There’s something undeniably special about celebrating your birthday while travelling. A sense of freedom. Perspective. Magic.
This year, my birthday arrived while I was in Montreal, Canada, on December 28 and it felt like a dream I didn’t know I’d been holding onto for years. Instead of the familiar Australian summer heat, with sweat trickling down my back, I woke to softly falling snow and streets dusted in white. Winter had wrapped the city in its quiet, cinematic beauty.
I spent most of the day wandering through Old Town Montreal (my absolute favourite part of the city, if I’m honest). Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, frosted rooftops: it felt like stepping into a European fairytale.
I enjoyed a delicious birthday lunch at Pangea Restaurant, before heading out for a playful photoshoot around the city… complete with MASSIVE birthday balloons that turned plenty of heads and sparked more than a few smiles.
But beyond the snow and celebration, the day gave me space to reflect.
Looking back on the past year, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.
I had started and grown my own travel business, completed a Certificate in Digital Marketing (just for fun), and continued my Travel Coach training to complement my travel consulting work.
One of my proudest moments? Travelling solo to Washington D.C. in September to see my favorite band perform, while also filming content for a tourism board and a hotel. All of this while navigating significant personal challenges and ongoing health hurdles.
So yes… GO ME.
This birthday wasn’t just a celebration of another year older. It was a celebration of resilience, courage, growth, and proof that I can do hard things: even when life feels heavy.
Bring on 2026.
I’m ready ✨