Where to Vacation with Your New Pandemic Hobby

Aside from the upheaval the pandemic caused in the travel industry, it also fueled some interesting new trends. With more time on our hands during quarantine, six in ten Americans picked up a new hobby, and over 70% gave more time to an existing one. As travel increases, hobbyists can now pursue their passions on the road (or plane or ship).

Gardeners and art enthusiasts love to visit Monet's Garden at Giverney.

Music Lovers

Online and app-based music lessons allowed record numbers of people to pick up a new instrument or study the canon of classical music. Here are just two of many music-related travel experiences for aficionados of every stripe.

For Classical Music Enthusiasts

Ludwig van Beethoven made Vienna his home for 35 years.

The classical music revolution ignited in 18th-century Central Europe is still celebrated in the region's vibrant cities. Passengers on AmaWaterways' Celebration of Classical Music on the Danube walk through the history of legendary composers in cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava.

Contemporary Fans

Those with tastes that run a bit more modern can join legends like the Beatles and Pink Floyd and cut a recording at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. No matter your skill level, you can work with a team of directors, studio engineers, vocal coaches, and professional musicians to record a song of your choice and bring home a custom-printed CD of the performance.

For People with Green Thumbs

The sun rises over a tulip field in the Netherlands, site of Floriade 2022.

Home improvement projects surged in 2020 and 2021, and many found a welcome opportunity to get outside by spending time in their gardens. Whether you're a newbie or a master, here are a couple of inspiring garden experiences you can weave into your next vacation.

Floriade is a once-a-decade, show-stopping expo and garden festival that draws visitors from around the globe. From April to October 2022, the 148-acre grounds in Amsterdam will explode with vibrant colors and countless shades of green. Along with impressive exhibitions, you'll find lots of art, culture, live entertainment, culinary surprises, and more.

Or head to London for one of the Royal Horticultural Society's famed flower shows. The prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held annually in May, is known for cutting-edge garden design and spectacular floral displays. Up your learning by touring the show with a horticulturist or take a floral design class at the London Flower Show while you're in town.

If You Spent Your Time Reading and Catching Up on Movies

Avid readers can cruise with their favorite authors on a variety of itineraries.

Extra pockets of time gave many of us time to whittle down the stack of books on our nightstand or catch up on those movies we've been meaning to watch. Cruise lines have created itineraries especially for film and lit buffs.

Readers can set sail with favorite authors like Cheryl Strayed, Gillian Flynn, or Diana Gabaldon down one of Europe's great rivers. Or, they can join a literature festival at sea with workshops and talks led by best-selling authors, including a Booker Prize winner.

Film enthusiasts can join an Indie Film Fest in the Caribbean. Passengers can take in several award-winning films and have a front-row seat for interviews with directors and filmmakers.

If You Adopted a Fur Baby

Bring your pet along when you visit the Grand Canyon's South Rim Trail.

Millions adopted a pet during quarantine, and there are plenty of destinations that will welcome your four-legged friend. One of our top picks is Grand Canyon National State Park. The 14-mile South Rim Trail is paved, pet-friendly, and offers spectacular views.

If you're longing to explore a city with your pet, consider San Antonio. The famed River Walk allows leashed dogs, and many outdoor restaurants and shops welcome pups on their patios. Some even have pet menus!

Looking for a place to stay with your furry, feathery, or scaly friend? At no extra charge, Kimpton Hotels welcome all pets, regardless of their size, weight, or breed. Their motto? "If your pet fits through the door, we'll welcome them in." Your pet will enjoy a range of amenities like pet bed loaners, food, and water bowls. Your furry friend can even join you at the nightly wine reception.

Whether you honed your culinary skills, dabbled in home brewing, or delved into the fiber arts over the last 18 months, there are vacation options perfect for your interests! Contact me and let's start planning.