Published on March 10th, 2018 - We all need to get away once in a while, and although there are many places to choose from when it comes to vacation spots, there's also lots of things you have to take into consideration before you pack your bags and hop on a plane or train.
Whether it's by the beach or near the mountains, warm or cold weather, a classic tourist spot or a hip, new, destination, we tend to choose the places we visit based on stuff like reputation or recommendations from friends and family, but maybe we need to consider a factor we don't always pay attention to: the language.
If you're already taking online courses to learn Spanish or maybe you just wish to better communicate with your neighbor from South America, visiting the places where the language you want to learn is spoken naturally can be a great tool.
So, pack your sunscreen, comfortable clothes and a book (is it too soon to read a whole book in Spanish? Maybe not), and get ready to travel the world while you brush up on your Spanish. These are some of the best spots for you to learn some new words as you have fun!
Mexico City:
The capital of Mexico is not only one of the most densely populated cities in the world (almost 22 million people live in its metropolitan area), it is also the largest Spanish-speaking city in the planet. This vast metropolis has something for everyone: great food, both in colorful street carts and world-class restaurants like Biko and Quintonil, a myriad of museums and public parks and even Six Flags! Don't let the constant seismic activity deter you from visiting one of the most fascinating cities in the world. You'll probably need to add a few extra days to your schedule!
Tijuana:
Part of the "Top 5" Mexican cities, this bustling town that also happens to be San Diego's neighbor to the south is in the midst of a reinvention. While it first gained popularity as a boozy haven for Americans during the Prohibition, Tijuana is slowly shedding its violent image and gaining a reputation for great food and for being the home of a cultural renaissance. Fair weather and an endless stream of craft beer are two other options that make Tijuana a must. Besides, if you're having a bit of trouble with your Spanish, its mostly bilingual people will surely be able to help you out.
Miami:
If you want to practice your Spanish but still want to stay a bit inside your comfort zone, you could try visiting Miami. This sunny paradise is in the United States -obviously- but lots of its inhabitants come from places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Nicaragua, among others, so you'll definitely hear a lot of Spanish being spoken (and sung) in this Florida port city. Amazing food, great drinks, and a joyous, rhythmic atmosphere will make you fall in love with Miami and leave this place a much better Spanish-speaker than when you stepped out of the plane. Chances are you'll be meeting plenty of people. Step out of your comfort zone and actually talk to people! Practice introducing yourself and talking about you! Learning to conjugate a few common Spanish verbs will help.
Barcelona:
For those who prefer a bit of European flair, we suggest Barcelona. Spain is poised to become the second biggest tourist destination in the world this year, behind France and in front of the former #2 spot, the United States. Looking at Barcelona, we can definitely see why. This ancient city is looked on by the Mediterranean Sea, blessed by warm, sunny weather and home to delicious food, thrilling sports matches and stunning cultural expressions. Come learn Spanish in the country where it actually originated!
These are, of course, just a handful of suggestions for you to practice a new language while traveling the world. There are a lot more Spanish-speaking options you can try, countries you can discover and cities you can be enamored by in almost every continent. We could be here all day!
Why not try Skype Spanish lessons before your next trip? Your first lesson is free :)
