People often think of detours as unnecessary diversions, but in travel, they can be much of the fun. When I travel, I like to add three to four days to my trip to detour into a nearby destination, which lets me discover new landmarks, cultures, and experiences without straying too far afield.
So many popular countries have neighbouring destinations that are worth the detour. I encourage you to go beyond a simple stopover. Stay for several days and dig into the destination on a deeper detour. You’ll be surprised by what you discover. If you’re heading to Costa Rica, detour into neighbouring Nicaragua, where you can hike the black slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano and try surfing on the beaches of San Juan del Sur. If you’re going to Vietnam, continue up the Mekong into Laos and see the golden temples and monks receiving morning alms in Luang Prabang. If you’re touring the pyramids in Egypt, extend into Jordan to see Petra, float in the Dead Sea, and spend a night in the desert of Wadi Rum.
As well, deeper detours don’t just happen with neighbouring countries. They’re great to consider within a single country as well. Take Indonesia: Bali is undeniably wonderful, but you should detour to Java to explore the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Or consider France: everyone wants to go to Paris, but not everyone puts Lyon on their travel plans.
Lyon is smaller and more affordable but packed with exceptional restaurants and grand architecture. It’s a completely walkable city where you can explore the traboules, the secret passageways of Vieux Lyon that were used during the Silk Trade through to the French Resistance during World War II (a guided tour really unlocks the history). Speaking of silk, Lyon is a great place to purchase an artisanal silk scarf or tie. You should also ride the funicular up Fourvière, the hill in the centre of town, to explore the Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, which was built by the Romans in the first century BC. Don’t forget to visit the local markets, including Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse or the open-air market that pops up along the river.
There’s so much to discover on a deeper detour. Go beyond the stopover, extend the travel journey, and experience what wonders await.
Carolyn Weppler has tracked gorillas in Rwanda, been proposed to in Paris (she accepted, naturally!), and travelled to 70 countries, counting Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Russia, Sri Lanka and even Afghanistan among her travel memories. Originally from Hong Kong, Carolyn lived in the UK before settling in Canada. A self-professed ‘foodie’ traveller, her favourite destinations are Nepal, Peru, Uganda, and anywhere else where she can roam local markets and experience new flavours.
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