Advice for tourist-level learning vs longer term goals

As in, is it more effective to go about it a different way or in a different style if I'm learning for such a specific goal in a specific timeframe vs a longer term plan for more comprehensive learning? More rote learning / less grammar understanding?

Or do I just use the same resources that I would do for my primary language learning efforts and be cautious in my expectations?

(I'm trying to pick up a bit of Spanish from absolutely zero knowledge, if it's relevant (Central America))