New exploring ideas?

As some of you know, when I get back to MonBre I have to redo exploring.

I'd like for anyone with cool ideas for it, to say them here. I'm considering not using the tile system we have now. We'll see. I want any crazy exploration ideas that you think would be fun.

Only exception is to not use Flash, but if you want Flash-like effects I could probably do them with jQuery.

I actually like the tiles but I could live without them.
You already mentioned about shortening distances so, that's out of the way.
At the time there are no benifits to encountering players while exploring.
It would be nice to be able to visit the sights or more sights near the towns.
There's not much more to add.

It's just that the tiles are pretty hard on the server, and I'm not certain that this is the best I can do for exploring. I will definitely shorten the world, possibly even by 1/4, but definitely by 1/2. I'm just wondering if anyone could think of some crazy cool exploring thing.