Live abroad, learn abroad

Lazing in the shade under a palm tree, diving in the deep blue waters of the ocean, sipping cocktails by the pool, all these vacations are so last year. These days, many vacationers want to make something out of their time off and are increasingly looking for ways to improve themselves and learn something while travelling abroad. Whether its rock climbing or cuisine, travel agents and tour operators have some interesting items on this year's travel menu.

Even for those who aren't venturing far, there's a lot to learn. In Kent, for example, the Oxon Hoath retreat offers self improvement classes from courses on Tantra to instruction on Indian head massage. For the more active, there is nothing like mountain biking through the Peak District National Park in Cumbria to get the heart pumping and to make you feel alive, free and on vacation.

Spain is probably the perfect place for painting classes, being the birth place of Picasso. It's also a great place to learn how to climb. The limestone cliffs of Mallorca offer easy climbs and challenging heights for everyone from beginners to experts.

Europe is full of active vacation possibilities from tennis lessons in Greece, to paragliding in France and creative writing classes in Turkey. Whether you are looking to escape into some reflective solitude or soar from the peak of Mont Blanc, there are plenty of opportunities to improve in Europe, not to mention cheap budget airlines to get you there.

For those willing to look further abroad, the adventure really begins. In South Africa, travellers can learn to ride horses, going riding each day on the plains of a wildlife reserve stocked with zebras and giraffes. Egypt is one of the best places to learn to scuba dive with some of the worlds best and most colourful corals to explore.

Kitesurfing in Morocco is another great adventure. What better way to see the scenes than to soar above them, looking down at the sparkling ocean and the fishing villages below? In Kenya, Discovery Initiatives offers travellers the chance to learn the ways of the Masai warriors. Or if you'd rather, you could learn the ways of a Thai chef and learn to cook a variety of dishes while staying in a comfortable resort in Northern Thailand.

After all, why sit on a beach when you could be learning something?



Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on Travel insurance, UK airport parking, UK airport hotels or UK airport lounges.



Jennifer Jones Editorial


25/11/2007

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