Most Brits are too embarrassed to try out the local language when on a foreign holiday, MSN.com has reported.
According to research from Hotels.com, as many as 61 per cent of British holidaymakers stick to speaking English abroad for fear of sounding foolish.
In terms of region, those from London were the least likely to speak a foreign language on holiday, while residents of south-west England were the most likely to give it a go.
Younger holidaymakers also proved to be more self-conscious than their more mature counterparts, with the 18-21 age group emerging as the least likely to try out the local lingo.
Alison Couper, Hotels.com communications director, commented, “People have become more adventurous in where they travel in recent years, but it seems the language skills have yet to catch up.
“Our survey shows that while we’re prepared to travel to more exotic destinations, we’re not so comfortable trying less familiar languages.”
Worldwide travel insurance is available from InsureandGo, and can cover holidays to exotic destinations across the globe.