English Speaking Only. Problem?

[ChitownHavoc]

My friends and I are planning our first backpacking trip ever, not to mention our first trip to Europe ever. We plan on going for one Mega Trip since we figure after this will never have this chance again in our lives. So we plan on starting in Ireland, then to England, France, Spain, Italy, Switz, Amsterdam, then ending in Germany. With that said will our lack of language hurt us or should we start studying now? Thanks for any replies!

[LHR02]

None of the countries you mention will cause any problems. You'll have no trouble finding someone that speaks English in them. That said, knowing at least the 'polite basics' in the language of the country you are visiting will do much to gain 'favor' from the people you will come into contact with.

[Kim]

Agree with dustoffmom - while you will be able to get by no problem with English, knowing hello, please, thank you, I'm sorry and excuse me in various languages is always helpful.

Usually your guidebook will have these in the back - you don't really need to buy a phrase book.

Also, if you have any special needs like "I am a vegetarian", "I am diabetic", "I am allergic to all nuts" or anything like that, it's good to have those phrases printed on a piece of paper so you can just show people.

Kim

[CuriousToronto]

My own personal experience was as follows:

Germany - I was in Bavaria. I found that although I could find people that spoke English very few of the signs (for example on the Munich underground) were in English. Which would of course explain why we tried to take a bus route that only stopped where we wanted it to during the evening.

Italy - believe it or not I found LOADS of people who couldn't speak a word of any foreign language in Italy. And this includes people who worked at train stations. As a result I had to bust out my low-grade Italian. But I got along.

France - I lived in Paris and I speak French. Lots of people in France speak English but this is one country where knowing even just a bit of the language (please, thank you, how much is it . . .) really helps. The Frenchies are kind of sensitive about their language. Don't be too surprised if someone gets ticked off at you for not speaking French. But shrug it off and continue on your happy travels.


Cheers!

[snorkelman]

I agree with all of the above. You will have no problem. you have been lucky to have been born where your only language just happens to be the international language.

Since you are not venturing into the east, you really won't have hardly any problems. Just don't be arrogant and EXPECT that everyone that you meet will speak english (or will choose to). You should always be very appreciative when someone speaks a second language so that you can understand things.

It is a shame that you and all of your friends are ignorant in the language department.

I suggest attempting to learn at least 10 words/phrases in each language that you will need on the train ride into that country.

You should always be able to ask for the toilet and yell for help or police no matter where you are. the basics should include saying, excuse me, please, thank you. Even if that is all that you learn, it is better than nothing.

[Eagle]

Interesting comments! I'm looking forward to dealing with different languages on my trip to Europe (which will hopefully be soon!).
Although I'm a native English speaker, I'm trying as much as possible NOT to be "ignorant". As I plan on spending a lot of time in Italy, I'm presently taking my third Italian language class. I don't expect to be fluent, but should be able to get by reasonably well. Of the other countries I will be visiting (France & Germany), I will have to rely on a Rick Steves Phrasebook. I really hope to be able to use MORE than 10 words / phrases.
I admire the language abilities of the people of Europe, however it would be extremely difficult for me to attain that level of fluency with a number of different languages (especially at my age).
Cheers!!!