In the wake of 2024’s growing interest in educational travel, the trend is continuing to rise as vacations are becoming opportunities for transformation. Today’s travelers are seeking experiences that challenge and inspire them, including learning a new skill, immersing themselves in local culture, exploring life in small towns and villages, and chasing moments that create lasting emotional connections to a place.
Below is a list of unique learning experiences across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America that will allow travelers to leave their trips with a new perspective on the destination they visited.
Africa
A Learning Vacation Rooted in the Soil at Spier Wine Farm and Hotel
Spier Wine Farm and Hotel in Stellenbosch, South Africa offers guests the chance to explore the farm’s Food Garden and learn how permaculture and regenerative farming principles can restore soil health and improve the quality of food. Guided by members of the garden team, guests are introduced to natural techniques like companion planting, crop rotation, and cover cropping, along with the use of worm compost and foliar sprays to enrich the soil. Ducks and chickens help manage pests and fertilize the land, while sheep and cows are rotated through orchards and pastures to maintain healthy soil structure and build fertility through high-density grazing.
Guests can take part in seasonal self-harvest activities or informal workshops that focus on practical skills such as composting kitchen scraps, improving soil at home, and growing herbs or vegetables using these methods. The produce grown in the garden is used at Spier’s restaurants and available for purchase at the nearby Cowshed, reinforcing the connection between the farm and the plate. By the end of the experience, guests walk away with a working understanding of how to apply these regenerative practices in their own gardens, no matter the size. Images here.
The Saxon’s Exclusive Nelson Mandela Experience
Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg's world-class shopping and business hub, lies the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa. A uniquely perfect blend of rich cultural history and contemporary five-star service, many discerning travelers, including royalty, statesmen, Nobel Prize-winners, and best-selling authors have returned time and again to experience the unparalleled amenities, characteristics and historical ties for which the Saxon is known. The Saxon, with its serene surroundings, is where Nelson Mandela chose to edit his best-selling autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Exclusive to Saxon guests is the opportunity to visit the Nelson Mandela archive and get a glimpse of his personal journals and artwork. Guests also have the unique chance to view his Nobel Peace Prize, step into his former office, and learn about his life on a much deeper, more personal level than what’s shown in the museum. Additionally, the Saxon’s Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite was once occupied by Mandela during his six-month stay at the property and is a fitting tribute to Madiba. The suite features bespoke pieces of art and furniture with an authentically African look and feel that takes guests on a journey through Mandela’s life, from his days as a young militant through his years as a wisely statesman.
Anti-Poaching with Singita:
With a 100-year purpose to preserve and protect the African wilderness for future generations, conservation and community is at the backbone of Singita. In the Singita Sabi Sand, the Singita Lowveld Trust supports varied measures to counter the devastating impacts of rhino poaching, a high priority in the region, including the anti-poaching unit and K9 dog units. Guests can interact with the K9 unit base, participate in an actual tracking exercise with a dog and handler, and contribute to the success of the unit. The cost is a donation of $200 per person, with all funds raised to support the ongoing work of the K9 unit.
Situated in the heart of Ebony Lodge, the new conservation is a further interactive experience for guests to learn about the ongoing projects within the region. Featuring interactive maps, archival materials, and iPads and computers, guests can spend hours with their guides learning about the Singita Lowveld Trust projects, from Panthera Partnership Leopard Research to Saving Species of Conservation Concern.
Learning and Conservation Safaris with Stanley Safaris
Stanley Safaris specializes in crafting tailor-made luxury safaris to Africa, exclusively partnering with boutique, independently owned camps and lodges. Each camp is carefully selected based on the unique experiences they offer and their dedication to local communities and conservation initiatives, guaranteeing an exceptional safari while also contributing directly to local employment and conservation projects. At Kwandwe, guests traveling with Stanley Safaris through South Africa, have the rare opportunity to take part in a hands-on rhino conservation learning experience through the lodge’s Rhino Conservation Safari. As part of Kwandwe’s commitment to protecting this endangered species, each young rhino is ear-notched, and a DNA sample is collected before it separates from its mother. Adult rhinos are also fitted with solar-powered ankle collars that transmit data on movement patterns, stress levels, and behavior, enabling the team to monitor and protect them effectively. Because these procedures require the temporary immobilization of the rhino, it creates a meaningful opportunity for Stanley Safaris’ guests to actively participate in frontline conservation work, learning about the value of rhinos to the community.
