Vocation Vacations: Experience Your Dream Job

Are you a banker who dreams about being a baker? Perhaps you're an account who has always wanted to ride in a rodeo. Whatever your dream job, vocation vacations allow you to experience a new career without giving up your current one.
 
Vocation vacations, sometimes called educational vacations or experiential vacations, are a growing trend for travelers of all types. Not only do they offer real-life mentoring in a working environment, but they also allow you to immerse yourself in a new environment.



Experiential vacations exist for a number of occupations, from wine sommelier to NFL football coach to circus performer. With work vacations, you're often limited only by your commitment level and budget.

Who Takes Vocation Vacations?

Don't think that taking a vocation vacation means that you have to be thinking about changing jobs. Many people simply enjoy vocation vacations because they offer them the chance to experience something that isn't part of their everyday routines.

Educational vacationers include people from all walks of life, including:

  • individuals seeking supplemental challenges

  • office workers and professionals who want a change of pace or who desire to start their own businesses

  • people who have recently experienced a major life event, such as a divorce or serious medical condition

  • people who want to experience their dream job, even if it's only for a few days

  • recent high school graduates who want to try out a possible career

  • retirees who are sampling possible second careers or hobbies.

A desire to learn and work is all you need to fully enjoy all of the benefits of any educational vacation.

Vocation Vacations: Choosing an Area of Study
Some people have so many dream jobs they'd like to pursue that it's hard to settle on a single vocation vacation. If you're not sure about which vocation you'd like to experience, ask yourself the following:
  • Am I open to taking risks?

  • Am I physically fit enough for a vacation that might require strenuous activities?

  • Do I want to learn an entirely new skill or dig deeper into a subject with which I am already familiar?

  • Will I care if the vocation isn't as glamorous as I envisioned?

Before you make that final leap into a work vacation, it might also help to speak with other participants. If possible, talk with the mentor who'll be in charge of your vacation ahead of time.

Planning for a Dream Job Vacation

Planning a dream job vacation requires research and plenty of planning ahead of time. The first thing you'll need to do is to choose a career, a location and the dates you wish to participate.

You'll also need to select a mentor in your chosen field. You can either search for a mentor online, or ask the professional community for recommendations. When choosing a mentor to work with, be sure to ask the following:

  • How much hands-on experience will I receive?

  • How much one-on-one time will I have with my mentor?

  • What amenities are available at the area where I will be learning?

  • What is covered in the price of my package? (While some vocation vacations cover travel costs and more, most cover only the instructor fees.)

  • What will my average day look like?

When talking with your mentor-to-be, be sure to mention your weaknesses and strengths. You'll also need to tell him exactly what you want or expect from the experience.

Popular Vocation Vacations
While vocation vacations exist for many careers, a few professions seem to always be at the top of many people's list of favorites:
  • animal trainer
  • chef
  • circus performer
  • fashion designer
  • hair stylist
  • professional football coach
  • professional wrestler
  • racecar driver
  • zoo keeper.

Costs of Various Vocation Vacations

The cost of enjoying dream jobs while on vacation varies, depending on the career you choose, the locations of your vacation and the length of your stay. Here are some estimates:
  • If you're interested in a career in the food field, you can pay approximately $600 to learn how to bake or cater, while you might pay as much as $900 to shadow a restaurant critic.

  • If you're interested in the field of fashion, you may be able to work with a buyer for a fashion boutique for less than $1,500.

  • You can hit the road in an 18-wheeler for as little as $350.
Keep in mind, however, that these fees do not cover travel, lodging or meals. Luckily, however, you'll likely be able to find a mentor in your area, as many business owners and professionals who mentor live in many cities across the United States.