Traveling abroad and looking to learn a new language before your trip? Check out these apps and websites making learning a language or even some key phrases a breeze.
Duolingo
This free website uses drills with a mix of reading, writing, listening and speaking to learn a new language. Points are awarded for lessons completed, with bonuses for doing well. Download the app for free and choose to receive daily reminders to study. Duolingo currently offers Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Irish, Danish, Swedish and Turkish.
busuu
Join more than 40 million users on busuu. This service’s offerings range from beginner to advanced language comprehension lessons. The award-winning app offers lessons in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese and Polish.
byki
byki is a downloadable flashcard interface. Learn new words and phrases in more than 70 languages including Icelandic, Finnish, Tagalog, Armenian and Swahili. The express version is free to download or purchase the deluxe version for $69.95 and gain access to extra features including advanced pronunciation practice and language games.
Livemocha
Register for this free service and gain access to online language lessons and connect to native speakers. Millions of people in more than 190 countries are a part of the Livemocha community. Members assist each other through commenting on practice exercises and engaging in conversations via text or video chat. Thirty-five languages including Mandarin, Polish, Hebrew, Japanese, Arabic and Urdu are currently available.
Foreign Services Institute
The Foreign Services Institute features extensive audio and text courses designed by linguists for the U.S. government. The free lessons are organized around grammar and repetition. The website is a great resource for lesser-studied languages including Igbo, Serbo-Croatian, Sinhala, Shona and Lao.
Read This Next
Brush Up on a New Language
Top Trends
Oct 8, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 9, 2026Changes Coming to Washington Dulles International Airport
If you keep your eye on the D.C. headlines, you’re probably aware there are some changes coming to Washington Dulles International Airport. So, what can you expect?
Sponsored Content
A New Rhythm of Work in Seoul
SEOUL REDEFINES THE FUTURE OF WORKATION by seamlessly integrating business, leisure and culture across the city. From the established MICE hub of Magok to the creative energy and scenic lifestyle along the Han River, it offers a dynamic ecosystem where productivity and relaxation naturally coexist — positioning Seoul as a global destination for a new way of working and living.
Destinations / North America
Sep 8, 2026Visit Ontario’s First B Corp Certified Winery
If you’re a fan of both wineries and sustainability, you’re likely keeping an eye on how your favorite vineyards put eco-friendly measures at the forefront of their operations — and now, if you live in the general vicinity of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, (or are planning a nearby trip soon) you’ll have an excellent excuse to visit Stratus Vineyards.
Slideshow
Sep 8, 20268 Must-Visit Libraries Around the World
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are eight must-visit libraries around the world.
Sponsored Content
The Province That Surrounds Seoul — And Outshines It
Skip the Seoul Crowds. The Real Korea is in Gyeonggi.
North America
Sep 8, 2026New Upscale Italian Restaurant and Bar Opens in NYC’s West Village
Last month, New York City’s West Village welcomed a new restaurant and bar with some seriously promising dishes and drinks. Floradora is the newest concept from Cody Pruitt and Jacob Cohen, the team also behind Libertine, Chateau Royale and Capitaine.
ShareThis