From shark-spotting to learning Spanish or carving up the snow to cutting up chillies, taking an ‘Edu-cation’ is the perfect way to try something new and get outside your comfort zone.

We’ve come up with the top 5 edu-cations around the world. After all, why wouldn’t you take advantage of the opportunity to weave educational experiences into your holidays and take all the skills and knowledge home with you, along with the great memories?

Here’s our favourites…

1. Dive in Koh Tao (Turtle Island), Thailand

With tropical clear waters and pristine neon-tinted reefs, Koh Tao (Turtle Island) attracts travellers from all over the world who are keen to learn to dive between their strawberry daiquiris.

Best of all, its diving schools offer the internationally recognised PADI dive certification, which means you can submerge yourself into the local diving scene when you get home.

After a day out on the water, you’ll be spoilt for choice of ways to relax and unwind with authentic Thai massages, spicy curries and spectacular sunsets.

Travel tip

When booking your travel insurance, ensure your policy covers underwater expeditions, and read the fine print around how deep you’ll be able to dive – as this varies.

Also, if you’re diving at a busy site, remember to take note of your boat name to avoid any embarrassing hops.

2. Zen out at a yoga retreat in Bali, Indonesia

If you’re feeling burnt out from the city life and are after a bit of R&R, learning yoga or how to become a yoga teacher is the perfect way to enjoy some down time and take your relaxing techniques home with you.

Pairing your yoga retreat with other health and wellness activities such as Pilates, a detox or meditation, is a great way to recharge – besides chilling out on one of Bali’s stunning beaches, that is.

Travel tip

Everything in moderation; including moderation. Don’t feel bad if you indulge in the occasional guilty pleasure or two. You are on holiday after all. And, if you’re eager to elevate your relaxation rating, try travelling during the wet season at an off peak travel time such as January, when the heavy falls will soothe you at night and/or early morning. It’s quite cleansing really.

3. Learn Spanish while exploring the Amazon Jungle

Serving up an exotic concoction of siestas, salsa and sangria, the Spanish culture offers a vibrant way of life that leaves the best of us feeling ultimately invigorated.

So why not enhance your experience further by learning the lingo while hiking through lush tropical rainforests?

With Spanish being the second most commonly spoken language in the world (31 countries claim it as their primary language), knowing a few phrases will open the door for you all over the globe thereafter – whether you’re crossing a land border (frontera) or ordering a beer (cerveza).

Travel tip

Consult your GP around eight weeks out from your trip to find out what vaccines and medications you’ll need for your South American adventure.

For example, a vaccination for Yellow Fever is a compulsory requirement for travel to Brazil from a number of Southern American countries, sub-Saharan Africans countries and to a number of Brazilian rainforest states.

4. Slalom down the slopes in Whistler, Canada

With snow on its slopes from November through to May, Whistler gives Aussies the chance to swap their swimmers for skis and learn to ski or snowboard in an idyllic Canadian alpine retreat.

Offering more space on the slopes than Europe, greater affordability and shorter travel times from Australia, Whistler delivers the ultimate alpine adventure.

Travel tip

Whether a novice or a pro, there’s always an increased risk of accidents when you hit the snow. Look out for additional extras such as helicopter rescue, out-of-pocket expenses due to bad weather or avalanche and hire of alternative equipment following loss, breakage or theft.

5. Learn how to outdo your Thai take-outs in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thai food is hailed as one of the healthiest fast food options in Australia, so why not have a go at learning how to create an Asian-inspired feast in your own home – no pick-up required.

Head to Thailand’s culinary capital of Chiang Mai and undertake a cooking class, where you’ll wander local markets, select fresh ingredients bursting with flavours, and learn to cook up a Thai storm from scratch.

Travel tip

Whilst in a foreign country, try to go for bottled water wherever possible. To kick any food poisoning to the curb; get lots of rest, avoid strenuous activity and drink rehydration fluids. You’ll be back on form in no time.

 

What new skills or talents have you picked up on holiday? Where is your favourite edu-cation destination? Tell us below…