Taking a trip that allows you to learn about the place, its culture, the cuisine and the language spoken can bring you one of the most authentic travel experiences. It’s possible to choose almost any location and find a program, class or tour that’s enriching, fun and educational. If you already know a language or have started learning one, try a culinary class in the language of the destination where you’ll also learn how to prepare local dishes. You can also take a guided tour that caters to your level of proficiency or just brush up on your skills by engaging in a conversation with a local while sightseeing. How about taking a week and volunteering? Try teaching English to children or young professionals while working on a project that allows you to be directly involved with a community.
Globe Aware, a voluntourism group, runs a weekly vacation in Machu Picchu, letting you experience the culture of Cuzco, the history of the Incan civilization and volunteer; various options include helping in a home for rural children or painting classrooms. What could be more rewarding than traveling to a new place and leaving a positive impact that helps the local community? This program also offers full day excursions so it’s easy to find the perfect balance of travel, fun and adventure during your visit. Globe Aware runs programs in every destination that you could dream of, just search their site to find a unique program that fits your style. www.globeaware.org
Holistic living centers, such as Tribodar in Nisa, Portugal, offer a chance to reconnect with nature, to share knowledge and experiences with other guests and to live in a sustainable community. Their learning sessions include natural building, permaculture gardening, meditation, yoga, talking circles, improvisational music and dance. Other options for the eco-conscious traveler include biodiversity and human development on the Sainte Luce Reserve in Madagascar. Voluntourism pairs nicely with adventure trips especially in Africa and South America where the natural beauty and wildlife can be part of the service work. Go Voluntourism is a helpful site where you’ll find programs based on location or desired type of work, some of which have flexible length options. www.govoluntourism.com
And let’s not forget food, an essential part of life and one of my favorite parts of traveling that has taken on new relevance through the emergence of culinary tourism. Learn to cook authentic Italian cuisine while spending a week in a villa in southern Italy or how to prepare a traditional French meal while staying in Burgundy or Paris. If you’re feeling like you’ve been there and done that with European cuisine, get away to Morocco where the cuisine is a fusion of African and Middle Eastern flavors or stay closer to home and head to The Essex in Vermont. A weekend retreat at this resort and spa features a Cooking Academy, so you can pamper yourself, relax and learn how to prepare a new dish to impress your guests. At The Essex, week long sessions include gardening and farm visits. www.vtculinaryresort.com www.lavillacucina.com www.theinternationalkitchen.com
And really, what better way to feel the culture and heartbeat of a place than through its language? Ordering a coffee, asking directions or to have someone take your photo are great ways to practice a language and interact with locals. It doesn’t matter how proficient you are, you can find a program to fit your level. French Up! is offering a winter special – a one week exploration of the Côte d’Azur including daily breakfast, a guided walking tour of Nice and professional French classes for a steal – only 150€! Imagine yourself sipping a café au lait on the Mediterranean that you ordered yourself. www.gobroad.com , www.languagesinaction.com , www.crossculturalsolutions.org , www.villahostels.com/Special-Offers-en
With almost endless choices, an educational vacation is waiting to be taken, so go and enjoy an enriching learning experience while seeing a new place or experiencing an old favorite in a new light. When you return, you’ll be able to show off your new talents!