The Trips That Teach You Something: The Travel Trend Changing the Classic Beach Getaway

One of the latest buzzwords in travel, a “skillcation” is something you’ll be hearing a lot more of this year. It’s a hot new trend that transforms your basic trip lounging around the pool or at the beach into a life-changing experience.

While a little downtime doing nothing but soaking up the sun is all well and good, skillcations bring the chance to better yourself by developing a new skill or honing one you already have. It’s a great way to dive into a personal passion, whether working with a local artisan to learn how to blow glass in Murano, Italy, creating a mojiganga (giant puppet) in Mexico, or trying your hand at Peruvian weaving in Chinchero. 

A recent survey by Thrillist/Vox Media found that nearly 70 percent of Gen Z and millennials believe what they call “Passion Travel” is a “key driver of personal growth and self-discovery.” Passion points are now serving as a travel guide for planning trips. The 2026 Trends Report by Hilton revealed similar results, with nearly three-quarters of travelers expressing a desire to explore hobbies, enhance skills, or explore a personal passion. 

Of course, the options for skillcations are practically endless, but if you’re looking for ideas, we’ve got plenty. 

Forbes highlights a sailing skillcation in Svalbard, Norway, the world’s northernmost settlement. From March through October, including the Midnight Sun season that brings 24 hours of daylight, you can hop aboard the Captain Arctic, sailing in silence, powered by wind and the sun. You’ll be joining the all-female crew and scientists to learn about the region, polar bears, and whale feeding while experiencing one of the planet’s few untouched wilderness areas, dominated by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and sapphire blue, ice-filled fjords. 

If a Paris getaway is something you’ve had in mind and you’re into French gastronomy (who isn’t, right?), consider elevating your culinary skills at Ritz Paris through Ecole Ritz Escoffier. You’ll join the “Chefs’ brigade” at a cooking or pastry-making class, a seasonal or themed workshop to learn the techniques and skills needed to whip up your own delicious bites. 

Beekeeping has become increasingly popular. If it’s intrigued your interest, you’ve got options near and far. Head to Mackinac Island in Michigan to learn all about apiculture with a local expert in the orchard at the Inn at Stonecliffe from April through October. 

Animal lovers seeking an exotic escape might jet off to Kenya. At Segera, you can actively engage in conservation projects that not only help protect wildlife like elephants and rhinos but also improve the lives of locals. 

In the Shetland Islands, you can learn how to knit the iconic Fair Isle sweater design on a week-long knitting vacation. Offered by Fair Isle with Marie, it includes visits to sheep farms, wool mills, and artisan yarnmakers. Not to mention, you’ll be immersed in some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking scenery.