Say It With Confidence: 6 Short-Term Language Courses

Planning a trip to Europe or beyond? While you can certainly get by with English in many places, learning a few key phrases—or even taking a short language course—can make your travel experience much richer. Locals appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak the language, even if it’s just a cheerful “hello” or “thank you.” For women and nonbinary travelers over 50, especially those traveling solo, learning a little of the local language can also increase confidence, ease anxiety, and help with everything from ordering coffee to navigating public transit.

The good news? You don’t need to enroll in a long-term program or go back to school. There are several short-term, travel-friendly options designed with adult learners in mind. Here are six to consider, whether you’re looking for in-person instruction or flexible online options you can take at your own pace.

1. FluentU – Learn Through Real-Life Videos

Best for: Visual learners who want to hear how the language is actually spoken in real life
Languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and more
Format: Online, self-paced

FluentU uses real-world videos—think travel vlogs, news clips, movie trailers—with interactive captions to teach you the language in context. You can click on any word to see its definition and hear its pronunciation. There’s also spaced repetition to help with memorization, and you can tailor your learning path based on your travel timeline.

FluentU is especially helpful for people who learn best by hearing and seeing language in action. It's less focused on grammar drills and more about understanding how the language sounds and flows—perfect for picking up travel phrases and getting used to local accents.

2. Duolingo – Quick and Fun Daily Practice

Best for: People who want to build a habit with short, game-like lessons
Languages: Over 30, including European languages like Spanish, French, and Italian
Format: App-based, free with paid upgrades

Duolingo is one of the most popular language apps for a reason—it’s easy, light, and fun. Each lesson takes just a few minutes, so it’s perfect for building a quick daily habit. You can focus on travel-specific modules to prep for your trip, and it’s very user-friendly, even if you’re not especially tech-savvy.

One tip: Duolingo is great for vocabulary and basic sentence structure, but it’s less conversational. Pairing it with a language exchange or pronunciation app can make your learning more complete.

I started learning Spanish on Duolingo. It’s a great way to acquire basic vocabulary before a trip. 

3. Babbel – Practical Language with a Focus on Conversation

Best for: Structured learners who want travel-relevant phrases and grammar
Languages: 14, including Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, and German
Format: Online/app, subscription-based

Babbel is designed with real-world conversations in mind and includes themed courses like "Travel," "Ordering at a Restaurant," and "Getting Around the City." You’ll practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in manageable chunks. Babbel also offers short cultural insights that can help you navigate local customs with ease and confidence.

The interface is clean, and the lessons are easy to follow, making it a good choice if you like structure without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Language Vacation – In-Country Immersion Courses

Best for: Adventurous travelers who want to learn on location
Languages: Wide range depending on destination (e.g., French in France, Spanish in Spain or Latin America, Italian in Italy)
Format: In-person, usually 1–4 weeks

If you're planning a longer trip or want to really immerse yourself in the culture, a short-term in-country course might be just the ticket. Language Vacation connects you with schools around the world that offer classes for travelers, often with small group sizes and optional housing.

Some programs even cater to learners over 50 with specialized classes, cultural outings, and slower-paced lessons. It’s a great way to meet others, explore a new city, and boost your confidence before continuing on your own.

Want to learn more about immersive language learning vacations? Watch for next week’s blog post!

5. italki – One-on-One Lessons With Native Speakers

Best for: Personalized learning and conversation practice
Languages: Over 130
Format: Online, pay-per-lesson

Want to practice speaking with a real person but on your own schedule? italki is an online platform that connects you with language tutors from around the world. You can choose a casual conversation partner or a professional teacher, depending on your goals and budget. Prices vary, and many tutors offer trial lessons at a discount.

This option works well if you’re preparing for a trip and want to practice real-life travel scenarios—like asking for directions or checking into a hotel—with feedback from a native speaker.

I currently work with an italki tutor weekly. I like that I get focused practice on just the areas I need. 

6. Langua App – Practice Speaking with AI Characters

Best for: Practicing real conversations anytime, anywhere
Languages: French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, and more
Format: App-based, AI-powered

The Langua app is a newer tool that lets you practice speaking with AI characters who act like native speakers. You can have casual conversations, get instant feedback, and practice vocabulary in context. It’s like having a private tutor in your pocket—no scheduling required.

What makes Langua especially useful is that it’s focused on speaking, not just reading or matching words. You can practice useful travel scenarios like ordering in a café or checking into your hotel, with guidance and corrections as you go. It’s an excellent supplement if you're already using an app like Duolingo and want to boost your speaking confidence before your trip.

I use Langua to focus on specific areas where I’m struggling. I can tell my AI tutor Maria that I just want to practice irregular present tense verbs, for instance. Or I can ask Maria to help me practice visiting the doctor.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to become fluent to enjoy the benefits of learning a new language while traveling. Even a few phrases can open doors, spark conversations, and show respect for the culture you’re visiting. Whether you have two weeks or two months before your trip, any of these options can help you feel more prepared and connected when you land.

And here’s the best part: language learning is great for your brain, too. Studies show it improves memory, problem-solving skills, and even helps delay cognitive decline—all while helping you get more out of your travels.

So go ahead—pick one that fits your style, and start practicing. Your future self (and maybe a friendly barista in Rome) will thank you.

Concerned about safety? Check out my list of Seven Safe Countries in Europe for Solo Travelers, complete with safety tips and tricks!