68% Say 'Skillcations' Could Change Their Lives

Your next vacation souvenir might not fit in a suitcase, and that's exactly the point.

The "skillcation" trend is transforming how people travel, with nearly half of Americans interested in building trips around learning new abilities. A survey of 1,000 travelers by IHG Hotels & Resorts found that 68% believe these skill-focused vacations could genuinely change their lives.

Young travelers are leading the charge. Some 41% of Gen Z and Millennials have already taken a skillcation, more than double the rate of Baby Boomers at 16%.

The trend combines learning with another popular movement: digital detoxing. About 68% of travelers said they'd completely unplug during a skillcation, with that number jumping to 83% among Gen Z.

The benefits go beyond just picking up a new hobby. After their trips, 27% of skillcationers report feeling more open to new experiences, 27% gain confidence, and 26% say travel feels more meaningful overall.

"The most memorable trips are no longer defined by where people stayed, but by the skills and stories they can share afterwards," says Gemma Bull, IHG Vice President of Global Storytelling.

Cooking tops the wishlist, with 37% wanting culinary-focused trips. Hotels are responding with creative offerings like pie-making classes in Huntington Beach, California, where guests learn to flute the perfect crust. At Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland, travelers master traditional Alpine cheesemaking by hand in a mountain setting.

But the options extend far beyond the kitchen. At Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, guests strum ukuleles while learning local island songs. In Dominica, birdwatchers spot rare Jaco and Sisserou parrots found nowhere else on Earth.

One Arizona resort even offers floating mahjong lessons, where guests learn the ancient strategy game during poolside sessions.

Why This Inspires

This shift represents something deeper than vacation planning. People are craving experiences that stick with them long after the tan fades and the jet lag passes.

Instead of passive sightseeing, travelers are choosing active engagement with local cultures and traditions. They're returning home with abilities they can practice, share, and build upon, transforming a two-week trip into a lifelong passion.

The combination of learning and unplugging offers a powerful antidote to our always-on world. When you're focused on kneading dough in St. Lucia or identifying bird calls in the Caribbean, your phone stays in your pocket and your mind stays present.

These travelers are proving that the best souvenirs aren't things you buy, but skills you earn.