Featuring PR Professional Michelle Kalman, 44 from Toronto, Canada
Where did you travel?
Old Montreal in Quebec, Canada, for an overnight work trip.
Where did you stay?
The St. Paul Hotel, which is located in the heart of Old Montreal. I love the historical architecture of this district – you feel immediately transported with its European Charm.
How many items did you pack?
Over 30 items – I’m a bit of a beauty product junky so I had close to 20 cosmetic/toiletry items alone. All very portable and petite but also – all very necessary! As my trip was only for 1 night, I packed extremely light on wardrobe and was able to fit a folded yoga mat into my carry-on. I also only travelled with 1 pair of boots that I wore on flight, leaving me ample room to return home with souvenirs for my family.
Do you have any rituals when you travel?
The first thing I do after checking into my hotel room is to leave it. I enjoy taking a walk around the hotel area to see where the essentials are – coffee shops, pharmacies, wine bars! It also breaks up the sitting from plane to taxi. And if available, I indulge in a long bubble bath – something I don’t take the time to do for myself at home.
Do you have any recommendations for visiting Montreal?
You must have the world famous Montreal Bagels – my preference is to indulge in lox and cream cheese with all the works. Best spots to try are St-Viateur, Beaubien Bagel and Mount Royal Bagel Bakery. You can’t go wrong! I also recommend visiting Place d’Armes – a historical public square in Old Montreal and strolling around the neighborhood to soak up the charm and take advantage of the photo opportunities.
Why do you carry-on?
Efficiency primarily but also, travelling with a carry-on encourages me to #travelsimple by planning my wardrobe, activities and destination shopping. I almost always arrive at home having worn everything I packed and love to add a new piece to my collection on every trip.