• Walking through cemeteries is something my husband and I have been doing regularly since 2020.
• Cemeteries offer a peaceful place to ponder, wander, and pay our respects to those who've passed.
• Cemetery walks have deepened our connection to nature, ourselves, and others.

When I tell people that my husband and I enjoy walking through cemeteries, they usually respond with a quizzical look. Some think it's morbid, while others don't see the point unless it's for visiting a deceased loved one.

What began as a way to avoid crowds and escape our apartment during the pandemic quickly evolved into a regular activity for us. Whether exploring our neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, traveling the states, or going abroad, cemeteries are always at the top of our list.

Cemeteries offer a peaceful place to ruminate, wander, and pay our respects to those who've passed. And it doesn't cost a thing. Here's how cemetery visits have enhanced our lives in more ways than we could've ever imagined.

It's a chance to commune with nature

No matter how big or small, cemeteries are usually home to various flora and fauna. One of our favorites is the enormous and immaculate Los Angeles National Cemetery, brimming with big beautiful trees, a rose garden, birds, squirrels, and bunnies.

We usually have the entire place to ourselves and the solitude is quite comforting as we walk the grounds and stop by gravesites of veterans who span as far back as the Mexican-American War and Civil War.

It has improved our physical health

My husband and I aren't big on intense exercise, so cemetery walks are a low-impact way to get our steps in. Of course, we're always mindful not to walk on grave markers and stick to paved walkways whenever available.

It has boosted our mental well-being

Spending time outdoors in open spaces does wonders for the body and the mind. Much like nature walks, cemetery walks reduce stress because we're moving, getting fresh air, and allowing ourselves to take a mental health break, connect with ourselves, and be in the moment.

It feels like traveling back in time and brings history to life

Whenever I see a gravestone that grabs my attention, I search online to learn more about the person. At the astonishing Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, we learned much about the people buried and entombed there, including some of the world's most celebrated artists, writers, and musicians. I like to think about world events that were going on during a person's existence and what life must've been like for them.

Other than museums, cemeteries are the closest thing we have to taking a step back in time.

It has given us a deeper sense of empathy and connection

It's true that visiting cemeteries can sometimes be a somber experience. Over the years, we have come across numerous graves for infants, young people, and others who have met tragic ends. While this makes us sad, it has also deepened our sense of empathy for others. It also helps with grieving our own loved ones, reminding us that we're not alone.

It can bridge the gap between the living and the dead with humor and warmth

While cemeteries often hold stories of heartache, they can also reveal moments of humor. Many tombstones offer common epitaphs like "Beloved wife, mother, and sister," but others shine with personality. One headstone that always makes me smile says, "Thanks for stopping by," while another reads, "I have finally found peace … and so have you!"

It has improved my math skills

Getting better at math is probably the biggest surprise of our cemetery excursions. My husband is great with numbers, but they have never been my forte. So when we stop to look at the different birth and death dates on headstones, I have to pause to calculate how old the person was when they passed. It's like getting a math lesson every time we go.

We have learned a lot about different cultures and customs

Visiting cemeteries nationwide and worldwide has given us insight into how different cultures honor those who have passed. At the seaside cemetery on Mexico's small island of Isla Mujeres, people leave bottles of water or soda on gravesite altars for the dearly departed to drink.

At many Jewish cemeteries, visitors leave stones at graves as a sign of respect. My husband's grandparents are buried in the expansive Armenian section at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, where khachkar engravings and monuments represent a bridge to the sacred.

It's a valuable reminder about our own mortality

Cemeteries are directly associated with death, which is a natural part of life. But it's an uncomfortable subject for many people. Facing it in such a direct way can be uneasy and trigger anxiety or fear. But my husband and I love our cemetery walks because they remind us that we're all part of this collective journey on Earth, clarify what matters, and inspire us to cherish every moment as much as possible.

• I spent two days in Toulouse, which Lonely Planet dubbed the top city to visit in 2025.
• Nicknamed the "Pink City," Toulouse is home to several universities and iconic sites.
• Despite its youthful vibrancy and affordable eats, it didn't have the sophisticated vibe I wanted.

My husband and I love exploring new cities, so when we were planning our recent trip across France and Spain, we knew Toulouse would be one of our stops.

Located in southern France near the Spanish border, it has long attracted tourists — and travel site Lonely Planet named it the top city to visit in 2025.

Toulouse is home to several universities and iconic sites, including the historic Dome de La Grave along the Garonne River. It's also been nicknamed the "Pink City" for its stunning rosy-colored terra-cotta architecture.

Although my husband loved our two days in Toulouse, something about it didn't fully click for me.

A lot of the city seemed to be oriented toward college students

I'm not a fancy-pants traveler, but I still like to incorporate some swankiness into my trips. Unfortunately, we didn't find many opportunities to sprinkle sophistication into our days in Toulouse.

As we were in a large French city, I expected to see a few more upmarket shops (other than Galeries Lafayette) and high-end restaurants mixed in with all the secondhand shops, bookstores, and casual eateries.

Instead, we found more businesses and affordable eateries that seemed geared toward local students. On the plus side, though, we saved money eating at the plentiful quick and tasty cafés, like El Amacen empanada bar.

In addition, Toulouse seemed to have a lively nightlife, which makes sense considering the many nearby universities.

It was a bit too much for me, especially since this meant we heard many loud people heading out of the bars late at night near our hotel.

We stayed in the middle of the city, so I wasn't expecting silence. In fact, I enjoy hearing the sounds of a city in the evening. However, at a certain point — say, after 11 p.m. — I appreciate some quiet.

My husband and I wanted to keep our hotel window open to get some fresh air as we slept, but the late-night revelers made that a less-appealing option.

The traffic and roads were difficult for us to navigate

I'm happy we had the experience of driving across France, but doing so was particularly stressful in Toulouse.

As with most major cities, traffic here felt intimidating — especially since Toulouse has numerous narrow one-way streets.

Upon arrival at our hotel, we had to circle the roads several times before we could eventually pull over to the valet, as numerous vehicles were double-parked, and we didn't want to block traffic.

Thankfully, Toulouse is a very walkable city, and we mostly managed to get around on foot to take in the sights and visit friends. Next time we're in France with a car, though, we'll head elsewhere.

Overall, I wasn't blown away by Toulouse — but maybe younger travelers would be

We enjoyed Toulouse's rosy architecture, museums, and charming views from the banks of the Garonne River, but it just didn't have that certain je ne sais quoi I've felt in other large French cities like Paris or Bordeaux.

In many ways, Toulouse felt like a college town, probably because it kind of is one, with its multiple universities and sizable student population (tens of thousands!).

I wished it had felt more expansive, sophisticated, and buzzing with excitement — though preferably not loudly and late into the night.

Although I understand why many love the city, I feel like I would've liked it more when I was in my early 20s. I'm in my 40s now.

To be fair, we were in Toulouse for less than 48 hours and stayed within the city center, so I realize that doesn't give me the most comprehensive perspective.

Still, first impressions are important. I'm glad we went, but I left feeling like one visit was enough.