Learning common phrases in preparation for a trip to a foreign country is very different from learning a foreign language. Quick mastery of simple phrases does not require any knowledge of the structure of the language, conjugation of verbs, syntax. It is even possible to learn phrases without knowing exactly what the individual words mean, even where one word ends and another begins. Pimsleur is designed for travelers; it introduces phrases in order of usefulness and builds on them logically. Rosetta Stone, in contrast, is useless for travel because it relies on visual cues — and there are no images for some of the most necessary word: “hello,” thank you,” please,” “help!”. While you will certainly need to know how to ask for directions or the bill, which Rosetta doesn’t teach, you will be unlikely to need the words for raincoat or giraffe, which it introduces early on for no good reason.

The New York Travel Section article (July 29, 2012), by Stephanie Rosenbloom, reviewed the various options for pre-trip language study. It is vague on the distinction between trip prep and language learning, but it does describe some online possibilities that sound intriguing.