I have often joked about the nutjobs who insist you must be fluent before you step off the plane. Well, one thing they did get right – is that you will need some basic Spanish if you want to step outside the agencies/tours.
Some of my amigos do well online and put together an entire agency style itinerary simply by lining up chicas they met on the Net. So it is obvious if you want to step outside the box and take matters into your own hands, you will need Spanish.
Some guys recommend the CD courses. I prefer group night classes. recapping some suggestions:
1. study the dictionary
2. travel
3. learn in the cama
4. watch Spanish TV or English shows with Spanish subtitles
5. move to the border of texas
6. chat online
7. take a night class
8. take private lessons in Cali – they are cheap
9. read everything – airplane pamphlets, signs, and so forth
10. CD’s, books