Get creative in Portland
Anyone who’s seen IFC’s satirical show Portlandia, will know the Oregon city is hipster central. Whilst you’re there then, take inspiration from the local’s love of all things creative and try a Mixed-Media Retreat. The long, colourful list of arty workshops you’ll experience includes instruction on making metal clay silver art, silk scarves, beaded flower crowns and steampunk snowflakes. There really is something for everyone. And a bonus for travellers -- the Red Lion Hotel where the next retreat is held (April 7-13 2014) is a convenient 15-minute drive from the airport.
www.artandsoulretreat.com
Cook up a storm in Hanoi
Vietnam is always a popular pick for foodies and it’s little wonder. Steaming food stands tempt you at almost every corner, selling everything from French inspired Bánh mì baguettes, filled with a combination of cold cuts, pickled carrots, pate and coriander, to soulful bowls of Pho, the rice noodle soup synonymous with the country’s cuisine. To learn how to make it all yourself, check out the Hanoi Cooking Centre – courses there cover everything from street eats to vegan dishes. At Hanoi Cooking Centre you can take part in:
- Vietnamese & International Cooking Classes
- Street Eats and Market Tours
- Corporate Team Building Classes
- Cooking for Kids
Scale new heights in New Zealand
If you’re craving wild adventure, windburn and all, learn how to climb on New Zealand’s remarkable mountain ranges. Alpine Recreation offers courses for all abilities. For beginners, there are four-day itineraries providing budding mountaineers with the skills to continue above the snowline. More experienced climbers, however, can test their abilities with the seven-day Ailsa Stream ice climbing course which includes instruction on kit preparation, bivyying and avalanche preparation.
Tell tales in London
Travel writers and photographers won’t want to miss the Traveller’s Tales Festival, to be held in London in spring 2014 (register online for updates). As well as providing the opportunity to meet and learn from stars of the industry through talks and workshops, the three-day event is an ideal place to pick up tips from like-minded travellers.
www.travellerstalesfestival.com
Laugh in Thailand
Feeling down in the dumps? Laughter yoga, developed by Dr. Madan Kataria in India, works on the concept that the body can’t differentiate between real and fake laughter – thus the effects to well-being remain the same. According to Laughter Yoga International, benefits include better mood, a healthier body and reduced stress levels. Where better to test it out than in the land of smiles -- Thailand. The Embodying Joy Tour there runs from January 19-31 2014. Kicking off with some Bangkok Laughter Club japes and temple meditation, the group will journey east to the idyllic island of Koh Chang. The next five fun-filled days will include activities from massage to zip line tree adventures, and of course – plenty of laughter.
Survive the Arctic in Lapland
Guided by none other than bushcraft brain Ray Mears and his long-time friend, and survival legend in his own right, Lars Fält, this seven-day expedition in February 2014 takes place in Northern Lapland -- approximately 200km north of the Arctic Circle. You will be taught how to use modern equipment to enhance ancient survival skills, just as indigenous Sami people do in this remote and inhospitable landscape. Arriving by snowmobile at the wilderness camp, you’ll sleep in log cabins and eat traditional local food. The absence of electricity and possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights can only add to the magic of this special adventure.
www.raymears.com
Clown around in Tenerife
You’ll be forgiven for acting the clown at Casa Saraswati, a picturesque retreat on the foothills of Mount Teide. Here, clowning as artistic expression is used to help unlock guests’ “sacred clown” and build inner freedom. Led by Didier Danthois, the programme involves a mixture of mime, dance, Indian raga singing and meditation. During downtime, you’ll be in a beautiful, tranquil spot to bask in Mediterranean sunshine. The next retreat takes place November 9-16 2013.
Written by Hanna Stuart-Leach
Culture & Lifestyle Journalist - Currency Today
