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As Polynesia was the birthplace of surfing, this is definitely an iconic travel trip that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The Europeans first discovered surfing or ‘he’e nalu’ (wave sliding), as the locals call it, in the 18th century. In Hawaii there are plenty of surfing schools, where the instructors are very patient, so if you’re not exactly a natural at surfing, then don’t worry, you soon will be. The famous Waikiki beach is the favorite starter beach for most visitors to the area. Why not learn with the Waikiki beach boys, or take some skills from the local experts who you will be able to see shredding the waves?
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Vietnamese cuisine is revered all around the world. The most famous restaurant and cooking school, the ‘Red Bridge Restaurant,’ is definitely one of the world’s iconic trips. Within the one and a half day course, even those who cannot cook to start with will be an expert. The first day starts with a trip to the local market where you will choose your ingredients and watch the local street sellers going about their business. You will then return back to the cooking school where you will receive expert instructions from quality Vietnamese chefs. You will be challenged to put your new found skills to the test. Each course costs around $40, so it really isn’t going to make a hole in the purse.
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The town of Bariloche in Argentina is surrounded by glacial lakes, valleys, and the Andes Mountains. You will find dozens of International students in the small town trying to gain inspiration from the locals. You will learn Spanish quickly here, and in your free time you can enjoy the views or take a scenic walk. Tours can be taken into the local surroundings with local guides. This is a trip that cannot be shrugged off lightly.
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The ‘Women’s Association of Kyoto’ are ready to teach you how to write in Japanese calligraphy. You will attend lectures with experts in the field, and then will be allowed to try the writing yourself. You must be focused and determined, but this is definitely an iconic travel trip.
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In China’s Henan Province, the stunning 1500 year old Shaolin Temple lies, with instructors who are at the height of their experience ready to teach you the ancient art of Kung Fu. You will be taught by warrior-monks who have trained in the temple for most of their lives. You will have to endure 13 and a half hours of teaching per day, so this is definitely not something that should be taken lightly. Gain some much needed inspiration from the experts who can break glass by throwing a pin at it, and can snap metal bars with their heads.
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The human race exists because of our survival skills, so going back to your ancestor’s lifestyles is a definite must. Expert bush leaders will take you in small groups out into a private game reserve in which you will be taught how to make fires, hunt for food, and extract water from plants. You will be surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds, but you will never forget this iconic travel trip.
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In Peru’s remote northern highlands, there lies a community lodge called the ‘Cadmalca Community Lounge.’ Visitors can immerse themselves in the local surroundings and customs of which they would be unable to do anywhere else. In return for being allowed to stay with a local family, you will source the necessary materials for a high-altitude stove. You will then help to build the stove. Once built, the fire is reputed to help with respiratory problems. Do expect to have to pay around $1000 per trip. It isn’t cheap, but it is an iconic trip.
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Yoga can help with relaxation, but is also used to reduce the side-effects of cancer treatments. In the foothills of the Himalayas, yoga was first used and that is the way that locals want it to be known. On this iconic travel trip, local yoga masters will teach you the ways and skills of the ancient art of yoga. You may be encouraged to help with the building or gardening of the serene environment. Courses range from one week to three months long. And one more from our readers:
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