7 Reasons to Consider a Skillcation

One of my favorite parts of being a travel writer is watching new trends take off.

Since 2020, I’ve seen sustainability-focused travel, solo travel, and women-only travel programs take off. I’ve watched hospitality trends shift from Airbnb slowly back to hotels—and boutique hotels, on top of that. I’ve watched travelers swap large companies and resorts for smaller, more locally-led experiences.

Are you ready to hear the latest concept emerging on the travel horizon?

Skillcations.

A skillcation combines elements of leisure and education. If you’ve taken a casual, two-hour cooking class on any of your recent vacations, you get the gist. Travelers are able to learn something new in a low-stakes, relaxed environment.

(They get bonus points if they’re learning about local traditions and customs as they do. Even more bonus points if the skill they’re learning relates to their profession.)

Even if you hated school, you might love a skillcation. Here’s why you should keep these opportunities on your radar.

7 reasons to consider a skillcation in 2025

Female tourists who came to Japan have a ninja experience (Getty)

Reason #1: It’s still tourism

A skillcation can be as brief or extensive as you want it to be. Like I mentioned in the introduction, those two-hour cooking classes are technically educational. On the other hand, there are dozens of companies that offer skillcation-based trips. So, if you want to take a more hands-on approach to learning a new skill, you can plan your whole trip around a multi-day course.

The sky is the limit. Just don’t get hung up on turning your whole trip into a skillcation if that’s not what you want. Remember—you’re still on vacation.

Reason #2: You’ll go home with a new skill

What’s better than a souvenir? Knowledge.

Having learned a new skill, whether that’s knowing how to shoot a bow and arrow, how to paint pottery in a traditional style, or how to weave a basket out of dried reeds, you’ll be leveling up with a skillcation.

In many cases, you’ll also leave with a few hand-made, artisanal goods in your bag… some of which you might have created yourself!

Reason #3: Casual courses are fun as hell

I’m a nerd who enjoys learning for the sake of learning. But if you’re a slightly less curious person, you should know that skillcation courses can also be a riot.

Of course, this depends on what type of group you’re joining; if students have linguistic or cultural barriers, it might be tougher to ‘read the room’.

But even if your lesson doesn’t involve a few belly laughs, I guarantee you’ll still make connections with students and/or instructors. Courses are also a great way to learn about recommendations, from bars to museums to day trips.

Wide shot of group of friends taking traditional Mayan cooking class while on vacation (Getty)

Reason #4: They also open doors to new interests

Skillcations let you walk away from vacation with a brand new skill in your back pocket—hence, the name. But they can also shake up your worldview and introduce you to new interests. My partner famously developed an interest in mixing his own cocktails after we took a mixology course.

Years later, he’s become a fantastic at-home bartender. He knows where the good alcohol shops are, along with all the best local bars. And we have an afternoon mixology course to thank for that.

Reason #5: You might not get the chance elsewhere

The aforementioned examples of cooking classes and mixology courses might not paint the best picture of just how hyper-local some skillcation experiences are. Some skillcation opportunities simply won’t be found elsewhere.

For example, you can learn about glaciers in Iceland—a country home to a handful of the world’s largest glaciers. You can learn cheese-making in Switzerland, cochineal beetle dye-making in Mexico, pierogi-making in Poland, and more.

The best skillcations take you straight to the source.

Reason #6: It’s rewarding, and maybe even transformational

Along with opening doors to new interests, learning something new can give you a boost in novel ways. If you’re struggling after a period of poor health or a major life change, learning something new empowers you by activating your mind and proving that you’re still up for a challenge.

Will taking an ice sculpture class in China change your life in and of itself? No, probably not—but it will give you a chance to relate to yourself in a new way and see at least one small practice in a new light. In other words, it has the potential to transform your outlook.

Reason #7: You could develop professional skills

Some skillcations are more about learning than leisure. As a professional and creative writer, I’m always intrigued by writing, poetry, and arts courses. Even classes that revolve around calligraphy, for example, have piqued my professional interest.

If you’re working in a specific industry, consider a skillcation to breathe new passion into your work and explore new avenues. If you’re lucky, you might even convince your employer to buck up for part of the bill.

Solo, Women-Only Travel: What Is It & What Are Programs Like?

Solo travel is having a heyday—and so are women-only travel tours.

