It’s been really difficult to keep calm and sit still as dates have started flying around for ‘the new normal’ and travel to resume. While international borders still aren’t open, we’re not wasting time on progressing our travels from dreams into plans. This extra time at home has resulted in an abundance of travel itineraries created, so in order to help us get that little bit closer to our dream holiday and prepared for interactions with locals, we’ve undertaken learning the language/s spoken at our next adventure destination! These are the best apps* we’ve found for helping us to learn a new language.
Babbel
Cost: First lesson of every course is free, then there are different subscription offers available.
Teaching you a new language in small, bite-sized lessons (10 – 15 minutes each), learning a language with Babbel is easy to fit into any busy schedule. Using the ‘spaced repetition’ method, you can expect to gain skills in reading, writing, grammar and speaking in likely scenarios.
DuoLingo
Cost: Free, however can pay for Duolingo Plus (ads free) for $10 a month
Duolingo pride themselves on being the fun language learning platform. If you love to play games, you’ll enjoy learning with this app, as they’ve gamified how we learn. Putting emphasis on consistency, gamers/learners can accomplish daily streaks, earn points, gain virtual currency and compete with others on a global leaderboard.
Memrise
Cost: First level of every course is free, then subscriptions start at $8.99 a month
If you tend to be more of a visual learner, Memrise is the language learning app for you! Utilising a memory technique for a customised learning experience, Memrise also features videos of native speakers in their hometowns, so you can get a feel for accents and culture.
Busuu
Cost: Learn one language for free, or unlock all languages on a plans that start at $6 a month
If you need accountability and structure to learn best, Busuu has you covered! When you first sign up with Busuu, you select the language you’d like to learn and then fill in a small test that determines how advanced you are and why you want to learn the language. From there, you set a study goal and the app will create a study plan. Boasting the equivalent of a university session’s worth of language study, you’ll be speaking to a good standard in your new language in no time!
Drops
Cost: Free, however there is a Premium plan available for $10 a month
If your priority is honing in your vocab, Drops is here to help! The app consists of 5-minute word games that follow patterns to help with memorising. One of our favourite features on Drops is the free ‘Travel Talk’ program, where you’re taught phrases you’d likely use while traveling, such as ‘can I pay with credit card?’.
Rosetta Stone
Cost: Free 3-day trials are available, then plans start from $6 a month
Founded in the early 90’s Rosetta Stone is quite possibly the most well known and original language-learning software. With a variety of lessons available, some of the most innovative include a speech recognition program to help you finetune your pronunciation, and the immersion program, where you are introduced to a new language without the help of your own.
Are you working on turning your travel dreams into plans? Reignite your travel passions and check out our blog post ‘The Best Wanderlust-Inducing Travel Podcasts’ to help you start planning!
