This post isn't directed at those who prefer not to travel with gizmos. It's to those that are.
I've been trying out a new feature available on many smartphones. You write or speak a phrase in your language of choice and it translates it to another language you have selected. On my phone, the phone will even speak the translation (and it isn't horrible computer speak). The translation might not be perfect, but, couldn't this be a lifesaver on occasion (as well as being helpful other times)?
I recognize it would still be better to try and master as much of the language as possible, but still . . . . The only drawback is you have to have a data connection on your cell phone. In my experience, though, getting a low cost data connection is easier in Europe than the U.S.
Second nice thing: Using the GPS location feature on the phone to tell you helpful/historic information about where you are located, automatically. Android, and I'd bet iPhone, apps exist to do this now.
Third thing, Google's Goggle feature that allows one to snap a picture on the phone and Google tries to recognize the photo and provide useful info. (Taking a picture of the Eiffel Tower is one example, not that you'd really need to get information about that.) I've read that Google is also trying to perfect the software so that you could take picture of text (a sign, perhaps) in one language and Google would translate it into another language.
These are not for purists, and may create an unhealthy tech-dependency, but I still am amazed at what can be done.