Language & Travel Hacking

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share how ADHD, something that once made me feel like I was terrible at languages, has actually become one of my greatest strengths as a learner. Although I was only diagnosed as an adult, looking back I can clearly see how distractibility and a constant need for dopamine hits made school language classes a nightmare for me. English, Irish and German were consistently my worst subjects, and I assumed that meant I simply was not cut out for languages. Now I completely reject that idea. Being bad at...

In this episode, I’m checking in from Kuala Lumpur to kick off my first language and travel project of the year: using Malay to enrich my experience as I travel through Malaysia. I talk about how closely related Malay and Indonesian are, more like regional varieties than entirely separate languages, which means I can focus on reactivating my Indonesian rather than starting from zero. I share how I’m gradually getting my momentum back, brushing off the rust, and learning the small but interesting differences in accent and vocabulary as I begin using Malay in everyday situations.

I...

In this episode, I share an update on my end of year language boost after a very multilingual December. I talk about how I fully reactivated my Irish through local meetups in my hometown, without needing to travel to a major city, and how focused time plus the right books helped refresh the language quickly. I also explain my minimalist approach to language learning materials, including how I keep a small, carefully chosen collection of books at my parents’ house and rely on digital tools or temporary books the rest of the time, keeping my luggage light while still st...

I’m kicking off this episode by checking in from Ireland, where I’ve been doubling down on my Irish through meet-ups, tech immersion, and plenty of telly. This is the first stage of a longer journey that will involve several trips back and forth, all with the aim of finally becoming truly fluent in the language. After Christmas I’ll make my usual pilgrimage to the Esperanto Youth Week in Germany, brushing up my German just enough to avoid sounding too rusty outside the event. But the real excitement begins straight after that, when I launch into my next m...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share how I’m immersing myself in the Irish language even while living in Texas. Since I’ll be heading back to Ireland for a month and a half, I want to rebuild momentum with my Irish studies, and that means using what I call “virtual immersion.” I fill my daily life with Irish as much as possible, no matter where I am. I listen to Irish podcasts every day, study with my Anki flashcards, and spend time reviewing Irish grammar through books. I also watch plenty of Irish TV...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share my story with the Irish language, from struggling through boring school lessons to finally reconnecting with it as an adult. In the 90s, Irish was taught in a very academic and grammar-heavy way, so despite ten years of “learning,” I could barely say a few phrases after school. Years later, after learning Spanish, Italian, and French, a French friend asked me, “Do you speak your own country’s language?” That question made me realize how disconnected I was from my roots and inspired me to give Irish another ch...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share a deeply personal and reflective look at my life in the United States and my journey to visiting all 48 contiguous states. I talk about how my fascination with America began through films and TV shows, and how, as a young Irish student, I first arrived in the States on a J-1 visa to work in upstate New York. Over the years, I returned multiple times, living, working, falling in love, and even getting married and divorced in the country. I discuss the cultural differences I noticed between...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share an update on my current language projects. After wrapping up a major travel project in the U.S., I’ve been refreshing my American Sign Language (ASL). I’ve attended events and meetups across several states, and for the next six weeks, I’ll be in Austin, Texas—home to the Texas School for the Deaf—where I’ll have plenty of chances to practice and use what I’ve been studying online.

With ASL shifting into a practice phase, I’m turning my active learning focus b...

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Head over to languagehacking.com/bc for all the details and don’t forget to use the code before it expires. I’d love to see you in the Bootcamp, support you through your next three months of learning, and chat with you personally on our upcoming calls.

Cli...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share my quick hacks for unit conversions while traveling. For temperatures, I use my “rule of five” system to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit. It’s based on five key Celsius points—0, 10, 20, 30, and 40—and their easy-to-remember Fahrenheit equivalents, all tied to the number five. This shortcut isn’t perfect, but it’s simple enough to check the weather at a glance without pulling out a calculator or app.

I also explain my trick for converting kilograms to pounds without multiplying by 2.2. Instead, I just double the number and add...

In this episode of the Travel and Language Hacking podcast, I talk about the unique advantage that beginners have when learning a new language. Unlike exponential growth, where progress starts slowly and then speeds up over time, language learning often follows a logarithmic curve. This means that at the very beginning, improvements happen quickly and dramatically, but they gradually level off as you advance. I share how this applies not only to languages but also to other skills, like my current half-marathon training, where early improvements are huge compared to the tiny gains professionals work years to achieve.

