Copyright Forbes
If you’re like many people, you’re already planning a vacation for next year. Maybe you have one of those dreamy vacations in mind, lounging by the pool, catching up on sleep or streaming shows. Then you remember coming home feeling even more drained and sluggish at work. But a new type of vacation called “skillcations” is gaining popularity, and workers are describing an entirely different afterglow when returning to the office. What Are 'Skillcations’? According to Lana Peters, chief revenue & experience officer at Klaar, “skillcations” are a new spin on vacations where employees are using earned PTO to sharpen and update existing skills or learn new skills to advance in their careers. David Dominguez, vice president of people at Smallpdf, told me “skillcations” are booming because they hit the sweet spot between personal growth and productivity culture. “For high-performers, especially remote workers, learning a new skill while traveling can feel like optimizing downtime," he says. "The ‘skillcation’ trend mixes the leisure of vacations with professional pivot points.” Statistics show that 39% of American travelers enjoy action-packed excursions such as a photography expedition, a yoga retreat or an immersive foreign language experience in another country. Unlike traditional vacations that focus purely on rest, skillcations focus on growth as rejuvenation, combining curiosity, creativity and skill development to leave travelers more fulfilled and motivated when they return to work. Pros And Cons Of 'Skillcations’ Dr. Marais Bester, senior consultant at SHL, says learning is the real key to recharging. “We often assume rest means doing nothing, but psychology shows that renewal often comes from doing something different, something that engages both the mind and the body," he explains. MORE FOR YOU Bester points out that when we learn a new skill or challenge ourselves in a new environment, we experience a mastery experience. “These moments remind us that we are capable, adaptable and still growing,” he adds. "That sense of progress is energizing and fuels confidence and motivation long after the trip ends.” Perhaps the adage, “never mix business and pleasure” has become obsolete. Anytime an organization mixes work and vacations, it risks a prioritization of workcations over restful slowcations. It’s worth asking if skillcations can diminish work-life balance and contribute to burnout. Dominguez suggests that skillcations can easily become work in disguise. “The pressure to ‘make your vacation count’ can spoil relaxation, especially when travelers feel they need to prove something to themselves or to LinkedIn,” he says. "Without boundaries, ’skillcations 'can lead to cognitive fatigue rather than recharge. Instead of burning out in the office, you’re burning out in Bali." Peters acknowledges that “skillcations” help you get ready for the next step in your career–and show that you’re ambitious. However, she also emphasizes the benefit of organizations promoting the use of PTO for relaxation. “Upskilling should be part of the training and development programming offered by companies to their people,” Peters asserts. “Workers should instead use earned vacation time to relax, unwind and disconnect. Doing this can help them bring their best selves to work and reduce the likelihood that they’ll experience burnout.” Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert atSkyscanner, argues that personal growth from “skillcations” does the opposite from contributing to burnout. She believes it combats overworking and burnout, allowing you to come back refreshed and stimulated instead of exhausted. “In general, we find skillcations combat overworking and the burnt out feeling many Americans express,” she notes. “For many, these skill-based trips are about developing skills outside of their day-to-day jobs. Someone who works in advertising by day, may have an affinity for cooking and opt for a vacation exploring the local cuisine and taking cooking classes, shopping at the local markets and street fairs, working on a farm, etc.” Lindsay encourages you to avoid turning a skillcation into work, adding the key is choosing something personal and bringing your whole self along for the journey. "We are deeming 2026 as the era of made-for-me’ travel," she declares. “Whether the skill you want to develop is beauty, culinary, sport, literature or art/dance-focused, the point is to pursue your passions and let that guide your travel inspiration in the coming year.” “In the last year, we saw astrotourism, horticulture, art-venture and cowboy core take off as trends where travelers actively pursued their passions like astronomy, horseback riding, line dancing, botany/gardening and more.” Lindsay says. “Continuing into 2026, we are seeing the interest to explore one’s passions from food to beauty to literature all playing a role in how Americans are planning their vacations.” According to Lindsay, 42% of Americans are prioritizing the activities they are booking when budgeting for their vacations. She mentions that travelers are looking for vacation activities that align with their niche interests from reading, crafting, sports and other hobbies to develop new skills outside of their day jobs. “When travelers engage in something new and immersive, it challenges them and offers a different kind of reset than your typical beach or spa week,” she insists. “Many travelers feel renewed from the sense of accomplishment at learning a new skill.” In 2024, hushcations were trending. Employees were sneaking vacations without calling off work or disclosing their location to their employers. Skillcations offer the added benefit that your time off is above board and planned. You’re there for the purpose of learning a skill to take back to your job, so you don’t have the added emotion burden of dishonesty with your company. A Final Takeaway On ‘Skillcations’ “Work and life have become so intertwined that many professionals want time away that still feels purposeful,” Bester states. “Skillcations offer that blend. Psychologically, they meet key human needs for autonomy, mastery and connection. When people learn something new in an inspiring environment, it recharges their motivation and helps them see their work from a fresh perspective. With the ongoing focus on well-being and lifelong learning, I believe this is a trend that will stay.” Bester told me that professionals are looking for experiences that combine learning with genuine rest and renewal. Organizations are holding skill-based retreats and learning journeys, experimenting with skillcations as part of leadership development and innovation programs. The feedback is that people return more creative, reflective and connected. It gives them the chance to step back, learn in new ways and reset, he concludes.
