Nathalie Ouellet has not traveled for two years (her last trip was to Greece in 2009), which represents a long time for one who made a few outdoor trips each year. Living alone, the fervent 49-year-old sports enthusiast has spent a difficult pandemic in terms of socializing.

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It is therefore not one, but three trips that are on his agenda for the coming months. A weekend in New York to attend a dance congress (another of her passions) with a friend first, a trip to Peru with another sidekick and finally, this long-awaited trip planned and booked for quite some time. hiking in the French Alps.

“I was supposed to go to the Alps in the summer of 2020 and I was very disappointed that I couldn’t do it,” she said. It was very difficult, because then I didn’t want to have too many expectations or be disappointed. So I waited a bit. I resume this trip two years later and fortunately it is the same route and the same project which finally materializes.

The time had come for her to resume travels, meetings and activities, a trio of important elements in her life as a curious and active woman.

“I need all of this – the mix of sporting activities, things to visit and the pleasure of meeting lots of people – after being trapped between four walls during the pandemic, she confides. It plays with mental health when you don’t do what you love. For me, hiking and sports are part of my life and are necessary for my mental health.”

Nathalie would not have decided to travel again without being well organized. Having good insurance allows him to leave with peace of mind and being comfortable with his decision.

“I thought about it for a long time before going back on the trip,” she continues. The virus is still there, but I take the risk. I am aware that something can happen, but I am well prepared. I am ready to take the risk of traveling, because hiking and traveling are part of me.”