In this episode, I want to share a tip you might not have considered for language learning: your operating system. On phones, I’ve gone from iOS to Android, and Android wins hands down because it supports far more languages, including underrepresented ones like Irish and Esperanto. Simply changing your phone’s interface gives you daily exposure in a very natural way, and that small but constant immersion adds up.

For computers, I’ve completely switched to Linux, and I can’t recommend it enough. It used to feel intimidating, but with AI help I got everything set up i...

Over the past month, I reached my 44th state, Colorado, which I’d been looking forward to visiting for a long time. I gave myself a whole month there to truly experience it—running races, hiking in the mountains, exploring towns like Boulder and Denver, and meeting many wonderful people, including opportunities to practice my American Sign Language. Now, I’m ready for the next stage of my US states project. I’ll fly to Chicago, not a new state for me since I lived there years ago while learning Klingon for a Star Trek convention, but it’s the perfec...

In this episode, I talk about something that keeps coming up in my own projects: the trap of comparing yourself to others. When I first started learning Spanish, I’d constantly compare myself to other learners and beat myself up over not being as good. That kind of mindset really messed with my confidence. And now, even after all these years of language learning, I’ve found myself doing the same thing—but this time with running. I’ve been training for a bunch of half marathons, and every time I open up Strava, I see people running faster, longer...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share how I find meetups and make meaningful friendships while traveling solo. Back when I started my nomadic journey over 22 years ago, it was surprisingly easy—I relied on just a few websites like Couchsurfing and Meetup, and that was enough to connect with interesting people wherever I went. Nowadays, things are more complicated. Oversaturation and generic events make it harder to find truly like-minded people. I still go to general meetups, but I focus on connecting with a few individuals and asking them about local resources—like What...

In this episode, I'm coming to you from beautiful Colorado — my 45th U.S. state! I dive into what might be my final big American road trip as I push to complete a long-time goal: visiting all 48 contiguous U.S. states. I talk about how this journey ties into my current language mission with American Sign Language (ASL), and how I've used everything from book tours to long-term stays and my green card to explore the country over the years. I'm lucky to have this chance, especially as a non-American, to see so many vastly different parts of the U...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking podcast, I share why I believe everyone should consider learning their country’s sign language. When I first picked up American Sign Language (ASL), I didn’t expect how deeply it would connect me to the deaf community in the US. It gave me access to a rich, often overlooked culture, and offered a completely new way to communicate and make friends. ASL quickly became one of my favourite languages, and I decided to add it to my permanent list of languages to maintain.

Now, I’m diving back i...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I dive into the age-old polyglot problem: how do you maintain multiple languages without losing your mind—or your fluency? I share how, over the last 22 years, I’ve followed a cycle of learning one language intensively for a short burst—usually around three months—and then spending the rest of the year maintaining my other languages. It’s not just about adding new ones indefinitely. Instead, I’ve found ways to rotate focus, whether that’s dedicating a day per language or devoting longer blocks of time to immersion—like...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I wrap up my incredible four-month journey through Indonesia, recording from Medan in North Sumatra before heading back to Bali for my final weeks. I reflect on just how vast this country is—highlighted by the fact that a flight back to Bali takes me four hours and still doesn’t even cover the full length of the nation. From Java to Sulawesi, from Borneo to Sumatra, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the warmth and curiosity of Indonesians, many of whom had never spoken to a fore...

In this episode, I open up about the biggest downside of my three-month language missions: how quickly I forget the language afterward. As I wrap up Indonesian, I can already feel some of it slipping. This isn’t new — I’ve seen it happen with Hungarian, Arabic, and Japanese. Without regular use, a lot fades within weeks or months. That’s the “half-life” of language learning in action.

Still, I fully stand by this approach. It’s ideal for nomads and travelers who want to go deep, fast. And if you’re not hopping between languages, you can absolutely b...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I dive into one of the questions I get asked most often: is solo travel lonely? To answer that, I compare two contrasting experiences—my current quiet week in Sulawesi, Indonesia, and a past trip to Ibiza during the off-season. In Sulawesi, I’ve barely interacted with anyone, yet I feel completely content because I chose this solitude after a socially intense week in Borneo. Meanwhile, in Ibiza, I wanted to meet people but couldn’t, and that made it truly lonely. The key difference? Whether connection is accessible when y...

