Pursue Your Passion Abroad: The Top SPIN Holidays

SPIN holidays are the latest travel trend taking the travel industry by storm. A study has shown that there has been a two-thirds year-on-year increase in bookings for special interest (SPIN) holidays.

What is a special interest holiday? These specialised trips are designed to focus on particular activities and experiences. You may want to focus on a hobby you already have, such as walking or playing bridge, or alternatively you might want to learn something new like photography or cooking. We have put together some of the top SPIN holidays for you to be inspired by.

Write Your Way Into a Creative Retreat

With National Poetry Day approaching, budding wordsmiths may want to consider a writers retreat in the UK. Get the creative juices flowing at a getaway with like-minded people. With hot drinks on tap, meals included, and even transport provided, what’s stopping you? Plus, did you know that a Free Spirit annual policy covers UK trips, so long as you have at least 2 nights of pre-booked accommodation?

Another type of UK SPIN holiday is a book club weekend. If writing isn’t your thing, but you like to read, this might be right up your street. Pick the genre that interests you, from classics and thrillers to fantasy and romance. Writing and walking SPIN holidays are also available, so you get a fresh mix of exploring the countryside and indulging in your hobby.

Get Cooking in Italy

Here at P J Hayman, we love food, whether it’s a small snack or a full meal! Why not expand your cooking knowledge in a place known for its pizza and pasta? A cooking holiday in Italy is the ideal SPIN holiday for culinary enthusiasts. Spend the day learning new recipes, then go and explore the local town before savouring the lovely meal you’ve prepared.

For a more unusual SPIN holiday, head to Tunisia, where you can try the ‘flavours of Djerba’. The trip providers aim to put the olive tree at the centre of Tunisia’s tourism. It’s another perfect way to get to the heart of the action and try some local delicacies. Food getaway experiences are a very popular travel trend, but this Tunisian food experience hasn’t been around for long so why not be amongst the first to sample it?

Get Your Gardening Gloves on

Another growing trend in the travel industry is the rise in botanical tourism. Did you know that 62% of people like to visit a garden on holiday? That’s most of us! It’s not hard to see why – beautiful flowers coupled with glorious sunshine are bound to enhance anyone’s day.

Head to sunny Spain to explore the gardens of Andalucia. As part of this garden enthusiast SPIN holiday, you will receive an itinerary. For example, one day of the trip could centre around a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, La Alhambra. After taking in the sights there, you might move on to the nearby Generalife gardens. On another day, you could spend time at the La Concepcion Botanical Gardens. This amazing horticultural display has over 50,000 plant species, including some rare subtropical climate plants! There are many different trip variations and itineraries, but this is one not to miss.

Take a SPIN on the Wildside

Wildlife holidays have always been a top choice for travellers. Whether you prefer to sit back and watch wildlife or want to explore on a safari, there is something for everyone. Borneo is a popular choice as it is perfect for seeing orangutans and monkeys in their natural habitat. You can watch them explore and eat fruit from afar, without disturbing their home.

Head to Japan to experience a winter wonderland tour. You’ll get to go on a bullet train which travels between 200-275 miles per hour! Then take time exploring the Jigokudani Monkey Park, the only place where monkeys bathe in hot springs. There are so many wildlife experiences here – another must-see destination is the Onuma Quasi-National Park. It is a popular spot for bird watchers, and you will often be able to spot kingfishers and herons.

Get Adventurous Down Under

If you want a longer trip with a longer travel time, look no further (literally!) than Australia. There is so much to do here and so many SPIN holiday possibilities. For daredevils looking for exciting pursuits, our Adventures policy covers hundreds of different activities. Why not take a boat out to the Great Barrier Reef and go snorkelling? You’ll be amazed at some of the aquatic life, from jellyfish to (harmless) reef sharks!

Then, head down to Bondi Beach to try your hand at surfing. Surfing is incredibly popular in Australia, so why not have a go at one of the most well-known beaches? Also, while you’re here, try scuba diving with professionals and get up close and personal with the sea life here.

Learn a new Game or Skill in Greece

It’s never too late to learn something new – Silver Travel Advisor refer to it as ‘later life learning’. Bridge is a trick-taking card game and, in the UK, there are many bridge clubs and enthusiast groups available. If you are a bridge enthusiast or want to learn, why not learn in Greece or one of the Greek Islands? For example, on a SPIN holiday to Corfu, you’ll find other bridge enthusiasts and can play to your heart’s content.

This is a great solo holiday too, as you will get to engage with other people and maybe other solo travellers. Going on a solo SPIN holiday means you know you will have something in common already. The Corfu trip also offers many other group activities, such as learning to paint. Join in with a painting and illustration course, and you’ll learn how to capture the beautiful landscapes in a unique and fun way.

Whatever Your SPIN Holiday Preference, Don’t Forget Insurance

With so many different SPIN holidays available, it’s important to make sure you have adequate insurance to cover for whatever activity you wish to do. P J Hayman has a portfolio of products for various activities, so why not take a look and get a no-obligation quote today?