Language & Travel Hacking

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/chatIndonesian Instagram: @LanguageHackingAlso, 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: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

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/chatAlso, 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: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

Discover frugal travel plans featuring the Youth Esperanto Week in Belgium, where community and culture meet affordability. Learn how Esperanto events offer low-cost accommodation and vegan meals, transforming venues into budget-friendly hubs. Explore upcoming travels to Luxembourg and Portugal, culminating in an adventurous journey to Indonesia. Benny shares insights on combining language learning with smart spending, all while inviting listeners to kickstart their language journey in the New Year.

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/chatAlso, 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: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

Benny Lewis shares his incredible journey visiting all 26 states of Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of using buses and boats for authentic local experiences. Highlights include the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses and unforgettable interactions with locals. Speaking Portuguese opened doors, making him a unique presence in many communities. He stresses the value of going off the beaten path to truly understand a culture. Ultimately, this adventure enriched his appreciation for Brazil, solidifying it as his favorite destination.

Discover essential tips for a smooth relocation abroad! The discussion emphasizes securing remote work to navigate local job market challenges and leverage favorable currency rates. Logistical steps like mail forwarding and health insurance adjustments are covered to ease the transition. Cultural immersion through social media is encouraged, along with gradual adjustments to sleeping schedules for better acclimatization. With nearly 25 years of experience, expert advice on building routines and adapting to new environments is shared!

Planning a move abroad? Discover essential tips on evaluating potential destinations and creating a solid foundation for your adventure. Learn the importance of decluttering, saving money, and canceling unnecessary subscriptions before your departure. Get insights on enhancing your experience through language preparation, with recommendations for effective study approaches. Benny also encourages community engagement and shares his coaching program to help you tackle your travel and language goals.

Discover a fun twist to language learning while traveling! By taking local classes in activities like dance or cooking, you can immerse yourself in the language naturally. Benny shares his adventures in salsa and tango, highlighting how beginners can learn through mimicry. Plus, joining group lessons offers a great way to connect with locals, making new friends while enhancing your skills. This approach not only boosts language proficiency but also enriches your travel experience, turning language practice into a delightful journey!

Discover the benefits of sharing your travel itinerary with friends and followers. Explore handy tools like Google Docs for simplicity and TripIt for syncing detailed plans to your calendar. Learn how Benny updates his website dynamically with a Notion database to showcase his latest locations. Get tips on keeping everyone in the loop on your adventures while securing your travel details. Perfect for navigating your next journey with ease!

Discover how travel can serve as a catalyst for health transformation. A personal journey unfolds as one individual sheds 20kg while exploring the stunning beaches of Brazil. Daily walks and exciting activities like windsurfing become key to breaking unhealthy habits. The discussion highlights the power of new environments in resetting routines and encourages listeners to make small yet significant changes, whether through travel or adjustments at home. Tune in for valuable tips on maintaining wellness while adventuring!