Language & Travel Hacking

Fluent in 3 Months
  • 4.8 (73)
  • Language Learning
  • Updated Biweekly

International best-selling author and nomadic polyglot Benny Lewis shares his real experiences and advice while on-the-road about travel and language learning. Learn more at: https://www.fluentin3months.com/podcast/

  1. 1d ago

    Everyone in the Room Thinks They're the Worst

    In this episode, I reflect on conversations at a language exchange event in Guadalajara, where I met learners who were communicating successfully in their target languages but still apologised for their mistakes. One German learner in particular reminded me how often we judge our own abilities far more harshly than others do. I discuss why self-doubt, not mistakes, is usually the biggest barrier to speaking a language. Drawing on my own experience of struggling for words at times, I explain why effective communication matters more than perfection and encourage learners to trust the people who are happily talking with them rather than their inner critic. If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels: Follow my Spanish InstagramInstagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    7 min

  2. Jun 1

    The Instant Community a Language Hands You

    In this episode, I share how learning a language can instantly connect you with people wherever you travel. While staying in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, a simple breakfast at a small local café turned into meaningful friendships and conversations that would never have happened without Spanish. I also explain why language is about much more than practical travel skills. Even a basic attempt to speak the local language can open doors, create genuine connections, and transform a trip from sightseeing into a memorable human experience. The places may be beautiful, but it's the people you meet that stay with you for life. If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels: Follow my Spanish InstagramInstagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    7 min

  3. May 25

    Mexico or Spain Spanish? You're Asking the Wrong Question!

    In this episode, I explain why worrying about learning the “right” dialect is one of the least important problems for language learners. Whether it’s Mexican Spanish, Castilian Spanish, or another regional variation, I argue that beginners should focus far more on building confidence, learning the basics, and actually speaking to people. Drawing on my own experiences with English accents and Spanish dialects, I show how native speakers naturally adapt to different variations without communication breaking down. I also share stories from my recent travels around Mexico, where I encountered several local sub-dialects simply through conversation and exposure. I explain why dialect differences become more relevant only at an advanced level, and why spending months researching the “perfect” version of a language is often just procrastination in disguise. If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels: Follow my Spanish InstagramInstagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    10 min

  4. May 19

    The conversation you're having with ChatGPT doesn't count!

    In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share a discussion from my language Bootcamp about using AI for language learning while travelling through Mexico. I praise creative uses of AI, such as generating personalised listening exercises and practising vocabulary, but explain why AI chatbots should not replace real conversations with people. While chatbots make speaking feel easy and pressure-free, they remove the awkwardness, speed, and unpredictability that make genuine communication challenging and rewarding. I also explain why real fluency comes from speaking with humans, not machines. AI can be a useful warm-up tool, and I personally use tools like Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini in my own learning, but true progress happens when you deal with real social pressure, cultural nuance, and natural conversation. Ultimately, language learning is about connecting with people, not perfecting conversations with a chatbot. If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels: Follow my Spanish InstagramInstagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    12 min

  5. May 15

    I forgot I was speaking Spanish

    In this episode, I share a moment I had during a dinner in Monterrey where I suddenly realised I’d stopped consciously thinking about speaking Spanish. Instead of translating or checking my words, I was simply part of the conversation, joking, listening, and reacting naturally. It reminded me that true fluency isn’t about perfection, but about the language becoming an effortless part of you. I also reflect on the difficult stages of language learning, drawing from my recent struggles with Mandarin and Malay. Even when speaking feels exhausting and unnatural, those moments are part of the journey. If you keep going long enough, one day you may suddenly realise you’ve forgotten you’re even speaking your target language at all. If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels: Follow my Spanish InstagramInstagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    7 min

  6. Apr 29

    The Mexican States project

    In this episode, I talk about my next big travel project as I prepare to head to Mexico for over two months. After recent language missions in Malaysia and Taiwan, I am now focusing on deep travel using Spanish, one of my strongest languages. Rather than chasing new countries, I am continuing my goal of exploring places more thoroughly, aiming to visit around 20 Mexican states by travelling from the north downwards. I also reflect on why meaningful, in-depth travel matters, especially when working remotely. I plan to stay mindful of safety while exploring lesser-known regions and improving my Mexican Spanish through real conversations with locals. Although the World Cup will be happening during my trip, I intend to enjoy the atmosphere without the chaos, and I will be sharing updates through my podcast and Spanish-language social media accounts. If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels: Follow my Spanish Instagram Instagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    8 min

  7. Apr 20

    Major cities vs deeper travels

    In this episode, I explore whether it is better to stay in major cities or travel more deeply into lesser-visited places. From my recent time in Taiwan, I reflect on how cities like Taipei make life easier, especially when I do not speak the language fluently, and offer plenty of social events and opportunities to meet people. By contrast, smaller towns can feel more isolating and require much more effort to connect with others. At the same time, I explain why I increasingly favour travelling beyond the capital. It is far more affordable, and it pushes me to use the local language and engage more deeply with the culture. While both approaches have their advantages, I find the best balance is to split my time between big cities and smaller places to get the most out of my travels. If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:Instagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    9 min

  8. Apr 6

    Update and my daily routine during my Chinese project

    In this episode, I give an update on my Mandarin progress after spending a month in Taiwan. I explain how I quickly regained enough confidence to handle everyday conversations, although my first social speaking attempt was difficult. After adjusting the situation and speaking with the right people, I began having full evenings of conversation in Mandarin and even made new friends through the language, including at Asia Glot. With upcoming travel to Kaohsiung, I now feel much more ready to rely on Mandarin beyond Taipei. I also describe the routine that has helped me improve: two hours each morning studying grammar in a café, several weekly Zoom lessons with a teacher, frequent social events for real life speaking practice, and daily vocabulary review using Anki. These habits have helped me return to my previous level and made travelling through Taiwan feel far more rewarding.  If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat. And don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here! Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:Instagram: @irishpolyglotThread: @irishpolyglotTikTok: @irishpolyglot

    8 min
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4.8
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

International best-selling author and nomadic polyglot Benny Lewis shares his real experiences and advice while on-the-road about travel and language learning. Learn more at: https://www.fluentin3months.com/podcast/

Information

  • Creator
    Fluent in 3 Months
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fluent in 3 Month Inc.
  • Show Website
    Language & Travel Hacking

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