Language Learning

For Respectful Travellers

The only way to truly understand the places you visit is to connect with the local people who live there.

The fastest way to the heart's of the locals? Learning to speak a few words of their  language.

Here's what language learning at Smart Effective Learning is all about...


Conversation is a two-way street. You have to learn to understand what you hear if you're going to communicate with the local people you meet. At Smart Effective Learning, you'll ditch the phrasebook and learn to listen as well as speak, so you can keep up in a real, two-way conversation.


No matter when you want to learn, few activities are more effective than reading. And learning a language is no different! Reading is one of the fastest ways to build your vocabulary and internalise the grammar of your new language.


All the words in the world are no good unless you use them! At Smart Effective Learning you'll focus on the words and phrases you need to communicate with people in their language when you travel, so you uncover the hidden gems most tourists never see.

Language Learning Tips

Discover language learning strategies that work. These articles feature my best tips from my experience of learning 5 foreign languages successfully.

Learning French

French is a language that opens doors for you all over the world. Whether you're travelling to France, Canada or even parts of Africa, learning some French will prove invaluable.

Learning Spanish

Want to learn some Spanish ahead of your next trip to Spain or Latin America? It's easier than you might think. Discover everything you need to know to get started here!

Overcome Procrastination

The hardest part is often just getting started. These articles will show you how to overcome your procrastination and get started learning a new language for your next trip.

The Anti-Tourist Club

The Anti-Tourist Club is a training and support centre I have created for curious adventurers who want to do travel differently.

It is where people like you and I come together with a common mission:


Your membership in the The Anti-Tourist Club is your ticket to an ever-growing support network of like minded people who want to explore the world through learning.

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Learn The Local Language & Make Meaningful Connections With Real People

Few things are as impactful as speaking a few words to a person in their own language.

Especially when they don't expect it!

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Nelson Mandela


When you speak to people in their language you create a bond with them.

Because you show you're willing to make an effort and you're not just looking for them to provide a service to you.

It is a way of telling people you respect them and their culture.

And it makes you stand out a mile from the usual "annoying tourists" who only ever speak English.

The result is that you're able to connect deeply with local people when you travel and unlock the kinds of incredible experiences that most tourists never have... the hidden gems and the insider tips.

You also learn to better understand the people and places you visit.

Because a person's language is a part of who they are. You can't understand one without the other.

3 insider travel secrets video series

Get the FREE Anti-Tourist Travel Secrets video series

Sign up below to receive my FREE 3 part video series that teaches you 3 Anti-Tourist secrets to make your next trip more meaningful.

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MY TRavel Coverage during the coronavirus

Even though travel is on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, I want continue to inform and inspire visitors to this site who want to learn about the world as much as they want to travel there. I believe that now is the perfect time to prepare for the incredible adventures we'll have when this is all over. So join me in using this time to learn more about the places you plan to visit when we can travel again.