You're going on vacation, but do you know how to pronounce your destination?

The world is full of different cultures, paradise-like places, and charming countries that Americans love to visit. In fact, according to Appinio, 7% of Americans will be traveling abroad during summer 2022. However, the local language and the pronunciation of names can complicate visits a bit. That's why many travelers turn to Google with a classic question: "How do you pronounce X?" We consulted experts from Preply, who compiled a list of destinations that are particularly challenging for Americans in terms of pronunciation.

How is it often mispronounced? "reicavic"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "reɪkjəvɪk" = Rei-kia-vik

This destination on the coast of Iceland is steeped in Viking mysteries and is perfect for those looking to escape the heat. Even from its complex spelling, one can assume that the pronunciation will also be tricky. In fact, this name is frequently searched under the mispronunciation "Reikiavik," especially in regions like California or New York.

How is it often mispronounced? "grenwich"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "grɪnɪʤ" = Gren-itch

This London borough is known for giving its name to the prime meridian, from which the world's longitudes are measured. Its combination of the two consonants N and W makes it difficult for speakers not accustomed to this combination. In the U.S., the places where this destination has been searched the most in the past year are Florida and New York.

How is it often mispronounced? "lichestein"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "lɪktənstaɪn" = Li - chens - tain

This small country located in Central Europe is known for its princely nature but also for its complicated pronunciation. With a Germanic phonetic structure, saying its name correctly can be challenging. The place where this picturesque destination has been searched the most is in Colorado.

How is it often mispronounced? "Auclan"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "ˈɔːklənd" = O - kland

We move to the other side of the world, to the north of New Zealand. A beautiful metropolis with a lot of charm and a pronunciation that can be tricky, as it is not pronounced the way it is spelled. This is because, in English, the combination of letters "au" sounds like an "o." Knowing this, and incorporating the distinctive New Zealand accent, you'll be understood in all airports.

How is it often mispronounced? "Uzbekistan"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "ˌʌzbɛkɪˈstɑːn" = Az- be-kis-tan

Along with its neighbors, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan, this country in West Asia is a mouthful for Americans to pronounce. The combination of several consonants and strong sounds like K can lead to diction errors. However, we found that it is a very sought-after destination from communities like California.

How is it often mispronounced? "Kuala Lumpur"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "ˈkwɑːlə ˈlʊmpʊə" = Ku-ala - Lum-pur

An impressive city surrounded by skyscrapers, full of history and very close to Malaysia's paradise beaches; but with a name that, although it seems simple, often trips us up. The sound is similar, yes, but it's not Koala, it's Kuala Lumpur.

How is it often mispronounced? "Iogua"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "aɪəwə" = Ai-oua

The ideal destination to explore the heart of the United States and discover the mysteries it holds. It is from regions like Texas and Illinois that this state has been searched the most. The complexity in its pronunciation may stem from the W in the middle of its name or from the first "I" that is pronounced as "ai" in English.

How is it often mispronounced? "Seychelles"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "seɪˈʃɛlz" = Sey-chels

These paradise islands off the east coast of Africa are a favorite vacation destination for many celebrities. It's a well-known place, but its pronunciation is often unclear. In the U.S., California is the state that has searched for this destination the most.

How is it often mispronounced? "Botsuana"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "bʊtˈswɑːnə" = Bot - swana

This Southern African country is known for its beautiful desert landscape near the Kalahari Desert and its wildlife reserves. It is also noted for its complicated pronunciation, as it similarly contains a W in the middle of its name like Iowa. Communities that search for this country the most are located in New York and Florida.

How is it often mispronounced? "Perpiñán"

What is the correct phonetic transcription? "pɛʁpiɲɑ~" = Per-pig-nan

This city located in the south of France, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and a popular destination in the 70s, is also highly searched by Americans. The states with the most searches for this destination are California and New York, enchanted by its idyllic castles and attempting to learn how to pronounce this French name correctly.