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The 6 Best Travel Destinations for English Speakers

Travel is an excellent way for anyone to learn the local languages, including everyone from native English speakers to those new to the language and looking to expand their English knowledge. Countless locations around the world make perfect travel destinations for English speakers. There are so many, in fact, that it’s often difficult to narrow down where to go. 

To help you choose, here are six of the best English-speaking countries to visit. 

Scandinavia

Gorgeous Scandinavian Landscape

Gorgeous Scandinavian Landscape

Comprised of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, over 95% of the Nordic region comprehends English, and nearly as many speak and write in English, as well. This, along with the stunning natural beauty of the area, makes Scandinavia one of the best places to travel for English speakers.

Each of the three countries is unique amongst the commonalities of Scandinavia. 

  • Norway features striking fjords and steep mountains. The Northern Lights enhance its natural beauty. As well, its rugged splendor creates an ideal location for extreme outdoor lovers.
  • Denmark is an exciting blend of large cities and quaint farmland. Denmark enjoys the modernity of Copenhagen alongside farmhouses atop rolling hills.
  • Sweden features medieval castles and picturesque wilderness. Lacking the rugged terrain of Norway, Sweden is the most popular Scandinavian travel destination. And who could resist? From the classic red summer cabins to the centuries of history, Sweden makes a perfect destination. 

Scandinavia offers an endless list of beauty and culture. Its history and knowledge of English make Scandinavia one of the best travel destinations for English speakers. 

Belize

Laughing Bird Caye Belize

Laughing Bird Caye Belize

For a more tropical destination suited for an English speaker, head to Belize. This Central American country features a wide range of activities. These include:

  • Snorkeling
  • Hiking
  • Visiting ancient Mayan ruins
  • Beach outings and water activities
  • Exciting food and culture

An English colony until 1973, more than 82% of Belize’s population speaks English. As such, English is also its official language. It is thus one of the best English-speaking vacation destinations.

The country offers beautiful island scenery and gorgeous tropical rainforests. Situated on the Caribbean side of Central America, it is a short flight from Cancun. Belize makes a great tropical destination for English-speaking travelers. 

Barbados

Tropical Beach in Barbados

Tropical Beach in Barbados

On the other side of the Caribbean is Barbados. As the furthest eastern island in the Caribbean, it offers gorgeous beaches and an exciting atmosphere of celebration.

As a former English colony, Barbados is an excellent vacation destination for English speakers. English is the official language, and often spoken with a Bajan dialect. Don’t worry, however; the native Bajans are warm and quick to help travelers. This makes Barbados one of the best places to travel for english speakers.

As a Caribbean island paradise, Barbados offers a stunning selection of reasons to visit. These include:

  • Stunning white-sand beaches and beautiful water.
  • Perfect conditions for water activities ranging from surfing to snorkeling.
  • Rum tours throughout the hundreds of sugar cane plantations. 
  • Cultural festivals that highlight the history of the island.

Barbados provides a stunning destination that combines the English language and Caribbean flair. Unsurprisingly, it ranks as a perfect travel destination for English speakers.

Singapore

Singapore skyline from Skyline Promenade.

Singapore skyline from Skyline Promenade

Found in Southeast Asia, Singapore is an incredibly unique melting pot of cultures. Situated on a small archipelago, this nation-state is a former British colony. Having gained independence in 1965, English is widely spoken throughout the country. In fact, it is one of four main languages, alongside Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin Chinese.

Singapore makes one of the best travel destinations for English speakers. It boasts safety and cleanliness thanks to its modern cleaning programs. Because of this, the food, sights, and tropical weather are all superb. 

With a bustling commerce industry, Singapore is a center for purchasing just about anything. From luxury brands to common foods, English-speaking travelers will find anything (except chewing gum). 

Not all the fun happens within the bustling, multicultural city, though. Travelers also have access to refurbished beaches, gorgeous tropical scenery, and plenty of recreational activities. And with such a rich blend of Asian cultures, travelers experience some of the best cultural entertainment that Asia has to offer. 

New Zealand

Glenorchy, New Zealand view over Lake Wakatipu

Glenorchy, New Zealand view over Lake Wakatipu

Located east of Australia, New Zealand is a gorgeous country and travel destination for English speakers. Over 95% of the population speaks English, making it one of the best english-speaking vacation destinations.

New Zealand is perfect for those looking for outdoor adventures. Across the entire nation, there is skiing, cycling, and hiking through its gorgeous mountains and forests. Beautiful beaches provide perfect surfing conditions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try kayaking or whitewater rafting down one of the country’s many rivers. 

Its mild climate allows for year-round perfection. No matter what time of the year you visit, New Zealand is a nature lover’s paradise, and one of the best travel destinations for English speakers.

