If you’ve ever wanted to perfect a skill or learn a new talent, you might have found yourself headed down a rabbit hole of Google searches. Whether you want to learn how to play the piano or how to code, naturally you want to learn from the best of the best. The following five skills—yoga, diving, cooking, meditation, and music—are among the most desirable. For those with an inclination for travel, it helps to learn those skills in places where they’re most popular and can accommodate a variety of preferences and financial circumstances. With that in mind, here are five amazing places that can help you learn these cool talents:
Rishikesh (India) – Yoga
Rishikesh has long been called the “birthplace” of yoga—and for good reason. This is a highly spiritual town encapsulated by the Himalayan mountains. As one of the holiest cities in the country, alcohol and meat are illegal, but this works just fine for those who are here to master the art of balance and homeostasis.
Throughout the region, you’ll find a plethora of temples and ashrams, and of course, yoga centers and programs. In fact, take one step in Rishikesh and you may find that you’re faced with option paralysis. There are all different types of yoga classes to benefit from. It’s important that you do your research well in advance, giving you the opportunity to learn from the best in the area and make the most of your program.
Koh Tao (Thailand) – Diving
If you want to get your diving certificate, look no further than Koh Tao, a small island nestled among limestone karsts and crystal clear waters in Southern Thailand. In addition to its stunning tropical setting, cheap prices make this an ideal destination to fork over certification costs.
Travelers from all over the world flock here to learn more about exploring the open water—and the marine life is particularly stunning. Many programs also offer discounted accommodation. Out of the water, the island is yours to explore. Big enough to have plenty to do and small enough to encourage a community feel, Koh Tao is a place that never lets you down. There are ample restaurants, cafes, and bars along the main beach, and for those who prefer a quieter setting, there are remote beaches on the other side of the island.
Austin (USA) – Music
Austin has a thriving music scene, and it’s one of the best places in the world to experience a diverse set of live performances. Dubbed the “Live music capital of the world,” this is a city that lives up to its reputation. This area is devoted to musical action—from the beloved Austin City Limits festival to the grunge performance acts in venues spread throughout the city. With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that people come here to find the best Austin music school and brush up on their knowledge. Whether you’re seeking an ideal music-centered kids summer camp for your little ones or hope to learn how to play an instrument this year, Austin is the place to achieve your musical goals.
Verona (Italy) – Cooking
This medieval town is most famous for its setting in Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” With such strong romantic undertones, it’s no wonder people all over the world flock to this little Italian city to master the art of Italian cuisine. Here, you can find plenty of classes that allow you to cook and taste traditional fare, from risotto to pasta to hearty meatballs.
Giuliano Hazan’s Northern Italy Cooking School is located in the heart of Verona, and was featured in the Travel Channel as one of the best cooking schools in the world. Guests here can participate in an immersive week-long food course while staying in the luxury accommodations of a 16th century villa. No matter what school you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about working with fresh local ingredients, explore the historical center, and try your hand at some unique cooking techniques.
Ubud (Bali, Indonesia) – Meditation
If you’ve seen the film Eat, Pray, Love, then you know exactly why Ubud has been on the meditation map for many years. The word Ubud roughly translates to “medicine”, and indeed, this town is renowned for its healing properties—physically and spiritually. No matter what type of structure you’re looking for or what budget you’re on, there’s a meditation center in Ubud that caters to you.