Asia/Indian Ocean
Conservation Through Education - Gaya Island Resort
Just four degrees north of the equator, Gaya Island Resort is fringed with rare flora, tropical blooms, and golden sand, benefitting with year-round temperatures averaging between 80ºF and 90ºF. The five-star property is located on the Malaysian island of Borneo, set within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and home to the property’s Marine Center. The center provides guests to learn and engage with its three pillars: turtle rescue, coral reef restoration, and conservation through education. Their conservation through education pillar aims to lead by example, providing engaging opportunities for guests to further their education and appreciation of conservation with weekly conservation talks. Additionally, Gaya Island Resort encourages guests to further explore the island with their PURE programming, immersing them in the vibrancy, scents, textures, sounds and tastes of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region, through which they can learn how to help with the rehabilitation of coral reefs by collecting broken coral fragments alongside conservation experts.
Baros Maldives Inspires Guest-Led Marine Protection
Baros Maldives stands as a beacon of conservation and preservation, deeply rooted in reverence for nature. At this award-winning luxury private island resort, guests are not mere observers but active contributors to safeguarding underwater sanctuaries. Through Baros's Eco Explorer Experience, guests can immerse themselves in the Coral Restoration and Conservation program, guided by the resort's resident Marine Biologist, where guests can plant personal coral gardens. Another part of the Eco Explorer Experience is Marine Life Identification, where guests put on their snorkeling gear and identify fish species, while learning their vital roles within the marine ecosystem. As night falls, guests prepare for an extraordinary adventure in Night Snorkeling and Bioluminescence. Equipped with UV lights, they delve into a nocturnal wonderland, observing the reef's inhabitants in a captivating new light. Baros is dedicated to sustainable tourism practices, inviting travelers to join a larger movement advocating for the protection and preservation of marine environments through its Eco Explorer Experience.
Conquer The Waves in Bali: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
Known as one of the best surfing spots in the world, the island of Bali offers adventurists warm temperatures, consistent waves, and excellent wave quality, catering to those of all experience levels. While many hotels outsource their surfing schools, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach distinguishes itself by offering an in-house school with local instructors who prioritize safety and technique for a truly personalized experience. The expert instructors employ a progressive three-step process to guide guests through conquering the waves without feeling pressured by time constraints. Initially, they provide hands-on assistance (much like a parent holding the seat of their child’s first bike ride). Subsequently, the instructors gradually reduce their support, offering verbal cues for paddling and standing up. After several solo attempts, students experience the exhilarating triumph of navigating the waves unassisted. Adventurists alike will love the unique and personalized experience that goes beyond expectations, as they conquer the waves in one of the sports most beloved destinations in the world.
A Journey Through the Rich Balinese Traditions at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton
Tucked away in the mystical island of Bali, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites travelers to embark on a unique journey with immersive activities that connect them to the island’s essence. Facing the lush rainforest and listening to the Ayung River's peaceful current, guests can dive deep into breathing techniques, mindfulness, and relaxation. Rice holds great significance in Balinese culture, through engaging activities like Rice Pounding and Subak Farming, guests can explore traditional cultivation and preparation techniques of this essential ingredient. Boasting refreshing herbal drinks through the property, at the Jamu Making Demo travelers can sip traditional healing drinks while also learning ancient recipes to try them at home. A daily ritual, the handmade sacred offerings color the island every morning, at the Balinese Craft Demo experience, travelers can craft their offerings and deepen their understanding of this divine ritual.
Europe
Learning Through Play: Forsthofgut’s Alpine Edutainment for Kids
Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Leogang, Austria offers an edutainment program designed to combine education and entertainment through hands-on, nature-based experiences for children. Rooted in the philosophy that learning should be playful and engaging, the program introduces kids to the surrounding alpine environment through guided outdoor adventures, creative workshops, and interactive lessons in the on-site forest and garden spaces. A core part of the experience takes place at Mauthof, Forsthofgut’s small farm, where children help care for animals like goats, ponies, chickens, and rabbits. Under the guidance of farm staff, they learn about feeding routines, seasonal rhythms, and the basics of responsible animal care. These activities are paired with storytelling, tastings, and nature walks to reinforce learning in an approachable and memorable way. Throughout their stay, children are encouraged to explore at their own pace while building awareness of where food comes from, how to treat animals kindly, and how to engage with the natural world thoughtfully. The program runs year-round and is structured by age group, allowing children to connect, discover, and grow in an environment designed specifically for them.
Lessons for a Lifetime at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel, a luxury resort situated in Arosa’s spectacular Alpine region, offers guests a variety of learning experiences that last long after their stay. From astronomy to cooking and fishing, these activities are provided to broaden horizons. During a stay, guests can make their way to the Observatory aboard the Tschuggen Express for a guided observation of the sun, sparking engaging conversation with staff and fellow visitors. Guests can also indulge in a Moving Mountains cooking class inspired by their Moving Mountains philosophy, a holistic lifestyle program designed to restore vitality through movement and nourishment. Throughout the course, guests will learn a new recipe crafted with regional ingredients, discovering authentic Alpine cuisine. Beyond the kitchen and surrounded by a serene