I’ve noticed solo travel take off in the last few years because it offers travelers a more intimate, flexible, and transformative experience. Without friends or family to entertain, solo travelers can delve more deeply into the types of tours that spark intrigue for them.

From Africa to Asia to the Caribbean, there’s a perfect destination for every person out there.

Women-only tours, by contrast, often focus on women over the age of 40. With added income and time at their disposal, they’re seeking out adventures that weren’t accessible to them in their twenties and thirties.

Many are looking for new connections with other women who are also in transitional life periods. Some might also seek out women-only experiences for cultural and religious reasons.

But there’s a new trend on the horizon—one that combines the personal focus of solo travel with the community-building element of women-only travel.

Welcome to a growing sector of solo, women-only trips and programs.

So, how did we get here? And what do these types of trips usually look like?

Why is women-only travel taking off?

Most women-only travel is focused on making personal connections with like-minded women. It’s really that simple.

As I outlined before, most of these travelers are over the age of 40 and are transitioning to a new life period—one that affords them more time, curiosity, and funds. (It’s a demographic that’s now called Queenagers. Love it.)

But age and freedom aren’t the only cases. Some women seek out gendered tours and trips because it’s culturally and religiously appropriate. They might not be comfortable spending time with men outside of their immediate families.

Though I’m not from a religion or culture that emphasizes that type of separation, it makes sense.

Let me paint a picture. On my last flight (a seven-hour trip from Atlanta to Barcelona), the man sitting next to me in our two-seater row decided to chat me up. He offered to buy me a drink, then found a way to start conversations with me throughout the flight before ultimately asking for my number and offering to take me out to dinner.

Was he a threat? I sincerely doubt it. Was it still really uncomfortable to be in that position for several hours? Yeah.

Let me paint another picture. Last September while heading out on a press trip, I hailed a cab at 7 am. A drunk man who was also headed to the airport at that time asked to hitch a ride, and I had to decide whether he was actually going to the airport, drunk enough to pose a threat to me, whether the taxi driver would step in, and what to do. At 7 am, while heading out on a work trip.

I think these two (very, very tame) examples from the last year paint a great picture of why women like to move in packs, even as solo travelers. You’re less likely to be derailed, and you’re less likely to hesitate to say no to someone who’s being pushy.

How can you find a women-only solo travel experience?

Women-only travel has been around for close to a decade. Intrepid Travel notably led the charge back in 2018 with its Women’s Expeditions program.

Last year, Insight Vacations joined with its women-only tours, which is followed by new programs from Geographic Expeditions.

This year, EF Go Ahead Tours is joining the women-only travel craze. They recently rolled out seven new women-only tours geared toward solo travelers on the hunt for connection, skills development, and meaningful transformation.

Priced between $3,000-4,500, they’re a little more expensive than Intrepid’s offer, but I’m recommending them because they’re very comprehensive. Not only can you expect a well-organized tour, but you can also expect to meet women tour guides, artisans, experts, and more while on the trip.

It’s women-women-women all the way around.

Here are EF Go Ahead’s women-only tours:

Italy (Rome, Tuscany, Italian Lakes)
Greek Islands (Athens, Rhodes, Crete)
Ireland, England, Scotland
Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi)
Peru (Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu)
Spain & Portugal (Madrid, Seville, Lisbon)
Egypt (Cairo & Nile River)

4 ‘International’ Destinations Where Americans Can Travel Without a Passport

Remember the days when you didn’t need a passport to enter Mexico or Canada?

Technically, Americans are still allowed to enter and exit Mexico and Canada via land or sea without a passport… with a NEXUS card, that is. However, given the vast majority of visitors fly, they still need a valid passport.

That’s not the most feasible arrangement, in my opinion. (If you’re going to go to the lengths of getting a NEXUS card, just go for the passport.)

Still, Mexico and Canada aren’t the end-all of passport-free travel. In fact, Americans have a handful of options when it comes to long-distance destinations that don’t require a passport—and I’m not talking about states like Alaska or Hawaii.

You can explore the world at these four ‘international’ destinations without ever nabbing a US passport. Here’s where to go.

First, let’s talk territories…

The US is composed of 50 states, each of which has its own constitution and lawmaking abilities. The same is true for our 574 federally recognized tribes—each is treated as a sovereign nation with autonomous rights.

