First appeared in USA Today in 2005 but still worth checking out.

Vacations aren’t just for vegging out anymore. Many travelers, serious about returning home with more than memories and a tan, expect to increase their knowledge while on the road. How to do it on a budget? “Try a hostel — they’re more than just cheap accommodations,” says Niamh Ni Mhir, director of marketing at hostelworld.com, which lists more than 9,000 hostel properties in 155 countries around the world. “So many of today’s hostels provide guests with the opportunity to engage with local communities and learn more about their culture and customs.” Here, Ni Mhir shares with USA TODAY’s Shawn Sell hostels where you can learn skills by day and still get an inexpensive night’s sleep.

Waidroka Bay Surf & Dive Resort 
Coral Coast, Fiji

“Waidroka (translation: fresh spring water) Bay on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, gets its name from the spring creek which flows through the surrounding rain forest. Not far from the resort is Sunset Reef, which offers unforgettable snorkeling and diving. This hostel/dive school on the bay offers fully certified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses.” 011-679-330-4605; waidroka.com

The Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge
Byron Bay, Australia

Whether you stay in the lodge’s tepees, wagons or dorms, there’s a lot to learn at this secluded 5-acre tropical haven. “The lodge runs various workshops where you can make and play a didgeridoo (long wooden flute), learn African and Caribbean rhythms, massage, life drawing or try your hand at twirling fire (pyrotechnic dancing).” 011-61-2-6685-7709; artsfactory.com/au

Seven Suns 
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s nightlife, “Seven Suns offers guests a one-day Thai cooking course from Smart Thai Cooking School, where you can learn how to make authentic Thai-style fried noodles, chicken in coconut milk and other local delights.” 011-66-53-814-325; sevensuns.net

Hôme Youth Hostel
Valencia, Spain

“According to the International Student Travel Confederation, nearly 30% of young travelers learn a language during their travels. So, when in Spain, learn Spanish. The Hôme hostel offers all-in-one packages which include both intensive courses and accommodation.” 011-34-9639-16229; likeathome.net

Rocky Mountain Inn & Hostel 
Fraser, Colorado, USA.

“Here at the youth hostel, accommodations (many rooms are private) are as reasonable as the ski instruction in Winter Park Ski Resort, just 20 minutes away via free shuttle bus. Choose from all-in-one packages (ski-pass/gear/lesson) for beginners or intermediate skiers.” 866-467-8351; therockymountaininn.com

K2 — The Killary Centre
Leenane, Connemara, Galway, Ireland

Combining great accommodations and adventure with terrific Western Ireland views, “Killary is a full-service hostel where you can learn how to kayak or rock-climb. There’s also archery instruction as well as skeet shooting (must be over 18).” 011-353-95-43411; killary.com

The Secret Garden
Quito, Ecuador

“Conveniently located down a cobbled street in central Quito, this colonial hostel offers Spanish lessons conducted by qualified teachers who not only teach in classrooms, but also bring students into the city for tours and to learn the city’s history in Spanish.” 011-593-2-295-6704; secretgardenquito.com

Hostel-Inn Tango City
Buenos Aires

There’s a lot to do and see in this never-sleep city. “Not only will you be treated to pleasant surroundings in San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ historical quarter, but you can also learn how to dance. Salsa classes, held every Wednesday at the hostel, are free and very popular.” 011-54-11-4300-5764; hostel-inn.com

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Cliff Chapman
traveljunkies 

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