Brits (英国人) are extremely bad at languages, with many of us relying on the fact that the rest of the world speak English. Only half (51%) are able to speak a second language to any standard and as more people travel abroad, this is becoming an increasing regret, according to a new study.

Almost two­thirds (62%) of UK adults wish they were better at speaking languages. So they can better understand a city's culture (38% of respondents), talk with locals (24%) and go beyond the guide book (21% )．

Overcoming language barriers can be one of the most difficult parts of a holiday, particularly when in unfamiliar surroundings. So stressful in the fact that 10% of respondents said they didn't travel because of the problem.

The survey by Hostelworld showed that one in five blamed getting lost on the language barrier, while a similar number had problems ordering food and one in ten got on the wrong train, plane or other form of transportation.

If languages weren't an issue then one in eight (12%) Brits would visit Japan. China, Italy and Russia were also popular choices. Despite the communication problem, Japan has seen a 7.5 % increase in the number of British visitors between January and April, compared to this time last year.