Travel, no matter where you go, is always rewarding. But, this year, why not enhance the experience even further by taking the time to learn something new on your next trip. If you’re looking for something a little different and picking up a new skill piques your interest, here are 10 places to consider for your next vacation.
Learn Batik in Bali, Indonesia
There are many reasons to visit beautiful Bali, but one reason you may not have thought of is to learn the traditional art of Batik. The craft involves decorating fabric using wax and dye. The wax is brushed onto various parts of the fabric in patterns and the dye resists the waxed-over areas creating a beautiful design. Some of the best Batik in the world is produced in Indonesia, so there are many opportunities to learn the ancient art while you’re visiting. Nirvana Batik Course is a popular choice and workshops range from one to five days. You’ll learn about the history of Batik, the tools and materials required and how to dye fabric in the correct way, leaving you with the final product to take home.
Learn to make pasta in Rome, Italy
Italy is known for a lot of things, from its art to its history, but it’s also known for its food. In particular, Italy is likely the first place that comes to mind when you think about pasta. In addition to taking in Rome’s biggest attractions like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Basilica, make time for a little pasta making. Walks of Italy does a one-day pasta making class that has participants learning to make pasta from scratch with a local chef while enjoying a glass of wine or prosecco and learning about different Roman cheeses. The workshop concludes with a meal of the pasta you created, dessert and a digestif.
Learn to make chocolate in Brussels, Belgium
Belgium is a paradise for chocolate lovers. More than 172,000 tons of chocolate is produced in the country every year, and there are more than 2,000 chocolate shops in Belgium. Not only can you satisfy your chocolate cravings all over the country, you can also learn to make the stuff yourself. Pay a visit to Planete Chocolat to get an education on all things chocolatey. You’ll learn and participate in all of the steps involved in making chocolate, from tempering to the final removal from moulds. At the end of the class, you get to leave with bag of goodies you helped create.
Learn to speak Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala
If you want to fully immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking culture, consider a trip to Guatemala. Commit to staying a few weeks to really soak up as much Spanish as you can, and consider taking a class while you’re there. Check out Antigüeña Spanish Academy, which has been in operation since 1985, or Ixchel Spanish School. When you’re not studying, Antigua is a beautiful city to explore, with a backdrop of volcanoes to see, cobbled streets to explore, cafes and shops to linger in and locals to hang out with in the town square.
Learn to scuba dive in Belize
Thanks to Belize having the longest unbroken barrier reef in the western hemisphere and 298 kilometres of coastline, it is an ideal destination for aspiring scuba divers. Learn the ropes with Ambergris Divers and achieve various levels of certification, based on how much time you have and what you’re looking to get out of your diving experience. When you’re not diving, explore Mayan ruins and waterfalls in this gorgeous, diverse location.
Learn to surf in Oahu, Hawaii, United States
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, get yourself to Oahu and head straight for Waikiki Beach, one of the premiere spots for surfing on the island. Hawaii is known as the birthplace of modern surfing, after all, so there’s no better place to learn. Waikiki Beach Services offer lessons for all skill levels throughout the day.
Learn yoga in Costa Rica
Whether you’re new to the practice, need a refresher or just want to learn some new poses, embarking on a yoga retreat as part of your travels can be a rewarding experience. Costa Rica’s beaches, tropical climate, volcanoes and jungle are a huge draw and adding yoga to that will just enhance your vacation. A couple options to look into include Blue Spirit Costa Rica and Anamaya Resort.
Learn to make Thai food in Chiang Mai, Thailand
What’s better than ordering up some pad Thai and spring rolls from the takeout place around the corner? Knowing how to make your favourite Thai dishes at home. Head to the north of Thailand to hang out in laid-back Chiang Mai. Experience the popular night market, visit the city’s many temples, explore caves and waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, then take a cooking class, of which there are many options. One that gets great reviews is Thai Farm Cooking School. A day of cooking also includes a visit to a local market before arriving at the organic farm where you’ll prepare – and then enjoy – six traditional Thai dishes.
Learn to sail in the Grenadines
The Grenadines are a chain of 32 islands in the Caribbean and make for an idyllic learn-to-sail locale. Barefoot Offshore Sailing School offers a popular one week beginner sailing course called the Basic Learn-N-Cruise wherein you live aboard the boat, learning the basics of sailing and getting a taste of the gorgeous Grenadines.
Learn to tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina
If there’s anywhere to learn the tango it’s in Buenos Aires, where it’s danced all over the city. Learn the basics before you join in on the dance party with a few lessons. La Virtua Tango offers classes for all levels. Their motto is “you come in walking, you leave dancing,” so you should have a good chance of mastering a few moves. You can contact the school for a private lesson, but for group lessons, you can just show up at the scheduled time, with or without a partner.
Featured image: istock.com/PhotoTalk
