Finding out the best clubs, tastiest food, or just getting a huge smile from the locals, is easy to do when you have a go at speaking another language. Even remembering the basics like 'hello', 'please' and 'thank you' can go a long way to making your holiday even better.

Not only are you proving that that you're fair game but you are showing respect for the local culture and people as you are making an effort and trying to communicate in their native tongue. You might get the pronunciation wrong or get a bit confused, but you do get lots of bonus points for having a go. You never know you might even get all inspired to learn more of the language when you come back home.

At least this way you'll definitely get the meal you ordered!

Have a look at the BBC Languages to get you started – it has basic phrases in 36 different languages or you can sign up for a 12 week language course and get a weekly email full of tips and words encouragement! It’s also easy to download stuff on to your mp3 player so you can listen to it as and when you like.