The US also has unincorporated territories, which are partly regulated by the federal government but don’t have full representation at the national legal level. In other words, though they have established local governments that work under US law and all constituents are US citizens, they are not fully incorporated under the US Constitution.

I’m talking about Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Mariana Islands.

Although these territories are officially unincorporated, you do not need a passport to visit them.

(The main exception is American Samoa; though it’s an unincorporated territory, you still need a passport or a US birth certificate to enter.)

4 ‘international’ destinations you can visit without a passport

Puerto Rico

I doubt I need to sell you on a trip to Puerto Rico. Not only is the island home to pristine beaches and tropical stretches of jungle, but the capital city of San Juan is also one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the region.

Despite the focus on history, you’ll also find plenty of contemporary innovations, from food to music to the unexpected.

That gives you the reins the incorporate nature, history, and culture at your leisure. Best of all, Puerto Rico is still a solid option for budget travelers—which has made it a hotspot for honeymoon vacations.

US Virgin Islands

St. John, Virgin Islands, Caribbean (Getty)

Ever heard your friends raving about a trip to St Thomas, St John, or St Croix? They’re talking about the US Virgin Islands. Though USVI is home to around 50 outlying islands, the main hubs are the three I just mentioned.

From the capital of Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), you can access other destinations via sea or air. Instead of the cultural and historical activities popular in San Juan, Puerto Rico, most Americans heading to the US Virgin Islands are looking for beachside resorts.

Though you can also find more remote and intimate rentals, USVI is a great choice for first-time international travelers who want a familiar setup.

Guam

Guam is the southernmost Mariana Island (which I’ll introduce below) and one of the larger islands in Oceania. History buffs might recognize Guam for its important role as a military hub during WWII—or its current US military base.

Previously, it was colonized by Spain after Ferdinand Magellan landed on the island in 1521. Today, indigenous Chamorro culture is seeing a major resurgence. Along with language preservation efforts, you’ll notice activities like plaiting, pottery, and even slinging (done with a slingshot) taking place around the island.

Similar to Okinawa, Guam has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning its coastlines are bright and beautiful. Just be careful not to plan a beach-centric trip during monsoon season. Heavy rains are expected between July and November.

Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands are a commonwealth of the US, just like Puerto Rico. It consists of 14 islands that stretch north from Guam—and just like Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands have seen influence from Spain, Japan, and the United States.

However, the Northern Mariana Islands are much more sparsely populated. As of 2020, less than 50,000 inhabitants called the island home. Most live on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.

Chamorro culture is prevalent, along with Carolinian culture—another Northern Mariana subset. With gorgeous beaches, healthy forests, unique cultural activities, and watersports, tourism is a major part of the economy.

However, you’ll notice that the majority of tourists come from China and South Korea—not the United States.

Best Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium: Shops, Workshops, & Tours

Let’s play a food-based word game. When I saw Belgian, you say…

No, not waffles. Chocolate. Belgian chocolate.

Let’s try again. When I saw Brussels, you say…

No, not sprouts. We’re still talking about chocolate.

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, isn’t often high on bucket lists for Americans heading to Europe. But Brussels has more than a few pleasant surprises in store for visitors, from its unique architecture to its role as the seat of the European Union. With over 80 museums dotting the city, a multicultural atmosphere, and imaginative gastronomic projects, it has all the hallmarks of a great destination.

Oh, and chocolate.

Brussels is known as the ‘chocolate capital of the world’ thanks to its role in developing the sweet confection and its massive number of artisanal shops. Though chocolate isn’t a tough sell for most people with a sweet tooth, there’s one angle that you might want to keep in mind—especially if you’re heading to Europe with a lover.

High-quality chocolate, which includes flavonoid-rich cocoa, is an aphrodisiac. (If you’re into science, dive into studies here and here.)

Forget Paris—if you’re looking to explore the sexy underworld of sweet treats, head to Brussels.

Best chocolate workshops and tours in Brussels

Chocolate Pralines Workshop

Walk out of this workshop with 30 handcrafted praline chocolates with you—you’re an artisan chocolatier, now!

Truffles Workshop & Tasting

Start off by learning the ins and outs of creating dark chocolate truffles, then top off the experience with a rich mug of hot chocolate.

Chocolate Walking Tour & Workshop

Get a lay of the (cocoa-laden) land with a short walking tour, followed by a short DIY chocolate workshop that’s led by a master chocolatier.

Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer & Chocolate Tour

Join one of the most famous tours in town at Hungry Mary. Not only will you sample 10 different chocolates, but you also get six beer tastings and cheese plates.

Small-group Chocolate Appreciation Tour

Wander through the streets of Brussels as you visit five of the city’s most celebrated chocolatiers. Plus, tons of history factoids and chocolate-making insights.

Best chocolatiers in Brussels

Passion Chocolat (courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Neuhaus Factory (located just outside the city)
Passion Chocolat
Xocolate (their website doesn’t yet translate into English, but if you’re a chocolate connoisseur, you should have Xocolate on your radar in Brussels)
Corne Dynastie
Laurent Gerbaud
Jerome Grimonpon
Mary

8 Delicious & Gorgeous Wineries in Missouri

When you picture vineyards sprawling across rolling hills in the United States, what places come to mind?

If you’re not thinking of California’s Napa Valley, you’re probably imagining Sonoma instead. Or if California didn’t come to mind, maybe you’re thinking about Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley or Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Aside from California, Washington, and Oregon, states like Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and even Ohio are home to fruitful vineyards.

Anyone who thought of Missouri gets bonus points—as a Midwestern state that’s often dubbed a fly-over territory, few people think about wine when they think about Missouri.

I grew up in the Show Me State and didn’t know the Missouri River corridor was ideal for grape-growing. And I had no idea that a portion of the state is unofficially known as Rhineland, which is laden with unique grape varietals and is a hotbed of low-intervention winemaking methods.

While it might not seem like a likely candidate, Missouri has a handful of vineyards that produce award-winning wines.

Want to feel fancy at a winery and learn a thing or two along the way? No need to head to the West Coast. In fact, you can find some of the country’s coolest vineyards right in the heartland. Here are the best wineries in Missouri.

Best wineries in Missouri: Top 8 picks

Stone Hill Winery, Hermann

Start with the winery that kicked off Missouri’s grape-growing fever. Founded back in 1847 by German immigrants, Stone Hill Winery isn’t just one of the oldest and largest in the state—it’s also one of the most celebrated.

In 2023, the winery took home three gold awards from the National American Wine Competition.

Adam Puchta Winery, Hermann

You’ll notice that many streets in Hermann, Missouri carry pieces of the Stone Hill Winery legacy—but it’s not the only vineyard in town.

In fact, the Adam Puchta Winery came up around the same time as the Stone Hill Winery, having been founded in 1855. Since then, it’s changed hands for seven generations but always remained in the Puchta family.

By 1848, wine producers in the Missouri River Valley (including both Stone Hill and Puchta) were pumping out 10,000 gallons of wine a year.

Augusta Winery, Augusta

Just an hour west of Saint Louis is Augusta, Missouri, the center point of the state’s Rhineland region. You’ll find a long list of wineries in the area, three of which are listed here.

The first I recommend is Augusta Winery. This relative newcomer, which set up shop in 1988, might not look like much from the outside—but its tasting patio is gorgeous and it’s centrally located in historic Augusta.

Plus, its wines are some of the best to come from the state. Great ambiance, better wines.

Montelle Winery, Augusta

If you’re into scenic views, look no further. Montelle Winery has been nicknamed ‘halfway to Heaven’ thanks to its gorgeous vantage point overlooking the Missouri River Valley.

There are added ways to have fun, too, including a seasonal weekend wine hop trolley. Just come ready to drink—Montelle Winery has multiple award-winning dry and semi-dry varieties.

Balducci Vineyards, Augusta

The last Augusta winery you should have on your radar is Balducci Vineyards. Like Augusta Winery, Balducci opened its doors in 1988. But this is a stately, grand venue—one that has taken home Missouri’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Winery in Missouri for 16 years in a row. That’s a high charge to beat.

Chandler Hill Vineyards, Defiance

Defiance is located nearby Augusta just outside the official Missouri River Valley. Despite the change in location, Chandler Hill Vineyards is renowned for its elegant design and expansive views.

What I love about Chandler Hill is that there are a few ways to get in on the wino action, from guided tasting experiences to rentable vineyard cabanas. They also have a live music and event calendar, letting you enjoy the vineyard more casually.

TerraVox Winery, Kansas City

This alternative winery has one singular focus: grow and produce wine from American Heritage Grapes. If you’re looking for a purely American vineyard, look no further than TerraVox.

