Taking a short language course at the beginning of your career break will help you for the rest of your trip, according to Cath Bateman, director of Caledonia Languages.

Learning a language is 'a fabulous doorway into a new culture', she said. It also boosts your confidence and will immerse you in the country.

Beginners can expect to learn faster in a country where the language is spoken than at evening classes, she told the One Life show that took place in London in March.

She also recommended staying with local people during the course to practise the language on a daily basis and integrate into local life, and combining a language course with other activities, such as scuba diving and salsa dancing.