Language & Travel Hacking podcast

10:13

In this episode, I share my biggest challenge in learning Indonesian—listening comprehension. While I can read well and converse with teachers, real-life conversations at natural speed remain a struggle. With my upcoming travels in Java, improving my listening skills has become my top priority. A common mistake is jumping straight into native content like TV or radio, which can be overwhelming. Instead, I use a structured approach with a language learning podcast by Innovative Language. Each lesson starts with a natural conversation, then breaks it down before replaying it. This method has helped me in many languages by gradually training my ear to recognise fast speech. I’ll be using this daily to prepare for speaking with locals. If listening comprehension is a challenge for you, check out the link in the show notes. I’ll update you soon on my progress. Happy language learning and happy travels! Mentioned in this episode: If you’re looking to improve your listening comprehension, I highly recommend the Innovative Language Podcast. It offers structured, level-based lessons in nearly 40 languages, breaking down real conversations to help you train your ear for natural speech. Find your language and start learning today: Check out Innovative Podcasts here! Other useful links: If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat . And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here ! Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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Month 1 update on my 2025 intensive language learning project 13:04

13 days ago13:04

13:04

I’m sharing my one-month update on my intensive Indonesian learning project. My goal has been to reach at least a B1 level before starting four months of full immersion in Indonesia, and I’m happy to say that I’m well on track. Right now, I’m at a strong A2 (upper beginner) level, making very fast progress. Over the past month, I’ve been following a dedicated study routine, which includes 1–2 hours of Anki flashcards, coursebook study (Teach Yourself Indonesian and others), and language lessons 4–5 times per week, entirely in Indonesian. The biggest challenge has been memorising large amounts of vocabulary, since Indonesian isn’t related to any of my strongest languages. To tackle this, I’ve been using AI-generated mnemonics and building custom Anki decks, which has been incredibly helpful. I’ve also found that Indonesian’s logical structure and root-word system make it easier to expand my vocabulary quickly. Looking ahead to the second month, I’m shifting my focus to listening comprehension, as I still struggle to understand fast, natural speech. To improve, I’ll be watching more Indonesian content on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels, while also creating my own Indonesian-language videos. I’ll continue my intensive Anki routine (2 hours/day), now focusing on a new deck with over 1,000 words, as well as some light grammar review. Since I’ll be entering my immersion phase in just a month, I need to be fully prepared to interact with native speakers in natural conversations, especially in areas where people may never have spoken to a foreigner before. Check out Language Hacking Instagram at @languagehacking Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here ! Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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How I became an alien of extraordinary ability: US visas 10:02

20 days ago10:02

10:02

In this episode, Benny shares his fascinating journey through the complex world of US visas, from his early days on a J-1 visa working summer jobs in New York to securing the infamous O-1 visa – better known as the ‘Alien of Extraordinary Ability’ visa. He reflects on how his blogging success and language-learning mission helped him qualify for this unique status, as well as the challenges of maintaining US residency while travelling the world. Benny also dives into the realities of the green card process, how a special travel permit has allowed him to keep his US residency despite years of globetrotting, and why he eventually plans to move back to Europe. Whether you’re curious about long-term travel, visa logistics, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the bureaucracy of being a digital nomad, this episode is packed with insights and entertaining stories. Book a consultation session with Benny at bennylewis.com Don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here ! Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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Future of travel: Go to popular places ASAP! 11:59

27 days ago11:59

11:59

Hello and welcome to The Language and Travel Hacking Podcast ! In this episode, I’m tackling a big question: How can you make the most of iconic travel destinations before they become impossible to enjoy? While I’ve talked about exploring off-the-beaten-track gems in the past, this time I’m focusing on the classics—Rome, Paris, Bali—those famous spots everyone dreams of visiting. But here’s the catch: these places are getting busier, pricier, and harder to navigate every year. I’ll share tips on why you should visit these hotspots sooner rather than later , the best ways to enjoy them without the crowds (yes, it involves early mornings), and how off-peak travel can save your sanity and your wallet. Plus, you’ll hear how learning a bit of the local language can open doors to unforgettable, authentic experiences. If you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming about that bucket list trip, don’t miss this episode! Tune in now and take the first step toward making your travel plans a reality. Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here ! Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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Future of travel: Avoiding the "hotspot problem" 12:19

5 weeks ago12:19

12:19

Are you tired of crowded hotspots and skyrocketing travel costs? On this episode of The Language and Travel Hacking Podcast , I’m diving into the future of travel and tackling the “hotspot problem.” Recorded from bustling Bali, I’ll share my firsthand experience of how even off-peak seasons feel like peak season—and why this trend is happening globally. But here’s the good news: the world is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. I’ll explore how getting off the beaten track can lead to richer, more authentic travel experiences—especially when paired with learning the local language. Plus, a sneak peek into my adventures finding the “other Balis” and “other Rios” around the globe. Whether you’re planning your next trip or dreaming of an escape, this episode is packed with tips to inspire a different kind of journey. Tune in now and start thinking beyond the guidebooks! Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here ! Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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Picking the right teacher for a language project 8:42

