In an era of overconsumption and discarded items piling up in landfills, some might argue that the last thing we all need is another vacation souvenir. Many of us know, at least on some level, that we have enough… stuff. That’s why a growing number of travelers are deciding to bring something much different back from their vacations — soft skills.
It’s called a “skillcation,” a vacation centered on learning something (and growing and having fun in the process). Knitting. Dance. Flower arranging. Archery. Dry stone walling. Cheese-making. As you can see, there’s a broad and enticing array of skills you can pick up on a skillcation. Think of it as the vacation gift that keeps on giving.
In this travel era, skills > souvenirs. (Photo Credit: Jose Llamas)
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling with more of a purpose, then a skillcation is for you. These trips are transformative — offering a fusion of hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and fun. This trend is redefining how we spend our precious time away from the grind.
Intrigued? Read on for some of the coolest skillcation opportunities in the world.
Cheese-Making in Switzerland
Class is in session at the Cheese Academy (seriously, that’s what it’s called). During this half-day workshop, participants are introduced to the age-old secrets of Swiss cheese-making. They learn about milk and enjoy tasting several cheese varieties. Then, under the guidance of an expert, they produce their very own cheese to take home.
As if you needed another reason to visit Switzerland. (Photo Credit: @perspectivenature)
Learn the secrets to Swiss cheese-making. (Photo Credit: Kseniia Zapiatkina)
You’ll find Cheese Academy in Wildhaus, Switzerland in the Toggenburg region of the country, but there are other classes in mountain wonderlands like Interlaken and at the beautiful Six Senses Crans-Montana Resort.
Flamenco Dancing in Seville, Spain
Flamenco dancing, with its stomps, twists, whirls, claps, and guitar strums, is a traditional Spanish dance from southern Spain’s Andalusia region. You could take an hour-long class, but why not go for it and book an intensive session (2 hours a day over 5 days) with Taller Flamenco to really hone the technique?
Dance in the streets of Spain. (Photo Credit: Matthew Waring)
This one is particularly special for the traveling duo looking to learn a skill together.
Where to stay: Kimpton Los Monteros in Marbella, Spain — spend the mornings on the coast in Marbella and the evenings dancing in Seville. Because why not?
Knit Your Way Across Iceland
As featured in The New York Times, this creative endeavor has travelers making their way across Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes while learning the art of knitting. There are few tangible travel souvenirs more rewarding than a hand-crafted piece of Icelandic heritage, and your scarf (or other knitted masterpiece) will be made out of yarn from the wool of Icelandic sheep.
Now is the time to cross “learn how to knit” off your bucket list. (Photo Credit: Paul Hanaoka)
Knit yourself a masterpiece amidst the beauty of Iceland. (Photo Credit: Robert Bye)
Famously, there are nearly as many sheep as people in Iceland. Tour guide and master knitting instructor Helene Magnusson leads the way across the country, teaching travelers to knit in iconic settings like glacier-side, overlooking rocky ocean cliffs, and under Iceland’s midnight sun — Northern Lights often included.
Sushi-Making in Tokyo
Master the authentic art of sushi-making with a class in Tokyo’s bustling Tsukiji district. Led by a master sushi chef, classes take place inside the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.
Both nigiri and maki (rolled sushi) techniques are taught, allowing you to forever appreciate the love and art that goes into every delicate roll.
Where to stay: Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
Eco-Tourism Guide Training in Costa Rica
This skillcation is an opportunity to dive deep into sustainability and environmental conservation, gaining hands-on knowledge while exploring one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. You’ll walk away with valuable skills and a deeper understanding of the natural world, which can be applied on future travels, or even locally — with friends, as a side-hustle, or even as a cool new business venture.
For the environmentally curious, head to Costa Rica. (Photo Credit: Selina Bubendorfer)
The beauty will astound you. (Photo Credit: Etienne Delorieux)
Broadreach offers a great course that challenges students to engage in sustainable living and traveling practices while learning how ecotourism businesses operate. Importantly, students also interact with people from local communities, learning about how tourism really impacts their lives.
Dry Stone Walling in Wales
The history of dry stone walls dates back thousands of years, with examples found in many parts of the world, especially in Northwestern Europe. Dry stone walls are built without cement or mortar and in addition to providing old-world attractiveness to landscapes and locales, they also serve as an example of economic and environmental sustainability.
Head back in time to learn traditional Welsh construction techniques. (Photo Credit: Jose Llamas)
Over a several-day course with Wernog Wood, learn the practice of dry stone walling in Wales, where walls that date back to the Neolithic Period (3000 BC) are still visible.
Ice Sculpting in Harbin, China
Harbin, Heilongjiang, China is known for its extravagant Ice and Snow Festival, which takes place yearly, always has a different theme, and is the biggest ice festival in the world. It’s no wonder, then, that ice sculpting experts in Harbin teach some fantastic, hands-on courses on the art of carving and chiseling a block of ice to form a desired shape. Talk about cool.
Want to learn how to sculpt an ice palace? Us too. (Photo Credit: Lin Zhaohai)
Because who hasn’t ever wondered what it would be like to be an actual ice queen in an actual ice castle?
Where to stay: Kimpton Qiantan — fly into Shanghai to start your journey in China.
Mindfulness & Meditation in India
As you dive into the transformative practices that have shaped Indian culture for centuries, you’ll find yourself not only relaxing but also learning techniques to handle life’s stresses down the road. What’s that? A gift your future self will be thankful for.
This kind of experience transcends the usual “holiday” feel — it’s a chance to grow emotionally and spiritually. Tushita is a Tibetan Buddhist meditation center in northern India that offers 10 day Introduction to Buddhism courses and even a popular annual meditation course called “Make Your Mind an Ocean.”
Woodworking in Vermont
The Vermont Woodworking School in picturesque Fairfax, Vermont is a favorite among aspiring woodworkers. They host an Intro to Furniture Making workshop that teaches students the basics, allowing them to take home their own hall table!
Woodworking is a highly undervalued skill. (Photo Credit: Bailey Alexander)
Build yourself a table amidst the beauty of Vermont. (Photo Credit: Tom Dils)
Students spend four days in their historic barn, learning how to transform rough lumber into classic American furniture built to last lifetimes. And you get to hang out in beautiful Vermont for a week — sounds both relaxing and productive.
Where to stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel — start your journey in idyllic Manchester, then drive 2.5 hours to Fairfax, near the Canadian border. We guarantee it will be one of the most beautiful drives of your life.
Wildlife Photography in Kenya
Talk about an unforgettable place to learn photography skills. A safari in Kenya offers the chance to learn from professional photographers while capture stunning wildlife shots of your own to treasure. Tour company Wild Eye offers a six-night, all-inclusive photographic safari in the breathtaking Mara Triangle Conservancy.
Whether you have some photography experience or are a passionate traveler looking to learn a new skill, you’ll bring home photo proof of your African adventure — and of your newly-acquired talent.
Learn the art of photography in Africa. (Photo Credit: Alexia Ellesse)
We guarantee it will be a trip — and a skill — that you’ll never forget. (Photo Credit: Sutirta Budiman)
A new skill may be the travel souvenir that you need this year. And the completely transformative experience away from home? That may be the personal growth experience we all need. Which skillcation would you like to book most?
