5 Vacation Destinations Where You Can Learn a New Skill

Family travelers who want to spend a vacation doing more than just relaxing should consider a hotel or resort with unique programs and activities that allow you to build a new skill. From learning some survival skills to understanding how to care for bees, check out these destinations for a fun and educational trip.

© Ojai Valley Inn

Beekeeping at Ojai Valley Inn

The southern California-based Ojai Valley Inn teaches guests how to help the environment through beekeeping. Guests follow the resort’s resident beekeeper to learn about the life of the honeybee. The tour allows guests to experience firsthand the job of an apiarist and even enjoy a honey-tasting session with local varieties or raw honey.

© Mauna Kea Resort

Cultural Crafting at Mauna Kea Resort

Situated on Hawai’i’s rugged Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea Resort invites guests to take part in its Aloha Ambassador programming to learn more about the land and its rich history. Aloha Ambassador Healani Kimitete Ah-Mow leads a variety of skill-building experiences, like Hawai’ian language lessons, lei making, basic hula and ukulele lessons.

© Big Cedar Lodge

Survival Skills at Big Cedar Lodge

One of the country’s premier wilderness resorts, Big Cedar Lodge sits near the 10,000-acre conservation Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. In addition to guided bass and trout fishing excursions on Table Rock Lake, guests can also follow naturalist and survival instructor Bo Brown to learn important skills when venturing out into the wild. Brown teaches guests how to identify wildflowers, edible plants and medicinal plants. He also offers stone-age survival methods like making cutting tools.

© JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

Develop Animal Instinct at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

In Texas Hill Country lies JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, boasting more than 13,000 acres of land for guests to unleash their inner cowboy. Unplug from city life and enjoy horseback riding excursions led by husband-and-wife team Jon and Sydney Joseph. In addition to these excursions, guests can also take part in the property’s horse psychology experience to better learn how to interact with horses and train them by diving into horse behavior and optimal upkeep and engagement.

© La Quinta Resort & Club

Become a Tennis Pro at La Quinta Resort & Club

La Quinta Resort & Club, located in southern California, features a renowned tennis program. Drawing top tournaments and talent from across the world each year, the property invites guests to also try their hand at the sport. The resort offers one-on-one or group tennis lessons with a certified tennis professional on one of the resort’s 21 tennis courts.