Beware Overscheduling

Welcome back to the Quest. During my family’s Spring Break trip we spent several days walking the streets of the locations we were visiting and just let the day take us where it wanted. It was a great reminder to me that not every minute needs or should be scheduled. Having a plan or goal for the day is one thing, planning each and every minute does not allow for those special moments that are unexpected and sometimes more impactful.

In today’s newsletter:

• Travel News this Week

• City Spotlight: Montreal, Canada

  • Who should go?

  • When should we go?

  • What should we see?

  • Where should we eat?

  • Why here?

• Travel Hacks

Travel News this Week

Some helpful travel news for families that have occurred this week.

• Pack Your Wallet: Price hikes are occurring in popular locations.

• Cruising with a Family of Five?: What do accommodations look like for families of five on a cruise ship?

• REAL ID deadline nears: What you need to know about the REAL ID deadline and the new travel requirements.

City Spotlight: Montreal

This week we head north of the border where the language might be different, but the hospitality never changes. Welcome to Montreal, one of the largest cities in Canada and one of the best food towns in the world. As the weather warms up, Montreal begins to bloom and show what a truly enchanting location for families it can be.

Who should go to Montreal?

Number one, don’t let the idea that people speak French Canadian scare you off. Majority of Montreal residents speak English and as long as you attempt with a Bon Jour or a Merci, you’ll be just fine. Families who love animals, hiking, history, and of course great food would be wise to consider Montreal as their next destination.

When should we go?

Winter is cold, which is why Montreal has created an underground city with shops, restaurants, and other wonderful attractions. Spring and summer are by far the most popular times when the weather is pleasant and the activities by the St. Lawrence River are open and thriving.

What should we do?

There are a number of fun activities that fit every family member. From seeing animals in their natural habitat to admiring priceless works of art, there is something for everyone. Here are a few must visits when in Montreal.

• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: A museum that is well thought out is a joy to visit. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is that type of museum. Every level has a different theme or purpose and every piece of art is properly placed. Make sure to see the three dimensional sculptures of different famous buildings such as Florence’s Duomo. The detail is amazing.

• Pointe-a-Calliere (Museum of Archaeology and History): Located near the waterfront, this modern looking building has a special surprise underneath. A museum that is mostly underground, visitors will see the actual bases of structures that were in Old Montreal, dating back to the 1600’s. A fully immersive museum, there are activities for children as well as adults and visitors will appreciate the growth and history of Montreal.

• The Bagel Class: Montreal takes great pride in their bagels, and well deserved. The Bagel Class allows students to not just enjoy eating Montreal style bagels, but go home with the recipe so you can enjoy these delicacies year round. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.

• Biodome: In 1976, Montreal hosted the Summer Olympic Games. On the outskirts of Montreal is the Olympic Stadium, once home to the Montreal Expos, now a athletic training facility. However, next to Olympic Stadium is what was known as the Olympic Velodrome (site of bicycle racing). Today, they have repurposed this area into the Biodome, an area that is sectioned off into five different habitats with a collection of animals that can be found in each. From penguins to lynx and scores of birds, the Biodome celebrates the wildlife and biodiversity of Canada and the world.

Where should we eat?

There is a reason that Montreal was featured on the award winning show “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix. Montreal has an abundance of quality food locations and whatever you’re in the mood for, there is a top notch restaurant that can scratch your itch.

• St-Viateur Bagel: As stated earlier, Montreal prides itself in their Montreal bagel. A sweeter, denser, more dessert style bagel compared to a New York, the Montreal bagel is best enjoyed warm and one of the best places to visit is St-Viateur Bagel. Try the sesame or poppy seed, they’re something special.

• Chez Suzette: This quaint corner bistro is easy to miss, but don’t make that mistake. From hand crafted sandwiches and salads, to sweet or savory crepes, to enjoying a table fondue, Chez Suzette is a great place to relax and enjoy a great meal.

• The Timeout Market: When you can’t decide where to eat, head to the underground city and bask in the variety of Timeout Market. With over a dozen options, if you can’t find something to eat here, then you’re not hungry. This is not your normal mall food court, this is a food hall with top notch dining options. The drinks aren’t bad either.

Why Montreal?

If a trip to Europe is too daunting or not in your budget, visiting Montreal is the next best thing. A North American city with a definite European feel, Montreal offers so many options for travelers with different goals. Families with little kids will love visiting the Biodome and riding the Ferris Wheel in Old Port, while families with teens can hike up Mount Royal or walk the Old Town and hang out in the numerous cafes. If you have some time, plan a day to head 2 ½ hours east to Quebec City and enjoy a town that seems pulled out of a history book. A vacation to Montreal will not disappoint.

Travel Hacks

1. Stop spending money on new mini travel sized toothpastes, mouthwash, and other travel items. Try refilling old or empty containers using your full size bottles at home.

2. If you are in an area where you are unable to find cell service, try switching to airplane mode and then switching back. This will allow your phone to register and find the towers in your area.

3. Before traveling, make it a point to grab antibacterial wipes. If anyone gets a scrape or cut, you’ll have something right away to disinfect it.