Most of us spent the winter hibernating, but now that spring is officially here, it’s time to get out and start planning for the next hard-earned holiday. While you could opt for a trip to a remote island and fill your days with self-indulgence, if you want to come back from your vacation a bit more cultured or with impressive language or cooking skills, you might choose an educational trip instead. With that in mind, psychoPEDIA has compiled a list of educational trips that are sure to enrich both your mind and soul:

Cactus Language Study Abroad
Living a language is said to be the only way to truly learn it. Luckily, Cactus Language Study offers programs abroad where you can choose the language and country of interest and completely immerse yourself. You can customize your trip with course length, language, country, accommodations, and skill level. And as absorbing the local culture is as important a factor in learning the language, some programs also offer specialized courses with added interests such as wine tasting, yoga, or surfing. The Cactus Language School offers a range of packages, including French & Bordeaux Wine Course ($1,110+), Spanish & Yoga in Costa Rica ($1013+), and Italian & Opera ($1080+). Your new vocabulary will be put to instant use, and of course, these “second language” programs are also a great way to con your parents into picking up the tab for your next vacation.

Cooking Vacation
Although we don't all have an Italian nana to pass down treasured family recipes, there’s still a way to learn to cook like an Italian chef. Cooking Vacations offers culinary trips to 12 different regions in Italy, from the hills of Tuscany to the coast of Sicily. You will be taken back a century to experience the culinary offerings of the countryside. Visit the market for fresh organic produce, the fish market at dawn, and the local vineyard for a bottle of vino. Experience the Lemon Lifestyle on the Amalfi Coast featuring an “all lemon menu”, ($2900/pp for 8days/7 nights). Take the VIP tour of Tuscany and learn the art of making fresh pasta and tiramisu ($2375/pp, 8 days/7 nights). Or venture to Sicily and discover the benefits of incorporating olive oil into your diet ($855/pp, 3 days/2 nights). Now when someone asks, “What’s your signature dish?” you’ll finally have an impressive answer.

Smithsonian Journeys
Combine the thrill of education and discovery with the rejuvenation of a vacation with Smithsonian Journeys. The Smithsonian has joined forces with Collette Vacations to create economical packages to destinations worldwide. They have created museum-based educational travel with the perfect balance of action and leisure, providing planned itineraries that leave ample time for your own personal ventures. World-class experts will guide your trip, bringing depth and passion by sharing their knowledge. Journeys include: Frank Lloyd Wright & Kentuck Knob architecture program ($1,895+), the Art & Craft of Japan in Tokyo and Kyoto ($6,695+) and Art Treasures of Italy ($4,395+), which includes a private visit to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. You’ll go home inspired and revitalized with a fresh outlook on life.

National Geographic Expeditions
For those with a more adventurous spirit, there are National Geographic Expeditions, which offer once-in-a-lifetime trips sure to stimulate even the most jaded traveler. Explore with top writers, researches, photographers, and naturalists, who all provide an invaluable insider’s perspective to your journey. With an adventure to satisfy almost any palate, you can freeze with the penguins in a Journey to Antarctica ($10,250+), trek to the Highest Himalayas ($7,995+), explore the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt ($6,490+), run with Mongolian Nomads ($4,995+), or snorkel with the creatures of the Galapagos Islands ($4,320+) They also offer a series of Photography Expeditions where you will travel to picturesque locations with renowned photographers who will help you sharpen your skills. All of these tours are first-class, with some even featuring travel by private jet, so you’ll come back with much more than just stunning photos.

Archaeological Tours
If you’re a fan of the Indiana Jones anthology and don’t mind getting down and dirty, you'll probably love an archaeological adventure. Led by notable scholars, these tours offer itineraries on every continent. The Splendors of Ancient Egypt is a 20-day in-depth journey of ancient Egypt, travel down the Nile museum and tomb-hopping. If time isn’t an issue, tour the Kymer Kingdoms-- Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia–– focusing on the historical, religious and aesthetic influences of these four countries is 24-days long. Be prepared to have your “thinking cap” on, because these folks are on a mission and passionate about history.

~Joanna Kunze


First photo by Josh Clark via Flickr
Second photo by Guy Flaneur via Flickr
Fourth & fifth photos, courtesy of Cooking Vacations
Sixth & seventh photos, courtesy of Smithsonian Vacations
Eighth & ninth photos, courtesy of National Geographic Expeditions
Tenth photo by josh is here via Flickr