The original post: /r/travel by /u/RevolutionaryTrip463 on 2025-08-04 06:22:32+00:00.
Hi everyone,
I’m (M38) planning a 2-month sabbatical for early next year, and I want to combine it with one of my biggest personal goals: finally improving my Spanish through real immersion.
I’ve been learning Spanish on and off for a few years — mostly self-taught with Dreaming Spanish, Coffee Break Español, some grammar work, and occasional tutoring. I’d say I’m at a solid A2 level, and my aim is to reach B2 by mid or late next year.
Since my company (based in Central Europe) allows sabbaticals between 1 and 3 months, I want to make the most of it — learning the language, experiencing Latin American culture, while avoiding constant moving around.
The plan is to start in late January and travel for 8 weeks. Here’s my current itinerary:
- 5 weeks in Medellín (Colombia)
- Stay in El Poblado
- Start with a 3-week intensive Spanish course (group + private classes + cultural activities)
- Then 2 weeks of self-guided learning and local immersion (fitness, cafés, language meetups etc.)
- Goal: speak Spanish daily and build a local routine
- 1 week in Antigua (Guatemala)
- Explore the town, hike Volcán Pacaya, try ziplining and visit waterfalls
- Optional: hike Acatenango overnight
- Maybe take a short Spanish refresher or just practice with locals
- Final week in Isla Mujeres (Mexico)
- Relax and enjoy the beach
- Casual Spanish practice if possible
- Easy direct flight back to Europe from Cancún
What matters to me:
- Learning Spanish through immersion
- New cultural experiences
- Not rushing from place to place — I prefer staying longer in fewer spots
- A good mix of social time and privacy (will rent my own Airbnb)
- I’m not trying to do it all — just make meaningful progress and enjoy it
Any feedback, tips, or suggestions? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Gracias 🙌