Join us on a journey to Vancouver with Shilpashree Jagannathan, who embarked on her first international solo trip from Mumbai in 2019, and discover how she seamlessly blended business and leisure into one unforgettable experience. This is the first of a three-part series for business travellers and those mixing business with personal travel.
In May 2019, I embarked on a solo journey to Vancouver, inspired by my mother-in-law, Jayashri Ramagopal, a seasoned sales professional with over two decades of experience. Her success in selling educational products for children not only made her a consistent top performer but also afforded her the privilege to travel the globe. Encouraged by her adventures, I seized the opportunity to speak at the prestigious Women Deliver conference, blending my professional commitments with the excitement of personal exploration.
Though the prospect of my first solo trip stirred a mix of anxiety and anticipation, the experience proved to be nothing short of exhilarating, paving the way for an unforgettable adventure in one of Canada's most vibrant cities. This trip was an excellent example of how to integrate a work schedule with travel time in a new city.
Preparing for the Journey: Travel Tips and Packing Essentials
During the panel, I had to share insights from my work with some of India’s leading feminist campaigns, a journey shaped by my involvement with the She Creates Change community, an initiative by Change.org Foundation generously supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This platform not only amplified my role as a changemaker but also aligned my path with influential global networks. Seizing the initiative, I requested with the foundation to arrange my arrival in Vancouver five days prior to my official duties. This allowed me the freedom to immerse fully in the local culture and landscapes. Opting to stay in a hostel and funding my own sightseeing expeditions, I embraced the true essence of solo travel, exploring the city’s myriad attractions at my own pace and expense, from bustling markets to tranquil seafronts, ensuring a deeply personal and enriching experience. Knowing how to pack for a trip where business meets leisure was key, ensuring I was prepared for both business meetings and personal explorations.
While the foundation took care of my tickets and visa, my stay in Vancouver during non-working days and all sightseeing activities were self-funded. Intrigued by stories from friends who had enjoyed hostel stays, and sticking to a budget, I opted for a hostel situated in the heart of Vancouver's vibrant downtown. This decision was strategic, influenced primarily by the convenience of public transit access. Before confirming my booking, I reached out to the hostel via email to inquire about several key aspects: accessibility to public transport, proximity to major sightseeing spots, nearby dining options, and other conveniences. This careful planning ensured that my stay would be as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, allowing me to make the most of my solo adventure in this dynamic city.
Crafting the Perfect Itinerary
Then came the crucial task of crafting my itinerary. With only five days to indulge in pleasure before my work commitments began, I wanted to ensure every moment counted. I reached out to friends residing in Vancouver, as well as those in India who had previously visited, gathering their recommendations to compile a list of must-do activities. Their suggestions painted an exciting picture of Vancouver's offerings: a day trip to the scenic Whistler, a captivating whale-watching tour, a walk across the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge, and ample time dedicated to exploring the local sights and sounds of Vancouver itself. Armed with this tailored list, I was set to experience the best of what this diverse city had to offer, fully immersing myself in its unique blend of nature and urban adventure. This perfectly epitomized the nomad life in Vancouver, mixing business with leisure travel efficiently.
Embracing the Local Culture and Night Activities
I made it a point to engage with locals and fellow travellers alike, sharing stories and experiences that enriched my understanding of the city. These interactions not only added depth to my visit but also enhanced my appreciation for
Vancouver's diverse community and vibrant cultural landscape. Night activities in Vancouver were particularly memorable, offering a glimpse into the city's lively nightlife and giving me a chance to unwind after a day of meetings or sightseeing.
Discovering Vancouver: Immersion in Local Culture and Landscapes
In this second of a three-part series about a journey to Vancouver with Shilpashree Jagannathan, who embarked on her first international solo trip from Mumbai in 2019, learn how she navigated the new city.
Landing in Vancouver on the morning of May 28th, I found myself grappling with a cocktail of emotions as I checked into my hostel near noon—tired, sleepy, and unexpectedly a bit sad. Despite the excitement of my first solo adventure, I was missing the familiarity of home. To shake off these feelings, I freshened up and took a walk to a nearby mall for dinner. Sitting alone with my meal, the thought of boarding the next flight back home briefly crossed my mind. However, I reminded myself of the reasons behind this journey—to explore and have fun.
Recognizing that I needed a familiar voice to lift my spirits, I reached out to my family and friends back in India. Fortunately, my dear friend Vijaya was awake. Having travelled across continents multiple times, she reassured me that my feelings were merely symptoms of jet lag. True to her words, after a good night's sleep, I felt rejuvenated. From that moment, I fully embraced my surroundings, making sure to live in the moment and not waste a single minute of my trip.
Establishing a Routine in a New City
My routine over the next few days settled into a comforting rhythm, dictated in part by jet lag. Waking at 5 am each morning, I had a couple of hours to myself before the hostel's cafe opened for breakfast at 7 am. This early morning period became my most productive time. After freshening up, I'd take my laptop downstairs and settle in at a quiet table. There, amidst the slowly stirring hostel environment, I'd catch up on emails, connect with my family back home with a quick call, and complete my writing and editing tasks. I also made a habit of planning my day's activities in advance, listing the work I'd tackle in the evening. This disciplined approach not only allowed me to mix business with leisure effectively but also ensured I was prepared for any business meetings or work-related travel in Vancouver.
Exploring Vancouver's Highlights
By the time breakfast was served, I was ready to take a break. Meals were a social affair, shared with fellow hostel mates, most of whom were vibrant, adventurous individuals in their twenties. Despite being in my late thirties and a mother of two, these interactions with younger travellers were incredibly enriching, exposing me to new perspectives and reminding me of the universal joy of discovery. These morning chats not only fuelled my body for the day's explorations but also rejuvenated my spirit, setting a positive tone for whatever adventures lay ahead.
