Learning Holidays and Volunteer Vacations

WRITERS' RETREATS IN IRELAND OR CANADA -- Stay on Dublin’s O’Connell Street or in an Irish country cottage, talking in the pub or beside a turf fire. In Canada, experience the mountain tranquility of Waterton Park or the vibrant energy of Calgary. Small groups up to eight participants. Requests for custom-designed retreats and workshops in these and other locations very welcome. Website: www.writinglife.ca/retreats.html. Email contact: Murphy@writinglife.ca (September 7, 2009)

COOKING VACATIONS IN CHINA -- Learn about the world’s oldest, greatest and most misunderstood cuisine in our exclusive three-day culinary immersions. Woman-managed and hosted Lotus Culinary Travel provides entrée to the best restaurants, kitchens and markets combined with hands-on classes at top cooking schools and five-star accommodations. Offered year-round for small and private groups. www.lotusculinary.com. Contact Taylor at taylor@lotusculinary.com or 1.800.518.8034 (August 20, 2009)

GOING PLACES TOGETHER -- If this is your first great adventure or your passport is worn from wear, you are always welcome here. Portugal, Australia, South Korea and Japan, in 2009 we travel from coast to coast to coast. Don’t miss "Reading India", a book club for the truly adventurous. Email nancy@goingplacestogether.com and visit www.goingplacestogether.com (July 18, 2009)

VOLUNTEER ABROAD -- It's the experience of a lifetime. As a Cross-Cultural Solutions international volunteer, you're making a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you. Choose from 10 countries, start dates year-round and programs from 1-12 weeks long. CCS offers programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand. Website: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org (November 20, 2009)

SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE - See how easy it is to help others as you travel. Join us on a cultural or philanthropic journey into South Africa. Visit orphanages and rural schools. Experience the townships. Study apartheid. Meet artists, entrepreneurs, and educators. Enjoy local B&Bs, sensational food and wine, fabulous guides. Website: http://theculturalexplorer.com/ Email: pat@theculturalexplorer.com (July 1, 2009)

IN AT THE DEEP END -- Complete immersion in the French language with Linguistic holidays for women in Périgord, France! You think about a few days relaxation! You would like to improve your French language! I offer my guests the opportunity to discover the French way of life, not as a tourist but as a “local” and to relax in the hospitable atmosphere of my rural house. Website: www.lou-pie.fr Email: lou-pie@orange.fr (June 11, 2009)

SEMESTER AT SEA -- The mission of Semester at Sea is to educate individuals for leadership, service, and success in shaping our interdependent world. Since 1963 we have led around-the-world semesters for lifelong learners on a ship outfitted as a floating college campus. If you are interested in sailing with us, please see our website at www.semesteratsea.org or call 1-800-854-0195 (June 1, 2009).

GOURMET SAFARI -- We offer hand-picked authentic culinary vacations in key culinary regions of Italy, France, Spain and Morocco. Take in cooking lessons with local chefs using only the freshest of seasonal produce, visit local villages, restaurants, open-air markets & wine estates. We provide an authentic culinary travel experience that is unique and exclusive, with an orientation towards a highly personalized, independent service for the individual traveller. Website: www.gourmetsafari.com Email: info@gourmetsafari.com Tel: 416.238.9987/800.839.5795 (March 5, 2008)

CREATIVE ARTS SAFARIS -- live, laugh, learn. Join us for hands on creative adventures in inspirational locations. We embrace the creative arts- from textiles and drawing to photography and cooking. We travel to exotic locations for rich cultural experiences and the sheer pleasure of being there. Getting away to somewhere a little magical will help unlock your own creative spring. Website: www.creative-arts-safaris.com Email: info@creative-arts-safaris.com (December 14, 2008)

TUSCANY WRITERS RETREAT IN LUCCA -- Escape to the Italian countryside this summer (June 7-14). Live like the locals and write like the masters in the land of the Renaissance. Featuring a balance of writing workshops, inspiring chats, international authors and agents, and famous Tuscan wine and delicacies designed to jumpstart the creative process for beginners and seasoned authors. For more information, visit www.TuscanyWritersConference.com or email us at ciao@tuscanywritersconference.com (November 1, 2008)

PHOTO TOURS IN BRAZIL, CRETE, SLOVENIA AND ZANZIBAR -- with a Getty Images Travel Photographer by your side. We really get behind the facade of these destinations to take superb photos. I hope you are enticed to join me. For further details/images. Website: www.steveoutram.com Email: mail@steveoutram.com Tel + Fax 0030 28210 32201 (October 19, 2008)

BAJA'S NEW COOKING SCHOOL Set in the midst of the large organic farm at Rancho La Puerta fitness resort and spa, La Cocina Que Canta (“The Kitchen That Sings”) now offers hands-on cooking classes to guests of the famed spa. The school’s 4,000 s.f. hacienda-style facility features a décor of folk art and handmade tiles, superb culinary equipment, and the talents of both the Ranch’s creative teaching chefs as well as guest chefs of great renown. Website: www.lacocinaquecanta.com (July 20, 2007).

WOMEN/WINE/FOOD/FUN IN ITALY Join my small (4-12) culinary tours/cooking classes to Italy and let me share with you the rich assortment of friends and colleagues in the country that has captured my heart - we'll visit an amazing group: baker, butcher, winemaker, balsamic master, olive oil producer, cheese makers, grappa processors, chefs, fishermen. All while staying in beautiful accommodations throughout Italy: Tuscany, Umbria, Venice, Riviera/Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Apulia. Phone: 1-888-636-1602, Website: www.gourmetravel.com, E-mail: Bev@Gourmetravel.com Bev Gruber's Everyday Gourmet Traveler, Seattle, USA (April 16, 2008).

MOMENTUM FOR WOMEN Join like-minded women for sophisticated journeys all over the world – China, Italy, Israel, Russia and more! These fully-escorted, culturally rich journeys feature comfort, elegance and the gift of shared experiences. Whether traveling alone or with friends, sisters, mothers or daughters, renew your energy, recharge your spirit, and broaden your horizons. Momentum for Women makes wonderful memories. Prepare to be delighted! Website: www.momentumtours.com/tforw.htm (February 19, 2008)

SCULPT YOUR OWN RETREAT with Sky Mountain Retreats. With options in Tai Chi, Yoga, Qi Gong, & Enneagram, our retreats around the world offer something for everyone. Get a massage, relax in the sun, rejuvenate in the surf, and experience the best practice for you with our experienced instructors. Return home feeling centered, strong, and rejuvenated, because it’s your life. Visit: www.skymountainretreats.com. Email: info@skymountainretreats.com or call 530-559-2931 (February 7, 2008)

Want to make a difference and contribute while you travel? You will love our Make a Difference - South Africa trips! Visit orphanages and schools. Experience the townships. Study apartheid. Meet artists, entrepreneurs, and educators. Enjoy local B&Bs, sensational food and wine, fabulous guides. We offer cultural and philanthropic experiences for groups and solo travelers. Ask about our mother/daughter tours. Come see why Oprah loves this country and it's people. Website: http://theculturalexplorer.com/ Email: pat@theculturalexplorer.com (February 7, 2008)

FOLLOW YOUR ARTISTIC INSTINCTS to a medieval perched village in the South of France. Your hosts, an American artist and writer, open their home to you for a wonderful week of cultural immersion in the arts. Painting Workshop Weeks: individual tuition, gourmet cuisine and wine, congenial company, and personal growth. Whole Woman Week: Recharge in an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement. Contact: mizmittle@yahoo.com Web Site: http://www.personalprovence.com (December 15, 2007)