What if you could finally crack your language goals this summer—in just 90 days? In this episode, I’m sharing why summer is the ultimate season for language learning, and how you can turn June through August into your most productive language sprint ever. Plus, to help you get started, I’ve launched the biggest site-wide sale I've ever done at Fluent in 3 Months: 50% off all courses and $100 off the Bootcamp. Whether you're aiming to escape intermediate hell, build confidence, or finally hold real conversations, this episode is your summer roadmap.

Whether you're a total beginner or stuck...

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I’m checking in from deep in the jungles of Borneo — or Kalimantan, as it’s called here in Indonesia — surrounded by orangutans, dense rainforest, and the kind of real-life language immersion I’ve been aiming for since the start of this journey. After nearly five months exploring the country, including a two-month trek across Java and a recent stay in Batam with $30 ocean views (just across the water from pricey Singapore), I’m finally seeing major progress in my Indonesian: I’ve begun having full, meaningful conversations and even making ne...

In this episode, I finally say what I’ve tiptoed around for years: it’s time to delete Duolingo. With their recent decision to replace 148 courses with 100% AI-generated content, I can no longer recommend it—not even as a “better than nothing” option. The app was already more about dopamine than meaningful learning, and now with zero human input, the quality has dropped even further.

Instead, I share better alternatives that actually help you make progress—like using Anki for tailored vocab, joining a community for accountability, or even switching your games into your target language. AI can still be...

In this episode, I dive into the myth of “language talent” and why believing in it can seriously hold you back. I’ve struggled with comparing myself to others—especially those polished videos on YouTube or TikTok where someone speaks flawlessly and makes it all look effortless. But the truth is, you're only seeing a tiny, edited snapshot of their journey.

I don’t consider myself naturally talented at languages. I come from an engineering background, and every language I’ve learnt has taken hours of daily practice, trial and error, and plenty of setbacks. I still have an acce...

In this episode, I talk about the “confidence plateau” I’ve hit while learning Indonesian during my travels in Java. Even though I know the language fairly well, I often catch myself switching to English because of self-doubt. It’s not that I don’t understand—it’s that I tell myself I don’t, and that hesitation stops me from properly engaging in the conversation. Most of my interactions are really brief, which makes it harder to build the momentum I need to feel confident.

To break through this, I’ve decided to get back into regular speaking l...

After two intense months of studying Indonesian—dedicating up to eight hours a day, seven days a week—I’m excited to share my progress in this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast. I’ve reached a solid B1 level, able to hold conversations with patient speakers using formal Indonesian. Skipping Bali’s beaches and parties to focus entirely on learning has paid off, and I’m now ready to take my skills beyond structured lessons and into real-world interactions. With a spontaneous, unscripted conversation video on the way, you can judge my progress for yourself.

Now, as I...

In this episode, I share a simple but effective language learning tip that has helped me stay focused throughout my travels: creating a dedicated study space. Whether it’s a specific table at home, a quiet café, or a co-working space, having a designated environment for language learning helps eliminate distractions and puts my brain in "study mode." I make a point to stay away from my laptop, as it tends to pull me into work or entertainment, and I’ve even set up my phone to block distracting apps automatically when I enter certain spaces.

I also...

In this episode of Language and Travel Hacking, I share how AI has supercharged my language learning. While it won’t replace real practice, it’s a game-changer for mnemonics. Before AI, coming up with memory aids was slow—now I drop words into ChatGPT or Gemini and get instant, creative mnemonics across multiple languages. One gem? The Indonesian pemerintah (government) sounds like “pay my rent”—and now I’ll never forget it!

AI also helps me break down words into roots and patterns, making vocab stick faster. I’ve tested different models, and even free versions work wonders. Wa...

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 la...

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...

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 reside...

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 ho...

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...

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 tut...

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 episod...

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 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...

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 im...

In this episode, Benny dives into the exciting Black Friday deals for language learners. As the year winds down, it's a perfect time to prepare for your 2025 language goals while taking advantage of massive discounts!

Click here to get to our main Black Friday page

Other deals mentioned in this episode:
Olly Richards’ Uncovered Courses
Innovative Language
Mondly Exclusive Lifetime Membership
Mosalingua Fluency Bundle
Rocket Languages