Adult learning vacations are a booming travel trend.

Designed for the traveler who's "been there, done that" in Europe, Asia and most traditional destinations, educational tours are a chance to expand your knowledge of a particular field of interest. High school and college students have long had access to worldwide learning programs. Now their mothers and fathers — and grandparents — can travel solo or in adult company at deluxe or budget standards to learn Japanese, master French cooking, paint the landscapes of Provence, identify architectural styles, or study rainforest ecology.

Many of the finest study tours are operated under the aegis of not-for-profit sponsors that see the entire world as a classroom for hands-on learning. You could travel with supporters of an art institute, a museum, a university, a botanical garden, a civic or cultural organization or even a church.

Learning vacations are often accompanied by scholars or experts in a particular field or discipline. In most cases a tax-deductible donation to the sponsoring group will be added to or included in the price of your trip.

Study tours may be categorized into general subjects, with a focus on classroom or field studies or a combination of both. You can find programs to suit any interest — language and culture, advanced and professional education, archaeology and anthropology, architecture and urban planning, the arts and design, cookery and wines, history, nature and science, outdoor adventure and sports, religion and philosophy, and social and political Issues.

Choosing the right program requires research and personal assessment.