I’ve always wanted to learn a new language, but have never actually gotten round to starting up from the very start. Initially I wanted to learn Italian, just because I thought it sounded cool - 'cos I’m an idiot - but I’ve come to realise, through searching up on most common spoken languages, that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the USA, and around 21 countries worldwide speak the language; and French is obviously spoken by French-Canadians, the French (obviously), and other countries too.
Now, I’m not a genius, so I’m gonna start off with one language at a time! 
Question is: Spanish or French? (In terms of practicality, and difficulty for someone learning it)
It depends where you live. In the US, definitely Spanish. It’s very common in the US, to the point where most non-Hispanic Americans know at a little bit of Spanish, usually what I call “manners words” (please, thank you, etc.) and food names. Lots of jobs nowadays require you speak Spanish as an application requirement. Also, more countries speak it, and those that do, are safer for traveling than French-speaking countries (outside of Europe and Canada).
Although, I’m kind of biased. I’m attracted to Latina women, and their native language is Spanish, obviously. One of my most fun dating experiences was a girl from Ecuador, in the US on a work visa. I was 22 when I met her; she was 20. She had to go back at the end, but damn it, it so much fun while it lasted.
I would think Spanish would be more useful across the globe. But keep in mind that French is a Romantic language too so once you have a good grasp of Spanish it will be much easier to learn French.
My best friend’s father spoke fluent Italian. When we would go to Mexico he would just speak Italian and they would speak Spanish and generally speaking (haha) everyone understood each other.
It’s funny that you mentioned this. If you’ve seen the movie “Tourist”, it shows the reverse of that. The main guy travels to Venice, Italy. Like a stereotypical American, he’s not familiar with the local language. So he starts speaking Spanish to the people he meets, thinking it’s the right language. That, or he knows the languages are similar, and hopes people will understand him.
Haha, funny… havent seen it.
When I travel abroad I mostly claim to be Canadian. Haha, only half kidding.