GoLearnTo’s top 10 destinations

People rate their ‘Top 10 destinations’ for many reasons and it always seems to focus on the destination…here’s my take on the Top 10 destinations for some slightly different reasons…

 1. Speak to the Locals

You’ll find some of the friendliest and helpful people in the most remote villages within the countries that make up South America. In places such as Cusco, Buenos Aires, Cochabamba, Santiago and Quito you’ll find that immersing yourself in the culture whilst learning the language is one of the most rewarding language experiences you can have whilst travelling.

2. Surf the break

Now surfing in the UK is good, don’t get me wrong, but you can’t beat the breaks in South West France. Biarritz is well known for its waves…what better place to learn how to surf than one just a few hours away where you can hang ten with fellow surfers.

 3. All you need is wind

That’s what you want when you visit Albufeira in Portugal on a Kite Surfing holiday! It’s one of the windiest places in Europe on the Atlantic coast which is good when you are learning to Kite Surf, not so good when your idea of a holiday is relaxing and reading a book on the beach.

4. Food, Glorious Food

When you think of cooking in Italy you immediately think of Tuscany…well here’s something different. Think Sorrento, the kings of Pizza on the South West ‘boot’ of Italy where buildings tend to cling to the cliffs or the spectacular coastline. You won’t get fresher produce or the chance to dine in a Michelin Star restaurant on many other cooking courses…

5. Fine Wine

OK, so there’s no surprises here…the region of Bordeaux in France has to be one of the best places to go to learn more about the fine art of wine making. Yes, you’ll be able to taste and appreciate the process it’s gone through before reaching your pallet.

6. Capture it on Canvas

This is where I think Jerez in Spain comes out on top…not for the famous sherry but for the captivating landscape that provides artists of all levels spectacular scenes to paint and draw their impressions.

7. Salsa Anyone?

Playa del Carmen in Mexico is the perfect place to get away and learn the rhythm and emotions of Salsa. It’s an amazing tropical location with crystal clear water and white sand Caribbean beaches at your door step. Feel the sand between your toes as you shake your hips to the Salsa beat.

8. How about Flamenco

There are so many opportunities to learn to dance in Europe and when you choose to dance the Flamenco you must head to Seville in Spain. With its Orange tree lined streets, tapas bars and sultry Flamenco clubs, its the best place to learn how to clap your hands and stomp your feet or even play the guitar to the rhythm of Flamenco.

9. What’s Capoeira?

It’s a Brazilian acrobatic martial art that you might have seen danced on the streets all over the world. But to truly understand the history of this extraordinary art there’s no better place to than heading straight to Brazil.

10. Head North, think Nordic

Now he’s an exciting and challenging idea…head up to Oslo in Norway and learn to speak Norwegian whilst living in your teaches’ home. It’s not a new experience, it’s be happening throughout Europe for years and with qualified professional teaches, Live In Learning is the most effective way to learn a language.

If you’ve got a top destination for a different reason please let us know by posting a comment below.