Even though I speak French, when in France I carry "French - The Rough Guide Phrasebook" because inevitably I find a sign or enter into a conversation and I'm am flummoxed by a word that I don't know. It fits into a pocket, provides the essential phrases you may need for most situations and also provides entertainment with phrases for situations that you may never find yourself in while travelling (or maybe you will). It's also available for Italian and other languages including Swahili, which I think I'll buy just-in-case I need it one day.

Lucy, Toronto