Gibraltar

Panoramic View from Gibraltar

Panoramic View from Gibraltar

Formerly one of the ancient Pillars of Hercules, Gibraltar is a tiny island nation between Spain and Morocco. Spanish and African Moorish cultures have influenced it, but it has been an English colony since the 1700s. As such, over 99% of the population speaks English, making it one of the best places to travel for English speakers.

Despite its small size, Gibraltar offers many sites and attractions for travelers. It features a unique blend of cultures throughout time. Its natural features are striking, including limestone caves, scenic bays, and guided tours to enjoy it all. And with restaurants, shops, and hotels all in English, it is easy to explore and relax. 

Because of its unique location, Gibraltar provides endless enjoyment for English speakers. Walk the famous Skywalk and see some Barbary Macaques. View preserved Moorish castles that date back nearly 1000 years. 

Or, stay around the shops and enjoy the lively entertainment scene. Plus, it features a plentiful population of British expats. This ensures English-speaking travelers will have no problems finding their way around. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Destinations for English Speakers

There are countless destinations across the globe suited to English-speaking travelers. From rugged Nordic travels to Caribbean getaways, English speakers have many destination options.

Traveling to exotic locations is a wonderful opportunity. Immersing oneself in an unknown culture is enriching and enlightening. Sometimes, however, we want to focus on ease and relaxation in our travel plans. As English speakers, English-speaking destinations diminish the uncertainty of some foreign lands.

When you’re ready to plan your next vacation, use these top travel destinations for English speakers to find your next perfect getaway. 

 

6 Best Travel Destinations for English Speakers

Pin 6 Best Travel Destinations for English Speakers

Best Places for a Family Trip to the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights is one of nature’s greatest miracles. An extraordinary phenomenon, it lights up the night sky with a vibrant, electric light show of vivid greens, purples, and blues. It is an unforgettable experience, and one that should be experienced at least once by anyone who loves to travel, even if it means forgoing a beach vacation just once.

For families with kids, the Northern Lights is a great experience. It is a truly remarkable, unique thing to see, conjuring up the magic, drama, and power of nature, and cannot fail to amaze even the most jaded and tetchy of younger ones.

That said, planning a Northern Lights family trip does come with its fair share of challenges. The Aurora Borealis appears at night, and is best seen when there is no moon. This tends to mean staying up late, and waiting patiently with nothing much else to do until the Lights put in an appearance. Plus, as it is (almost) always found in the cold, frozen north of the planet, your little ones will have to put up with icy temperatures while they wait. This can lead to boredom and the odd tantrum, even from the most patient of kids.

The key to planning an amazing family trip to see the Northern Lights therefore requires a little planning, and one of the most important things to do is pick the right place to look for them. So to get you started, here are four of the best places to watch the Northern Lights as a family.

Alaska

Cruising to Alaska is a great way to see the Northern Lights with kids. For starters, an Alaska cruise is an incredibly family-friendly experience, with loads of entertainment and activity to keep them busy on board, and loads of amazing wildlife and dramatic landscapes to see ashore. Plus, Alaska’s vast wilderness is one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis…and what’s not to love about seeing nature’s greatest light show from the comfort of a cruise ship?

Tromso, Norway

Aurora Borealis in Tromso, Norway

Aurora Borealis in Tromso, Norway

When it comes to seeing the Northern Lights as a family trip, Tromso is an absolutely classic destination. Known as the capital of the Arctic, Tromso is a charming city, and its position on the Gulf Stream means that it tends to be a little warmer than other viewing destinations, which will keep the kids happy. Most importantly, Tromso is right at the center of the aurora oval, the area where the lights can be seen, so you have the best possible chance of seeing this extraordinary phenomenon in all its glory.

Rovaniemi, Lapland

Possibly the best Northern Lights family trip location, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland would be worth a visit even if the Aurora Borealis didn’t exist! Set deep in the Arctic Circle, the town has a great claim to be called ‘the home of Santa Claus’, and you can visit Saint Nick’s workshop at the Santa Claus Village. Outside of town, the Arctic Snow Hotel offers astonishing glass igloos where you can stay and watch the Lights from inside, with a 360 view. You can also take a snowmobile adventure from the Aurora Emotion viewing station, which is guaranteed to thrill older kids.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Northern Lights in Iceland, perfect for a family adventure

Northern Lights in Iceland, perfect for a family trip

Exciting Viking history, ice caves, bubbling thermal caves, AND the Northern Lights? What’s not to love? Reykjavik offers a slightly different Aurora experience, giving you the chance to stay in a city (with all the associated comforts and things for kids to do during the day), while also viewing one of nature’s most beautiful experiences!