Adventure Traveling Guide

If the idea of spending a week in Italy learning to paint sounds like paradise, the Abruzzi Mountain Workshop just might be heaven on earth. The weeklong workshops take place in a quaint hillside village in the Abruzzi region. Artists of any skill level are welcome and will benefit from classes in drawing, painting and color theory before moving on to specialties like still lifes, sculptures and murals. The program includes room, board, materials and plenty of inspiration.

Ladies, when you board a motorboat, are you often pointed to the seat farthest from the engine? Complete the She’s at Sea workshop run by the Bay and Reef Company in the Florida Keys, and you’ll feel comfortable grabbing the throttle of any boat that may cross your path again. Over the course of two days, you’ll be instructed on boat safety, steering and navigation, and anchoring and docking. The seminar combines classroom study, on-the-water training and enough cocktails to keep the entire weekend afloat.

The Gaelic College on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada was founded in 1938 to preserve the language, arts, cultures and traditions of the Celtic people. Students of all ages and abilities are welcome from around the world to take courses on the Cape Breton campus or online. Want to master the bagpipe? You can! Also, try your hand at highland dance, Celtic harp or pipe-band drumming. A vacation here will steep you in Celtic history and tradition, and please the sense with the gorgeous scenic landscape surrounding the campus.

The luxurious Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland‘s Perthshire region provides a variety of activities for the finest country ladies and gentlemen. When the hotel opened in 1924, it was described as the Riviera of the Highlands. Since that time, the Gleneagles has offered a full roster of leisure pursuits for the upper crust, including falconry, clay shooting and gun-dog school. For those a little less adventurous, indulge in the full-service spa, gourmet dining and three legendary golf courses. And the scenery isn’t too bad either.

Finally, a camp for adults! The campers at Wine Camp work side by side with vintners and winery owners, spending three nights and four days learning the ins and outs of wine and winemaking. Guests enjoy premium food and lodging in Long Island‘s wine country. Lessons include wine blending, food and wine pairing, and wine tasting, and all campers leave with a complimentary case of wine.

Now you can at Porsche Sport Driving School. Learn to drive like a pro behind the wheel of a Boxter, Cayman S or 911 Carrera as you circle the 2.5-mile track at screaming fast speed. Potential students should be happy to know that a full 80% of time is spent in the car, while classroom instruction is led by former race car drivers.

Although it’s not required in all countries to rent a car, getting an international driving permit isn’t a bad idea. It provides a familiar and recognizable form of identification if you’re stopped by the police. Permits are available for $15 from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Check insurance coverage and age restrictions before reserving a car abroad. Some credit card companies do not offer insurance for rentals in some countries, such as Jamaica and Italy. While international rental car companies may impose restrictions on older drivers. Also, some options common in the United States, such as unlimited mileage, are not always available.

If you’re renting in another country, find out if you can choose between prepaying in U.S. dollars or paying in the local currency, then compare the two rates. Remember that if you opt for the local currency, then pay with a U.S. credit card, you may be charged a conversion fee.

Be aware of more strictly enforced fuel policies. Some companies will hit you with a top-off fee unless you show them a receipt form a service station near the rental office. Pass on the option of returning the car with less than a full tank unless you want to pay a steep premium over gas-station prices.