Photo: Mollie Krengel
Incorporate gardens and nature into your travels.
Whether you have a green thumb, are a self-proclaimed plant lover or know nothing about gardening and plants, visiting a botanical garden is a great activity to include on your travel itinerary. These serene nature environments offer respite from hectic schedules or the energy of a busy city. Our family recently visited one of Toronto’s beautiful botanical gardens and found its calming, almost tropical vibe to be just what we needed after so much hustle and bustle that particularly chilly day. London’s Sky Garden is another enchanting garden destination, perfect for taking in incredible panoramic views of the city.
Nearly every major city has a botanical garden or two. Some offer free entry, and others charge admission, so be sure to check the website before you go. While online, you might also check to see if the garden you are visiting offers classes, workshops or other special events, and see which are child friendly so the whole family has a great time.
Botanical gardens have so many benefits. They are educational, inspiring, and may even provide us with some health benefits. In Scotland, many physicians are now prescribing nature as an alternative to pills. So, in a sense, visiting a botanical garden, whether in your hometown or on the road, is wonderful for your well-being. It reminds us of the importance of connecting with nature and provides us the opportunity to slow down.
Mollie Krengel is the founder of adventure-based business Wild Bum. She shares travel tips and insights in this column, writing with husband Roy and globetrotting kids Liam, Ella and Rafi.
