Reconnecting in Unlikely Places: A Journey to Medicine Hat

Travel has a way of broadening our horizons, not just in terms of geography, but also in the depth of our experiences. Many of us have a tendency to measure our travels in terms of countries visited or passport stamps collected. However, some of the most memorable and transformative journeys occur in the most unexpected destinations. In this blog post, we'll explore a unique travel experience to Medicine Hat, a place often overlooked by travellers, where the true value lies not in the place itself but in the meaningful reconnection with loved ones.

Medicine Hat, a city in southern Alberta, Canada, may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip, especially for those who usually aim to check off countries from their travel list. A city who’s claim to fame is boasting the world largest Teepee may not be top of any bucket list, however, sometimes the value of a journey is not determined by how far you've traveled, but by the connections you make and the experiences you gain.

Reconnecting with Family

For me, the decision to travel to Medicine Hat was driven by the desire to reconnect with my 14-year-old nephew and 17-year-old niece. Living in different parts of the country had created physical and emotional distance, and I yearned to bridge that gap. I wanted to be present in their lives, to listen to their stories, and to create new memories together.

So I embarked on a journey that wasn't about sightseeing but about sharing and building deeper connections.

Experiences Over Places

Our trip to Medicine Hat reinforced the idea that travel isn't solely about ticking off destinations or collecting passport stamps. It's about immersing oneself in the local culture, engaging in meaningful conversations, and participating in shared experiences.

During this trip, both kids were busy with school, jobs, sports and friends, so our time wasn’t spent exploring places, it was spent simply with each other.  I was lucky enough to attend multiple hockey games featuring my nephew and his Medicine Hat Hounds, I watched my niece following in my coaching footsteps as she coached a grade 7 girls volley ball team, and I met her girlfriend which made me smile so hard! We also went to the Taylor Swift Eras movie - that was, an experience. :).

I connected with friends over wine and gossip, and spent each evening curled up with my niece and her dog in bed watching “grey’s Anatomy” and sharing our days and more.  Absolutely priceless.

Places I do have to give a shout out to:

While this trip went a typical travel experience, there were some notable locations that I think truly do deserve a shout out.

My Airbnb:

This place was perfect.  Loved the atmosphere, the loft and the workspace.  It was the perfect location for this little digital nomad. Click here to learn more

Coffee shop to work from:

If you are in the area - Check out Station Coffee House. Solid wifi, constant flow of people, others working from the shop, and delish bites as well.  It’s really the perfect location to obtain that work/life balance.

After Work:

If you are looking for a great spot for a cocktail and a catch up - might I suggest this one.  The Whiskey District. Great atmosphere, nice cocktails, and its open past 10 pm - which in “The Hat” is harder to find that you might think. Yes - its is attached to a gym, but don’t let that deter you. Its a great spot!

As the trip concluded, I realized It wasn't about the place itself but about the rekindling of relationships and the creation of cherished memories.

In our pursuit of travel, we often overlook the power of connection and the value of shared experiences. Medicine Hat, an unconventional destination, taught me that sometimes the most profound journeys happen in the most unexpected places. When we redefine travel as an opportunity for reconnection, learning, and the creation of lasting memories, we unlock the true essence of exploration. So, next time you plan a trip, consider not just the destination but the experiences and connections you'll gain along the way.