Travel after coronavirus: learn something new on an ‘upskilling’ holiday, from boxing in Bangkok to salsa in Cuba

‘Upskilling’ holidays that teach new skills were on the rise before the coronavirus outbreak and are likely to grow further when it’s safe to travel

Some trips catering to wealthy travellers pair them with professional athletes for activities like skiing, climbing and cycling

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Everyone may be stuck at home right now because of the coronavirus but, once it is safe to travel, we may see a rise in “upskilling” holidays – where you learn a new skill or hobby, like flamenco dancing in Spain. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:00am, 9 Apr 2020Updated: 7:02am, 9 Apr 2020

The spectre of coronavirus continues to hang over everyone’s travel plans, but one thing is for sure: when it’s all over there is going to be a surge in travel as everyone tries to make up for lost time.

Chances are many of us will have a renewed appetite for fresh, meaningful experiences, with the previously growing trend of so-called “upskilling” holidays likely to rise further.

Travel company Responsible Travel reported seeing demand for holidays that teach you how to do something more than double over three years, with bookings up by 132 per cent in 2019 compared with 2016.

It said some pursuits have proved especially popular among holidaymakers, with bookings for dance-themed trips up 173 per cent while painting and art getaways soared by 433 per cent over the same period.

Learning activity holidays include artisan bread making. Photo: Shutterstock

“More of us are actively seeking to achieve a better balance in life, and we have seen that reflected in travel habits,” said Justin Francis, founder and CEO at Responsible Travel. “There’s been a pronounced shift towards viewing holidays as a chance to invest in ourselves and our interests. Special interest and learning breaks are a great way to meet people, unplug digitally and try something new, or spend quality time doing something you love.”

Travel after coronavirus: learn something new on an ‘upskilling’ holiday, from boxing in Bangkok to salsa in Cuba

‘Upskilling’ holidays that teach new skills were on the rise before the coronavirus outbreak and are likely to grow further when it’s safe to travel Some trips catering to wealthy travellers pair them with professional athletes for activities like skiing, climbing and cycling

‘Upskilling’ holidays that teach new skills were on the rise before the coronavirus outbreak and are likely to grow further when it’s safe to travel

Some trips catering to wealthy travellers pair them with professional athletes for activities like skiing, climbing and cycling