Where Do They Speak English?

It’s Travel Tip Tuesday! Have you ever seen The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet? It’s one of my favorite movies, but one part of it has always bothered me. In one of the early scenes, Cameron Diaz’s character is searching for somewhere to go to get away from her real life. She takes one look at a list of countries, makes a shocked face, and immediately says to herself, “Where do they speak English? England!”

The first time I saw that (and every time after), I thought, “What? But there are so many more!” I realize it’s just a movie, and a major plot point was the fact that she and Kate Winslet’s British character switched homes. However, I think it might be good to throw out a few more English-speaking country options for your next trip! Which one of the countries on this long list shocks you the most?

I hope you will plan a trip somewhere–anywhere!–especially now that the English/non-English barrier has been torn down!

I debated whether or not to write this post. As an American traveler, I’m sensitive to the “stupid American,” “intolerant American,” and “spoiled American” stereotypes, and I do not want to give the impression that I’m promoting any of that. However, I do know that less than half of Americans have valid passports, and I believe that’s due in part of a bit of fear. So, in addition to my Travel Fears Debunked, I’m writing this for you, the American who’s a bit intimidated and just wants to dip their toe into this whole world travel thing. What do you think? Tell me in the comments below!