If you have the opportunity to head to Montréal, Québec, take it. This city is super attractive for these and other reasons:

1. It's basically Europe, only cheaper and closer.

Walking the brick streets of Old Montréal past cute shops, unique bars, antiquated banks and churches gives all the feels of being in historic European cities. But, if you live in the U.S., there's no need to cross an ocean. You still get the European experience without the plan ticket... Next road trip destination?

2. It's a vibrant city, full of diversity.

Montréal includes a mixture of tons of different cultures from all over the world.

It's also center for up-and-coming artists and musicians, so there are loads of murals, galleries, and art museums, not to mention beautiful architecture on many of the historic churches.

3. FOOD

MONTRÉAL HAS AMAZING FOOD. I'll let the pictures do the talking--

4. You won't go broke.

The American dollar currently having a strong conversion rate = better bang for your buck.

5. It doesn't feel like a huge city.

Somehow, this 4 million+ resident ville pulls of a quaint-town vibe.

6. Even in the freezing winter, you won't be too cold.

Webbed into Montréal is La Ville Souterraine, The Underground City, so while in winter, you can wander through the icy streets of the city, you can also go down a few levels to explore malls and restaurants, plus pieces of museums, universities, theaters, and more, all underground! "But how are these all connected?", you may ask... which leads to #7...

7. The Métro is second-to-none.

This underground public transportation chain of subway lines is super fast and super user-friendly. Over a half-million Montréalers are reported to use the Métro on any given day. They just walk to the nearest the Métro station, go underground a couple of stories, scan in their transportation card, and then take the Métro to the desired destination.

Happy exploring!