By now, you may have already visited many touristy destinations. Where to next? To make your next travel adventure a chance to not only renew yourself but to improve your skills, we\u2019ve put together a list of unique ideas to consider.<\/p>\n
The Health Benefits of Travel<\/h4>\n
First, if it\u2019s hard for you to justify getting away, here are some reasons why you must travel.<\/p>\n
Studies show that travel is important for mental as well as physical wellness. A study conducted by the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association released research showing how travel offers the same physical and cognitive benefits as crossword puzzles or museum visits.\nAccording to the study:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Women who vacationed every six years or less had a significantly higher risk of developing a heart attack or coronary death compared with women who vacationed at least twice a year.<\/li>\n
- Men who did not take an annual vacation were shown to have a 20% higher risk of death and about a 30% greater risk of death from heart disease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The study shows that the benefits of travel are almost immediate. After only a day or two, 89 percent of respondents saw significant drops in stress. It also noted that 59 percent of Americans dream of traveling during their retirement and the trips that have the most impact are those spent with family and friends.<\/p>\n
According to Dr. Margaret J. King, the director of the Center for Cultural Studies & Analysis<\/a>: There are a lot of psychological benefits from change of venue from home and work to \u2018third places\u2019 devoted to just experiencing the environment.<\/p>\n
With a short list of activities each day, freed up from the complexities of ongoing projects and relationships, the mind can reset, as does the body, with stress relief the main outcome. Humans thrive on novelty, and travel offers the complete package with new faces, sounds and sights.<\/p>\n
Now that you can justify traveling more because it is good for your health, here are some \u201coff the beaten path\u201d ideas you won’t find in a typical guidebook or website listing, and where you will can get away to learn something too. These ideas will definitely make you feel like you are a local!<\/p>\n
![\"Piccaya-credit.Depositphotos_500h\"](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Piccaya-credit.Depositphotos_500h.jpg\")
Piccaya-credit.Depositphotos<\/p><\/div>\nDance Your Heart Out<\/h3>\n
Salsa in Columbia<\/h4>\n
Learn to salsa in the salsa capital of the world during the annual World Salsa Festival.<\/p>\n
Take a two-week dance vacation in Cali during September with a spread of lessons, culture and fun. Daily dance classes are held with professional dance teachers in an award-winning dance school. The classes range from absolute beginner to advanced and focus on Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, Mambo and Salsa choke (the latest salsa fashion in Cali).<\/p>\n
Immerse yourself into the rich culture of salsa at the festival where you\u2019ll see shows, dance displays, live salsa concerts and more!<\/p>\n
Time outside of classes to explore the historic San Antonio barrio makes for a well-rounded, shaken and stirred salsa excursion. You will return refreshed and ready for Dancing with the Stars.<\/p>\n
Tango in Argentina<\/h4>\n
Heat things up where Tango was born with the spicy dance of Buenos Aires. Over the course of your trip, you\u2019ll be introduced to technique, dance styles and etiquette by experienced tango teachers.<\/p>\n
For an insight into the real Buenos Aires, you can stay at a boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. This is the former home of the Argentinian writer and poet, Leopoldo Lugones (circa early 1900s). Amidst numerous milongas (places or events where tango is danced), tango schools, caf\u00e9s, restaurants and theaters, there\u2019s always something to see while you\u2019re taking a break from swaying to the music.<\/p>\n
You will dance away with an exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Latin America, new dance skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.<\/p>\n
Learn more about these dancing journeys at Responsible Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Photo:](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Paul-Bocuse-photo_chefs.jpg\")
Photo: Institut Paul Bocuse<\/p><\/div>\n
Gourmet Getaway<\/h3>\n
Taste, Cook and Learn in France<\/h4>\n
The Institut Paul Bocuse<\/a>, the international ambassador of gastronomy and hospitality, invites gourmets from around the world to live a unique experience and learn the secrets of French cuisine, pastry and sommellerie.<\/p>\n
The four sensory experiences include a week of discoveries and confidential meetings off the beaten track to taste rare products, share exclusive meetings in a warm setting and learn from the exceptional backgrounds of those men and women who embody the French know-how. Guests are invited to stay in the heart of the world capital of gastronomy at the Institut Paul Bocuse\u2019s family establishment, the Hotel Le Royal.<\/p>\n
Discover authentic and local cuisine at Chef Paul Bocuse\u2019s restaurant at the Auberge du Pont in Collonges where you\u2019ll be introduced to the secrets of traditional techniques and recipes of the great chefs of Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes region.\n[awesome-gallery id=3813]
Photo: Institut Paul Bocuse<\/p><\/p>\n
Learn more about Mediterranean and French southern cuisine as you increase your awareness of the influence of colors in your appreciation of dishes from a color expert. Take a guided tour of the temple of Lyonnais gastronomy, the famous covered market \u201cHalles Paul Bocuse,\u201d where you\u2019ll be treated to a magnificent lunch at the Maison Pic\u2014restaurant of Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence.<\/p>\n
