4 ‘Skillcations’ Where Travel Meets Personal Growth

Under the guise of a “skillcation,” travelers can enjoy the ultimate blend of productivity and pleasure.

Skillcations are prime opportunities to explore a hobby, expand one’s knowledge, and grow as a person. Developing a skill that you already have, or one that’s new to you, is one of the best things you can do to level up. Filled with enriching travel experiences, skillcations may result in a happier, more fulfilled, and confident you.

How To Plan A Skillcation

Skillcations are all about learning something new and/or fostering skills you already have. Keep those goals at the forefront when planning your trip. Would you like your skillcation to focus on developing one or multiple skills? Can you hone in on that skill (or those skills) in one location, or will your trip be a multi-city adventure?

Check out Airbnb Experiences, Viator, GetYourGuide, and TripZapp to book classes, workshops, and tours with locals. Also, be sure to read reviews for anything you’re considering booking, and double-check that the business/host/tour operator is verified and licensed.

Consider how long you can visit your skillcation destination. Naturally, some skills will take longer to develop than others that can be picked up during a three to five-day vacation. It’s also important to make sure that the season you’ll be visiting during is aligned with the skill you’ll be nurturing. Some skills — particularly those done outside — may need certain weather conditions. Relatedly, it may be cheaper to go for your skillcation during a destination’s shoulder season as opposed to its peak travel window. Also, would you like your skillcation to result in you obtaining a new certification? If so, look for programs that offer one following completion.

Top Skillcation Destinations

Costa Rica

In addition to being a favorite location of digital nomads, Costa Rica is a fantastic place for skillcation seekers wanting a blend of relaxation, productivity, and opportunities to enjoy nature. Yoga enthusiasts have a wide variety of options to develop their form and connection to the practice, including designated centers, retreats, and teacher trainings where they can become certified. Destination options include Tamarindo, Nosara, and San José.

Costa Rica is also an excellent destination for strengthening one’s meditation skills. In particular, a jungle retreat offers the chance to commune with oneself and engage in restorative nature bathing.

South Africa

Those interested in sailing will find a variety of companies in Cape Town offering introductory courses or full-on certifications. Keep in mind, however, that those courses will likely be a significant investment both financially and time-wise.

Less than an hour’s drive away is Franschhoek, a top skillcation destination for those who want to strengthen (or build) their wine-tasting skills. There are many vineyard estates in the wine destination where you can learn and drink, expanding both your mind and palate.

Morocco

Morocco is a hub of artisans, making it a perfect destination for the crafty and creative. For those interested in becoming better crafters, consider taking a leather slipper-making class in Marrakech, or a metal jewelry-making class in Tamraght. Other rewarding experiences that’ll foster creativity include learning traditional Moroccan rug-weaving and textile-dyeing techniques. Moreover, in Fez, take a mosaic-making class or a wool-spinning workshop.

For those who want to expand their skills and knowledge in herbal healing, opt for Timeless Fez’s “Natural Herbs Traditional Distillation Workshop,” led by elder women versed in the tradition. Another option is a “Mint Distilled Water Workshop” facilitated by the Aachab Naama Cooperative in the Naama village of Youssoufia province.

Morocco is additionally a top skillcation destination for sharpening and developing cooking skills. Visitors can take cooking classes led by locals where they’ll learn how to make tagines, fresh bread, couscous, desserts, and more.

Tanzania

Tanzania is an ideal location for developing nature-related skills, such as sustainability, wildlife identification, and landscape photography. Tanzania’s many national parks are home to some of the world’s best safari experiences, and they are also suitable for sharpening one’s bird-watching (aka birding) eye. Those interested in sustainability should go on tours that prioritize ecotourism. There are many national parks worth visiting for homing in on nature-related skills, including Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.