Finding Joy in Montreal After a Layoff

For many, the idea of traveling after a job loss seems counterintuitive—a luxury that must be sacrificed in the face of uncertainty. This was the initial reaction when a major European vacation became untenable. However, a shift in perspective and a more modest destination proved that travel can be an essential tool for mental recovery.

This is the story of how a spontaneous, affordable trip to Montreal replaced grander travel plans and offered a much-needed escape. It highlights the importance of prioritizing well-being and finding joy in new experiences, even when life feels unsteady.

Before the layoff, travel was a constant in this person's life. The first half of the year alone was filled with significant trips: a flight from New York to Palm Springs with friends, a London trip planned specifically to see a play, and a cross-country journey to Los Angeles to see Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour. The momentum was set to continue with a friend actively pitching a major European adventure for late 2025.

Scotland and Paris were on the table, and it wouldn't have taken much convincing. But right at the end of May, a layoff changed everything. Suddenly, any form of travel felt out of reach, and the grand European tour was officially off the table. The dust settled, summer came and went, but the desire for a change of scenery remained.

As the months passed, a new thought emerged: while transatlantic travel would have to wait for steady employment, a smaller trip might still be possible. Using severance pay, a more modest plan took shape. The destination? Montreal. It was the perfect compromise, offering a true sense of being away without the logistical and financial strain of a transatlantic flight.

Several factors made Montreal the ideal choice:

• Logistical Ease: A quick 90-minute flight from New York maximized time on the ground.
• Affordability: Airfare was purchased using credit-card points, keeping out-of-pocket costs low.
• Atmosphere: Cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and the French language promised a genuine escape.

The goal was to hit pause on the stress of the previous few months and immerse in a new environment.

The itinerary for the late October weekend was intentionally loose. Apart from a few dinner reservations, the plan was simply to explore. This was a significant departure for someone who typically plans jam-packed vacations, but the lack of a rigid schedule felt liberating. The days were spent wandering, chatting, poking through vintage stores, and taste-testing authentic Montreal-style bagels.

"It certainly didn't feel like I was missing anything as we took our time yapping, poking through vintage stores, and taste-testing Montreal-style bagels."

While they made time to hike up Mount Royal and explore the Old Port, the trip was less about sightseeing and more about connection and presence. The biggest gift was the ability to close a laptop and not think about work, channeling energy instead into simple pleasures.

The trip became an exercise in focusing on what brings genuine joy. This meant uninterrupted quality time with a friend, people-watching on public transportation, and the simple victory of successfully ordering a daily oat latte in French. It was a powerful reminder that a meaningful trip doesn't have to be grand in scale.

By the time the flight home arrived on a Monday morning, the feeling was one of recharging. The stress and uncertainty of the previous months hadn't vanished, but the trip provided a necessary battery reset. It was a privilege, but one that proved invaluable for mental health during a period of flux.

The Montreal trip was the perfect getaway for that specific moment in life. It wasn't the European tour that was initially envisioned, but in many ways, it was better. It was manageable, spontaneous, and deeply restorative. There is still more to see in Montreal, leaving excitement for a potential return trip.

Of course, the dream of a European vacation hasn't disappeared. It remains on the horizon for a time when life feels more settled. For now, the memory of a perfect long weekend and a "Bon Matin" mug serve as a happy reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you never planned for.