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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 -
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: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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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 -
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/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: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
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/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: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
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 -
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.
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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/chatAlso, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.
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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.
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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.
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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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In this episode, Benny shares two stories of his experiences trying to extend his stay in Brazil, one in 2006 and the other more recently. The first time, things didn’t go so well. Benny, still new to traveling, didn’t do his research and approached the process with a lot of impatience and arrogance. After waiting in line for hours without eating, he ended up being rude to the federal officer handling his request. She, in turn, denied his extension, and after some unfortunate comments made in frustration, Benny was briefly detained.
Fast forward 18 years, and Benny’s approach is completely different. This time, he came prepared, patient, and respectful, with no high expectations. Even though there were still some complications, like needing to use WhatsApp to get forms, Benny stayed calm and polite. His efforts paid off, and he was able to extend his stay for three more months, allowing him to continue exploring Brazil. His story highlights how much difference patience and preparation can make when dealing with tricky travel situations.
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.
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In this episode, Benny explores how knowing area codes can enhance travel experiences and even improve social interactions. When traveling, recognizing phone numbers based on area codes, particularly on apps like WhatsApp, helps you identify where people are from, making conversations flow more naturally. Benny also shares a personal hack for avoiding spam calls in the U.S. by getting a phone number from an unfamiliar location.
Benny highlights the logical patterns of area codes in countries like Brazil, where codes spiral outward from populous areas, and contrasts this with more complex systems like the U.S. He emphasizes how this seemingly small detail can be both practical and a fun way to engage with local cultures during 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.
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Benny dives into how travel has changed over his 21 years as a digital nomad. Reflecting on his early travels in the 2000s, Benny shares how meeting people and finding affordable accommodation used to be easier, with tools like Orkut and Couchsurfing at their prime, and the days of finding hidden gems through newspaper ads. Today, platforms like Airbnb have driven up prices, and connecting with others on the road has become more challenging.
Despite the changes, Benny remains optimistic, encouraging listeners to venture off the beaten path to rediscover the authenticity of travel. This episode is full of personal stories and practical insights from someone who has seen the world evolve. Tune in to hear how Benny balances the highs and lows of modern 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.
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In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny shares updates from his latest travel adventures. After completing a bus journey across South America, he's now traveling down the Amazon River and visiting all 26 Brazilian states, with only six left to go.
Benny talks about his experience on the Amazon, from navigating the triple border of Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, to spending three days on a boat where he enjoyed stunning views and practiced Italian with fellow travelers. He also discusses the challenges of booking last-minute travel in Brazil and his love for being back in his favorite country.
Additionally, Benny announces he's opening up his calendar for one-on-one consultations, offering language learning coaching, travel advice, and insights into the nomadic lifestyle at a discounted rate. You can take advantage of this by going to languagehacking.com/chat
Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].
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In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, host Benny shares his travel plans and projects for the year, all centered around South America. He discusses three major travel projects: visiting all Brazilian states, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean entirely by bus, and navigating the entire Amazon River by boat.
Benny explains his motivations for these journeys, emphasizing his desire to explore new places with minimal carbon footprint. Benny also mentions the linguistic challenges he faces, including adapting to different dialects of Portuguese and Spanish along the way. Despite the rough conditions of some of his travels, he expresses excitement for the adventure ahead.
Click here to check out Teacher AI as mentioned in this episode.
Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].
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In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny explores the game-changing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into language learning. Breaking away from his previous skepticism, Benny unveils a cutting-edge tool where users can engage with an AI teacher for unlimited language practice at a fraction of the cost of traditional lessons.
Highlighting benefits such as affordability and personalized learning, Benny invites listeners to join the exciting journey into the future of language acquisition. Don't miss out on this transformative opportunity—tune in now and revolutionize your language learning experience!
Click here to check out Teacher AI as mentioned in this episode.
Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].
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In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in language learning. He acknowledges the potential of AI to revolutionize language education, including the possibility of replacing human teachers with AI-powered systems. However, Benny expresses skepticism about the current effectiveness of such systems, citing limitations in conversation depth and the tendency for some to exaggerate their AI capabilities.
Despite recognizing the benefits of AI for providing affordable and comfortable speaking practice, Benny emphasizes the importance of human interaction in developing authentic communication skills. He warns against over-reliance on AI, which may hinder the development of interpersonal skills crucial for real-world conversations. Benny plans to explore both the advantages and drawbacks of AI in future episodes and invites listeners to join the conversation and share their experiences with language learning.
Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected]. -
Benny Lewis discusses strategies to avoid standing out as an obvious foreigner when speaking a new language, drawing from his experiences in Brazil. Academic choices of written words, like or simply saying things that are just illogical, can make you stand out more.
Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected]. -
Benny shares his insights on how to engage in conversations as a beginner or intermediate language learner. He emphasizes the importance of having interesting things to say, such as sharing personal skills, stories, or tricks, to keep the other person engaged and patient.
Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected]. - Visa fler
