Family travel: Top trips to learn something new

Take advantage of a wave of new, creative experiences being brought to life beyond the classroom

By Maria Pieri
Published 9 Apr 2019, 00:14 BST
Orang utan in Borneo
Photograph by Getty Images

For many, trying something new goes hand-in-hand with a trip abroad. This seems especially the case for families, whether it’s learning how to ski in Whistler, or delving into the history of Ancient Greece. The latest Kuoni report on UK travel booking habits highlights this surge in ‘learning trips’ — 34% of travellers cite learning something new as the reason for a change in their booking habits. When you consider over 60% of adults said they learnt something new on holiday as a child, travel is still a top priority for many who want to broaden their children’s horizons. And it seems many of us are quite happy to give something new a go on holiday, too; 38% of respondents don’t feel embarrassed to do so on holiday. And if it means children spend less time on their devices, surely any kind of travel is a good thing? 

Conservation in Borneo
Ideal for intrepid families who are happy to get mucky, this trip focuses on wildlife conservation in the Bornean rainforest, living and working alongside local people, helping to protect their natural environment and the creatures within it. oysterworldwide.com
Best for: Ages 8-plus 

Bushcraft in Yorkshire 
Learn how to make a shelter using materials from the forest floor. For kids aged 8-plus, check out the Desert Island Shelter Building Day, which includes additional activities such as wood carving. yorkshirebushcraft.co.uk
Best for: Ages 5-plus

Pizza perfect: 60% of adults said they learnt something new on holiday as a child (source: Kuoni’s Worldwide Travel Report 2019)
Photograph by Getty Images

Pizza making in Naples
Who doesn't love pizza? Head to its hometown in southern Italy and meet a professional pizzaiolo, who’ll get you kneading dough and learning all the secrets of the perfect pizza. scottdunn.com
Best for: Ages 5-plus

Marine biology in the Maldives
Immerse the family in the eco-centre at Kuramathi Maldives and give them a better understanding of the underwater world. Children can join guided snorkel safaris, and over-10s can also obtain a junior diving certification. kuoni.co.uk
Best for: 8-plus for underwater adventures 

Outdoor adventures in Mongolia 
Pick from a choice of itineraries packed with camel safaris, wild camping, stargazing and fossil hunting. A road-trip in a 4x4 van across the steppe can offer an adventure of a lifetime. stubbornmuletravel.com 
Best for: Tailor-made for a range of ages

Published in the May 2019 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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