Discover Unique Travel Experiences with iBestTravel

Sure, sitting on the beach and sipping cocktails is fun. However, if you have more than a few days away, nothing beats seeking out local guides and learning something new. Whether it’s perfecting your front crawl in an English lake or getting to grips with your camera on a photography safari, these trips will thrill knowledge lovers as much as pleasure seekers. Here’s some inspiration for things you could learn on your worldwide travels.

Get to Grips with Yoga in Bali

Stretching out on a yoga mat is a surefire way to feel healthy and blissed out on your travels. The pretty town of Ubud, deep in the heart of Bali, is arguably the best place on the planet to perfect yoga moves that you only practice once a month at the local gym.

The Yoga Barn, set on the edge of town and overlooking green paddy fields and swaying palms, has at least 15 classes a day to choose from. It also offers regular multi-day retreats and multi-class passes for those staying longer term. The large, open-sided studios have breathtaking views, while the in-house café is the perfect place to prolong that chilled vibe once class is over.

Dive into Wild Swimming in the English Lakes

The mountains of England’s Lake District have long been a magnet for walkers. More recently, however, visitors have waded out into the waters of Buttermere, Wast Water, and the area’s other stunning lakes for a refreshing dip instead of taking a long hike.

For those who have never swum outside the confines of an indoor pool, Swim the Lakes runs a half-day introduction to open-water swimming, suitable for complete beginners through to seasoned triathletes. Experienced guides will take you into the cooling depths of Windermere and teach you about technique and how to build stamina while getting a frog’s eye view of this beautiful corner of the British Isles.

Cook Up a Storm in Chiang Mai

Blessed with some of the world’s best street food, Chiang Mai is a culinary paradise. While indulging in mouthwatering dishes like spicy tom yum soup or perfect pad thai is tempting, many will want to learn how to make these delicious meals themselves. Thankfully, Chiang Mai offers various options for cooks eager to pick up new culinary skills.

Thai Farm Cooking School, located on the edge of the city, will collect you from your accommodation, take you shopping in local markets and teach you about spices, rice, and flavors. You’ll then decamp to its organic farm base where you’ll learn to cook six dishes. After cooking up a storm, pupils and teachers sit down together to taste everyone’s creations.

Become a Gaucho in Argentinian Patagonia

Forget childhood riding classes on sleepy farmsteads. Hopping on a horse in Argentina’s spectacular Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi means scaling mountains and splashing through rivers, all while learning how to round up cattle on vast ranches.

Cabalgatas Carol Jones, located 23km north of Bariloche, is ideal for first-timers and seasoned riders alike. The eponymous Carol Jones offers half-day, whole-day, and multi-day trips around her ranch, teaching you how to control your steed while imparting knowledge about the area’s wildlife and history.

Sharpen Your Photography on a Kenyan Safari

For many, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will put your camera to work. However, those looking for incredible shots of big game need an expert guide and ample time in one of the continent’s richest reserves.

Paul Goldstein, Exodus Travel’s resident safari photographer, leads seven-night trips in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, visitors will learn how to capture stunning images of elephants, giraffes, hippos, and lions. Drives start before daybreak and can last all day, but the rewards are plentiful.

Become a Kendo Master in Japan

The Japanese martial art of kendo, literally “sword way”, sees participants don armor and engage in matches using bamboo swords. Its techniques are reminiscent of those used by ancient samurai warriors, making the modern sport a unique insight into the history of this fascinating country.

Kenshi Nagamatsu runs introductory kendo classes in Tokyo. The two-hour small-group sessions offer an understanding of kendo etiquette, along with demonstrations. Participants begin training for a match with all kit supplied, making it accessible for anyone interested.

Perfect Your Painting Skills in Virginia

Carving out time to learn how to draw or paint can be challenging in everyday life. The glorious Shenandoah Art Destination in Virginia is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their artistic skills while on holiday. It offers weekend, four-day, six-day, and ten-day sessions for artists of all levels.

Printmakers, painters, and illustrators are welcome, with the beautiful plantation house providing a base for visitors to explore their creativity in the stunning Shenandoah Valley. In-house instructors with decades of experience ensure personalized guidance with classes kept small, allowing participants to hone their techniques effectively.