Making Memories Through Educational Travel
Education doesn’t have to stop when traditional schooling is over. Have you always wanted to take a woodworking class or cook a country’s traditional dish? The SAVE Travel Alliance facilitates educational travel experiences for anyone wishing to learn new information or acquire a unique skill-set. This type of travel includes lectures, guided tours by local experts, traditional festivals, cooking and art classes, and trips to archaeological sites. In 2013, 13% of all US leisure travelers took a trip primarily for educational purposes and 56% planned to do so again in the next three years. Our vision at SAVE Travel Alliance is focused on connecting those with the desire to travel to the exciting opportunities at our seven global destinations as they become available.
Educational travelers find several factors important when choosing a trip: destinations on itinerary, access to unique, otherwise inaccessible experiences, interaction with subject experts, traveling with like minded travelers, philanthropic aspects. The purpose of these educational trips is for travelers to improve their understanding and knowledge for personal enjoyment instead of academic credit. This type of educational experience can include the learning of a language, the acquirement of skills such as traditional dances, art, and learning to prepare local culinary dishes. This type of traveler generates economic benefits, helps preserve cultural traditions, and shares positive stories upon arrival which will in turn improve the reputation of the travel destination.
Education is a lifelong journey, and learning can be accomplished in a number of environments. Educational travel experiences include language immersion classes, agro-cooking tours, and lessons in traditional arts and crafts. SAVE Travel helps you continue to grow by matching your interests with the specialized resources of global destinations. Educational travel provides a wealth of opportunities for educators, families, affinity groups, and individual travelers interested in learning more about a subject or geographical area and to learn about the world through local experts.
The SAVE Travel Alliance connects potential travelers to a myriad of educational experiences, such as the opportunity to participate in a sombrero-making workshop in Becal. Sombreros are the emblem of Becal, a quaint community in Campeche, Mexico. The majority of houses of sombrero-making families has a dug-out cave where the humidity smoothes the palm fibers and where family members hand weave sombreros, fans, boxes and bags, just as their mayan ancestors did. For many years, the artisanal practice of the people of Becal has been the weaving of sombreros de jipi, frequently compared to the famous Panama hats and made from different types of palm trees. The making of sombreros is the main activity for locals, providing them with years of prosperity within the hat industry. These hats represent a hard-working community putting in immense effort to create better lives for their families. Travelers have the chance to visit this community, learn about the process of sombrero-making, and take part in the production. The incomparable experience of constructing one’s own sombrero or other artesanal product in the traditional campechano style, where the local artisans show and teach the production process, is an invaluable product of this educational opportunity.
Educational travelers believe that the world is a classroom. Every new activity is packed with chances to learn and grow through real-world experiences and pushing oneself to explore new destinations. Culinary education, for example, is important because food is a foundational part of our lives. It sustains and nourishes us while allowing us to connect and partake in enjoyable culinary occasions. Campeche’s vibrant flavors are perfectly showcased in a 7-day culinary tour. This tour evokes Campeche’s authentic and beautiful culture, elevating this state’s identity through its savory cuisine. This exciting and authentic tour also allows Campeche travelers to fully immerse themselves in Campeche’s deeply rooted Mayan and colonial cultures. Campeche remains largely undiscovered among international travelers, and providing first-hand experiences and education will benefit visitors and locals for years to come.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more about educational travel!