Try Something New with a Learning Vacation

What is a "Learning Vacation"?

No, it's not summer school!

A learning vacation is an opportunity to learn something new (something fun!), broaden your horizons, and do something really different. A week at the beach is relaxing, but sometimes you just want to do something new, something you've never tried before.

You want to see what you're really capable of - and you'd be surprised at what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it!

These are unusual vacations, out-of-the-ordinary experiences - experiences that last a lifetime. And they are one of our best vacation ideas, for a solo trip, a mother daughter vacation, or a getaway with your sisters or girlfriends.

Push yourself beyond your self-imposed limitations - learn to surf! Paint a landscape! Join an archaeological dig! Travel to a foreign land and learn to speak with the locals! Or just take the time to enjoy a hobby that you never have time for. Try something you've always been just a little bit scared of...

Amaze yourself!

An educational vacation doesn't have to be difficult, and it's certainly not boring. There are educational travel tours that cover a number of interests - want to join an archaeological dig? Or study art in Europe? You can do it!

Have you always wanted to learn to speak Spanish? Why not do it in Spain? You can immerse yourself in the culture on a language learning vacation, and learn faster than simply taking a course at your local community college. And you can visit Barcelona or Madrid while you do it!

A learning vacation could also be called a special interest vacation. What are your special interests? A hobby you'd like to practice? A culture you'd like to visit? An activity you'd like to learn?

There are hundreds of ways you can enrich your vacation experience with educational travel.

- You can learn to paint or to write in an art workshop.

- You can immerse yourself in another culture while you learn a new language.

- You can learn to surf in California, Costa Rica, or Hawaii.

- You can indulge your favorite hobby in a scrapbooking, sewing, beading or other craft retreat - or take a tour to buy Japanese textiles!

- You can join an Archaeology Dig and learn more about ancient cultures.

Most of the workshops and retreats listed here are for a full week or more. Some combine activities - language and cooking, for example. Some are for women only, but most are open to all.

Educational travel is not boring - and any vacation can be an opportunity to learn something new! Check out Food and Wine Vacations for cooking classes and tours, or River Cruises for history and culture of Europe, China, or Egypt.

Other Sites Suggested by Readers

We love reader suggestions! (You can click on the "suggest a site" button to the left, or "advertising", if you have an activity you think our readers would like).

Here are some of the sites others have suggested:

• MexicaChica Getaways

• Exclusive Private Island Spiritual Retreat

Where Would You Like to Go Next?

For more vacation ideas :

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