“Road trip!” How many times have you shouted that as you and your friends pile into your beat up car and hit the open road?

If you’re like me, you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and begrudgingly endure being herded like cattle onto a plane destined for a faraway land. Or perhaps a ride on the rails is more your style.

But does travel always have to be over a long distance to be counted as travel?

Backyard exploration

There are countless treasures waiting to be discovered in our own backyards. In London (the other London, in Canada) where I live, a walk along the Thames Valley Parkway can provide engaging entertainment.

I recently took a detour on my walk to a local park to check on the progress being made on the demolition of a derelict factory, long ago abandoned. I stopped to witness oversized Tonka toys make quick work of the concrete and rebar.

I passed other walkers, many being towed by their four-legged canine friends. I stopped, got in a quick pat of the pooch and exchanged hellos.

Nearing the Thames River I stopped to watch crews taking down many obviously long-standing trees (and quickly snapped photos to question my local councillor).

At the park, I kept to the paved walkway, meandering very much like the Thames River through the city.

Rounding a curve and off in the distance, I spotted an older gentleman, hunched over, sitting on a bench, a Canada goose squawking away in front of him. As I approached, I could see he was feeding his new feathered friend. I stopped and we exchanged a brief conversation about the joy of wildlife and, of course, the weather, everyone’s favourite subject.

A short 45-minute journey, but travel, nonetheless.

The best part of travel

And perhaps the best part is that when I next return, my experience will be entirely different. The old factory will be reduced to rubble. The bench will be empty. The goose will have moved on. The tree cutting crews will be gone.

Replaced by what? Who knows?

And that right there is the joy of travel, exploring the unknown, even if it’s a place I’ve visited many times before, on the other side of the world, or steps away in my own backyard.

The key is to slow down, be curious and keep your eyes and ears open to the possibility of new encounters.

I’m always on the lookout for hidden gems, whether it’s a cozy local café tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood or a breathtaking destination off the well-worn tourist track.

If you’ve discovered a favourite haunt or stumbled upon a spot that’s still flying under the radar, I’d love to hear about it! Share your recommendations or travel tips. They could be the inspiration I need for my next global adventure!