6 weeks ago8:42

8:42

As part of my Indonesian project ahead of travelling through the country, I’ve been testing out different tutors to find one who truly suits my learning style. From filtering by dialect, availability, and budget on platforms like italki to booking trial lessons with multiple tutors in one week, I’ve refined a method that ensures I get the best fit for my needs. I’ll walk you through the steps, share my experiences, and explain why investing time in this process can make all the difference. Whether you’re after a conversational approach or a tutor with structured lesson plans, these tips will help you connect with someone who complements your goals. Let me know your thoughts and share your experiences on Threads, BlueSky, or Instagram. Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Indonesian Instagram: @LanguageHacking Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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Kicking off my 2025 language learning project 10:17

6 weeks ago10:17

10:17

I’m kicking off 2025 with a new language project: learning Bahasa Indonesia. I’ll be studying intensively in Bali for two months before exploring Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and beyond. Indonesian’s simplicity—no conjugations or noun genders—makes it one of the easiest languages I’ve started, but my focus isn’t on mastery. My goal is to reach a B1 conversational level, enabling independent travel and meaningful one-on-one interactions. Speaking is central to my strategy, and after just a few days of study, I’ll dive into daily practice with teachers and locals to build momentum and confidence. This episode shares how I’ve tailored my learning approach by prioritizing practical vocabulary, using resources like Anki and e-readers, and leveraging conversational practice through italki. I also discuss overcoming challenges like formal vs. informal language differences and the limitations of Google Translate. Whether you’re taking on your own language project or just starting out, I hope my journey inspires you to make speaking a consistent priority. Follow my progress on YouTube ( Fluent in 3 Months ) and Instagram ( @LanguageHacking ) for updates and tips, and let me know how you’re tackling your goals for 2025. Let’s dive in—happy language learning and travels! Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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Saving money with the world's easiest language 10:18

11 weeks ago10:18

10:18

In this episode, Benny shares his frugal travel plans for the upcoming New Year, featuring the Junulara Esperanto Renkontiĝo (Youth Esperanto Week) in Belgium. He explains how Esperanto events provide a unique mix of cultural immersion, affordable travel, and socializing with open-minded, language-loving individuals. From low-cost accommodation to vegan-friendly meals, Benny highlights the financial benefits of participating in such events, including how they transform school facilities into welcoming, budget-friendly venues during holiday closures. He also reflects on why Esperanto, despite being a niche language, has enriched his travels and helped him connect with like-minded adventurers around the globe. Benny also takes listeners through his broader travel itinerary, including stops in Luxembourg and Portugal, before embarking on an extended Indonesian adventure. As he looks ahead to a year of conscious spending, he shares his approach to combining language learning with frugality. Wrapping up the episode, Benny invites listeners to join his New Year Language Hacking Bootcamp, a supportive program designed to kickstart their 2025 language learning journey. Whether you’re curious about Esperanto, budget travel, or language learning tips, this episode is packed with inspiration to enrich your year-end plans. Mentioned in this episode: 15a Junulara E-Semajno Event: https://verdajskoltoj.net/es/jes-24-25/ Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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Announcing my big 2025 language and travel project! 8:08

12 weeks ago8:08

8:08

Benny Lewis shares his ambitious plans for 2025, which revolve around learning Indonesian and traveling across Indonesia. Following his 2024 adventure exploring every state in Brazil, Benny plans to spend the first two months of the new year in Bali. While Bali is a tourist hub, he intends to use it as a comfortable base for intensive language study, focusing on achieving a B1 conversational level within two months. His goal is not fluency but functional communication to explore Indonesia's lesser-traveled islands like Sumatra and Java, engaging with locals and deepening his cultural experiences. Benny emphasizes that Indonesian is relatively easy to learn due to its simple grammar, Latin script, and familiar vocabulary influenced by Dutch and English. In addition to his language-learning project, Benny will dedicate part of his time in Bali to writing his next book, balancing four hours of daily language study with writing. While he acknowledges the challenges of working with limited time, he is confident that Indonesian's simplicity and his prior exposure to the language will help him succeed. Benny encourages listeners to follow his journey, join Bootcamp to learn alongside him. His ultimate goal is to replicate the immersive travel experiences he enjoyed in Brazil by diving deep into Indonesia's culture and connecting with its people beyond the tourist trail. Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

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What is it like to visit every state of Brazil? 11:53

13 weeks ago11:53

11:53

In this episode, Benny Lewis shares his journey of completing a long-time travel goal: visiting all 26 states of Brazil plus the federal district. Over the course of nine months, Benny explored the country deeply, opting for buses and boats whenever possible to immerse himself in authentic local experiences. He recounts highlights such as the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses, socializing with locals in every state, and navigating logistical challenges, especially in remote regions like Acre and Amazonas. Speaking Portuguese proved invaluable, enabling meaningful interactions and making him often the first foreigner many Brazilians had met. Benny emphasizes the importance of going beyond typical tourist destinations to truly understand a country's culture. He reflects on how this experience enriched his appreciation for Brazil, solidifying it as his favorite country. By prioritizing connections with locals over sightseeing, Benny created lasting memories and stories for every state. This project also strengthened his ties to Brazilian culture, which he cherishes deeply. Benny closes by encouraging listeners to embrace similar deep travel experiences and to explore the richness of less-visited parts of the world. Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

