Hilton Grand Vacations offers wonderful opportunities to explore the beauty of nature around the world and discover places that help you recharge.
Rain or shine, I am always ready for an adventure. It might be difficult to guess where I have traveled from my photos because so many of them feature flowers, ferns and trees.
Research highlighted by the American Psychological Association (APA), a leading scientific organization for psychology, shows that even passively viewing nature scenes or keeping indoor houseplants can improve focus, memory and stress tolerance. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) also notes that visual contact with flowers and green plants can promote physiological relaxation. Perhaps my travel photography has been focused on the right subject all along.
Discovering Joy In Parks And Gardens Worldwide
Over the years, I have realized that some of my happiest travel moments happen in parks and gardens rather than on busy city streets. When I lived in London, weekends often meant visits to local parks or train trips to castles surrounded by beautiful gardens. Today, many of my vacations revolve around state and national parks.
Part of the excitement comes from discovering unexpected colors, shapes and varieties of plants and trees along the way. I also love using the plant identification feature on my phone to instantly learn more about what I am seeing. Every destination tells a story through its natural landscape, and I have come to appreciate those details more with each trip.
Exploring Glacier National Park In The Rain
My collection of “tree hugger” and fern photos began in Glacier National Park. It rained through most of our trip, but we were determined to keep exploring. The tree hugger photo was taken at Whitefish Lake State Park, where a dear friend and I kicked off our shoes and socks and waded into the water in the rain. With no one else around, it felt peaceful and almost magical. We snapped those photos as a small tribute to the beauty surrounding us.
One hike in the park was only three miles long, but its steady series of uphill and downhill stretches made it surprisingly exhausting. Beneath the dark canopy of trees, the ferns appeared almost iridescent. I kept stopping to photograph them and enjoy a much-needed break. At one point, a park ranger approached, thinking we had discovered something noteworthy. I had to admit I was only taking pictures of ferns, which seemed to amuse her. I suspect the bear scat we passed on our way back was more her kind of discovery.
Ever since that trip, I have sent my friend fern photos whenever I travel, including snapshots from Bergen, Norway and Vancouver, British Columbia.
How Travel Inspired A Love Of Flowers
My fascination with flowers began at the Jersey Zoo on the island of Jersey in the English Channel, where I first encountered a passionflower. That discovery inspired me to pay closer attention to flowers wherever I traveled.
One quote that has always stayed with me is, “Earth laughs in flowers,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Today, whenever I visit a new destination, I notice the landscape through the flowers and plants that flourish there. I especially admire the thoughtful design of arboretums and botanical gardens, where flowers are layered to create both beauty and function. I saw a beautiful example of this at the entrance to Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island.
Beautiful Blooms Around The World
Over time, I have learned that pansies are my favorite flower because of their remarkable variety of colors and patterns. Yellow and purple is my favorite color combination, and I found a stunning display of pansies at the Auckland Doman in New Zealand.
I was also amazed by the giant Victoria water lily pads at the Chicago Botanic Garden. By chance, we had timed our visit perfectly and arrived when the pond was filled with vibrant lilies glowing in the sunlight. It was one of those travel moments that feels completely unexpected yet unforgettable.
Finding Wildflowers Along The Way
As a Texan traveler, I have a special fondness for wildflowers found along hiking trails, especially the surprising blooms that seem to have taken root far from where you might expect them. These small discoveries often become some of my favorite travel memories.
One such moment happened at Taughannock Falls State Park in New York's Finger Lakes region, where I captured a photo of a honeybee resting on a daisy. What began as a rainy-day excursion turned into another memorable experience filled with simple but extraordinary discoveries.
Lessons From Nature-Focused Travel
Sunny days are ideal for exploring gardens, and I loved the variety I found at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, from manicured sculpture gardens to lush canal banks and towering ancestral trees. In Honolulu, Hawaii and Manly, Australia, birds of paradise and plumeria seemed to flourish naturally as part of the everyday landscape.
Through every journey, I have learned to appreciate both sunshine and rain, finding inspiration in the flowers, trees and plants that make each destination unique. Whether exploring a botanical garden, a national park or a scenic hiking trail through Hilton Grand Vacations travel opportunities, nature has a way of turning an ordinary outing into something memorable.
Key Takeaways
Nature Enhances Travel Experiences: Flowers, trees and gardens can transform ordinary sightseeing into memorable moments of discovery.
Parks Offer More Than Scenic Views: State parks, national parks and botanical gardens provide opportunities to slow down, explore and connect with a destination's natural character.
Unexpected Finds Often Become Lasting Memories: From vibrant ferns to giant water lilies, unplanned encounters with nature can become trip highlights.
Every Destination Tells A Story Through Its Landscape: Local plants and flowers offer a unique perspective on the culture, climate and environment of a place.
Hilton Grand Vacations Inspires Outdoor Exploration: Hilton Grand Vacations Club provides access to destinations where gardens, hiking trails, parks and natural attractions can become part of the vacation experience.
FAQs
Q: Why do travelers enjoy visiting botanical gardens?
A: Botanical gardens combine natural beauty, education and conservation efforts while showcasing plants from around the world.
Q: What are the benefits of spending time in nature while traveling?
A: Research cited by the American Psychological Association suggests that exposure to nature may support relaxation, focus and stress management.
Q: Which destinations are known for gardens and flowers?
A: Notable examples in this article include Butchart Gardens in Vancouver, Chicago Botanic Garden, Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina and the Auckland Domain in New Zealand.
Q: Can parks be as rewarding as city attractions?
A: Yes. Many memorable travel experiences occur in parks, forests and botanical gardens.
Q: How can travelers learn about unfamiliar plants while exploring?
A: Plant identification apps can help travelers quickly identify flowers, trees and other plants they encounter.
