Educational holidays

It may sound a bit like an oxymoron but using your holiday to study and learn new skills is a great way to combine a bit of travelling with a hobby or interest - and it can be relaxing too! Whether you're into cooking, painting, tapestry or photography, there are holidays available that allow you to indulge in your passion while at the same time enjoying all the other things you want from a holiday. Here are some examples of educational vacations:

Photography and walking in Spain. Taking pictures at home can get a little uninspiring so why not pack your walking shoes and head for some stunning scenery to take some snaps?

Italian cookery and wine. We seem to be getting more and more obsessed with good food and cookery courses in the UK are becoming increasingly popular. If you want to discover the secrets of Italian cuisine, however, what better place than to discover it than in Italy itself!

Fitness in the canaries. If you like to stay fit and healthy even while you're on holiday, you don't have to leave your regular fitness classes behind - there are Canary island retreats available that include daily workouts and classes, run by trained instructors. If nothing else, it'll make up for all the evening indulgences!

Painting in France. Fancy a go at watercolours or oils but never seem to have the time? Why not combine a relaxing holiday with some painting classes, set against the backdrop of the beautiful French countryside for inspiration. You might even discover the hidden Renoir in you!

Date: 09/02/2012