Ah, Mexico. A land of beautiful people, excellent food, and more than enough inexpensive ways to enjoy yourself whether you are there for business or pleasure.

Even if you are far from a Spanish prodigy, having a grip on some simple Spanish phrases will help you get much more out of your trip than you ever could otherwise.

One thing I have learned about speakers of the Spanish language, or any language for that matter is that they love it when people try to communicate with them on their level even in a small way.

There are many sources for the kind of information that will get you, especially with the proliferation of the Internet, and more specifically, YouTube.

Phrase books are also an option, but they can often be confusing, or heavy and awkward to carry and use while you are trying to at least be moderately functional, and present yourself in a good light.

Sometimes, it's better to have a short list of exceedingly useful phrases that can be printed, folded, and carried with you at all times.

Below is a list of 10 simple Spanish phrases that are both easy and practical. I have included a "lay man's" pronunciation guide as well.

Hello, How Are You? Hola, Como Esta Usted? Oh-La, co-mo es-taa use-ted?
I'm Sorry, I Only Speak A Little Spanish. Lo Siento, Solamente Hablo Un Poquito De Español. Low See-In-Toe, So-La-Men-Tay Ah-Blow Un Po-Key-Toe De Es-pan-yoh-l
I Don't Understand, Please Repeat. No Comprendo, Repita Por Favor. No Com-Prin-Dough, Ray-Peeta Poor Fa-Vour.
Where Is The? (Bathroom, Store, Car) Donde Esta? (el baño, la tienda, el coche) Don-Day Es-Taa (El Ban-Yo, La Tea-In-Duh, El Co-Chay)
How Much Does It Cost, Thank You. Cuánto Cuesta, Gracias. Quan-toe Quay-sta, Gra-See-Us
Help Me, Please. Ayúdeme, Por Favor. I-You-Duh-May, Poor Fa-Vour
Excuse Me. Perdón. Pier-Don
Are You Able To Speak English? Puedes Hablan Ingles? Pway-des Ah-Blahn Ing-Gess?
Which Direction, Right Or Left? Qué Dirección, Derecha o izquierda? Kay Di-Wreck-See-Un, Dee-Rey-Cha Oh Is-Kay-Air-Duh?
How Is This? Cómo es éste? Co-Moe Ess Ess-Tay?

With these simple Spanish phrases you should never feel clueless in Mexico or any other Spanish speaking country again. Expand your vocabulary more, and gain knowledge of how the verbs work within this beautiful language, and your options will be limitless.

Phrases will get you started, but in order to make optimal progress, you need the right tools.

Bad news? Those tools are not going to magically materialize without some effort. Good news? I've found one of the BEST tools on the market today for learning Spanish. Guess what else? As of right now, It's FREE to try. Free Easy Spanish http://www.audiospanishlessons.com/

While you're waiting on access to your free course Simple Spanish Phrases http://www.squidoo.com/SimpleSpanishPhrases can be found here, in beginner video format. This is an excellent resource from a fellow language learner.