You tend to have more time on your hands on holiday, so it’s the ideal time to learn something new. I learnt to ski while on a trip to Austria and have even completed a cooking course while on a break to Italy. Next on my list is a learn to dive holiday, and I’d love to photograph the Northern Lights in Norway or Finland.
A learning holiday is not as intensive as you might think. It’s actually a fun, immersive and relaxing experience with like-minded people. It’s great when everyone is keen to try something new together.
So, what’s on offer?
Learn a new language (or brush up on your skills)
There’s no better way to learn a language than to be fully immersed in the culture. Speaking Spanish away from the English speaking Costas, or learning Italian on the Amalfi Coast is far more authentic than listening to lessons on a phone or laptop.
For something a little different, kill two birds with one stone and learn a language alongside another activity. Become fluent in Spanish while walking the Camino de Santiago (the pilgrim trail across Northern Spain) or while trekking the Inca Trail in Peru!
Learn to dance holidays
What better way to learn the art of a particular style of dance than to head to the country or region it belongs to. Learning to dance the Tango in Argentina is on my wish list. Dancing the Salsa in Cuba, the Samba in Brazil or the Waltz in Vienna are all real and exciting possibilities. Next stop, Strictly Come Dancing!
Learn to cook holidays
Thai food always tastes better in Thailand, and Italian cuisine is even more delicious in Italy. The ingredients are local, fresh, and bursting with flavour. The Tiramisu that I made in Tuscany was the best I have ever tasted! Far better than if I’d attempted it in my kitchen at home.
Most cooking holidays include visits to local markets and producers, as well as time in the kitchen. Whether it’s Indian cooking in Kerala, or Italian cooking in Tuscany or Naples it’s a great way to immerse yourself in another culture and learn to cook traditional dishes the traditional way.
Learn photography
Why not grab your camera and set off on a photography holiday? Also known as photo tours – they’re very popular and cover anything from the beginners basics to more advanced techniques with expert tutors.
Popular photography holidays include trips to capture the mesmerising Northern Lights in Norway, or the breathtaking wildlife on safari in Botswana.
Learn to dive holidays
Going on a holiday while learning to scuba dive ticks so many boxes. It’s great fun and you get to learn something new, all while taking in the breathtaking marine life beneath the waves.
There’s so much choice when it comes to choosing a diving holiday. And with most learn to dive holidays, you’ll even come away with an internationally recognised qualification!
Some of the course may be classroom based, but many companies let you complete this part before you set off on your holiday. This means more time for the fun, practical part of the course and the chance to get a few more dives in!
Unique skills to learn on holiday
For something a little more unusual, why not learn archery in Mongolia, bushcraft and wilderness survival skills in Botswana or try your hand at learning the guitar in Italy? The choices are endless.
Travel insurance for sports and activities
Before you travel, it’s important to check that your travel insurance covers your chosen activity. If you’re travelling with any specialist equipment, you’ll need to check that it’ll be covered against loss, damage or theft on your travels.
