Traveling abroad with kids seems overwhelming—especially if English isn’t widely spoken and you don’t know the local language, either. But did you know English is spoken in many popular vacation destinations across the globe? In fact, in these exotic destinations, the English dialect is either commonly used or it’s the native language! Consider one of these exotic destinations for your next vacation with the kids.
1. Thailand
Many residents of Thailand speak English, and if they don’t, they’ll happily find someone who does. (Thailand’s people are some of the friendliest we’ve encountered in our travels.) English is especially common in major cities such as Chiangmai and Bangkok, and resort areas such as Phuket and Krabi. Another bonus? Thailand family vacations are super affordable!
Recommended Resort: Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort & Spa
2. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory, which means everyone speaks—you guessed it—English! (That also means everyone drives on the left-hand side of the road.) Just 1.5 hours from Miami, the Cayman Islands provide families with beautiful resorts, world-renowned diving and snorkeling, and the option to island hop.
Recommended Resort: Caribbean Club
3. Philippines
“I was surprised at how good the English in the Philippines was,” says Eric Stoen of Travel Babbo. “The taxi driver from the airport to our hotel had the radio on and I would have sworn we were in the U.S.—the English was perfect and the dialogue and tone were the same as top 40 radio stations in the States.” If you go, we recommend Palawan and Manilla for families—the beaches are unlike anything you’ve ever seen!
Recommended Resort: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manilla
4. U.S. Virgin Islands
Not only is English widely spoken in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you also don’t need passports to travel there if you’re residents of the U.S. Score! The U.S. Virgin Islands comprise St. Croix, with cultural attractions and gorgeous resorts; St. Thomas, a major cruise port; and St. John, where you’ll find U.S. Virgin Islands National Park.
Recommended Resort: Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Resort & Spa
5. Dubai
Yes, English is spoken in Dubai—even more so than Arabic, which is technically the official language. Plan your escape to one of Dubai’s gorgeous beach resorts. Don’t miss the chance to ride a camel or take a Jeep tour through the desert, either!
Recommended Resort: Atlantis, The Palm
6. Portugal
Portugal is popular right now. Everyone is flying across the pond to soak up the sun on the beaches in the Algarve, daydream (then take a million pictures) in Sintra and the Azores, and eat their way through Lisbon. Another reason for U.S. travelers to visit? English is commonly spoken just about everywhere in Portugal.
Recommended Resort: Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel
7. Montenegro
Hike the mountains and relax on the shores of Montenegro, another exotic destination where English is widely spoken. Also plan to spend some time in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely adorable town with activities for kids. Many Montenegro hotels and resorts—where English is also spoken—are known to cater to kids, too.
Recommended Resort: Hotel Montenegro Beach Resort
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