Most British holidaymakers do not know the language of the country they are visiting, according to a new study.

Research by LateRooms.com revealed that 81 per cent of tourists from the UK are unwilling to take a phrase book or dictionary with them when heading overseas.

More than half of those polled were found to be unable to recognise basic phrases in the language of their holiday destination, while one in three said they rely on the ability of locals to speak fluent English.

Chris Morris, managing director of LateRooms.com, commented: “A phrase book or dictionary doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase and British tourists will be surprised at how far a couple of useful phrases can go.”

He said learning the language is a good way for people to broaden their horizons, communicate with local people and soak up the culture.

This comes after a poll by LateRooms.com found that 15 per cent of British adults do not know where Spain is on a normal map.

Tags: holidays, Leisure, Spain, tourism