Say bonjour to summer hola days

Learning lingo can make difference

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

SUMMER has officially begun and many Irish holidaymakers will soon be boarding a flight to sun-drenched hotspots - but have they packed a few words of the local lingo?

Learning the language of your destination can enrich your experience and ensure you have a holiday to remember.

The Star spoke to Noël Wolf, from the language learning app Babbel, about why picking up some words and phrases before jetting off is worth the effort.

The linguist explained: "Learning even just a few phrases in the local language can completely transform your travel experience. It helps you connect with people in a much more authentic way, allowing you to dive deeper into the culture.

CHALLENGES

"This often leads to conversations and discoveries you wouldn't find in any guidebook, while also helping you break free from the usual tourist traps.