I was a total camp kid growing up. I absolutely loved getting away for a week to make friends, learn, and be challenged. I now enjoy the adult equivalent of this experience: attending creative workshops and retreats. I often choose ceramics workshops, but also attend yoga and mindfulness retreats and have my eye on a couple of painting workshops and a creative incubator. I don't think you can go wrong when selecting a creative workshop because of their ability to build friendships, skills, and inspiration. 

The primary reason you would travel like this is to learn something new. On top of leaving with memories, you leave with skills that will last a lifetime, and in many cases you also leave with works of art you can cherish forever. The tangible skill building of a workshop format makes your investment in your vacation all the more worthwhile.

Workshops and retreats are also the easiest way to travel if you plan on traveling alone. Of course you can attend with a friend, but sometimes you may be going solo (I usually do!). The amazing thing is that when you arrive you have a built-in community of like minded new friends to enjoy the experience with. Many people attend by themselves, so connection happens quickly. You get the chance to be social, expand your worldview by getting to know people you otherwise would have never crossed paths with, and ultimately expand your group of friends! You typically have the option to enjoy solitude or be social depending on your mood and the workshop structure. 

I also love that with this type of getaway your agenda is totally taken care of. Typically, food and lodging are factored into your booking (and price!) so you just need to register and show up. This takes the stress out of planning a trip and ensures you will have a fulfilling experience that maximizes your time away. 

When I return to my regular day-to-day after a workshop, I always feel inspired and motivated. For me, after a more traditional vacation I can sometimes feel burnt out on the travel and moving around, but when I am grounded at a workshop location, I can enjoy valuable rest while still having most of my day dedicated to engaging content. Workshop hosts are typically good about creating a schedule that factors in the desire to get some relaxation time alongside the hands-on portions. Plus, you can always extend the trip to explore the surrounding area before or after the workshop itself. 

Overall, I find that the investment of a workshop or retreat gives me so much more than a typical vacation. I leave a creative workshop with new friends, skills, inspiration, and sense of rejuvenation every time. So if you want to get the most out of a getaway, I recommend trying it! If you’re not sure where to find one, see if some of your favorite artists host workshops or start with a simple google search of a place you want to go and an art form you would like to try. I'm sure you will find something that excites you!