Tours and tasting experiences are designed to take you straight to the source where you can learn about local grape varieties and how they’re transformed into award-winning wine. Just keep in mind that TerraVox only offers a reservation-based tasting room experience. (Don’t worry – you can still see the vineyard.)

Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Rocheport

Les Bourgeois Vineyards is a massive operation that offers a tasting room, known as the Blufftop. Rather than a traditional winery tour, you can enjoy the Blufftop for tastings, meals, and more.

Similar to Chandler Hill Vineyards, it’s a popular venue and hangout spot—just with a dash more luxury. Personally, I’d head over for a chocolate and wine pairing menu.

5 Exciting New Projects Launching in 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio

Being from the Rust Belt, cities like Cleveland have a special place in my heart.

Like many other hubs that have left their glory days behind them, from Buffalo to Baltimore, the city is in the middle of a rebuild.

Over the last decades, critical funding in Rust Belt cities has often been funneled toward urgent infrastructural and social needs. However, as new industries take root and investment takes off, many cities are refocusing their attention elsewhere.

From arts initiatives to environmental restoration to public events, new projects are taking off constantly—and 2025 is the year that many will hit the ground running.

Though much of the Rust Belt’s restoration has been focused on smaller cities like Lansing, Michigan, and Evansville, Indiana, some larger hubs are also in the midst of a rebirth.

Enter Cleveland.

In 2025, multiple projects that have been in development for years are set to open to the public. And with more set to roll out in 2026 and 2027, from sailing clubs to skyscrapers, it’s the perfect time to put this city back on your bucket list.

Whether looking for a weekend getaway or a more unexpected Midwestern adventure, Cleveland has quietly become one of the region’s stand-out destinations. Best of all, the city has a pet-friendly atmosphere—meaning Fido is also invited.

When you plan your trip, don’t miss out on these exciting new projects.

Coolest new projects taking off in Cleveland in 2025

West Side Market

For years, the West Side Market has been one of the most popular attractions in the city. The famous historic market includes vendors and artisans that sell goods you won’t find elsewhere.

In 2025, the West Side Market will expand its reach with an outdoor seating area, beer garden, and monthly spotlight on local vendors. Tune in when the weather warms up for a brand new West Side Market experience.

Victory Cruise Lines comes back to Cleveland

View of cityscape of Cleveland downtown and Cuyahoga River (Getty)

In spring, Victory Cruise Lines is set to return to the Great Lakes after a six-year hiatus. The company operates two small cruise ships, which will stop in the Port of Cleveland up to 30 times this year.

Victory Cruise Lines are a fantastic way to explore Lake Eerie—along with the other Great Lakes. One line even includes a stop at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Blossom Music Festival

John Mayer performs at Blossom Music Center (Photo by Patrick R. Murphy/Getty Images)

The Blossom Music Center is set to host a major festival this year, headlined by the Cleveland Orchestra. But there’s something extra on the docket this year.

First, the Cleveland Orchestra will be joined by Wicked’’s headliner Cynthia Erivo. Second, cinematic classics like The Lion King and Harry Potter will also be brought to life on the theater stage.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History like never before

Scenes at the Museum of Natural History (Photo by David Butow/Corbis via Getty Images)

Just like the West Side Market, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is changing things up thanks to hefty investments. This year, you can enjoy a brand new 375,000-square-foot expansion that was sustainably designed.

There are brand new Dynamic Earth and Evolving Life exhibits, plus a revamped visitor hall. Best of all, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is free to the public.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park turns 50

A misty early morning shot of Cuyahoga Valley National park (Getty)

Cleveland is halved by the grand Cuyahoga River—but the real rugged magic can be found 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year with a range of outdoor events. There are new guided hike programs, train rides, river excursions, and even concerts and art exhibits that bridge culture and nature.

Bonus: ‘Superman’ comes to town

Cleveland, Ohio, USA – August 25, 2024: Jerry Siegel along with his childhood friend Joe Schuster wrote the first Superman Comics in 1933 as youths. They grew up in Cleveland’s Jewish neighborhood. (Getty)

Officially, Superman is from Smallville—but the Man of Steel was originally conceived in Cleveland. This year, DC’s revamped blockbuster series will debut in Cleveland. In the film, you might even be able to spot a few places from around the city; producers spent over six weeks to complete principle photography for the film.