When I first started traveling solo in my mid-40s, I thought my trips would be all about sightseeing, relaxing, and maybe a little shopping. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d crave deeper meaning in my travels. Over time, I found myself gravitating toward experiences where I could learn something new, whether it was taking a wine tasting class in Paris, joining a glass fusing workshop, or diving into a city’s history through a walking tour led by a passionate local.
That’s exactly what learning based travel is about. It’s a growing trend, especially for women over 50, who are no longer content with just snapping pictures in front of landmarks. Instead, we want to stretch our minds, ignite our creativity, and come home with skills, knowledge, and perspectives that last long after the vacation glow fades.
Learning based travel is exactly what it sounds like, travel that incorporates intentional learning experiences. Instead of just visiting a destination, you immerse yourself in it through education, workshops, and hands-on activities. Think:
The beauty of learning based travel is that it doesn’t replace fun or relaxation—it adds another layer. You might spend the morning learning about ancient architecture with an expert guide and the afternoon sipping coffee in a charming café. The combination of growth and leisure makes it deeply rewarding.
There’s no denying that learning based travel has surged in popularity, and women over 50 are leading the way. Here’s why:
At this stage in life, many of us have “been there, done that” with traditional travel. We’ve taken the beach vacations, the sightseeing tours, the family road trips. Now, we want something more meaningful. Learning based travel turns a trip into a personal journey.
Travel itself sharpens your mind, but adding an educational component is like a mental workout. Studies show lifelong learning keeps the brain agile, and many of us are eager to embrace opportunities that challenge us in new ways.
There’s something incredibly empowering about stepping into a pottery studio in Italy or learning to tango in Buenos Aires. Every new skill learned builds confidence—and that confidence extends far beyond the trip.
For women traveling in women-only groups, shared learning experiences create instant bonds. Imagine laughing with new friends while kneading dough in a Spanish kitchen or sketching together during a plein-air art class in France. These connections make the journey even more memorable.
If you’re traveling solo, joining a class or workshop is an easy way to meet locals and fellow travelers. You’re no longer just observing—you’re participating, which makes solo travel less lonely and infinitely more rewarding.
So how do you make the most of this trend? Here are my best tips for women 50 and older who are curious about diving into learning based travel.
Ask yourself: What have I always wanted to learn? Maybe you’ve dreamed of cooking authentic paella in Spain, learning photography in Iceland, or studying art history in Florence. Choosing something you’re already passionate about makes the trip feel even more fulfilling.
While it’s tempting to sign up for a full-day intensive class, don’t forget to leave time for spontaneous exploration. The best learning based travel experiences balance structure (like a half-day workshop) with downtime for wandering, relaxing, and soaking in the destination.
If you’re going the group travel route, especially with women’s only groups, look carefully at the company’s philosophy. The best ones design itineraries where learning feels authentic and woven into the culture, not forced or touristy. Sisterhood Travels trips often include classes and there are also trips targeted to specific learning opportunities.
Remember, you don’t have to be “good” at the skill to enjoy the experience. Whether you’re painting, dancing, or learning a new language, the joy is in trying. Let go of perfection and savor the process.
If you’re heading on a photography tour, make sure you bring the right gear. For a cooking class, leave extra room in your suitcase for spices or utensils you may want to bring home. Tailoring your packing list to your learning experience makes travel smoother.
Since the focus is on learning, consider keeping a travel journal. You know I’ve sung the praises of journaling before. Write about what you’ve learned each day and how it made you feel. This reflection deepens the experience and gives you a keepsake that’s more powerful than souvenirs.
To help you imagine what this might look like, here are a few examples that are popular with women travelers over 50:
Each of these trips combines travel with personal growth—turning a vacation into something much more enriching. Sisterhood Travels is constantly adding new trips that weave in learning experiences, or whole trips featuring learning based travel.
For women in midlife and beyond, travel isn’t just about checking destinations off a list anymore. It’s about living fully, learning continuously, and connecting deeply. Learning based travel gives us exactly that.
It’s a reminder that we’re never too old to pick up new skills, never too old to reinvent ourselves, and never too old to find joy in the adventure of learning. In fact, this stage of life is the perfect time to embrace it. We have the freedom, the curiosity, and the wisdom to savor every moment.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a women’s only group, consider making your next trip a learning based travel experience. Not only will you return with photos and memories, but also with new skills, insights, and friendships that enrich your life in ways no ordinary vacation could.
At the heart of it, learning based travel is about more than destinations, it’s about transformation. And for women over 50, that’s the kind of adventure worth saying yes to.
Who are our Sisters? Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We may be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, We’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs, and the magic of Sisterhood.
