The World Is Your Classroom: The 14 Best Places for Educational Experiences

The rugged plains of Damaraland are home to a population of rare desert-adapted black rhinos. You can seek out these majestic creatures on exciting expeditions led by trackers from the Save the Rhino Trust, who work to ensure the species’ survival.

Rhino tracking involves a combination of driving and walking, with special care taken to avoid disturbing the animals. Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp works directly with local conservationists and is among the best places to stay in Namibia for rhino tracking.

Need to know: The minimum age for tracking rhinos on foot is 16 years. Younger children can take part in the tracking element by jeep from age 12.

The culture, traditions and language of Ancient Egypt are endlessly intriguing for travellers of all ages. Rather than simply seeing the sights, spend some time with an expert Egyptologist to really dive into the significance and influence of this storied civilisation.

You’ll get to learn how hieroglyphics work and then put this knowledge to use by translating and even writing your own hieroglyphs.

Peru boasts a long list of cultural and conservation travel experiences, many of which can be found in the Sacred Valley. Here you can spend time in small communities where traditional customs are carefully preserved.

One such custom is the weaving and dyeing of clothing and other textiles using natural materials from the surrounding valley. You’ll learn about this process directly from local craftspeople.

Need to know: Continue your education on a treasure hunt through Cusco‘s cobbled streets and narrow lanes, learning about the city’s fascinating history.

Anyone who’s ever dreamed of holding a real samurai sword will be enthralled by this authentic experience in Tokyo. Renowned experts will explain the historical background of samurai warriors and demonstrate the art of sword fighting performance.

They’ll then teach you the fundamentals of wielding a samurai sword and give you the chance to try it out for yourself.

Need to know: The full samurai experience is best for older children and adults. That being said, little ones are welcome to get involved using a wooden sword.

New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves, near Rotorua and Taupō, are home to one of the world’s most spellbinding natural spectacles. Here, thousands of native glowworms bathe the caves in bluish light – the result of their bioluminescent tails.

You can navigate the caves both on foot and by boat, led by Māori guides. You’ll also get to see various geological formations and fossils along the way. It’s a gentle experience well suited to little ones and anyone wanting to learn more about the natural world.

A wonderful destination for budding athletes and history buffs alike, the original Olympic Stadium is a sight to behold. Located at the Olympia archaeological site, it dates back to 776 BCE and was the venue for foot races in the Ancient Olympic Games.

Walking around the stadium with your own private guide, you’ll be transported back to the inception of the Olympic Games and the height of Ancient Greece.

Need to know: Get the whole family involved in a short reenactment as you challenge one another to races, or become a crowd of cheering spectators.

Cacao is among the most emblematic and influential crops of Costa Rica. You can tour a family-run farm to see how cacao beans are harvested and transformed into chocolate, and take part in the process yourself.

As one of the best places for family travel, Costa Rica offers plenty of engaging experiences. Many of our favourite visits also include insight into the cultivation of coffee and sugarcane, and you will have the opportunity to taste all three products.

Need to know: Adults and older children will learn and take part in the hands-on elements of this experience. For younger ones, the tasting is often just as much fun.

The coast of Cape Town boasts an impressive diversity of marine creatures, including African penguins, Cape fur seals and several species of whale. Learn about these fascinating animals and see some of them for yourself as you walk along the coastline with a marine biologist.

You can also head out to sea with experienced marine conservationists for the chance to spot whales, dolphins, sharks and more.

Need to know: Coastal walks are gentle and can work well for all ages. Boat trips are often a better fit for older children, depending on the length of the excursion.

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is dotted with lively floating markets where vendors sell fresh produce, seafood and other wares from their boats. You can navigate these markets on your own private boat for a glimpse into daily life along the Mekong River.

The best way to experience this part of the country is on a luxury Mekong River cruise, one of our favourites in Asia. You can stop along the way to explore not just the markets, but also villages, farms and rice paddies on shore.

Need to know: This is an immersive way to learn about local culture. It is especially well suited to older children and adults who enjoy evenings reflecting on the day’s journey from the comfort of your luxury cruise.

In the far northern reaches of Chile, aspiring astronomers will find one of the world’s best places for stargazing: the Atacama Desert. Join an astronomy expert for an educational evening under the stars, surrounded by the vast emptiness of the desert.

Your private guide will help you identify different constellations and celestial bodies, providing scientific context for the glimmering skyscape above you.

Need to know: Stays here are centred on active, educational experiences, which makes it a great fit for trips with older children and teenagers.

The process of rice production is lengthy and precise, and you can learn all about it at the Living Land Farm just outside of Luang Prabang. This community-centred organic farm invites you to get involved with planting, ploughing and all the other parts of the process.

The experience also includes the chance to meet the farm’s resident buffalo, who help with ploughing, and to enjoy delicious food sourced straight from the land.

Need to know: Different ages will enjoy this in different ways. Some getting involved in the farming activities and others preferring simply to spend time at the farm.

Kui Buri is one of the best national parks in Thailand, and the top choice if you’re hoping to see wild elephants. You can tour the park with a ranger to observe these amazing animals in their natural habitat.

Visit the nearby community village to learn about – and participate in – local crafts like paper making and woodworking, as well as activities like beekeeping and rubber tapping.

Need to know: Thailand is a wonderful family destination where you can combine education, wildlife and culture with time on the beach or island-hopping.

Kenya is a fantastic place for a family safari, offering engaging activities for travellers of all ages. Some of our favourites are the Warriors Academy at Saruni Samburu and Maasai Warrior School at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp.

These immersive educational experiences invite you to learn about animal tracking, tool making, spear throwing, archery and insect identification. Alongside other traditional skills with Maasai guides.

Need to know: Younger children from around 3 years old can enjoy singing and beadwork. However, for the other activities, children generally need to be 12 or over.

The Louvre is among the world’s most legendary museums. For families with children, we recommend a hands-on scavenger hunt that will allow everyone in your group to enjoy its treasures – quite literally.

This activity brings the Louvre’s centuries of history and world-famous works of art to life with interactive questions and challenges that will eventually lead to a hidden prize.

Need to know: This is best for school-age children, who are more likely to enjoy the interactive clues and challenges around the museum.