Edu-vacations are a trend. Here’s why you should consider it

Travel is a powerful tool for understanding other cultures, building bridges of empathy and compassion between people and exposing the richness and diversity of our world. In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the world of travel called ‘educational vacations.’ This type of travel involves exploring a destination while also engaging in learning experiences that broaden one’s knowledge and understanding.

One of the main benefits of such a vacation is that it provides a unique opportunity to learn in a hands-on and immersive way. Rather than simply reading about a destination or a particular subject, travellers can experience it first-hand and gain a deeper appreciation of the culture, history, and people. For example, a trip to Italy might include language classes, cooking classes, and visits to historical sites such as the Colosseum or Pompeii. More than choosing between a relaxing beach vacation and a cultural city break, educational vacations offer the best of both worlds.

Highlighting the importance of such getaways, Ms Anita Yadav, Principal at Apeejay School, Faridabad Sector 15 says, “Nothing in life teaches you more than first-hand experiences. Travelling is one such way as it brings to life what the students learn in classrooms. Moreover, travel has made a great comeback after two years of confinement due to Covid-19. So, it can make you happy but inadvertently become a platform for you to learn, explore and develop critical skills. A student can easily learn to communicate in a new language native to the place s/he is traveling, soak in the unique culture and traditions of the place and enrich one’s experience in terms of the economy, politics, history, geography and sociology of the place.”

Further, the educator opines that those who travel regularly from a very young age learn the importance of money early on in their lives. Hence, they are able to manage their finances, work independently, adapt to situations and become problem solvers. “Such individuals have a greater chance at being able to form meaningful relationships since travel teaches them to help, care and share. They become more confident when they travel alone and are set to overcome all kinds of challenges.”

In terms of popular destinations for such vacations, there are many options to choose from. Some of the most sought after include Europe (especially Italy, France, and Spain), Asia (including Japan and China), and Latin America (such as Costa Rica and Peru). According to Ms Dimple Lakhera, who owns a travel agency in Delhi NCR, “Some states to explore in India are Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. These can offer a rich edu-travel experience.”

Sharing a similar view, Mr. Sanjoy Roy, CEO of Valedra Education, a venture which provides value-added educational opportunities to students, the mentionable destinations known for their educational value are Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Corbett, Ranthambore, Kanatal Tehri, Sariska, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. The expert named South Korea, Europe, USA, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Australia and Egypt, amongst some countries parents must check out.

For those hoping to attain different kinds of skills while travelling, he says, “On an educational tour, opportunities for cultural immersion such as discovering the local culture by visiting historical sites, museums, art galleries, and attending traditional performances, are helpful. Learning a language in a foreign country can be another exciting avenue. Others may include outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or team-building exercises. Moreover, industrial visits can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge, allowing students to see the application of what they have learned in the classroom.”

Educational travel truly plays a significant role in shaping young minds and providing valuable learning experiences. It is not just about visiting landmarks but also about the transformative experiences students can gain along the way. “It can ignite career aspirations, interests in specific fields, or even inspire students to become global citizens who actively engage with the world,” Mr Roy opines.

Further, sharing how parents help a child learn during travels, Ms Yadav says, “A trip to any place is an enriching experience for the family as a whole. And to make it even better, parents must involve the child right from the planning stage of the trip – choosing the place of visit, the accommodation, the itinerary etc. This will make him/her feel important that their perspective matters in the family decisions. While on the trip, parents must also perform all activities together with him/her such as taking long walks, discussing and appreciating the beauty of the place, exploring the local cuisine, history and culture and playing games. This will teach the student how to be open to new things in life.”

The educator also recommends sharing the responsibility by asking the child to run small errands on the trip. Lastly, to keep him/her motivated, ask them to share their travel experience with the extended family or pen it down in a journal/ blog.

In addition to providing opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange, educational vacations can have a positive impact on local communities too. Many travel companies and organisations offer trips that support sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices.

So, don’t hesitate to learn about the world, connect with other cultures, and make a positive impact on the places you visit. Whether it’s a language immersion programme in Spain, a cooking class in Italy, or a wildlife safari in Costa Rica, there are endless opportunities for learning and growth through educational travel.

In conclusion, such vacations are a trend that is rapidly gaining popularity. By combining travel and learning, it is about expanding one’s knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, language, or nature, there are countless destinations and experiences to choose from.

Why not consider an educational vacation for your next trip? Good luck!