The Know Daily - Wednesday 17 September 2025

_{Read in 4m 27s ∙ Listening to Sabrina Carpenter ∙}

Indonesian architects have introduced the Drop Pod – a stylish prefab home designed for rapid deployment in areas that experience floods. These eco-friendly units are quick to install and adaptable to various terrains, offering a sustainable housing solution for communities in need. 

🏖️ The getaway glow-up

What if your next holiday didn’t just recharge you, but taught you something new? 86% of travellers are now choosing to do immersive experiences on holiday and some even plan full holidays around them, known as skillcations.

Ok, what’s a skillcation?
It’s a trip built around learning or improving something  – think cooking classes in Italy, diving lessons in Fiji, photography in a rainforest, or even something more low-key like pottery or crafts with locals. It blends the joy of travel with intentional growth: you’re not just seeing new places, you’re doing something that teaches you, challenges you or sparks creativity.

Who’s doing them?
Whilst skillcations are gaining popularity across the board, it’s Millenials and Gen Z in particular who are driving the trend towards more play in travel. Around 90% of those surveyed said they seek out sports, entertainment and cultural experiences on holiday. What’s more, 80% said such activities are more important to them now, compared to five years ago.

Why are they becoming so popular?
Instead of just zoning out on a beach break (although we all need that from time to time!), many skillcationists report that doing something challenging is more fulfilling, energising and mentally refreshing than passive relaxation or just ticking off Instagrammable sights. Scientists also say that learning a new skill actually improves your brain health too. This desire for personal growth pushes you out of your everyday pattern into unique immersive moments that can connect you with new people or perspectives, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar environment.

Is it for everyone?
Not always and that’s okay. Skillcations often require more planning, money and time than a standard holiday. If finances or schedules are tight, even a mini-skillcation (a few days locally) can give you many of the benefits without the full cost.

How do I design my own skillcation?
If you're thinking of trying one, here are some planning tips:

• Pick a skill that excites you: something you’ve always wanted to try or get better at. Maybe it’s language, art, athletics, culinary, or nature-based skills.

• Decide how immersive it should be: do you want a week abroad, a weekend workshop, daily classes or loosely weaving in lessons between free time?

• Set a budget: this will help you keep on track when considering flights, accommodation, class fees, and any specialist equipment.

• Do your research: discover destinations that offer experiences and the best time to go (off peak could be cheaper), read reviews on the classes and instructors and check what’s included (eg. materials, meals, transport).

• Plan for rest: don’t stack every moment – the benefit comes partly from novelty and learning, but you’ll also need downtime to absorb and reflect.

🇺🇸 Trump’s state visit: US President Donald Trump arrived in the UK yesterday for his second state visit.

• The bigger story: During the three-day trip, he will meet King Charles at Windsor Castle, followed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his country house Chequers, with talks expected to focus on trade, technology, security and nuclear cooperation. The visit is expected to lead to large protests in London today.

🏥 Smart care: A new AI app that nurses and carers use during home visits of the elderly has helped to halve NHS hospital admissions through early illness detection.

⛺️ Happy campers: Labour MPs are calling for wild camping and swimming to become a legal right for all people to enjoy the English countryside.

🌊 Adaptable algae: Scientists have discovered that kelp in Portugal’s marine forests is a powerful carbon store.

🧠 Clearing the fog: Brain fog refers to a collection of symptoms including difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness. Sound familiar? The BBC have released a guide to help cut through the haze.

🇸🇪 Cell-free schools: Sweden is set to implement a nationwide mobile phone ban in all schools starting autumn 2026.

🥪 Let’s do lunch: There’s a new meal deal in town! Pret A Manger have thrown their hat into the ring – here’s what you can get.

Help your friends feel better about the news. Get them to sign up using your personalised code 👉 https://theknowmedia.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

⭐ Get clicking - this tells our partners that readers are interested in The Know. Let’s get started with this one!

⭐ Add us to your contacts or primary inbox - this makes sure we reach your inbox (and everyone else’s) each morning.

The Know is on a mission to help everyone start their day feeling informed and hopeful. We only recommend things we genuinely love but sometimes we make money from the links and content we share. This directly supports keeping our journalism free for all.

Trivia answer: C) Apple’s new Liquid Glass design is said to give everything a softer, semi-transparent look.

How did you find today’s email?
😍 Loved it! | 😕 Could be better…

Need fewer emails? Click here to hear from us once a week.