Best Destinations for English-Only Speakers

Maybe you didn’t do well in your high school Spanish class. Maybe you never got around to taking that French course in college you always said you would. Whatever the reason, if you only speak English, the thought of international travel shouldn’t make you nervous. There are lots of exotic and exciting destinations suitable for English-only speakers — some that you may not have ever considered.

Looking for an island getaway? Give Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago a try. Both list English as their official language, and both have quite a lot to offer in the way of island experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat for two or a fun family vacation, each has its own perks.

Floyd’s Pelican Bar, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica © Mararie | Flickr

If you’d rather be mountain climbing or out on safari than lying in the sand, you’ll find lots of adventures waiting for you in both South Africa and New Zealand. While South Africa has several official languages, many of the residents, especially those working in tourism, are bilingual and can speak English fluently. New Zealand is predominantly English and you’ll have no problem as you zip line, cave or climb your way across the country.

If urban scenes are more your thing, Singapore offers fantastic shopping, cuisine and nightlife. English is one of their official languages, and many of the citizens speak a mixture of English and other native dialects.

Whatever your reason or travel preferences, it’s not difficult to find destinations around the world that offer an international experience for English-only speakers. English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and a lack of bilingualism shouldn’t hold you back from your travels.

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand © Lucidwaters | Dreamstime