Special interest holidays give travelers the chance to enjoy a destination while learning a new skill or improving techniques as part of an ongoing learning journey. It’s an opportunity to do something different and come away with a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Here are our suggestions for five classes to take when you travel.
Improve Your Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala
As a traveler, you can get so much more out of a destination if you have the ability to communicate with those who live there. Immersive education can be an effective way to learn a new language, so why not sign up for a stint at a language school for all or part of your trip? Guatemala’s characterful former capital is home to a number of language schools. One of them is the long-established Spanish School Antigüeña, which has been in business since 1985. One-to-one tuition ensures individualized attention enabling students to progress at their own pace, though it’s also possible to sign up with a friend and master Spanish together. Opt to stay with a local family to continue your learning in a more informal setting, or arrange your classes around other activities which give you the opportunity to explore Antigua and the surrounding area.
Mosaic Making in Barcelona, Spain
There’s no mistaking Antoni Gaudí’s distinctive architecture while you’re in Barcelona. His whimsical style and prolific use of colorful mosaic tiles are evident in numerous locations across this Catalan city, including the famously unfinished Sagrada Cathedral, quirky buildings such as Casa Batlló, and the terraces of Parc Güell. The artist utilized a technique called Trencadis, whose name derives from the Catalan word that means “to break.” It involves taking broken pieces of tile and using them to create intricate designs. If seeing Gaudí’s work inspires you to get creative, sign up for a mosaic workshop and craft your own souvenir to take home. Seek out a class, such as those offered by Mosaiccos. Armed with the correct tools and tiles, you’ll complete a simple piece such as a coaster, place mat or photo frame. Once it’s been grouted, you can pick it up ready to take home at the end of your trip.
Horseback Riding in the Azores, Portugal
Have you ever dreamed of cantering through the surf on a remote beach or hacking through verdant countryside to reach a beautiful viewpoint? Maybe that’s the case but the sum total of your experience is an hour-long trail ride on a dude ranch. Or perhaps you’re a complete novice and have never even been in the saddle? Either way, it’s still possible to achieve your goal. Companies such as In The Saddle can teach you how to ride on holiday in just a week. With tuition in English, theory lessons and ten hours of practical instruction in the arena and outdoors, you’ll gain the confidence to participate in a full-day ride to gorgeous Sete Cidades, the island’s stunning lake-filled crater. Throughout the week, there’s enough downtime to be able to experience a little more of what the Azores is famous for, such as whale watching and hiking trails through the volcanic landscape.
Paint a Landscape in Tuscany, Italy
Most of us carry a camera or smartphone when we travel to be able to record jaw-dropping views and striking architecture. Yet how much attention are we really paying when we do so? Swapping out technology for a paintbrush and easel gives you the opportunity to really concentrate on the cityscape or countryside panorama. As you take in what’s in front of you, you’ll see how light and shadow impacts shape and form. You’ll appreciate nuances of color and begin to notice the little details – a colorful door, a snoozing dog, a lone tree. One of the most rewarding places to hone your artistic skills is the Italian region of Tuscany. There are plenty of options, whether you’re interested in a one-off workshop or an extended course. For instance, you might take a class or two with Florence-based Accademia del Giglio, or book a residential stay with a provider such as Art Toscana or Arniano Painting School.
Cook with Chiles in Santa Fe, New Mexico
If food is your passion, why not sign up for a cooking class next time you go away? How about New Mexico, whose cuisine is closely associated with red and green chiles? If you are keen to learn how to use them in your own kitchen, book a class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. This professionally run school offers both demonstration workshops and hands-on classes. Working under the supervision of a qualified chef, you’ll learn the techniques and experiment with flavors to create dishes such as tacos, tortillas or tamales with delicious sauces using those all-important chiles. It’s also possible to join a guided walking tour where you’ll meet the chefs, sommeliers, and owners of some of Santa Fe’s most successful restaurants and enjoy private tastings.
