Are you about to take the ship on a trip of a lifetime? But you are nervous because of the language barrier?
Maybe you are travelling to study abroad or just satisfying your wanderlust. No more worries here is a list of eight beautiful apps that travellers should definitely check out and download pronto.
Personally, getting to communicate and understand the locals is one of the most important things when I travel. Sadly, we struggle with language, and it's tough to adapt to the local language quickly; we tend to become lazy, and if they don't understand, we use actions or speak loudly.
Travelling through parts of China, Indonesia, and various African countries where no one spoke English, these apps helped me learn the basics, which can make you go a long way.
Google Translate (IOS | Android)
You are looking at a sign, wishing what it meant? Or not sure what's on the menu? Well, this app is for sure, my go-to. It translates texts in pictures, presses the camera button, or take a video what is in front of you. Magically, the words will appear, and you will understand them.
It also allows you to carry out a conversation in the native language. This free app supports 100 languages; it is my personal favourite.
Duo Lingo (IOS | Android)
I have been addicted to this, and that little owl is sure noisy. Have won the 'Apple iPhone App of the Year,' it's a fantastic app which isn't going throw jumbled words at you but give you a step by step planned course.
It uses repetition and frequent tests to check your fluency and has fun elements like streaks that keep you motivated. You won't become a pro in less time, but it's for sure the right start.
FluentU (IOS | Android)
Apart from helping you understand and learn the language, it also helps you plan and prepare your trip. It uses real word videos and movies to help you better understand the language by converting them into planned lessons.
FluentU is available for nine significant languages with many in works.
Tandem (IOS | Android)
Tandem is the best language exchange app, where you teach someone your first language, and teach you theirs. This app can help you find people speaking up to 150 languages.
It also helps you connect with your language buddy in the country you're visiting, but obviously, please be precautions while meeting a stranger for the first time through this app.
Babbel (IOS | Android)
Another winner of the 'Apple iPhone app of the year,' this app is great if you want to study the language, might not be worth the time and value, due to its auto-renew subscription policy.
You can use the services, both on the web and your phone. It has very well balanced and structured courses, making the learning experience easy and fun.
Trip Lingo
Divided into different categories like basics, slang, food, travel etc., this app sure knows how to keep the user on its feet. With text and audio translating feature, it fulfils all your basic needs.
For in-depth translations or complicated wording, this app gives you a chance to converse with a live person. Trip Lingo also comes with cultural guides, go to places, making it very hard to let go of this app once you start using it.
Lonely Planet Guides
The phrasebooks in this app are available in 19 languages and trust me; you should feel lucky if Lonely Planet experts curate your country.
You'll be guided with other impressive features like 'where to go', 'places to eat' and various other go-to. As long as you're travelling, this app can be a fantastic friend.
iTranslate
This app helps you soar over language barriers and translates over 100+ languages. It can translate even a whole website at a go and convert words and texts into the audio of your preferred language.
A complete language sheet for you, this app also contains a dictionary that helps you search for new words or understand the already existing in your vocabulary.
While all these apps are a great help and can help you immensely, my favourite method is watching lots of movies and shows with subtitles. Read a lot and understand the way of living and talking. Nothing gets better than that.
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