Choosing a cooking holiday

Here are a few pointers for choosing a cooking holiday or even day classes.

1. If you are going to bring a non participating guest with you (husband, wife, child or otherwise) be sure to see that they will have something to do. They might like the idea of doing a lot of nothing, breathing the fresh air, taking in the sites and reading for one, two three days . .. .but a whole week. Be realistic not many people can sit still for so long. See what other activities there might be for them during the stay. Many farm houses are close to hiking or bicycle trails. Others may have horse riding. Others yet might be with walking distance from town.

2. Be sure the deposit and cancellation policy suits your needs. Though at the same time keep in mind that most cooking schools have to make their living during the summer months and have to be certain to fill all the slots possible, so you can expect that they need a relatively long period before the start date to have you confirm.

3. How will you get there? Especially important for cooking classes that do not provide transport to and from the airport or train station. If you are not renting a car remember that most farm houses, logically, are out of town and sometimes at a considerable distance.

4. What activities have they organized for you beyond the cooking classes? Are you interested in related food and wine tours? Most cooking holidays have some sort of outings planned. Make sure there is a balance that you are looking for between class time and field trips. If you are really into cooking and nothing else then maybe you should choose someone who focuses on that.

5. What kind of instruction do you want? Hands on cooking or sit back and watch the cook. Make sure the classes are the type you want. Read the class descriptions carefully and if you are not sure write them and ask.

6. Plan as far ahead as possible. Many of the more popular cooking holidays book up quickly!