Do language barriers put you off travelling? The easiest countries for English speakers to visit revealed

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Despite their best efforts, not everyone is a born linguist with the majority of Brits in particular, unable to speak a second language.

Faced with the prospect of a holiday blighted by broken conversation, pointing and blank stares it’s no surprise some travellers would feel more relaxed visiting a country where English is widely-spoken and understood.

If you’d rather leave your phrasebook at home, there are plenty of countries where it is surprisingly easy to strike up a conversation in English.

Lazy linguists should head to Sweden the country with the highest proficiency score in English. Pictured is idyllic Stockholm

Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and Finland are among the world's most proficient English speakers, for instance, according to a ranking of countries by adult English skills, the EF English Proficiency Index.

But beyond Europe, British holidaymakers may be pleasantly surprised to discover that they’ll be understood in destinations as far-flung as Malaysia, India and Argentina.

However if you’ve got your heart set on a rural escape to Cambodia or a city break in Qatar you may be disappointed to find few locals able to point things out in English to you. 

Tens of thousands of adults from 70 countries worldwide were tested to create the samples for the 2015 study by EF Education First. 

MailOnline Travel has rounded up some of the unexpected destinations you’ll find refreshingly easy to visit, without your phrasebook.

Sweden

Blessed with stunning mountains, lakes and forests, even if you're out exploring the country's breath-taking wilderness and bump into one of its 9.7million population, there's a high chance they'll understand your apology. 

Sweden came top out of 70 countries in the world for its adult population's English skills. It's also one of the few countries where males are slightly better than females at the language.

Slovenia 

This picturesque destination may feel remote but it's still been touched by the English-language and is ranked as number 6 in the high proficiency index. Pictured is lake Bled

This eco-friendly country is ideal for getting away from it all on a spa-infused or hiking-filled nature holiday.

This picturesque destination may feel remote but it's still been touched by the English-language and is ranked as number six in the high proficiency category of the index.

India 

As one of the most diverse and populated countries in the world, with 1.2billion people living there, you're sure to hear several languages spoken across India but visitors might be surprised to find it ranks as number 20 on the English proficiency index.

Although English speaking-levels may vary across the country, if you're visiting some of the most popular tourist spots such as the Golden Triangle you may be able to get by without any phrase books or apps.

Japan

British holidaymakers would be wrong to assume their requests would be lost in translation when visiting Japan. 

Ranked at number 30, with moderate proficiency levels across the country, friendly locals are likely to offer you help should you need directions in Tokyo, menu advice in Kyoto or want to converse country-wide in this culturally rich and exciting destination.

Argentina 

In Latin America the country is the destination where you are most likely to be understood when communicating in English. Pictured is a vibrant street in Buenos Aires

Whether you're attracted to the wineries, tango scene or world-leading restaurants, if you're hopeless at Spanish but still want to visit Argentina, don't be deterred.

In Latin America the country is the destination where you are most likely to be understood when communicating in English. 

On a global scale, Argentina takes 15th place on the index so expect a lengthy chat with the new friends you make.  

Malaysia 

It may be far-flung and overwhelmingly different to the UK but Malaysia is a great option for travellers guilty of speaking only one language.

Food is one of the main draws in Malaysia alongside an array of cultural experiences and the country has a high proficiency levels in English, meaning your request for seconds is not likely to fall on deaf ears.

Italy

As one of the most visited tourist hotspots in the world boasting historic sites in Rome and the dreamy Amalfi coast, holidaymakers speaking a variety of languages are well-catered for in Italy.

While Northern Europe holds its own with high proficiency levels of English, Italy still comes in at a respectable number 28 meaning mono-linguists have nothing to fear on their Italian getaway.

Singapore

Ranked at number 12 on the index, Singapore it is the best non-European destination at English proficiency

A slick hub for conferences and a dazzling stop-over for Brits on their way to Asia or Australasia, Singapore is an easy place for English speakers to travel to.

Ranked at number 12 on the index it is the best non-European destination at English proving that tourists who panic about their lack of language skills don't have to holiday close to home.

 Vietnam

Holidaymakers in Vietnam might want to pack light and ditch their phrasebook as they visit local markets, temples and travel along the Mekong delta. 

A number of adults in the country have a moderate proficiency in English, so you might just get by on your wits alone.

The Netherlands 

After Sweden, the Netherlands is the easiest country for English speakers to visit and to be understood. 

If anything most locals will be able to shame you with their impressive use of your mother tongue.