One of the hottest new trends in travel is taking a learning vacation to get hands-on experience. Here are some that are really “hands-on.” The Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, Pennsylvania, was founded to help preserve traditional mountain crafts, and offers courses in everything from blacksmithing to stained glass. At the Shelter Institute in Maine, visitors can learn the ins and outs of homebuilding and repairs, a popular course with homeowners.

In Portland, Oregon, at the Northwest Woodworking Studio, you might build anything from furniture to a guitar during one of their classes. They also offer courses on specific skills like finishing and joinery. And at the Wooden Boat School, you can learn the fundamentals of wooden boat-building in two weeks, or try a class about building a skiff, kayak, or canoe. And pay attention, because you could be sailing home in whatever you build!