Let’s face it: Traveling is a personal experience, but it’s also quite the bragging right, and makes for an easy impression on a first date. Gallivanting around exotic locations makes you all the more interesting, but having acquired a novelty skill while you’re there makes you not only a traveler, but one with skills.
Check out Cheapflights’ top 10 picks for places to learn brag-worthy local talents.
Cooking tours in Thailand
If the way to someone’s heart is straight through their stomach, then cooking lessons in a culinary mecca like Thailand should be a no-brainer. Searing flavors and hot spices are bold moves on the palette and on the dating resume – so take a food tour of the country that allows you to see the sights and learn the trade. You’ll be serving up a tasty dish in no time. Search flights to Thailand.
Painting lessons in Rome
The starving artist and sensitive soul – there’s nothing like a modern-day Michelangelo. Travel to Rome and take a 12-hour painting lesson at the Rome University of Fine Arts – which are open to the public, but are held in Italian (so brush up, fast). Learning the trade here says you appreciate the history of the work and the style of creation. Search flights to Rome.
Surfing lessons in Australia
Everybody likes a date with a rocking body, and there are few better ways to achieve said physique than by surfing. Australia’s Gold Coast has been home to the Association of Surfing Professionals, and has run both the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Trials. It also boasts 43 miles of white sand, and holds the title for the most consistent waves in the nation. Get ready to hang ten (and then tell someone about it). Search flights to Sydney.
Scuba diving certification in Fiji
There’s something about scuba diving that is intriguing and other-worldly. Taking the plunge into the deep blue is something that not only takes skill, but education and discipline. (Bonus points for handling the risk factor with ease).The Soft Coral Capital of the World, Fiji offers picturesque dives through the Great White Wall and the Yellow Tunnel, both of which are favorite hangouts for underwater photographers – who probably also impress their dates. Search flights to Fiji.
Dancing lessons in Buenos Aires
The Argentine tango is danced in an embrace, where the leader and follower dance either chest-to-chest or at arm’s length – need we say more? The dance also traditionally relies on improvisation, and transmitting the feeling of melody into action. Head to Buenos Aires to experience the entrancing music and ever-evolving dance styles of this hot little number. Go ahead, take the lead. Search flights to Buenos Aires.
Learning Swedish Massages in Sweden
Not much needs to be said about why this skill is attractive. And honestly, there aren’t that many places in Sweden where you can get a quick crash course in massage therapy. So we’ve condensed the five principles of Swedish massages right here, so after you vacation in Sweden, you can come back knowing which words to drop: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. (Note, they don’t call it Swedish massage over there, it’s called a Classic massage). Search flights to Sweden.
Building homes in Haiti
Strong, burly fellows always seem to make for strapping gentlemen. And the rough and tumble sort whose hearts are kind enough to help others is a whole different story. Even if you’re not trying to impress a date, we encourage you to check out Habitat for Humanity in Haiti, where you can help local communities rebuild their surroundings (and yes, possibly build up your reputation, too). Search flights to Haiti.
Rescuing baby turtles in Greece
Animal lovers have their own thing going for them in the best way possible. Loving cute, cuddly creatures is one thing, and helping them survive is another. Volunteering on the islands of Greece to help rescue baby turtles might help you meet the Greek god or goddess of your dreams – so head out to the beach and get to work. Search flights to Greece.
Wine-tasting in California
Sure, there are plenty of wine havens peppered around the world, but Northern California has a modern and casual flair that takes the edge out of wine-tasting. Become an overnight sommelier by taking daylong courses in grape growing, wine-tasting (and even blending your own little love potions) in California’s wine country. Search flights to California.
Yoga retreats and tours in India
A balance of the mind and body, yoga attracts folks who appreciate a hybrid of fitness and spirituality. A certain discipline is necessary for perfecting the art and stillness of practice, and the best place to capitalize on that is yoga’s birthplace – India. Take a yoga tour of either one city or a multi-destination package to see some of the world’s most ancient spiritual sights and to deepen your practice of meditation. Search flights to India.
