While it is very easy to imagine yourself jetting away to an exotic location, in reality, a stress-free, successful trip needs far more organization than just a few clicks. Especially in today’s world, where we carry more devices than we can count (not to mention the charger for each of these devices) and where going through security is nothing short of nerve-wracking. The packing list below reflects the type of   Read More ...

The memories I have from the week I spent in Ireland back in 2012 will always have a special place in my heart. Not only because Mother Nature was kind enough to hold her tears back for the entire length of my stay –which, if you ask any Irishman, is a miracle in itself– but also because I felt an immensely strong connection to the Emerald Isle and its wholesome   Read More ...

Traveling to Morocco was always a dream of mine. The traditional yet forward-thinking spirit of its inhabitants and the varied, changing landscapes have always been the object of my fascination, and it wasn’t until I actually set foot there that I truly understood what makes Morocco so special. My trip hasn’t gone without a few bumps –I mean that figuratively and literally, some of the roads we traveled on were   Read More ...

* I wrote this post last year for the Travel and Escape blog, but I figured the timing was right to share it here as well. Enjoy! Why on Earth would I want to spend the night outdoors in the notorious Canadian cold?” you ask. Well, in Montreal, the answer is obvious: the famous, festive and awesome Nuit Blanche Montreal (a French expression that means “staying up all night”— how fitting).   Read More ...

After being convinced by ALT Hotels to actually leave Montreal and spend a weekend in the suburbs –not a simple feat for the hardcore urbanite that I am– I figured I might as well make the best of it while I was there. And even though I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I loved everything about my suburban experience, many of the establishments at DIX30 surprised me in   Read More ...

Like most urbanites in this world, Montrealers will never be caught saying they are going to the suburbs. What’s the point, they say, when everything I could possibly need is located within a few kilometres from my flat? To be completely honest, I am one of those Montrealers. I shiver in horror at the thought of crossing the bridge to the unknown that is Laval or Longueuil, much more comfortable   Read More ...

Because 2013 was the year of rediscovery and re-appropriating my own neighborhood after being away for so long, I hereby declare 2014 the official year of being a full-throttle Montrealer. That means not only telling how awesome Montreal is to everyone I know (especially those who live in the suburbs, ha!), but also taking advantage of everything the city has to offer, food, art or festival wise. And because Montreal   Read More ...

As the party and historical capital of Canada, Montreal has quite a reputation to match up to. Luckily, thanks to our hundreds of festivals and atmospheric Europe-like city center, it’s a feat that is quite easily done, and that doesn’t fail to impress both locals and visitors every time. Montreal really does have a vast selection of things to see and do during at Christmas and New Year’s. Let’s have   Read More ...

There is something quite quintessential about German Christmas markets. The fact that they were invented in this very country, yet exported everywhere around the world for the enjoyment of German expats and foreigners alike makes this experience a bucket-list worthy one, and one that doesn’t disappoint. Some experiences are meant to be enjoyed in their birthplace. Christmas markets are to Germany what maple syrup is to Canada, and what coffee is   Read More ...

Every traveler has to start somewhere. If you’re getting ready to head off on your inaugural trip, here are a few tips designed to make your first time out run as smoothly as possible. 1. Solicit advice from seasoned globe-trotters. Spend a little time learning the ins and outs from a well-traveled friend or family member. Though there are plenty of things you’ll need to experience for yourself, a reliable   Read More ...