I have had plenty of friends and coworkers who’ve told me they prefer to only travel within Canada or the United States because they find it easier to get around speaking in English, but in turn they end up missing out on some truly unique places to travel. Now, I love to travel around North America but I’m happiest when I find new and unique travel destinations. So I decided to create a handy list below that helps to merge these two concepts together.
In addition to listing out these unique travel destinations, I’ve also made it easier by organizing each destination under its respective continent/region. You’ll notice that North America is missing – for obvious reasons. This article is for people who want to explore unique places to travel in English but outside of North America. This can be due to their own preference or due to a language and accessibility barrier that prevents them from venturing outside of their comfort zone.
Unique travel destinations in Europe
I’m sure you’re all aware of the obvious English-speaking destinations in Europe like the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Ireland, but I think the list of unique destinations below might surprise you.
Malta
When I first went on a vacation to Malta, I realized that it used to be an old British colony. What did that mean? English is an official language! The whole island feels like a unique version of Italy (without the steep price). It has amazing architecture within it historical cities like the pedestrian-only capital of Valetta or port-side Sliema, and offers delicious Maltese and Italian cuisine. If you’re wondering whether to book a trip here, don’t hesitate.
Gibraltar
I find it fascinating that this little piece of land is actually a British territory (red telephone booths and all!), and tourists can communicate easily in English. Based on this interesting location and political history, I’d say it’s worth it for you to visit Gibraltar for its unique blend of British and Spanish cultures. If you really feel adventurous, you could also make your way down to Morocco from there (but you won’t easily find English there).
Unique travel destinations in Asia
I absolutely love Asia, but it’s not always easy to find places here where you can easily converse in English with the locals. Although several countries in Asia were colonized by the British, they’re not necessarily English-speaking or easy to travel through. I’ve listed out below the easiest places for you to get around in English in Asia.
Singapore
Last year I spent a week in Singapore with my husband and baby and we absolutely loved every minute of it. There’s so much to do when you’re there – they have amazing food (hawker stalls, night markets, incredible restos), lots of shopping options, and there’s just a lot to see around the island. You don’t have to worry about sanitation, good healthcare, and good infrastructure while you’re here. The best part? English is one of their 4 official languages, making it super easy to get around. I should warn you a little though: staying here is a bit on the pricier side, and the humidity is on a different level.
Hong Kong
I don’t think most people are aware, but Hong Kong was actually a British colony until 1997 when they ended their rule and agreed to transfer it back to China. Due to this, most of Hong Kong speaks English for business and commerce – making it super easy for you to experience a completely different and unique culture while still being able to make your way around.
Unique travel destinations in the Caribbean
I won’t be covering the more well-known travel destinations in the Caribbean that are English-speaking, such as the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica. Instead, I’ll be focusing on lesser-known unique travel destinations you might not have known were English-speaking.
Saint Lucia
You can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Saint Lucia, with its volcanoes, pristine white sand beaches, and colourful reef-diving spots. This is also one of the best underrated travel destinations for couples and families if you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive getaway – I’ve had friends who’ve gone there for honeymoon, and ones that went there with their young children, and they all loved it. English is the official language here, so you’ll be able to get around easily.
Grenada
This little island nation is known as the ‘Spice Isle’ and for reason! Here you can find spice tours that give you the historical breakdown (they’re known for their nutmeg), lush rainforests, and beautiful diving spots – it’s a perfect destination if you’re interested in eco-friendly travel. English is the official language in Grenada, but Creole French is spoken alongside Creole English.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
This two-island nation was the first British colony in the Caribbean, which explains how English became its national language. You can explore the stunning landscapes through hiking trails or a scenic ride on their railway (the only one in the Caribbeans!), or take a tour to find out about the heritage and history of their sugar plantations.
Trinidad and Tobago
In this two-island former British colony, you’ll find a unique mix of African and Indian cultures merged with the Caribbean lifestyle, which results in really flavourful food, lively music and highly spirited festivals like Carnaval. Note: there are some safety precautions listed in Canada’s travel advisory site for T&T, but if that’s a concern for you, then the beautiful beaches here are easily accessible with cruise lines like MSC.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
If you’re looking for a luxury vacation destination in the Caribbean, I think this little archipelago would be perfect as it’s known for its lush landscapes and popular sailing scene. English as the official language here makes it easier for you to explore the unique blend of luxury and untouched nature. It’s on my list to travel once I find a really good deal to visit 🙂
Unique travel destinations in Central America
Belize
I was surprised to find out that Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America. There’s a lot of Mayan heritage and natural beauty to explore here, and it’s a great place to work out of if you’re a digital nomad and want to work from there remotely (Belize actually offers a digital nomad visa if you’re interested).
Unique travel destinations in South America
Guyana
Most of South America speaks either Spanish or Portuguese, but you can easily communicate in English here as it’s the official language. You may not have known this, but Guyana has one of the most pristine rainforest habitats, making it a great destination if you’re looking for eco-friendly travel. Similar to Trinidad and Tobago though, you should take caution as listed in Canada’s travel advisory site if you have any safety concerns.
Unique travel destinations in Africa
South Africa is of course widely known fact as an English-speaking country, but there are some unexpected African nations that also provide the ease of travelling in English. I’ve listed below some of the most unique ones that I’ve researched out and have waiting on my to-do list.
Namibia
Namibia has an otherworldly landscape that I’m just dying to check out one day. Its orange-tinged desert dunes with thousand-year-old dried trees feel like a scene out of a sci-fi movie on Mars. You’ll be able to get an English-speaking tour guide to bring you here, and get around speaking in English throughout the country as well.
Kenya and Tanzania
Both of these bordering East African countries fall right in the safari heartlands, allowing you to experience some of the most unique travel experiences while still being able to travel around in English. These two are at the top of my list for a luxury safari getaway in the future, but both countries also offer incredible beaches, forest, and waterfall views. Definitely worth adding to your bucket list if it’s not on there already.
Seychelles
I used to think Seychelles is only a French-speaking island, but you’d be surprised to know that English is also spoken widely here. This archipelago has some of the world’s most stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters, so if you’re looking for a luxury beach getaway in Africa, this might be your perfect for you (just be ready to splurge a little).
Unique travel destinations in Oceania
The most popular English-speaking destinations in Oceania are of course Australia and New Zealand, which are definitely worth the trip, but you’ll be surprised to find two other underrated travel destinations I’ve listed below where you can easily traverse in English.
Fiji
Fiji is a tiny island nation in the Pacific that’s known for its beautiful beaches, friendly villages, and resort getaways. What you might not commonly know is that English is an official language, making it easy for North American travelers to vacation here. Its location also gives it perfect weather year-round. I’ve already found a few great deals to Fiji from Vancouver, and will keep posting more as they come up again.
Vanuatu
This tiny island off the north eastern coast of Australia has 3 official languages: English, Bislama, and French. I love that all three languages blend into this nation’s cultural tapestry, creating a unique linguistic experience. If you find yourself visiting Australia, it’s definitely worth a trip to Vanuatu as well! I’ve seen some pretty awesome vacation deals to Vanuatu from Sydney – you can explore active volcanoes, soak in the beauty of secluded beaches, and dive among ancient shipwrecks.
Whether you’re navigating the historic roads of Malta, eating your way through the hawker stalls of Singapore, or celebrating Carnival in Trinidad, you can still enjoy unique travel destinations with the convenience of speaking in English. I hope my list of unique places to travel helps to bridge the gap for those of you who want to venture further into exploring different cultures that offer a unique travel experience but find it challenging to travel with the limitations of communicating in English.
