learn any language. Since people are immersed into a community that only speaks Spanish, one is somehow forced to learn the language in order to adapt to his new community. In this way, not only does a student learn the formal way of speaking the language but also the different intricacies and details that the language contains. Moreover, this somehow guarantees that everything you learn is correct and the circumstance in which you use the language is also right.

The difference between language immersion and language courses is the mastery of the intonation and voice inflections when speaking. Most of the time, in language courses, only one voice intonation and inflection is taught. However, in reality, there are different circumstances that may modify these aspects of the language. Thus, in order to use the Spanish language more effectively, one has to learn how to use it the right way. Learning a new language is definitely fun and challenging. Learning Spanish may take some time; however, the rewards after are worth the effort one puts into it. It definitely opens lots of opportunities and new experiences.

1. Learning Spanish opens a lot of opportunities. Learning a different language is a way to expand one’s horizon and see things from another perspective. It opens up new doors as people who able to learn a second language are now able to have new hobbies, such as reading a Spanish book or watching a Spanish movie. Although translations are available for most literature, understanding the real depth in every literary piece requires one to see or read that piece in its native language.

2. Spanish culture is everywhere. Although you may not notice, there are almost 320 million Spanish people who are influencing the world as we speak. With this large a number, the only to communicate with them effectively is to learn their mother-tongue as well. Although of these people know how to speak English, the only way to really understand how they think would be to communicate with them in Spanish.

3. Learning Spanish takes travelling to a whole new level. Imaging travelling to Mexico, Spain and Latin America with very little knowledge of the Spanish Language. Certainly there would be a language barrier that would hinder you from maximizing your experience in these countries. Now, imagine yourself travelling to the same countries now with the full grasp and understanding of the Spanish language. This language skill would open up new experiences for you and may help in better immersing yourself into the Hispanic culture.

4. Learning Spanish would help professionals boost their careers. Foreigner wanting to search for a job in a Spanish-speaking country would want to learn the language in order to be more competitive. The only to keep up with others is to know how to communicate effectively. And to do this, one has to learn how to speak and understand the language fully.

• Learning Spanish is the way to keep connected with almost 320 million people around the globe. Although English is the universal language, there are still some who are comfortable with speaking Spanish. Thus, in order to have a better relationship with these people, one has to learn their language.

• When travelling to Mexico, Spain and Latin America, travelers can now communicate with other people since they are able to speak and understand the main language of these countries. Moreover, it also increases satisfaction and enjoyment in vacation trips as there is no language barrier that limits most of the places you would want to visit.

• Similar to learning other languages, learning Spanish would help professionals be more marketable with wider career options. Today is the age of globalization and professionals should understand that in order to keep up with this change, they have to be more competitive and skillful. Learning other languages is the best way to impress investors and help advertise one’s expertise.

• Learning Spanish facilitates cultural understanding better. In order to understand one’s culture, an individual must immerse himself fully in that society. The only way people can really understand the perspective of Spanish people is by learning the language and living with Spanish people themselves. In this way, people are able to learn the Spanish literature and different intricacies of the Spanish culture.

• Lastly, learning Spanish is fun. Most people would say that Spanish is among the easiest language to learn since many of the terms are similar to English. Moreover, many of the English words have deep Latin roots; thus, people will have a better understanding of the English language.

Some basic sentences include:
“When does the plane leave?” say: “¿Cuándo sale el avión?”
“When does the plane arrive?” say: “¿Cuándo llega el avión?”
“Where is the bathroom?” say: “¿Dónde está el baño?”
“Do you speak English?” say: “¿Habla usted inglés?”
“Where can I claim my luggage?” say: “¿En dónde puedo recoger mi equipaje?”
“Where is customs?” say: “¿En dónde está la aduana?”
“Could you please help me with my bags?” say: “Por favor, ¿me puede ayudar con las maletas?”

Some basic phrases include:
Airline: la aerolinea
Airport: el aeropuerto
Boarding pass: pase de abordar
Destination: el destino
Exit: la salida
Flight attendant: la azafata or ex auxiliary de vuelo
Gate: puerta
Luggage: el equipaje
Occupancy: plaza
Parking lot: estacionamiento
Passport: el pasaporte
Suitcase: la maleta
Tourist class: la clase turista
Ticket price: importe del boleto
Travel stop: parada
Travel agency: agencia de viajes
Travel insurance: seguro de viaje

These are only some of the basic sentences and phrases that you would have to know when traveling by plane. There are more sentences that you can learn regarding air travel so try to look up other sentences that you think you may ask while on the trip. Some of the phrases mentioned here are phrases you would see on signs in the airport or going to the airport. Remember; don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what something means. It is better that you get things clear to have a safe trip, or to prevent yourself from getting lost.

From that, there are a couple of phrases that you can connect to that, depending upon their response. Some of them could be the following:

“I’m looking for -” say “Busco- ” and add the name of the place or building.
“Where is-” or “Where are -” say “¿Dónde está-” or “¿Dónde están-”
“Is it far away?” or “Is it near here?” say “¿Está lejos?” or “¿Está por aquí?”
“How do you go to-” say “¿Por dónde se va a-” or say “¿Cómo puedo llegar a-”

If you really don’t have a background on Spanish or can’t distinguish Spanish that easily, you can say these sentences or phrases that may help you and the person you’re asking.

“I’m sorry but I don’t understand.” say: “Lo siento pero no entiendo.”
“I don’t understand Spanish that well.” say: “No entiendo bien el español.”
“Is there anyone here who speaks English?” say: “¿Hay alguien que hable inglés?”
“Please speak slowly.” say: “Por favor hable despacio.”
If you have a map, it would come in handy for the person to tell you where you are, if they can’t speak English well. “Where are we on the map?” say: “¿Dónde estamos aquí en el mapa?”

These are only some of the basic terms that you would hear when asking for directions. Some would include compass directions, street names and describing possible distances of where you want to go. Try to look these up as well when trying to describe or trying to listen on how far you need to go. Try to be keen on what they’re saying an you’ll get where you need to go. Have a great trip! ¡Buen viaje!

North and Central America
Spanish-speaking capitals and their countries in this area include:
San Jose, Costa Rica
San Salvador, El Salvador
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Mexico City, Mexico
Managua, Nicaragua
Panama, Panama

South America
South America has a bigger range of countries than North and Central America and these include the capitals and countries of:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sucre, Bolivia
Santiage, Chile
Quito, Ecuador
Asuncion, Paraguay
Lima, Peru
Montevideo, Uruguay
Caracas, Venezuela

Caribbean
The Caribbean, a mass of islands south east of the Gulf of Mexico have three Spanish-speaking countries including:
Havana, Cuba
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you are going to any of the countries listed above, make sure that you have some basic Spanish words and sentences in your own vocabulary. If you don’t have the time, make the time. It’s important for any traveler to know the basics of being in a foreign country, for your own basic survival and as common courtesy to the people who live there. Make sure that you have basic working knowledge of greetings, directions, basic places like hotels, restaurants and tourist spots, types of foods and means of transportation.

Whatever Spanish-speaking country you’ll end up in, make sure to be prepared to be able to communicate properly. A well-versed tourist is a well-liked tourist, and locals would most likely want you back over in their country. So, prepare that backpack in your mind to make room of sentences you have to bring to these countries.