“Journeys are the midwives of thought. Few places are more conducive to internal conversations than a moving plane, ship or train. There is an almost quaint correlation between what is in front of our eyes and the thoughts we are able to have in our heads: large thoughts at times requiring large views, new thoughts new places.” Alain de Botton, The Art of Travel 

One of my current books that I enjoy reading before bed time is ‘The Art of Travel.’ This book is enthralling, it takes you on a philosophical journey through the pleasures and non-pleasures of travelling. Can we impart a sense of travelling into our everyday lives? I think so, but when it becomes a routine it’s no longer enjoyable. When I was back in Toronto, I enjoyed commuting (to some extent but happy that I don’t have to do it anymore though 😛 ). I used that time for myself, I read, listened to podcasts, grabbed my morning coffee and by the time I got to work, I was wide-awake and dove into emails and work routine..etc. Nonetheless, breaking that routine without breaking your bank is fun and so good for you, especially in our today rush/work life.

One of our family traditions is that we try to go on a weekend getaway once a month. The Nation’s Capital (Ottawa) is located 2 hours away from Montreal and 5 hours away from Toronto by car. [Fun fact: if you ask my husband what’s your favourite thing about Ottawa, he’ll say Montreal because it’s that close ha!] Personally, planning these short getaways boosts my ‘happiness tank.’ I absolutely love travelling with my husband even for just the weekend. We update our podcasts, pack lightly and off we go. We also love catching up with our families and friends (if we have enough time) and if we go somewhere else other than Toronto, then we go to a concert/show in Montreal and/or stroll around the city for some inspiration and change of scenery to recharge and refocus.

I’ve also read that the duration of your vacation/staycation matters less than the quality. You can really get more out of your two days of doing exactly what you desire than from 10 days vacation that you were not really psyched about. So whether it’s visiting your aunt in a small town or your grandparents in their farmhouse or just going to a small city near you. Do it!

On another note, I’m still trying to convince my sister to visit me haha! I hope this post will inspire her to get a train ticket soon. 😉

I will leave you with this quote from Alain de Botton: ” What we find exotic abroad may be what we hunger for in vain at home.”

XO Dalia

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