Stitch, Bake & Puzzle: Experience the Vintage Hobbies Making a Comeback around the World

By Booking.com

The term ‘grandma core‘ is all the rage, as people find solace in hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, baking and gardening that inspire a slower and more mindful pace of life. Over a third (35%*) of Canadian holidaymakers choose travel as a way to slow down, so swap the late nights for a world of crafts and baking or immerse yourself in nature. For those travellers seeking to discover more about their new-found favourite hobbies, Booking.com has dug into the history books to find destinations where these types of hobbies are deeply rooted in their culture. Whether it’s learning the details of crochet in Tunisia or exploring the beautiful Gardens of Naxos in Sicily, these destinations reflect discovery and creativity and allow travellers to celebrate their inner elder.

Valladolid, Spain 

The world Jigsaw Puzzle Championship, which takes place in Valladolid from September 15th to 22nd, attracts puzzlers from around the world. A classic activity, and often associated with older generations, jigsaws evoke a sense of nostalgia. Working on a puzzle, no matter the length of time it takes to complete, has shown to improve memory, boost mood, and slow down cognitive decline. Away from title-winning puzzlers, Valladolid is renowned for its medieval architecture, including the Valladolid Cathedral and Plaza Mayor. It is a small and vibrant city, and this Walking Tour allows travellers to explore some of the most emblematic buildings within the Castille en Leon including Iglesia de San Benito El Real and Academia de Caballeria.

Where to stay: A short walk from the city centre, travellers can find Zenit El Coloquio. With modern and sleek interiors, outdoor and indoor terraces, peace and tranquility, this property is the final piece in the puzzle for the visitor looking for a slower pace of life. Close to numerous restaurants, shops and symbolic attractions including the Palacio de Santa Cruz, it caters to all types of travellers staying in this picture perfect city. 

Hammamet, Tunisia

Nicknamed the ‘Tunisian Saint-Tropez’, Hammamet is known for its picturesque coastal scenery and vibrant arts scene, and has long been a hub for traditional Tunisian textile arts, including crochet. The knitting artform has played a key part in local craftsmanship and cultural identity in the city, with a gorgeous, woven quality not typically found in other crochet techniques. With North African and Mediterranean roots, the Tunisian art of crocheting, from the simple stitch to the knit stitches, blends traditional influences from Arabic, Berber, and European cultures. If travellers are on the hunt for some stunning, colorful textiles to take back home, this Tour to the Medina of Hammamet and the Spice Market of Nabeul will allow visitors to get their hands on some of the area’s most intricate embroideries, as well as other regional products, including copper, leather and wooden handcrafts. 

Where to stay: Just a short stroll from the Hammamet beaches, Dar Hammamet Guest House & Hammam offers accommodation in white surroundings that bring out the country’s iconic gentle pops of blue and green interiors. There are also stunning floral tile designs dotted around the property that mirror the same intricacy of crochet. With city view terraces, a hammam, and some great spa facilities, this hotel provides guests with a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Mansfield, Texas, USA 

Pickling can be quite a therapeutic activity, and as almost anything can be pickled these days, it offers boundless opportunities. And where better than Mansfield, Texas, where the largest pickle producer in the state and the third biggest in the country, Best Maid Pickles, is located. So, it’s no wonder the Pickle Capital of Texas hosts an annual pickle parade during Spring Break in March. A free and family-friendly event, it boasts a grand parade with floats and marching groups, a 3.1 mile (5 km) pickle run and keg race. While there, visitors can explore the Man House Museum, the oldest surviving structure in the city, and visit the Farr Best Theater, a gem of Mansfield history. For those looking to venture further into Texas and to find some hidden food spots, this Secret Food Tour of Dallas is a tasty delight. Experience true Southern hospitality and discover their famous BBQ brisket, award-winning Texas chilli and buttery handmade biscuits, with of course, pickles on the side for good measure.

Where to stay: The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dallas Mansfield offers spacious rooms with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. The breakfast buffet has a range of options, while nearby restaurants and shops offer more choice for the picklers to taste-test.

Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy

Gardening and being amongst nature is a great way to improve mental and physical health, and 24%* of Canadian travellers are likely to visit a new location to spend more time outdoors. So, drop the bottomless brunch and pick up a different type of fork to enjoy the peace, quiet and creativity of plant life. Gardini Naxos, on the southeastern coast of Sicily, and which translates to ‘Gardens of Naxos,’ is known for the rich gardens scattered across the island. While there, green-fingered visitors should explore Giardino Pubblico, a beautiful oasis of flora, and an escape from the daily bustle of the town. Elsewhere, travellers can relax in a different type of greenery while enjoying some Italian wine, on this Private Tour of Taormina and Winery Visit in Etna, with stunning views of the vineyards and nearby mountains.

Where to stay: In the heart of Giardini Naxos’s old town and within walking distance of some great bars and restaurants, B&B Villa Vittoria is also a stone’s throw from the serene coastline of Sicily. Nestled within its own green oasis, guests can soak up the florals and foliage on the patio with a chilled glass of wine from the local vineyard. 

Giza, Egypt

What could possibly be better than freshly baked bread? Breadmaking is a great form of stress relief and an amazing skill to develop, but visiting Giza can also help the avid baker learn more about the origins and culture around baking. According to archaeologists and historians, widespread breadmaking took off around 5,000 or 6,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. The earliest baked goods in Giza were similar to chapatis and tortillas, as the Egyptians were the first to discover yeast and use it to make leavened bread. Away from the dough, take time to visit the sights, from the great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue built to protect the nearby pyramids, to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

Booking.com’s Travel Predictions for 2025 found that over half** (58%)of Canadian travellers are considering visiting dark sky destinations with starbathing experiences this year. Those same dedicated stargazers will want to visit the pyramids after dark to experience the surreal beauty of the clear, star-filled night sky alongside the grandeur of the Pharoah. Of course, make sure to leave room for this Local Food Tour, with Egyptian bread served alongside other delicacies. 

Where to stay: The Comfort Giza Golden is within walking distance of the Giza Pyramids and offers breathtaking views of the historic landmark. With an onsite restaurant serving African, American and Argentinian cuisine, and of course a variety of bread options to choose from, guests can indulge their palates after a long day exploring the Great Sphinx and Cairo Tower, both a short drive from the hotel. 

*Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who took a leisure trip with an overnight stay in the last 12 months, plan to travel in 2024, and are involved in trip planning. The sample is comprised of 32,300 respondents across 32 markets (2,000 from USA, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 800 from Portugal, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE) surveyed in January or February 2024.

**Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.