Why Learning Spanish is a Game-Changer

Spanish: the language every professional traveller should learn

Spanish isn’t just a language; it’s a gateway to a richer travel and professional experience. With over 500 million native speakers across 21 countries, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Whether you’re navigating bustling markets in Mexico, negotiating business deals in Madrid, or exploring hidden beaches in the Dominican Republic, speaking Spanish can transform your journey.

As a native speaker of both English and Spanish, I’ve seen how learning Spanish opens doors. In Tenerife, for example, I ordered a breakfast omelette in Spanish, replying, “sí, por favor.” The chef’s face lit up. Halfway through cooking, he offered me “queso” (cheese). None of the other English-speaking guests were asked! A very small exchange turned a routine moment into a connection – and a tastier omelette.

But Spanish isn’t just practical for travel. In today’s interconnected world, it’s increasingly important for professionals. Many clients and colleagues in the U.S., Europe, and beyond speak Spanish as their main language. Being able to communicate directly, even with basic Spanish, shows respect and builds trust. It’s an edge in a competitive market. You can engage more deeply with people who might otherwise be unreachable.

A recent task I completed was to act as interpreter for a lady in Florida, whose supplier in Mexico lost their only English speaker. She later admitted that she did learn Spanish in school, but hadn’t maintained it, so struggled beyond a “buenos días”.

Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, where I’ll share tips on how to start learning Spanish and how to make rapid progress without feeling overwhelmed.

MORE INFO: My name is Sylvia and I help you to learn Spanish before you travel, so you have a much better experience when you get there.  All lessons are done via Zoom, so you don’t have to travel to get there!  Get in touch to find out more.