The experiences don\u2019t stop there. You\u2019ll learn the fundamentals of French pastry, with a special blend of history and dessert discovery during a private tasting of the Valrhona City of Chocolate. Explore the art of the sugar centerpiece\u2014a performance included in the World Cup of pastry\u2014and attend a training course by winegrowers and terroirs with an assembly of food-wine pairings and exclusive visits to the Rhone Valley, the Beaujolais and Burgundy.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit Institut Paul Bocuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Bring Out Your Inner Picasso in Spain<\/h3>\n
Calling all amateur painters. What could be more relaxing while brushing up on your creativity skills than a week learning to paint?<\/p>\n
![\"Alhambra](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Alhambra-palace-Granada-Spain\u2013trofoto.jpg\")
Alhambra palace, Granada, Spain \u00a9 trofoto Deposit Photos<\/p><\/div>\n
Paint in Spain<\/h4>\n
The trip is set in Andaluc\u00eda<\/a>, Spain, the typical pueblo blanco (pretty white village) of Frigiliana, which sits high on a mountain range overlooking the Mediterranean. Experienced professional artist and teacher Anna Martin is your guide to making masterpieces in the inspiring locations you\u2019ll find yourself in each day.<\/p>\n
You choose your medium, and Anna helps you to capture the landscape in an effective way. Whether coastal or mountainous, she will help you develop your style and technique. This trip is suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to career painters. The format for the week is to paint for approximately three hours each morning on location before having a relaxing lunch, followed by more painting for approximately two-and-a-half hours each afternoon.<\/p>\n
Besides painting and enjoying one of Andalucia\u2019s 320 days of sunshine per year, you\u2019ll be encouraged to indulge in the local cuisine of bodegas, tapas restaurants and seafood dining on the beach. Enjoy a wine tasting, visit the botanical gardens in Malaga and take a trip to see the Alhambra in Granada.<\/p>\n
Discover the vibrant colors of the turquoise coast through the eyes of a painter. Learn more about painting vacation in Spain through\u00a0Responsible Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Bitterroot](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Photo-Bitterroot-Ranch-for-article.jpg\")
Bitterroot Ranch<\/p><\/div>\n
Ride, Sally, Ride<\/h3>\n
These equestrian trips can cater to any experience level, age and weight. Bring the whole family or escape for a week with your significant other.<\/p>\n
Herd Cattle in Wyoming<\/h4>\n
Bitterroot Ranch<\/a>, owned and operated by the Fox Family since 1971, is the mecca of horseback riding activities in the United States. The itinerary ranges from intermediate riding lessons to a cross-country jumping course for experienced riders and cattle drives, roundups and pack trips in between.<\/p>\n
Canter on open plains and wind through pine and aspen forests as you clamber up rocky gorges and cross rushing steams that cascade out of the mountains. On Wyoming trail rides, spot wildlife like antelope, mule deer, elk, coyotes and bears.<\/p>\n
After the ride, wander back to your humble log cabin alongside the river where you\u2019ll take in spectacular views of surrounding mountains. Enjoy meals accompanied with wine in the main lodge.<\/p>\n
The working cattle and dude ranch\u2019s brood mares give birth to a new crop of friendly fowls each spring, and you can enjoy playing with them. Visit the purebred Arabian stallions as well as Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Welsh Ponies and other breeds.<\/p>\n
Learn how to ride from one of the country\u2019s most successful Centered Riding instructors, Donna Snyder-Smith. Participate in a clinic on how to start training young horses where you\u2019ll learn from a trainer with 20 plus years of experience, Linda Tellington-Jones.<\/p>\n
Want to learn how to communicate effectively with horses? Anna Twinney presents \u201cReach Out To Horses,\u201d which includes body language communication skills and Reiki certification.<\/p>\n
![\"Tanzania.](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Tanzania.-Photo-Equitours.750w.jpg\")
Tanzania. Photo: Equitours<\/p><\/div>\n
Equestrian Adventure in Tanzania<\/h4>\n
For the more adventurous travelers, the Amboseli Elephant Safari provides you the opportunity to visit the unspoiled, timeless Africa. You\u2019ll ride horseback along the western base of Mount Kilimanjara where you\u2019ll encounter Masai men herding cattle and women with donkeys, carrying water back to their village.<\/p>\n
See elephants as you ride on safari horses through changing vegetation zones towards the Kenyan border and Amboseli National Park. Experience the real outdoors with wholesome home cooking by trained bush chefs and nights spent in fly camps with hot bucket showers.<\/p>\n
Extend your trip by traveling to the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest calving. Or travel to Zanzibar to explore the old town or enjoy snorkeling and diving on the coral reef in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. For more information: Equitours<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Iceland.](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Iceland.-Photo.-Equitours.jpg\")
Iceland. Photo: Equitours<\/p><\/div>\n
Ride Through Iceland<\/h4>\n
Ideal for visitors who have a taste for uninhabited areas, the Fjallabak tour takes you through the \u201cland of fire and ice.\u201d Wild volcanic landscapes beside snow-capped mountains, vast lava deserts amid multicolored hills, and immense snow fields leading to soothing hot springs make up some of the most extremely diverse and unique landscapes of the most isolated nation in the Western World.<\/p>\n
T\u00f6lt (the special gait of the Icelandic horse), pace, canter and gallop on horses who are purebred descendants of Viking ancestors. Experience riding with a herd of 30 to 50 horses running freely alongside you, changing mounts several times throughout the trip to ensure comfort and freshness.<\/p>\n
Enjoy rustic lodging, wholesome meals and dips in the hot, sulfurous springs.<\/p>\n
Get ready to saddle up with more information\u00a0through Equitours<\/a>\u00a0and the Dude Ranchers’ Association.<\/a><\/p>\n
Now Do It!<\/h4>\n
We\u2019ve provided the inspiration. Now it\u2019s up to you to start enriching your life with travel.<\/p>\n
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