A new study has revealed that nearly a third of Americans choose holiday destinations where English is widely spoken and has uncovered the reasons why 42% of US holidaymakers fail to learn any new language skills before they travel abroad.
The Preply survey, conducted in June 2025, asked over 1,500 US adults aged 18 and over about their international travel experiences and their holiday plans for 2025. It found 39% of respondents were planning to make a trip abroad this year, and 32% intentionally select places where they know English will be spoken widely.
What’s more, while 80% of Americans surveyed said it’s important to learn a few words before travelling abroad, only 58% actually make good on that intention. And of those, only 25% begin any language preparation months ahead of their trip, while 40% said they cram at the last minute, “at the airport or en route.”
Asia suffers from negative perceptions when it comes to the “most intimidating” countries in terms of language-learning for US visitors, with China (37%), Japan (34%), and South Korea (23%) topping the perceived difficulty list. Thailand comes fourth (13%), and Preply points out that the list is dominated by languages that use “non-Latin scripts, which can make reading, pronunciation, and comprehension more difficult for English speakers.”
Preply’s analysis shows that the five biggest barriers to language learning are a widespread belief (among 37% of respondents) that it’s too difficult, closely followed by the assumption (by 35%) that they will be able to speak English at their destination, and a lack of confidence (33%) in their own language-learning ability. Lack of time to study (32%) and a fear of making mistakes for 31%, round out the most common reasons why Americans avoid learning languages, Preply says.
The language hesitancy means that US travellers are missing out on cultural and gastronomic experiences, Preply says, foregoing “the chance to connect more deeply with the places they visit.” The learning platform notes that as many as “one in six (17%) choose American-style or fast food while abroad to avoid potential language slip-ups.”
Advantages of linguistic prep before travel reported by Preply’s interviewees include easier navigation and logistics, being treated more positively by locals and having richer interactions, as well as discovering hidden gems and authentic dishes.
Yolanda Del Peso, a spokesperson for the platform highlighted that “Language learning isn’t about mastering every rule, it’s about being open to the experience and willing to make mistakes,” but, for those keen to avoid embarrassment, a good place to start is with the survey’s summary of the most common faux pas made on vacation.
In number one spot for what not to do comes pointing at menus to show what you want to avoid pronouncing foreign words. Relying on travel companions and translation apps instead of learning useful menu vocabulary also featured on the list of shame. And among those who did at least try to speak another language, 12% admitted to speaking the wrong one altogether. Quelle honte.
