29 August 2008

Australians say key to a great travel experience is knowing the local lingo

Despite more than three quarters (76%) of people believing that local language skills are the key to having a great experience when travelling abroad, 64% of Australians do not speak a second language, according to a recent poll by Expedia.

Of the 8,615 people surveyed, an overwhelming 87% of Australians said that learning a second language in school should be made compulsory. Arthur Hoffman, Managing Director Expedia Asia Pacific, says: Ã¢â¬ÅâœPeople look forward to experiencing the best of local foods, music, theatre and destinations when abroad. Being able to speak the local language means these experiences are much easier to enjoy.Ã¢â¬~

Of the major European languages, Australians are most enthusiastic to learn French (37%), followed by Italian (29%) and Spanish (24%).

Ã¢â¬ÅâœFrench is actually an ideal second language for Australians travelling abroad,Ã¢â¬~ said Mr Hoffman. Ã¢â¬ÅâœApart from French being useful in Europe, Canada , the Caribbean, Vietnam and Africa, there are also a number of French-speaking destinations closer to home, such as the South Pacific islands of Tahiti and New Caledonia . These islands, which are within a few hoursÃ¢â¬â¢ travel time from Australia , make for exotic mini-break destinations or a family holiday.Ã¢â¬~

Not surprisingly, French is also regarded as the most romantic European language (61%), followed in a distant second place by Italian (28%). German is perceived as the most difficult to learn (53%).

Ã¢â¬ÅâœApart from enhancing travel experiences, having a second language is also associated with being well educated and is helpful for advancing career opportunities. Given that interest in international travel is greater than ever, and the sense of living in a global village grows stronger, the number of bilingual Australians is sure to increase,Ã¢â¬~ concluded Hoffman.

A Report By The Mole