Language & Travel Hacking

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Announcing my big 2025 language and travel project! Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

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

What is it like to visit every state of Brazil? Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

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

Moving abroad: What to think about (part 2) Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

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

Moving abroad: What to think about (part 1) Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

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

Improving language skills through learning other new things Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

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

Several tools to share your travel itinerary Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

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.

Using travel to get in shape Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Benny shares his inspiring journey of losing 20kg (44lbs) through travel. After reaching 120kg (265lbs) and feeling stuck in unhealthy habits, Benny chose to reset his routine by traveling to the remote beach town of Jericoacoara in Brazil. There, he found himself walking daily, avoiding food delivery apps, and engaging in physical activities like windsurfing. Benny discusses how simple lifestyle changes, like walking instead of relying on delivery apps, allowed him to break bad habits and focus on healthier routines, all while enjoying the beauty of Brazil.

While travel may not work for everyone’s fitness journey, Benny believes changing environments can help reset routines and break unhealthy patterns. He encourages listeners to consider how they can make small but impactful changes to their habits, whether through travel or adjustments at home. Tune in to hear Benny’s tips on maintaining wellness while exploring new places and how you can apply similar strategies in your own life.

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.

How I became a polyglot Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny revisits the story of how he became a polyglot. He shares his early struggles with maintaining multiple languages, especially during his time learning Spanish, Italian, and French. Benny explains how his breakthrough came in 2006, during his stay in Florianópolis, Brazil, where the international environment allowed him to practice switching between languages with ease. He emphasizes the value of events like Couchsurfing meetups for practicing multiple languages and how they helped him develop the skill of smoothly transitioning between different languages in real-time conversations.

Benny also offers tips for language learners looking to enhance their polyglot abilities. He advises that while switching between languages can be challenging, it’s a skill best developed once you’ve reached a solid intermediate level in each language. Benny highlights the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone by attending international events and actively engaging with speakers of different languages, rather than sticking to the one you know best. He closes by encouraging listeners to share feedback about the podcast, as he continues to explore topics related to both language learning and travel.

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.

Travel Health Hacks: Avoiding and Managing Illness on the Road Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, host Benny Lewis dives into the challenges of staying healthy while traveling. Drawing from 21 years of travel experience, Benny shares his personal stories of getting sick on the road, from a severe illness in Egypt to dealing with the smoke from burning rainforests in Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for health issues that might arise during travel, offering practical tips such as staying informed about local conditions, getting necessary vaccines, and adjusting travel plans when necessary.

Benny also provides advice on preventative measures like maintaining a flexible travel schedule, securing travel insurance, and researching local doctors and pharmacies. He highlights the benefits of regular check-ups and vaccinations, noting his own routine of visiting health clinics in Thailand. While illness is sometimes unavoidable, Benny stresses that with good planning and proper care, you can minimize health risks and enjoy your travels to the fullest.

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.

Escaping Depression? Why Travel Isn't the Answer Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Benny Lewis shares a personal story about the misconception that travel can cure depression. Reflecting on his own struggles with divorce, clinical depression, and burnout in 2019, Benny explains how he attempted to heal by traveling, only to find that it made things worse. He emphasizes that travel is not a solution for depression and stresses the importance of seeking therapy and building healthy routines instead.

Benny also shares how, after working on his mental health, he was able to enjoy travel again, including a fulfilling climb up Kilimanjaro. He encourages listeners to focus on healing first, rather than using travel as an escape, so they can truly appreciate future adventures.

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.

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