Get Creative in Prague
Process, not product, is the emphasis of the Creativity Workshop's seven-day program in Prague. Days begin with three-and-a-half hours of exercises designed to cultivate the creative process, including guided relaxation, visualization, free drawing, memoir writing, and storytelling—leaving plenty of time for the grandeur of Prague to inspire (212-922-1555; creativityworkshop.com; July 3–11, 2008; doubles, $3,700 and singles, $2,650, including lodging).

Ice Climbing in Colorado
Put your fears on ice in the town of Ouray, Colorado, where, at the end of a second day of training in ice-ax-and-crampon technique, instructors will guide you up the face of a 160-foot frozen waterfall. San Juan Mountain Guides' two-day courses offer beginners small class size; for more experienced adventurers, a five-day program is available. Ouray has a full range of accommodations for climbers (970-325-4925; ourayclimbing.com/index.shtml; two-day introductory course, $320; five-day intensive, $1,100; accommodations are not included).

Perfect Your Swing in South Carolina
Instructors at the award-winning Steve Dresser Golf Academy, in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, know that there's more than one way to swing a club. They use digital video systems and one-on-one sessions to analyze your swing from start to finish. The three-day True Blue package includes four nights in a furnished two-bedroom condo, daily lessons, a daily round of golf and lunch, carts, unlimited driving range access, and a custom club fitting (800-397-2678; dressergolf.com; doubles, $1,788–$2,108, depending on the season).

Learn Chinese in Beijing
Languages Abroad offers classes in 30 languages in 50 countries—including Mandarin Chinese in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. Two-week courses in Beijing are supplemented with sightseeing trips and, for an additional fee, classes in tai chi, calligraphy, and other traditional arts. Monthlong programs are available for advanced levels. Students stay in basic hotels or guesthouses near the school (416-925-2112; languagesabroad.com; two weeks, $1,070–$2,460, depending on accommodations and language level).