This is how trip in Vancouver panned out:
Day | Date | Itinerary Details |
Day 1 | May 28 | Arrival and Adjustment:Â Arrived in Vancouver, checked into the hostel, and adjusted to the new environment while overcoming initial homesickness through connections back home. |
Day 2 | May 29 | Granville Island and Whale Watching:Â Started the day at Granville Island, exploring its vibrant markets and enjoying the diverse culinary offerings. The afternoon was spent on a whale-watching tour, spotting a family of orcas including an albino calf. |
Day 3 | May 30 | Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge:Â Took the Skyride to Grouse Mountain for stunning views and outdoor activities like ziplining. Later, visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge, enjoying the thrill of the bridge and the beauty of the Treetops Adventure. |
Day 4 | May 31 | Vancouver local sight seeing: I booked one of those hop-on and hop-off tours. It works very well for me. From visiting the Fly Over Canada to experiencing the Gastown Steam Clock, I did it all. |
Day 4 | June 1 | Stanley Park, Relaxation, and Richmond Night Market:Â Dedicated a day to exploring Stanley Park's expansive greenery. Followed by an evening at the Richmond Night Market, experiencing a variety of food, live entertainment, and local culture. |
Day 5 | June 2 | Trip to Whistler: Travelled to Whistler along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. Explored its charming village, engaged in activities like hiking and mountain biking, and enjoyed the breathtaking mountain scenery. |
Day 6,7,8 | June 3-6 | Women Deliver conference |
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Memorable Moments from the Trip
Among all the experiences on my solo journey through Vancouver, a few moments mark as the highlights of my adventure. One such unforgettable experience was whale watching. Having previously enjoyed whale watching in Sri Lanka, I was particularly looking forward to this. It did not disappoint, as I had the luck to watch a family of orcas in the wild, including a rare albino calf. Witnessing these beauties in their natural habitat was a profound experience that brought me immense joy.
Exploring the Richmond Night Market was another highlight; it reminded me of the nightlife of my hometown Mumbai. The vibrant atmosphere, array of foods, and bustling crowds reminded me that there can be a home away from home.
One of the most amusing and unexpected activities I indulged in was doing yoga on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Balancing on the swaying bridge, amidst the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding forest, was both thrilling and uniquely challenging—a perfect metaphor for embracing the unexpected twists and turns of life.
Discovering Vancouver: Experiencing Vacation in a Hostel
Explore the benefits of staying in a hostel during a solo trip to Vancouver, where the blending of professional commitments with personal exploration is exemplified.
The management at the hostel where I stayed in Vancouver was exceptionally helpful, making my solo travel experience smooth and enjoyable. They were eager to assist with local insights, providing maps of Vancouver, and detailed information on navigating the city via public transit. Their guidance on where to find delicious food was invaluable. Additionally, the hostel staff played a crucial role in coordinating my bookings for various activities, including the whale watching tour, the Whistler trip, and the Hop-On Hop-Off tours, ensuring that each experience was seamlessly arranged.
Benefits of Hostel Stay and Public Transport
Their hospitality extended even after my official checkout time, as they graciously allowed me to store my baggage in their locker room. This was particularly convenient since there was a gap between checking out from the hostel and moving into the accommodation provided for my conference. Their accommodating and friendly approach significantly enhanced my travel experience, adding a layer of comfort and convenience to my adventurous visit to Vancouver.
Staying in a hostel and using public transport were key strategies that significantly helped in reducing the overall costs of my trip to Vancouver. The affordability of the hostel allowed me to allocate funds towards enriching experiences like whale watching and visiting popular attractions. Choosing public transit over car rental not only saved money but also allowed me to navigate the city like a local. The decision to forego renting a car was further reinforced by the fact that I did not possess a Canadian license or an international driving permit, making public transit the most feasible option.
Maximizing Your Travel Budget through Advance Planning
Moreover, planning the trip well in advance proved to be crucial. By pre-booking many of the activities and excursions, I was able to take advantage of discounts that further reduced costs. This advance planning not only ensured a well-organized itinerary but also maximized savings, allowing me to enjoy a wider range of experiences within my budget. This approach to travel not only economizes resources but also enriches the journey, making each activity more accessible and enjoyable.
Additionally, the cost savings extended to my flight tickets and accommodation for the initial days of my trip, as these expenses were graciously covered by my workplace in conjunction with my participation at the conference. This support significantly alleviated financial concerns, allowing me to focus more on enjoying the travel experience and less on budget constraints.
Blending Business with Leisure: Making the Most of Work Trips
Maximizing work trips by extending your stay can lead to a more enriched travel experience, blending professional commitments with personal exploration. It's advisable to check with your employer's travel policies to see if you can stay a few extra days beyond the official business requirements. Many organizations may be flexible with return dates, allowing employees to benefit from already funded travel expenses like flights. This not only saves on costs but also provides an opportunity to explore the destination more thoroughly.
I've encountered inspiring stories of couples who creatively maximize their work-related travel for personal enjoyment and relationship enrichment. One such couple has an interesting arrangement where the wife, who frequently travels for work, is sometimes joined by her husband. He manages his own expenses for flights, food, and local activities. They often extend her business trips to coincide with long weekends, transforming them into mini vacations. This not only allows them to spend quality time together but also to explore new destinations, all while maintaining transparency with her office about their extended stays.
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