Are you the kind of traveller who seeks out the most immersive experiences in every destination? Whether you’re kneading pasta dough in a Tuscan cooking school or learning the art of Japanese pottery making, there’s a special kind of magic that happens when you stop being a spectator and start being a participant. If you love to learn by doing, these are some of the world’s most rewarding hands-on travel experiences to add to your must-do list.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the kind of place that looks too beautiful to be real: pastel houses cascading down cliffsides, bougainvillea spilling over balconies, and the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkling into the distance. The region’s renowned cuisine owes much to its bounty of mouthwatering local produce, especially sun-kissed lemons and tomatoes, and mouthwatering frutti di mare (seafood).
While we’re absolutely in favour of long lazy lunches on bougainvillea-clad terraces overlooking the ocean, we also think there’s nothing quite like digging into a dish that you’ve created yourself. A half-day in a local cooking class will have you learning how to create regional favourites like Spaghetti alle vongole and Sfogliatella that you’ll be able to replicate at home, long after your Amalfi tan has faded.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s best destinations for observing sea turtles in the wild, and Parque Nacional Tortuguero (Tortuguero National Park) on its Caribbean coast is the nation’s most famous turtle nesting site. Between July and October, thousands upon thousands of green turtles come ashore along the park’s 30-kilometre stretch of coastline to lay their eggs in the black sand. With each female laying 80-120 eggs, the number of hatchlings that emerge from the nests can number in the hundreds of thousands, but many don’t survive to adulthood.
You can play your part in preserving this remarkable species by volunteering with one of the park’s sea turtle conservation projects. Whether you’re patrolling the beaches at night, counting the emerging hatchlings, or removing trash from the beaches, you’ll be contributing to the survival of one of the world’s most endearing marine species.
When you picture a Fijian holiday, you probably imagine pristine, white-sand beaches, clear blue water and gently swaying palm trees: pure, tropical bliss. However, if you’re open to getting your hands (and the rest of you) dirty, we suggest planning a visit to one of Fiji’s best kept secrets. A short drive from Nadi, you’ll find Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs, where a series of natural hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and waterfalls awaits.
After smearing mineral-rich mud over your skin for a natural spa treatment, you’ll bake dry in the sun, rinse off in a warm thermal pool and then finish with a relaxing mineral-infused soak. You can even treat yourself to a therapeutic massage to complete the rejuvenation experience.
Glassmaking in Murano dates back to the thirteenth century, when artisans were relocated to the tiny island to avoid the risk of fire within the city of Venice. The master glassmakers are renowned for creating delicate works of art, and although it takes many years to achieve their level of expertise, you can learn some of the tricks of the trade during a visit to one of the island’s famed glassblowing factories.
Some workshops even allow hands-on experiences where you can try blowing or shaping glass into your own works of art.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of catching your very first wave: the ache in your arms, the salt spray on your face, the weightless sensation as the water surges beneath your board, and the thrill of being in sync with the ocean. It’s a highly addictive experience that’s even more memorable when you’re riding one of the world’s most scenic waves.
Siargao Island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, beloved not just for its legendary breaks but also for its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking tropical scenery and laid-back island atmosphere. Along with world-class surf spots like Cloud 9, you’ll find plenty of beginner-friendly options where you can chase the thrill of your first wave again and again.
When you enter Peru’s Sacred Valley, it feels like you’ve stepped into a living tapestry woven with ancient history, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant Andean culture. Nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu, this fertile valley was once the heartland of the Inca Empire, and it still hums with that same energy today.
The art of weaving is deeply connected to the local Quechua culture, with patterns, colours and techniques that have been handed down through countless generations. A workshop is a wonderfully immersive way to learn about every aspect of this centuries-old tradition, from using native plants to dye the alpaca fibre to weaving your own handmade keepsake.
Citizen science relies on public participation to actively contribute to scientific projects, from monitoring wildlife to gathering data. Australia has long been a world leader in offering sustainable tourism, and the Great Barrier Reef offers a variety of eco-friendly experiences that make it possible for you to enjoy the magic of this unique part of the world while making a real contribution to its protection and preservation.
Whether you’re monitoring the health of coral gardens, assisting with endangered turtle hatchlings or recording manta ray populations, each conservation-focused activity is designed to let you experience the Reef and its inhabitants in a more meaningful way.
We can’t think of a better way to appreciate the subtle flavours of a steaming hot cup of tea than by visiting the mist-shrouded central highlands of Sri Lanka, which are renowned for some of the world’s best tea plantations. In Ella, Kandy or Nuwara Eliya, you can walk between lush, manicured rows, joining the local workers in plucking the most tender tips which are then dried, rolled and packaged for tea lovers around the world to enjoy.
Modern Japanese ceramics draw on more than ten thousand years of history, with traditional techniques and designs that celebrate beauty, simplicity and a deep connection to nature. Regional variations are derived from locally sourced clay and glazes, from the delicate enamel designs of Saga prefecture to the ash-glazed, organic style of Shiga Prefecture.
A pottery workshop is a wonderful way to learn traditional practices for kneading, shaping and decorating your own work of art, whether it’s a vase, a sake cup or a soup bowl. Best of all, rather than worrying about whether your creation will measure up to expectations, you can lean into the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which is all about finding perfection in imperfection.
Iceland’s position atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge means there is an intense amount volcanic and geothermal activity taking place just beneath the Earth’s surface. The result is an abundance of naturally natural heated water and steam that supplies mineral-rich water to hot spots like the (Hveragerði. The spectacular hour-long hike takes you past bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, ending with a well-earned soak in the river’s blissfully warm water.
Iceland’s geothermal power is also harnessed in the baking of rúgbrauð: a traditional dark rye bread that is baked slowly in the ground for 24 hours. We recommend eating it fresh from Mother Nature’s own kitchen, thinly sliced and served with butter and pickled herrings, after you’ve enjoyed a soothing plunge in the mineral-rich waters of Mývatn Nature Baths.
If you’re looking for holiday ideas that offer the world, quite literally, at your fingertips, we’ve got you covered. Talk to your Personal Travel Manager about infusing your next trip with meaningful moments that touch your soul.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
