Skillcations are the latest travel trend taking the travel industry by storm. These trips move away from sightseeing or relaxing on the beach, and focus heavily on a specific niche or skill that travellers can learn.
From climbing to cooking, there are many types of skillcation holidays, but which ones are the most popular? Well, we have identified the skillcations that have seen the greatest increase in popularity by comparing Google Trends search data over the last 12 months.
| Skill | Search growth (Over 12 months) |
|---|---|
| Padel holidays | 333% |
| Yoga holiday | 330% |
| Language holidays | 315% |
| Painting holidays | 280% |
| Climbing holidays | 250% |
| Writing holidays | 227% |
| Sailing holidays | 218% |
| Baking holidays | 200% |
| Hiking holidays | 176% |
| Ski holidays | 162% |
| Tennis holidays | 145% |
| Cooking holidays | 136% |
| Pottery holidays | 133% |
| Dancing holidays | 67% |
| Surfing holidays | 50% |
| Golf holidays | 41% |
| Diving holidays | 14% |
Padel
Key destination: Spain
Padel is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. It is highly accessible and low-impact compared to tennis, making it popular with people of all ages. Over the last year, Google Trends data shows a 333% increase in searches for the term “padel holidays” among those looking to develop their skills.
Spain is often regarded as the capital of Padel, with around 20,000 courts nationwide, according to the International Padel Federation. Barcelona is home to hundreds of high-end indoor padel courts, whilst the sunny shores of Marbella are popular for outdoor padel courts.
Yoga
Key destinations: India, Morocco, Bali
Searches for “yoga holidays” are up by 330% in 2026. Yoga offers many benefits, both physical and mental, such as improving flexibility, strength, balance, and posture while reducing stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. Yoga holidays offer travellers the opportunity not only to see incredible destinations around the world, but also to learn valuable skills they can bring home.
Top destinations for a yoga holiday include India, which is also known as its birthplace, and Rishikesh, set amongst the Himalayan foothills, making it an ideal tranquil setting. Other popular destinations include Morocco, for wellness retreats, and Bali, which has more than 600 yoga studios.
Language
Key destinations: France, Germany, Spain
With a 315% increase in the last 12 months, language holidays are another skill that travellers are looking to improve. Being able to speak and understand a foreign language is a skill that many of us aim to achieve. Not only can it improve career prospects, but it can also enhance communication skills and cultural awareness.
There are many incredible destinations to visit to improve language skills, depending on the language you wish to learn. A city break in Paris or a summer holiday in the French Riviera will allow travellers to converse in the native tongue. Alternatively, for an immersive language-learning experience, consider a language course in a foreign destination.
Painting
Key destinations: Italy, Scotland
Painting is a unique skill that can be learned at any age, so it's no wonder searches for “painting holidays” are up by 280% in 2026. There are many benefits to painting; not only can it help reduce stress, but it can also help individuals express themselves and share ideas with like-minded people.
Destinations such as Florence, Italy, are great for those who want to be inspired by painting, as it is home to the Uffizi Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Scotland is another great location for those looking to be inspired by dramatic, diverse landscapes.
Climbing
Key destinations: USA, Italy, Greece
Climbing is a skill that can be learned by those seeking a challenge and adventure. Searches for “climbing holidays” have increased by 250% in the last 12 months. They can include expert instruction, accommodation, and equipment, allowing participants to improve skills in scenic outdoor locations.
There are plenty of incredible destinations to practice your climbing skills. Yosemite in the USA is famed for El Capitan, a rock face for more experienced climbers, and Italy is home to the Dolomites, which have climbing routes for all skill levels. Another popular destination, Kalymnos, Greece, features over 4,200 bolted limestone routes, including the iconic Grande Grotta cave.
Writing
Key destinations: Ireland, France
Searches for “writing holidays” are up by 227% compared to last year. Writing holidays are organised trips designed for those looking to escape daily distractions and focus entirely on their craft in inspiring locations. These retreats provide dedicated time for writing, alongside opportunities for development, networking with peers, and receiving feedback from mentors or coaches.
Ireland is an exceptional destination for a writing holiday due to its profound literary heritage, deeply ingrained culture of storytelling, and raw, inspiring landscapes. Alternatively, Paris offers a dense network of cafés, bookshops, and historic sites frequented by iconic writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, fostering a sense of literary community and tradition.
Sailing
Key destinations: Croatia, Greece
Sailing provides people with a sense of freedom, adventure and a connection to nature. Learning to sail can transform personal growth by building immense confidence and resilience as you master dynamic environmental challenges. Searches for “sailing holidays” are up by 218% this year.
With over 1,000 islands, Croatia provides many sheltered bays and inlets perfect for sailing, specifically between Pula and Korčula. Greece is also known for idyllic sailing conditions, and the Ionian Sea offers light winds and clear, warm waters, making it ideal for beginners. Key areas include Corfu, Lefkada, and Kefalonia.
Baking
Key destinations: Portugal, Denmark, France
With the widely popular show, The Great British Bake Off, more travellers are looking to get into baking, with searches for “baking holidays” up by 200% in 2026. These trips can inspire avid bakers to learn new skills and improve their craft, making them more technically proficient and well-rounded.
Portugal is a great destination for baking, thanks to its rich pastry heritage, featuring world-renowned treats like pastéis de nata. Travellers can engage in hands-on workshops, learn to work with traditional ingredients like lemon, cinnamon, and honey, and explore diverse regional specialities across the country. Denmark is another great option for those looking to work on pastries, along with France, for those eager to experience world-class bakeries.
Book your next getaway with Iglu Cruise
If you’re looking to experience a skillcation, why not consider a cruise? You’ll be able to visit some incredible destinations and learn skills both on board and offshore.
From pasta-making workshops in Rome to padel lessons in Barcelona, there are plenty of options for travellers of all ages to develop their skills. Cruise lines such as Princess Cruises offer Camp Discovery sessions that provide educational and themed activities for children and teens, focusing on science, nature, and immersive destination experiences.
