The idea of the perfect vacation isn’t the same for everyone. It’s tough for some of us to imagine ever getting bored of lounging on the beach or visiting museums, but some people are looking for hands-on travel experiences, and they would probably love a “skillcation.”

It’s a hot trend in travel that combines all the usual elements of a vacation with the chance to learn a fun new skill during the trip. We’re not talking golf or tennis here, but more adventurous hobbies many of us have never tried before. These are some of the best hotels and resorts for skillcations.

Saddlebrook Resort - Sports broadcasting. This property in Wesley Chapel, Florida, near Tampa, has an onsite golf academy, 27 holes of golf, tennis and pickleball programs, and a new experience with Play-by-Play Sports Broadcasting where guests can learn about sideline reporting, play-by-play commentary, and more.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins - Wolf tracking. With the Winter Wolf Discovery Lodging & Learning package at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, a field educator leads a search for wolves in their natural habitat in the morning and afternoons are spent examining tracks and signs of wildlife.
D Maris Bay - Sailing. Located in Turkey with picture-perfect views of both the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, guests can take courses at the resort’s international sailing school.
The Quail - Off-road driving. This resort in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, offers a Land Rover Experience that teaches off-road driving lessons.
Beaches Turks and Caicos and Beaches Negril - Scuba Diving. At these all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean guests ages 10 and older can take the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience, or get their official scuba certification.
Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort - Surfing. This resort in Dominical, Costa Rica, offers private or group surf lessons for all skill levels, from newbies to experienced shredders.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Pastry decorating. One of the sweetest vacation experiences around is the pastry decorating class led by the pastry chefs at this resort in National Harbor, Maryland.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection - Western horsemanship. At this 4-thousand acre private ranch near Park City, Utah, guests eight and older can learn Western horsemanship, from grooming and tacking to riding.
The Islands of Islamorada - Sportfishing. This resort in the Florida Keys pairs families with a local expert fishing captain to help them learn how to cast a line and reel in a catch in the sportfishing capital of the world.
Terramor Outdoor Resort - Beekeeping. The resident beekeeper at this Bar Harbor, Maine, property leads weekly events and family-friendly private 90-minute bee experiences.

Source: USA Today

Chris Davis