Holidays are for doing whatever relaxes you – for some, that might be lying on the beach, for others, taking part in extreme sports such as diving. But if you consider yourself something of a food enthusiast, then your next break abroad might be the perfect chance to unwind in the kitchen and learn something new.

Taking a cooking class is a fantastic way to dive deeper into the special dishes that originate from the local area; not only do you get to enjoy eating them, but you’ll also gain a greater appreciation for the effort that goes into creating them. Here’s three more reasons why a cooking class should be on your itinerary, wherever you’re going in the world.

Learn to recreate your favourite dishes at home

If you’ve ever eaten a meal on holiday and then thought about it 

approximately once a week when you return, you’ll understand the power of good food. But local delicacies and mouthwatering flavours don’t need to be limited to your time abroad. By taking a cooking class, you can learn all the steps that allow you to recreate the dish whenever you like. Although you won’t quite get the same flavour – nothing tastes as good as local ingredients, as Forage Kitchen explains – you can get close enough until you’re able to make your next trip.

A cooking class is also a chance to ask any questions and see specialist techniques up close in a way that you can’t if all you have is just a recipe. Your class lead

er will be able to help you grasp the technique as well as the method.

Appreciate and learn about local ingredients

Many national dishes use ingredients that you might not have 

in your home country. While you can potentially access something similar, a cooking class is an opportunity to learn about these amazing ingredients, in the place where they’re grown. Whether that’s food bought from the local market, or potentially even foraged with the help of a specialist guide, learning about every part of the dish can give you a newfound appreciation for the various ingredients that are available worldwide. Especially if there are any ingredients that you find daunting or unfamiliar, a cooking class is a good place to learn to prepare them correctly for maximum enjoyment and food safety.

Support the local community

When we travel, it’s important to remember to support the local community whose

homeland you’re enjoying. We need to ensure that our short-term travel experiences aren’t taking away from the local community, but rather supporting their way of life, and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the area harmoniously.

As such, taking a cooking class, buying from a local market rather than big chains, and prioritising eating at locally-run restaurants are all great actions to take as a responsible food tourist, according to Original Travel. You’re directly keeping local people in employment, as well as investing in a space where knowledge can be shared and passed on, keeping local food traditions alive.

Find the right cooking class for you

Whether you want to learn to create sweet treats or dive fully into a foraging experience, there are plenty of cooking classes available. Perfect for solo travellers, couples and bigger groups, this is an activity that should definitely be on your holiday itinerary. Make sure to book ahead of time to get the class you’re craving.

Author bio: Sadie Turner

An enthusiastic forager in her home county of Sussex, Sadie loves to cook and share the beauty of local ingredients. She particularly enjoys the jams and chutneys that come with summer and autumn, and loves giving them as gifts to friends and family.