One of the best things about a vacation is just how educational it can be. Vacations allow you the chance to escape from your own life, visit somewhere new and learn about it. Learning doesn’t just happen in museums or libraries either. There’s much to learn when exploring nature, urban architecture and by simply meeting new people and trying new things. Here are the best places to travel to learn something new.
Italy
Italy is a great place to go if you want to learn something new. No matter where you visit, there’s much history to explore. Whether you want to learn about art, history or the natural landscape there’s something for you in Italy.
Explore the museums in each region and embrace historic art. Visit Pompei and learn about living under the shadow of an active volcano. Visit Pisa and understand architecture by viewing the leaning tower.
There’s also much to learn about the food. Bread and even pizza are very different by region. Salt is not traditionally used to make bread in Florence, for instance and pizza in Naples has a much thicker crust than pizza in Rome. You can also learn a lot by sipping wine. The region is famous for it.
Alaska
Alaska is another great place to explore if you’re looking to learn. Alaska can teach you a lot about nature, ecosystems and icebergs. You might even try your hand at camping and improve your survival skills.
Alaska can be tough to see, especially when visiting remote destinations far from cities. A 2022 Alaska cruise is a great option if you want to see a lot of the state while only unpacking once.
Bali
Bali, Indonesia is another far flung destination that can teach you a lot. It’s a unique island, formed by volcanic activity. There’s much to learn about the food and customs of the island. Trying traditional Balinese dishes, like suckling pig, which is a tradition of Balinese celebrations, will certainly expand your horizons.
Since Bali also has a unique religious history, there’s also much to learn about Hinduism, yoga and meditation. Hinduism does not extend to other islands of Indonesia, meaning it’s unique to Bali. Whether you explore a temple or go on a religious retreat, you can learn much by slowing down and minding your breaths.
Romania
This off-the-beaten path destination in Eastern Europe has something special to teach you: what it’s like to live a slow, self-sustainable life, in tune with nature’s rhythms, far from the hustle and bustle of busy, ‘always on’ city life.
Go to any village in Transylvania, Maramures or Bucovina and you’ll see locals living a simple, traditional life. A life where community comes first and life’s daily challenges makes them smile and remember to be grateful for what they have. Where people come together for every religious holiday or local celebration, and support each other in times of need.
That’s why King Charles fell in love with the region and owns three village houses there to spend his Summer holidays. So go spend a couple of days in these villages. Besides the typical tourist hotspots, this is maybe one of the best things to do in Transylvania.
Visit a National Park
If you’re looking for an educational excursion a little closer to home, take a trip to a national park. National parks can teach you about nature, wildlife and history. Exploring a park will help you understand how unique each region of the country really is.
There are many national parks to visit. Utah is a great place to explore many at once. Whether you visit Moab, Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park, you’ll get a special experience. The towns outside the parks can also bring you new knowledge. Take Panguitch, Utah for example. Right outside Zion, the town has a unique history that involves using quilts to walk to find food in order to survive a cold winter. This is so unique and something you would never learn unless you visit and explore!
The West
Likewise, the western United States can also teach you much. Spend time on a cattle ranch, go horseback riding and explore the beautiful region. You’re sure to learn something about the natural history and wonder of the area. There are many national parks and monuments to explore in this region as well.
Florida
Finally, visiting Florida can teach you quite a bit, and not by going to a Disney park. Florida has a unique ecosystem that’s very different from the rest of the United States. Visit Central Florida and explore the fresh springs and see the wildlife that inhabit them. Visit the coastal beaches and you’ll learn a lot about animals like sea turtles and dolphins. Nothing is as unique as the Florida Everglades either, so a visit to this region should absolutely be on your list.
Vacations are a chance to relax and learn. Where will you go next?
