Experiential vacations – also known as adventure travel or immersive travel – are about learning, exploring or doing something (not just zoning out!). In just a few clicks, you can get yourself out of your comfort zone and into some pretty amazing experiences. We’ve picked a half-dozen holidays that you’ll definitely want to tweet home about.
1. NASCAR Racing Experience
Feeling the need for speed? Drive an authentic NASCAR race car – including vehicles driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and other stars – or ride along in a two-seater at famous tracks across the U.S. You’ll have a personal driving coach and in-car racing communications, and yes, speed freaks, passing is allowed. Drives start at US$399.99; ride-alongs at US$129.99.
2. Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp
Indulge your dreams of rock stardom in Vegas (where else?). Be a “Rock Star for a Day” and jam with the pros from bands such as Aerosmith and KISS, or choose the two-day “Rock Camp 101” experience (no musical experience necessary) and get a crash course in vocals, guitar and other instruments. Want to rock harder? Three-, four- and five-day camps are also available. Prices from US$299.
3. Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
Ride the waves with confidence at beautiful Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica. Stroll from your beachside hotel to your lessons taught by an expert coach. With small-group lessons (never more than three students), you’ll be hanging ten in no time. Witch’s Rock Surf Camp has a money-back guarantee: if they can’t teach you to surf, you don’t pay. One-week packages from US$848 (high season).
4. Three Bars Guest and Cattle Ranch
Find the meaning of life at a dude ranch (hey, it worked for Billy Crystal in City Slickers!) in the gorgeous Canadian Rockies near Banff. With the help of your hosts, the Beckley family, tap into your inner cowboy or cowgirl and enjoy activities such as horseback riding, hiking, rafting and fly fishing – then soothe those weary bones with a soak in the hot tub. Prices from $1,190.
5. Jules Undersea Lodge
For an unforgettable holiday, head to Key Largo Undersea Park in Florida. Snorkel or take scuba lessons in the Emerald Lagoon, then hang out in the underwater lodge (you must be a certified diver or take the on-site Discover Scuba course). To get inside, you’ll dive down 21 feet and through a tropical mangrove habitat. Bonus: Papa John’s Pizza lunch when you get there! Overnight stay from US$675.
6. CIA Boot Camp
Wine and dine with the experts at the CIA – the Culinary Institute of America, that is. Head to NYC, California or Texas and choose from dozens of delectable themes, from two-day “Grilling and BBQ” workshops to five-day “World Cuisine” courses. Prices from US$895.