No speaka de lingo? No problem on a European campervan tour!

May 15, 2019

Despite there being 24 languages spoken in the European Union, travelling through Europe in a motorhome is still achievable if you only speak English (as most of our clients do) and we want to tell you about our favourite app to help you translate as you travel.

Even if you are lucky enough to have a second, third or fourth language, you are unlikely to speak all 24 European languages so how do you communicate in a language you have never seen before?

We love the Google Translate App (available on Android and iPhone). Not only can you input or speak words into your phone for instant translation, this clever app can hover over a picture of text using the camera and translate that too (how on earth does that work?)! This makes deciphering printed documents, road signage and menus much quicker and easier than anything else we have seen. It’ll also comes in handy when at campsites where there are always notices galore telling you about how use the coin-operated shower, how to raise the exit barrier and how to order fresh bread for the morning delivery.

The app does come up with a few slightly inaccurate translations but the errors are generally amusing rather than a real nuisance. Telling a waiter you are pregnant when you wanted to say “full up” causes the odd blush (especially if you are somewhat past your optimum child bearing age as I am!) but no serious misunderstandings have occurred as yet.

Download this handy app before you leave home and don’t leave your motorhome without it once in Europe, it will save the day on numerous occasions and whilst downloading it is another thing to put on your “To Do” list, it beats learning 24 languages before you come.