Nearly Half of Americans are Ready to Take a “Skillcation” – and IHG Hotels & Resorts Makes It Easier Than Ever

ATLANTA, August 12, 2026 – Wanderlust has long inspired Americans to chase new destinations, but a new kind of travel that goes beyond the postcard moment is emerging: the skillcation. Today’s travelers are returning home not just with photos, but with newfound skills and a deeper sense of personal discovery.

New research reveals that the movement is gaining serious momentum. IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Talker Research, surveyed 1,000 Americans and found that nearly half (47%) are interested in taking a skillcation, and remarkably, 68% believe such an experience could be life-changing.

The skillcation movement is real and growing, and the survey reveals that travelers of all ages are seeking more than just a getaway:

• Younger travelers are driving the trend, with 41% of Gen Z and Millennials having taken a skillcation—more than double the Baby Boomer rate (16%).
• Travelers are ready to unplug, with 68% of respondents open to a complete digital detox during a skillcation (highest among Gen Z at 83%).
• The payoff is real: 27% report greater openness to new experiences, 27% gain confidence, and 26% say travel feels more meaningful.

Gemma Bull, IHG VP Global Storytelling said “The rise of skillcations reflects an evolution in how Americans travel. The most memorable trips are no longer defined by where people stayed, but by the skills and stories they can share afterward. That's what makes skillcations so compelling—they combine the joy of travel with the satisfaction of learning something new."

What Travelers Want to Learn and Where They Can

Cooking dominates as the most desired skillcation (37% want to build a trip around culinary learning). IHG brings this to life with an expansive collection of experiences spanning its portfolio worldwide, from mastering pie making in California to learning authentic Balinese cooking in Indonesia.

• Not Your Grandma’s Pie-Making Class at Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel is a chef-led, interactive cooking class focused on pie. Groups rotate through stations to roll out dough, create seasonal fillings, and learn to flute the perfect crust. All ingredients and instruction are included (Huntington Beach, California).
• Alpine Cheesemaking at Six Senses Crans-Montana teaches guests how to master traditional Swiss cheesemaking by hand in a stunning mountain setting (Valais, Switzerland).
• Chef-Led Balinese Cooking Class at Holiday Inn Resort Bali Nusa Dua invites guests to prepare traditional Balinese dishes, from appetizer to dessert, while sharing local techniques, key ingredients, and the cultural stories behind each dish (Bali, Indonesia).

But culinary is just the beginning. IHG’s experiential offerings also include:

• Arts & Music: Ukulele Lessons at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan offer complimentary weekly sessions for in-house guests to learn basic strumming techniques and local island songs, all while experiencing the musical traditions of the destination (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands).
• Nature: Birdwatching at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa allows guests to discover Jaco and Sisserou parrots, as Dominica is the only place in the world where these species are found (Portsmouth, Dominica).
• Water Sports: Surf with Pro Mary Osborne at Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach through private and group beachfront surf lessons, featuring 90-minute sessions for all skill levels with equipment provided for a seamless experience (Ventura, California).
• Social Gaming: Floating Mahjong at Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas immerses guests in this timeless game of strategy during a poolside mahjong session at Cima Pool Bar (Scottsdale, Arizona).

The Skillcation Advantage

• Bundled packages make it simple. When planning a skillcation, 28% of survey respondents preferred the simplicity of having accommodations, lessons, and gear all included in one seamless package. IHG's all-in-one experiences remove the guesswork and planning headaches, so travelers can focus on learning and enjoying themselves.
• Worried about budget? You’re not alone. While 34% of travelers cite cost as a concern, IHG proves skillcations can fit any budget—from free on-property experiences to premium, multi-day journeys.
• Every generation has options. Gen X travelers gravitate toward bundled packages that simplify logistics (35%), while Millennials (77%) and Gen Z (83%) are drawn to the digital detox aspect—the chance to truly disconnect and be present.

From music lessons and coral reef restoration to traditional food fermentation and craft cocktail making, IHG Hotels & Resorts offers 100+ curated experiences across six continents, making skillcation travel possible around the world. Travelers just need to choose their own adventure.