What about vacation where you can learn something interesting, such as small-scale organic farming, a community project in India or Iowa, a bison farm in Australia or sheep farm in New Zealand, a llama operation in British Columbia, whatever you feel like doing. Check HelpX (volunteer work in exchange for free accommodation and food on farms, backpacker hostels, lodges, horse stables and even sailing boats), or WWOOF (worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community). There are hundreds of places, both on the other side of the world in exotic locales, or close to your own home-town. All you need to pay is travel to get there and back, the rest is paid for in exchange for volunteer work, usually light duties, for a few hours a day.