Where You Can Pick up a New Skill on Your Next Holiday

Holidays are no longer just about sightseeing or lounging on the beach. Increasingly, travellers want to return with a new skill. Research shows that almost half of British tourists would choose a trip specifically to learn something new. From cooking and crafting to sports and photography, the world offers endless opportunities to pick up fresh abilities while exploring new places.

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Here are seven inspiring ways to turn your next break into a “learncation”:

Where to pick up a new skill on your holidays

Shake cocktails in Barbados

Head to Bridgetown and learn how to craft the perfect rum cocktail. Mount Gay Rum offers hands-on classes where you shake, stir, and taste under expert guidance. These sessions are lively and packed with practical tips you can take home.

The classes also introduce you to local culture and tropical flavours. You won’t just make drinks, you’ll understand Barbados’ heritage. This combination of fun and learning makes it a memorable experience.

Cook Creole food in Mauritius

Join a local family in Gaube and discover the secrets of Mauritian cooking. You’ll chop, sauté, and spice your way through authentic Creole dishes. Every step of the process teaches techniques that are easy to replicate at home.

Cooking with locals also reveals island traditions and flavours you can’t find in guidebooks. By the end, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and a deeper connection to Mauritian culture.

Forge knives in Tuscany

Travel to Scarperia and learn traditional knife-making from master cutlers. You’ll hammer, shape, and polish blades in a hands-on workshop. It’s a unique craft experience set in a town steeped in history.

The sessions also explore the history and artistry behind each piece. You leave with both a skill and a story, and maybe even a handmade keepsake to remember the trip.

Capture moments in Penang

Explore George Town with a professional photographer. You’ll learn to frame shots, play with light, and edit images on the go. Street art, heritage buildings, and bustling markets provide endless subjects.

Through guided sessions, you also gain insights into composition and storytelling. This practical approach helps you return home with better photography skills and a camera full of memories.

Train in Muay Thai in Bangkok

Step into a Muay Thai gym and learn the “art of eight limbs”. Experienced trainers teach you punches, kicks, and defensive moves. Classes are energetic, physical, and culturally rich.

Beyond technique, you also experience Thai discipline and mindset. The immersive approach makes learning dynamic and keeps you active during your holiday.

Navigate the outdoors in Costa Rica

Join Outward Bound programmes and tackle kayaking, hiking, and wilderness navigation. The courses build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. They also immerse you in Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes.

You’ll face challenges and solve problems in real time. The combination of adventure and learning creates memories that last far beyond the trip.

Learn Italian in Sorrento

Base yourself in Sorrento and combine language lessons with everyday Italian life. Many programmes blend morning classes with hands-on activities such as cooking regional dishes or visiting local markets, so you practise speaking in real situations.

Regular interaction with locals helps new words stick faster. You don’t just learn the language, you also gain cultural confidence, something a classroom alone cannot provide.

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Make Your Holiday a Learning Adventure

Skill-based holidays are growing because travellers crave experiences with value. Whether cooking, crafting, or exploring, the world offers opportunities to engage, challenge yourself, and grow. Next time you travel, ask: What can I learn? Choose a holiday that expands your skills, enriches your mind, and leaves you with more than just photos.