Adventure Essentials

Planning a trip to Paris? 🇫🇷✨

These are a few simple tips that can help you save money, avoid common tourist mistakes, and experience the city a little more like a local. Sometimes the best memories come from wandering a quiet street, enjoying a café terrace, or discovering a hidden gem you never planned to visit.

💾 Save this post for your next Paris adventure and send it to someone who’s dreaming of visiting the City of Light!

One of the things I love most about France is the food culture. 🇫🇷

In Paris, it’s not just about what you eat—it’s about taking the time to enjoy it. A simple lunch at a brasserie terrace can easily turn into an hour or two of good food, conversation, and people-watching.

You’ll see friends catching up over a meal, colleagues enjoying a leisurely lunch break, and locals soaking up the sunshine with a coffee or glass of sparkling water. There’s no rush, and that’s part of the charm.

As a Canadian living in France, I’ve come to appreciate how meals are treated as a moment to slow down and enjoy life rather than something to squeeze into a busy schedule.

What’s your favorite part of dining when you travel?

🇨🇦 Canada vs. 🇫🇷 France

After almost 3 months of living in France as a Canadian, I often get asked which country I prefer. The truth is… they both have their strengths and challenges! ❤️
Here’s my personal experience so far.

🇫🇷 France�✔️ The food is incredible, and the quality of fresh ingredients is noticeably better.�✔️ The cost of living is generally lower (except for fuel!).�✔️ Healthcare has been impressive, with shorter wait times and the convenience of booking appointments through an app.�✔️ Dental care, prescription medications, and glasses are often covered through the healthcare system, depending on your coverage.�✔️ The history, architecture, and charm are everywhere you look.�✔️ People seem to place a greater emphasis on enjoying life, spending time with family and friends, and slowing down.�✔️ Walking is part of everyday life, which I absolutely love.�✔️ Museums, attractions, parks, and cultural activities are much more affordable.�✔️ Traveling around Europe is incredibly accessible thanks to inexpensive flights.
The biggest downside?�Administrative paperwork! 😅 Almost every process seems to involve extra documents, appointments, and patience.

🇨🇦 Canada�✔️ Fuel is considerably cheaper.�✔️ Government and administrative services are generally much simpler and more efficient.�✔️ People are, in my experience, friendlier overall.�✔️ Schools typically start later, although there are no school on Wednesday in France.�✔️ Maternity leave is significantly longer.�✔️ Salaries are generally higher, although that doesn’t always translate into greater purchasing power once converted to euros.�✔️ Canada takes crimes against children very seriously, with strong legal consequences.�✔️ Getting a driver’s licence is much more straightforward.�✔️ As much as I used to complain about Toronto traffic… Paris has definitely given me a new appreciation for it! 😂�✔️ During this current heat wave, I definitely miss Canada’s cooler summers. On the other hand, France’s milder winters are a huge advantage.

✨ My biggest takeaway after these first three months?
France has taught me to slow down and enjoy life a little more, while Canada still stands out for its efficiency and friendliness.
I’m grateful to have experienced both countries, and I’m excited to see how my opinions evolve as I continue this adventure.

What do you think? If you’ve lived in both Canada and France—or visited either one—which differences stood out to you? 🇨🇦❤️🇫🇷

🇨🇦➡️🇫🇷 A new chapter begins!

A few weeks ago, my family and I packed up our lives in Canada and moved to France.

As someone with 15+ years in the travel industry, I've helped others plan adventures for years—but this time, I'm living one myself.

Over the next several months, I'll be sharing:✈️ Travel experiences across Europe🇫🇷 The realities of life in France📝 Practical travel and relocation tips🌍 Cultural discoveries and hidden gems💡 The surprises, challenges, and wins of starting fresh in a new country

Whether you're a traveler, an expat, or simply curious about life abroad, I hope you'll join me on this journey.

Have you ever moved to another country or dreamed about it? Tell me where in the comments! 👇