7 Cultural Tips for First-Time Travelers to Spanish-Speaking Countries
Planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. To help prepare, insights from a Language Consultant and a Freelance Marketing Consultant have been gathered in this article. It begins with the essential advice to learn basic Spanish and concludes with the suggestion to lose your fear and be informed. Discover a total of seven valuable tips from experts to enhance the travel experience.
- Learn Basic Spanish
- Emphasize Connections and Safety
- Learn Key Spanish Phrases
- Practice Spanish with Taxi Drivers
- Adapt to Local Mealtimes
- Be Culturally Mindful
- Lose Your Fear and Be Informed
Learn Basic Spanish
Learn a little Spanish!
You don't need to be fluent by the time of your trip, but even a handful of words will enrich your trip so much.
The thought of learning a new language may feel daunting, bringing back memories of complicated textbooks and vocab tests from school. However, the good news is that it's not like that anymore.
From my experience working with many learners to get comfortable before visiting a new country, traveling to over 60 countries myself, and studying my MA in Applied Linguistics, I've seen language learning from every angle.
And when it comes to learning for travel, my advice is this: keep it simple.
Start by dipping your toe in the water with a language app or two (you know the green owl one, right?), but don't worry about memorizing everything you come across.
Use apps to get a feel for Spanish but then step up and take control over what you learn too.
The next step is to become your own teacher. This simply means deciding what will be useful to learn for your trip and learning it. How you learn is up to you.
I love to book a one-hour session with an online teacher before a trip, especially after I've spent a little time getting to grips with a language myself beforehand.
But equally, it could be using a tool like DeepL or Google Translate to get a 'good enough' translation of what you want to say.
And then, finally, immerse yourself in as much Spanish before your trip as possible! Think switching your Netflix language to Spanish or adding Spanish subtitles. Find a Spanish-music playlist on Spotify. Download some podcasts for your commute.
Again, the goal at this stage isn't to understand everything, but simply to get comfortable hearing and seeing the language around you before you arrive.
The more localized the better. For example, when visiting El Salvador for the first time, I wanted to get familiar with the new-to-me food terms like pupusa. I also tried to find content from that specific country so the accent wasn't brand new as soon as I arrived.
Like I say, don't stress about remembering everything. Some of it will wash over you, some you'll remember right away, and other stuff you'll come across when you're there and say "Oh! I know that word!"
However much you know, some language is always better (& more appreciated by the locals) than no language.
!Buen viaje!
Emphasize Connections and Safety
As a Peruvian-born and US-raised frequent traveler, I always try to emphasize the importance of connections, language, research, and safety. For starters, knowing a basic level of Spanish is going to be extremely helpful, but knowing someone who is already there and speaks Spanish fluently will ultimately be your lifesaver. By networking via Facebook groups, Instagram, or mutual friends, you'll get an insider look at where you're headed. Understanding Spanish and being able to read the basics will also be very helpful, especially when going out to eat. Although some places will have English menus, the more traditional, family-owned restaurants, have a chalkboard at most. Researching places to go is also going to be important, finding travel writers, photographers, etc on social media that are based in or have been to Peru is a great resource because it saves time when planning your adventures. Finally, safety is huge. I always advise my friends to not wear anything flashy and be wary of expensive electronics out in the open, especially in big cities. While taking your phone out on the corner is completely normal in the States, in Latin America, it's much safer to step into a shop or restaurant to look at your phone. Also, using rideshare apps like Uber can be safer than hailing cabs in the street.
As a bonus tip, always have cash on you since not everywhere accepts credit cards!
Learn Key Spanish Phrases
If you're traveling to a Spanish-speaking country for the first time, take some time to learn key Spanish phrases. Go beyond basics like "Where's the bathroom?" and "Check, please." Instead, focus on everyday phrases you'll actually use, like your coffee order, asking for directions, or greeting locals. If you're visiting during the holidays, research if your destination has major festivals or events that could affect traffic or schedules.
Also, avoid stereotypes. Not every Spanish-speaking country is like Mexico. Each has its own unique cuisine and culture. Food can range from sweet to spicy, featuring everything from red meat to seafood, so take the time to explore local specialties. And while margaritas might be popular in some places, many countries have exceptional wine selections or elegant cocktails like mojitos—don't miss out on these options.
Above all, remember that you're a guest. Be respectful, open-minded, and eager to embrace the local culture. Travel is an opportunity to learn and connect, so make the most of your experience!
Practice Spanish with Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers are some of my favorite people to practice Spanish with. Every ride feels like a little adventure because they're almost always up for a chat, and their stories are often as colorful as the cities they drive through. It's such a fun way to ask simple questions, pick up new phrases, and learn about local culture in a relaxed, natural setting. I've had drivers share everything from tips on the best local restaurants to fascinating tidbits about their lives and traditions. Honestly, it's like having a mini-Spanish class on wheels, complete with real-world context and a friendly teacher—who wouldn't love that? Plus, it makes the ride so much more enjoyable!
Adapt to Local Mealtimes
Mealtimes are often later than in many other countries; lunch often starts around 2 PM and dinner at 9 PM or later. These meals are slow and leisurely, and most waitstaff will not bring your check until requested! A friendly kiss on both cheeks is a common greeting, though a handshake may be more formal. Siesta culture is less common in urban areas but still prevalent in smaller towns, where shops might close in the afternoon for a brief period.
Be Culturally Mindful
I would give the advice of being culturally mindful and know that they'll likely encounter a closer personal space, especially in Latin America where people usually congregate closer than in other cultures particularly in the USA. A tip I would give is taking advantage of the hospitality of the culture and enjoying their meals. Unlike the US, the restaurant industry isn't 'earn and turn' so there's no rush to enjoy friends and conversations after meals.
Lose Your Fear and Be Informed
1. Lose your fear. In most trips you will be safe, or even safer than at home.
2. Highly recommend to know some Spanish or travel with someone who knows it.
3. Read about the place you will visit, inform yourself about the culture that you will experience, go to discussion forums that will teach you the do's and don'ts. And for the love of God please do not call for attention, just be calm, and act like one of them.
