Eastern Europe Tour 9/29 advice

Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland, Hungary? We try to at least learn words for Hello, Please, Thank You, and Water for wherever we visit. Some places, like Bulgaria, use different alphabets, which adds to the challenge.

Is it advised because you will NEED to know the language so you can get through the day with fewer problems?
You posted this in Czech Republic, so in Prague, I can say you will do just fine in English. Same in all of the capital cities of Eastern Europe.

In addition to Cyn's list, learn of at least practice how to ask for the restroom (a strictly USA expression, in Europe, use toilet or WC) and how to order a beer.

Is it advised to practice any languages prior to Eastern Europe tour?

Not really. I'm quite sure in all the places you want to visit English is the Lingua Franca anyway. But locals will appreciate it if you learn some phrases like Good Day, Good Bye, Thank You, Please etc..

Same in all of the capital cities of Eastern Europe
And not only there. I can't tell about Hungary, but in Poland and Slovenia, and to a lesser degree in Czechia and Croatia, even in the smallest provincial towns your English is perfectly understood in cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Stick to English. Trying to order your beer in the local language, is a recipe for confusion.

I spend most all of my vacation time in Eastern Europe, and my experience in places as diverse as Odesa and Ulcinj has been that if the person you need to interact with doesn't speak English, then the person standing next to him does.

To order a beer in Budapest, simply say

szükségem van egy ölelésre

szükségem van egy ölelésre
Easy for you to say! I'm glad I'm not a beer drinker, I'd die of thirst!

Any other tips to make it enjoyable?
For those times when you're on your own, you may wish to acquaint yourself with the tipping customs for each country.

I believe James is pulling our leg(s). My translate app says this is, "I need a hug". However, a hug and a beer is twice as nice.

Steve, you nailed me. But tonight, I did try it with the waitress.

Other tips? Tipping is usually just rounding it up, if anything. Clinking glasses by tradition is a no-no. The beer is good, the wine better. Otherwise, be brave, walk in and order and enjoy.

oh, everyone, or the person next to them, speaks enough english to help you, so you dont need to worry much about nem beszélek magyarul