Kathy McLay
Curious Traveler
“I trade routine for the unknown and let instinct guide how I live and travel in midlife.”
Kathy McLay is a Canadian writer, fractional executive, art enthusiast, and unapologetic Francophile. She publishes Labadie Boutique, a Substack newsletter that celebrates her love of France, travel, lifestyle, and the community of like-minded midlife women she’s found along the way. The name is a tribute to her French-Canadian mother.
With more than 25 years in advertising, Kathy has held leadership roles across national and global agencies including two years abroad in Amsterdam. Today, she continues to lend her expertise to the industry on a fractional basis, supporting clients with business development, client service, and team leadership.
In her fifties, Kathy rekindled her lifelong love of writing, contributing to France Today, Inspirelle Paris, and AGEIST while growing her own newsletter and creative voice.
Her collaboration with RestlessUrban brings together her passion for storytelling, her love of travel, and her journey to spend more time in France — shaping the next chapter of her life and work with intention and curiosity.
Kathy also serves on the Board of Directors for her local Children’s Aid Society and shares her passion for the arts as an educator at her community museum.
Reviews by Kathy McLay
A guide to midlife travel that celebrates curiosity, culture, and the art of reinvention after 50.
Live like a local in France where slow travel, solo discovery, and midlife reinvention meet by the Seine.
Bring your pup abroad with confidence thanks to smarter carriers, cozy layers and must-have pet travel gear.
Backpacking is back with smarter, sleeker gear that makes midlife adventure easier, lighter and way more fun.
Smart packing starts with comfort, style and must-have travel essentials that make every trip feel effortless.
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A guide to midlife travel that celebrates curiosity, culture, and the art of reinvention after 50.
-
Live like a local in France where slow travel, solo discovery, and midlife reinvention meet by the Seine.
-
Bring your pup abroad with confidence thanks to smarter carriers, cozy layers and must-have pet travel gear.
-
Backpacking is back with smarter, sleeker gear that makes midlife adventure easier, lighter and way more fun.
-
Smart packing starts with comfort, style and must-have travel essentials that make every trip feel effortless.