Many of us have something on our bucket lists that seems destined to remain a dream. You may think you don’t have what it takes, even if there really is nothing to stop you from trying. You could be worried about embarrassing yourself, or you’ve been led to believe certain hobbies and activities are socially unbecoming for a woman.

What if you could go somewhere far, where nobody knows you, and you are free to do whatever you wouldn’t do at home? There’s just something liberating about being a beginner someplace new that makes it easier to lower your inhibitions. It could be the fact that, as women, we have so much societal pressure and expectations placed upon us to look, act, and be a certain way. This is all the more reason for women to give themselves room to learn, explore, and be creative just for the joy of it, without being held to any standards of excellence.

Here are six travel experiences worth planning a getaway for. Not only do you get to enjoy being a beginner again and discover something new, but you may also stumble upon some important life lessons along the way — including the chance to deconstruct and unlearn certain self-limiting beliefs.

Photography and videography: Document your travels like a pro

Woman holding a professional camera up to her face to take a photograph in front of vibrant pink flowers.
Picking up travel photography and videography helps you see beauty in ordinary moments while building a creative eye behind the lens. (Image by A.C.)

You are already shooting away with your phone’s camera, so why not take your travel documentation to the next level?

There are plenty of free tutorials online that can give you a crash course on the fundamentals of photography and videography in one evening. All you have to do next is get out there, practise, experiment, and have fun. Soon, you will start seeing beauty in the most ordinary things and come up with creative ways to capture the world around you.

If you are keen on taking this up a notch, make a separate social media account to post your work or join online communities of shutterbugs where you can get feedback and exchange tips.

Crafting workshops: Make something worth taking home

Close-up of a jeweller’s hands working at a workbench with tools, sizing a metal ring during a hands-on craft workshop.
Joining a local craft workshop allows you to make a meaningful, handmade souvenir from scratch while learning traditional techniques. (Image by Getty Images)

The quickest and easiest way to feel a sense of accomplishment and possibly discover a new hobby is to make something from scratch with your own hands. Whatever you may be interested in learning to make — whether it’s bookbinding, polymer clay miniatures, crocheting, or jewellery — chances are there’s a one-day workshop somewhere that offers it.

If you want cultural immersion in the process, look for a traditional craft workshop, such as batik printing, basket weaving, beading, and pottery, to name a few. The only practical consideration is whether you have the luggage space to safely take your creation home. So, if you are far away from home, you may want to opt for making something small.

Learn a new language: Become part of a culture

Smiling adult students sitting in a bright university lecture hall classroom during an immersive group learning session.
Enrolling in a short-term language course abroad offers an immersive way to practise conversational skills with fellow learners. (Image by Vitaly Gariev)

While it’s possible to learn a language and attain a level of proficiency on your own with books and apps, the biggest challenge is actually being able to apply what you have learned when conversing with native speakers.

Sure, you can put yourself to the task of mustering up the courage to get out there and speak in a foreign language. Alternatively, you can enrol in a formal study course abroad, where you get to live and learn in the environment where the language is spoken.

There are private language institutes around the world that cater to travellers, offering short-term beginner courses ranging from a few days to months, with a focus on the practical and conversational aspects of language acquisition. Some of these schools may offer programmes that include accommodation, cultural experiences, and certification. For longer stays, some schools may also assist with study visa applications, giving you an opportunity to experience living abroad while learning the language.

Pole dancing: Get in touch with your wild side

Athletic woman executing an inverted upside-down pose on a dance pole inside a fitness studio.
Trying a beginner pole fitness class while travelling provides a supportive, inclusive space to build athletic strength, flexibility, and body confidence. (Image by A.C.)

Modern pole dancing may be frequently associated with strip clubs, but contemporary pole has also developed into a form of fitness, dance, and competitive sport, with studios and competitions around the world showcasing strength, flexibility, and athleticism.

Besides improving upper-body strength and flexibility, pole dancing is great for developing better self-image, confidence, and bodily awareness. Not to mention, many pole studios are women-only spaces that are inclusive to all body types, cultural backgrounds, and different clothing choices.

For a traveller, trying a beginner class in a new city can be a playful way to step outside your usual routine without needing to commit to a long-term hobby at home.

Surfing: Experience the power of nature

Female surfer balancing and riding a breaking wave in the ocean on a surfboard.
Learning to ride the ocean waves cultivates presence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the power of nature. (Image by Fellipe Ditadi)

Have you ever watched a surfer riding the waves and wished it could be you? Well, so long as you have basic swimming skills and the will to overcome the fear of being out in open water, you can learn to surf.

In addition to being a beneficial full-body workout, surfing can help cultivate self-confidence, mindfulness, and resilience. It requires that you focus entirely on the present moment as you need to learn to read rip currents, tides, and breaking waves. Expect to fall off your board repeatedly when you’re starting off, which teaches you to never give up and try again. Plus, once you get the hang of surfing, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the power of nature.

Live-Action Roleplay (LARP): Make-believe as an adult

Woman wearing a detailed green historical cosplay dress with red hair at an outdoor live-action roleplay event.
Stepping into character at a LARP event lets you recapture the simple joy of imaginative play and creative costume making. (Image by Kateryna Hliznitsova)

Attendees of a live-action roleplay (LARP) event come dressed up as princesses, knights, sorcerers, fairies, vampires, and just about any imaginable character of their own creation. They can create backstories, carry props, speak in strange accents, and play out scenarios in real time. No, they are not training to book an acting job; LARP is simply a way for adults to recapture the joy of make-believe that most of us once enjoyed as children.

You don’t have to be a good actor or even look the part of the character you want to portray to be a LARPer. In fact, LARP communities are often welcoming to newcomers, provided that players follow the rules and safety guidelines set by the event organiser.

LARPing is more than just escapism, though. If you have hobbies like prop and costume making, or skills like archery, swordplay, and sleight of hand, a LARP event is probably the best outlet to showcase them regardless of the level you’re at — and doing it all in character.

Finding joy in being a beginner is not just about self-enrichment; it is also a reminder that you don’t need permission to fumble and fail while learning something new. Travel can give you the space to try without worrying so much about being good at it straight away. So, don’t let personal inhibitions or naysayers discourage you from trying what you’ve always dreamed of. Go ahead and plan that trip, book that beginner class, and permit yourself to be new at something again.