Travel Therapy: My first solo travel experience --Montreal, Quebec

Traveling alone was something I never thought I'd ever do. With my non-existing sense of direction, I always felt that  companionship was absolutely necessary.

However, last thanksgiving, I decided to ditch the usual family gathering and capitalize on the 4-day weekend and go explore the French-speaking city of Montreal. The trip was a last minute plan, and I knew finding a travel buddy would be hard. More so, it was thanksgiving weekend, and most people had already made plans. So there it was, I was traveling solo for the first time. 

Montreal was absolutely amazing, and the trip is my best travel experience yet. Below are pictures with blurbs of my solo adventure in this beautiful city.

Look who found love in Montreal

Travelling alone was more fun than I anticipated. However, I panicked a tad bit when I got to Montreal. 
For some reason I became extremely nervous and couldn’t function for the first 15 minutes after my arrival. I had saved directions from the train station to my hotel, but for some reason, I suddenly became discombobulated and I started to freak out. I sat down for few minutes, calmed myself, took a deep breath, and then found a policeman who gave me clear and concise direction. 
Getting to my hotel was a breeze, and once I checked in and freshened up, I went off to explore Montreal.

Love sculpture in Vieux Montreal

Since I was nervous about embarking on this trip myself, I planned all my activities in advance. I even looked up directions of all the sites I was going to be visiting and printed out and saved screenshots of the said directions. 

Because I was going to be alone, I did not want to appear lost and make it obvious that I was a lone tourist.

Hotel  room selfie

Place Jacques-Cartier Square

Asides from safety, my other concern was finding someone to take pictures of me with my DSLR camera(yes I am that vain). Luckily I own a gorilla pod(tripod), and  I brought it along with me. For the most part, people were nice, and helped out whenever I asked for pictures. However, the gorilla pod gave me the freedom to take as many shots as I wanted.

Montreal Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge) in Old Port of Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The pros of solo travels are vast, and the no 1 advantage is freedom! The fact that I could do things in my own time and on my terms was extremely liberating. I could visit the sites I wanted, eat in the restaurants of my preference, and chill in my room alone!


Travelling alone also helped me be independent. I was alone and did not have time to second guess myself.

McGill University 

It may sound cheesy, but there was also a level of self discovery that I achieved on this trip. It was calming, peaceful and soothing and this led to me getting to know myself better.


The Illuminated Crowd by Franco-British artist, Raymond Mason. The expressions on the sculptures are extremely life-like!

I was also able to immerse myself in the city. Since I didn't have a companion to talk to nor distract me, the only focus was exploring the city.



Since travelling to Montreal alone, I have done three lone trips and I have two upcoming ones before the year runs out

Olympic Park - Parc olympique de Montréal

Embracing solo travelling means I no longer have to wait on friends who usually say "no" at the last minute. I now have the confidence to just pick up and jet anywhere.

Goofing off at the 1976 Summer Olympics stadium

How gorgeous is the frozen river at Old port of Montreal

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Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

With love from Notre-Dame Basillica

Cloudy skies in Vieux Montreal

I love how the tree branches frame the statue

I thought this restaurant was cute

I walked down Saint Paul Street, and took a picture of this signage

China Town gate

Stopped for some spicy prawn soup in China Town

I am obsessed with signage, lamp posts, and, old architecture, and I was excited to capture all three in a single photo

View of Montreal from Mount Royal, Monteregian Hills

Marché Bonsecours

So what do you guys think of solo travelling? Have you ever done it, or do you think you have the courage to embark on one? Please leave your comments below. 

Have a fab week.

Travel Therapy: Burlington, Vermont

A few weeks ago, I took some time off work. The plan was to eat, sleep, and do absolutely nothing. However, by the second day of my staycation, I was sick of being indoors, so I decided I was going to travel to a new city. Since it was an impromptu plan, I chose a state that wasn't too far--Vermont.

Vermont is known for skiing and other outdoor activities. However, I chose to go to the metropolitan city of Burlington. I absolutely enjoyed my time in this beautiful New England city. The people were extremely friendly, and everywhere I went, there was a warm smile to welcome me. 

Burlington is a college town, so it was bustling with a lot of activities. From the colorful buildings to the serene Lake Champlain, there was something charming in every nook and cranny. Below are some of the pictures I took. I Hope you enjoy them. 

Chilling on a chair swing at Water Front park, Lake Champlain 

How Scenic is Lake Champlain?

Taking in the view at Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain

Vermont is chock-full of bright colored buildings

The exterior of a vintage store on Pine Street

How cute is this tea shop?

I want to live here!

Vermont's oldest craft brewery

The clock/dome of the city hall

Church Street Market Mural

Church street market place is the famous shopping district in Burlington. While the street was filled with the typical  retail stores (GAP, Macy's etc),  I  spent few hours exploring some of the quaint stores available.

The church at the end Church street 

Sculpture of Saxophonist, Big Joe Burrell

Ben and Jerry was founded in Burlington, Vermont. While the original store is no more, the one pictured here is not too far from the first location. 

At Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center

I am obsessed with signage and I thought this was a pretty neat sign

Lake Champlain Chocolate: I took a free chocolate making tour here and was treated to a history of the company and free yummy chocolate.

How cool is this!

Another gorgeous  and colorful building

ART!

Follett House built in 1840 is reminiscent of the White House--no?

University of Vermont

Billings Library at University of Vermont

That's all folks. Thanks for reading. Have a lovely week.