Skillcations: Travelers Trade Spa Days for Surf Lessons and Clay Workshops
More travelers are opting for "skillcations," where they focus on acquiring new skills like surfing in Bali or freediving in French Polynesia. Research by Mastercard Inc. from July reveals that almost 50% of those surveyed intend to embark on trips centered around skill development. Additionally, a Hilton report from 2026 shows that 72% of people are looking for vacation time to pursue personal interests. Much Better Adventures notes a 66% increase in bookings for skill-oriented trips, with 87% of these bookings made by solo travelers. Hotels are now providing interactive learning opportunities, including clay workshops in Paros and plant distillation in Big Sur. A study indicates that older adults who take courses can enhance their cognitive abilities to match those of middle-aged individuals, underscoring the advantages of learning in nurturing settings.
Key facts
- Mastercard Inc. research published in July found nearly half of surveyed people planned a trip to learn a skill
- A 2026 trends report by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. found 72% of travelers wanted time off for a personal passion or hobby
- Much Better Adventures reports skill-based trip bookings like winter mountaineering rose by more than two-thirds in three years
- Solo travelers account for 87% of outdoor skillcation bookings at Much Better Adventures
- Luura – Cliff on the Greek island of Paros offers clay workshops with Athens-based artist Maria Economides
- Casa Angelina in Praiano offers bobbin lacemaking, papermaking, pasta al pomodoro, and lantern fishing for totani squid
- Susan Houge Mackenzie is an associate professor at the University of Otago's department of tourism in New Zealand
- Rachel Wu is an associate professor of psychology at the University of California
Entities
Artists
- Maria Economides
- Sam Bruce
- Susan Houge Mackenzie
- Rachel Wu
- Annarita Aprea
Institutions
- Mastercard Inc.
- Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
- Much Better Adventures
- University of Otago
- University of California
- Uluwatu Surf Villas
- Luura – Cliff
- Alila Ventana Big Sur
- Casa Angelina
Locations
- Bali
- Indonesia
- Italy
- French Polynesia
- Ecuador
- New Zealand
- Paros
- Greece
- Athens
- Big Sur
- United States
- Praiano
- Amalfi Coast