1
Moving abroad: What to think about (part 2) 11:30

15 weeks ago11:30

11:30

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, host Benny Lewis dives into part two of his guide to preparing for a potential move abroad. Building on the previous episode's core tips, Benny emphasizes the importance of considering how to financially sustain oneself while living in a new country. He discusses the challenges of finding local employment due to high competition and language barriers, recommending remote work as an alternative. Benny suggests securing online work from a U.S. or EU-based employer to take advantage of the favorable currency rates. Although remote jobs may sometimes come with a pay cut, he explains how this can still be feasible in countries with lower living costs. He also highlights the flexibility that part-time or freelance remote work can offer, which can ease the transition without the need for full-time local employment. Benny continues by addressing the logistical steps to smooth the move, from mail forwarding and health insurance adjustments to storing belongings and planning initial accommodations. He suggests leveraging online communities and social media to gain insight into the culture and daily life of the destination, and even starting a separate social media account to immerse in the local language and trends. Benny also advises gradual time-zone adjustments for easier acclimation upon arrival. With almost 25 years of experience moving between countries, he shares his expert advice on building routines and adapting to cultural differences to hit the ground running. Benny plans to delve deeper into each of these tips in future YouTube videos and invites you to reach out for more personalized insights. Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

1
Moving abroad: What to think about (part 1) 9:29

16 weeks ago9:29

9:29

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking podcast, Benny Lewis dives into the essentials of planning a move abroad. Inspired by recent conversations with listeners and current events, Benny shares his insights on creating a solid foundation before relocating. He emphasizes the importance of careful planning, listing pros and cons of potential destinations, and considering personal connections or cultural ties to a place. His approach encourages listeners to plan not only where but also when and why to go, setting the groundwork for a successful transition abroad. Benny also touches on practical aspects of preparation, like decluttering and selling belongings well ahead of time, canceling non-essential subscriptions, and boosting savings for a smooth start in a new country. And if you’re aiming for a culturally immersive experience, Benny stresses the value of language preparation. He suggests dedicating a few months to active study before departure, a tip he has learned from his own travels. As always, Benny invites listeners to reach out with questions or reflections and shares how his language coaching program can support them in taking on their language and travel goals. Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

1
Improving language skills through learning other new things 8:45

17 weeks ago8:45

8:45

In this episode, Benny shares a unique approach to language learning while traveling: enrolling in local classes for non-language subjects. Benny explains that by taking lessons in activities like dancing, cooking, or even martial arts, he gets valuable language exposure in real-world settings. He has experienced this firsthand, having learned salsa in Colombia, tango in Argentina, and hip-hop in the U.S., often entirely in the local language. Benny points out that even beginners can participate, as physical activities allow for easy mimicry, so understanding every word isn’t necessary to keep up. He recommends finding classes through Google Maps, university bulletin boards, or by asking locals, as these methods often lead to more affordable, authentic experiences. Group lessons are also an excellent way to connect with others naturally, building friendships and social circles in an informal setting. By adding this extra dimension to his travels, he combines language practice with personal interests, making for a truly enriching experience. Benny encourages listeners to try this approach on their next trip – it just might become a highlight of their language journey! Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . Or you can follow Benny on all Social Media channels: Instagram: @irishpolyglot Thread: @irishpolyglot TikTok: @irishpolyglot…

Language & Travel Hacking

1
Several tools to share your travel itinerary 12:39

18 weeks ago12:39

12:39

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny dives into tools for sharing travel itineraries, inspired by his friend Derek Sivers. Benny discusses why sharing travel plans can be useful for friends and followers who want to stay updated on your whereabouts. He highlights simple tools like Google Docs for basic details and more advanced platforms, such as Nomads for city lists, and TripIt for detailed itineraries synced to Google Calendar, which he uses for real-time updates and for coordinating with trusted contacts. Benny also shares his approach to displaying current and upcoming travel plans on his website, leveraging a Notion database that updates automatically to show his latest location and future destinations. You can visit bennylewis.com to see his full travel map and links to his social profiles, or even book a consultation call for travel or language-learning tips. Tune in to get inspired on how to keep your friends and followers in the loop during your next travel adventure! Mentioned in this episode: - Nomadlist: https://nomads.com/ - Tripit: https://www.tripit.com/ - Kayak: https://www.kayak.com/ - Wanderlog: https://wanderlog.com/ - Benny's website: https://bennylewis.com/ - Notion: https://www.notion.so/ Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp .…

Language & Travel Hacking

1
Using travel to get in shape 17:37

19 weeks ago17:37