You’ll want to enjoy your trip to the fullest, so be prepared.
If you’re traveling with young children, download some fun games that will keep them entertained for hours.
Enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program. This is a free service that allows the Canadian government to reach you if you have an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.
Canadian embassies and consulates look after Canadians abroad by providing services including emergency services.
Email a copy of your schedule to family and friends at home. Let them know you’re safe often. Inform your bank and credit card company when and where you’ll be travelling so your account doesn’t get frozen. Always have a return ticket ready.
Scan all documents (passport, ticket, insurance, driving license, credit card, etc.) and send them to yourself using a web-based email account.
Make sure your mobile devices are password protected: Backup all data on your mobile devices. If you use a public computer, delete your browsing history and cookies, and be sure to log off.
Check to see if an election is immanent or if there has been political unrest in the area you’re intending to visit. Avoid places that are in the middle of demonstrations and protest marches. The Canadian government offers up-to-date travel advice for all countries.
International traveler insurance is essential. Make sure it includes health, medical, and retreat (evacuation) coverage. And If you’re seriously injured or ill, you have to be covered so you can get home quickly and safely.
Enough of the scary stuff – now for some ordinary tips.
The first thing to do when arriving at a hotel overseas is to take their business card. Now, you have the name and address of the hotel in the local language that you can show locals and taxi drivers.
To avoid any problems, always renew your passport about nine months prior to the expiration date.
The way to get cash is usually an ATM, but many banks charge heavy fees for using an ATM that is out of network. Find banks that offer checking accounts that have no minimum balance conditions and compensate you for all ATM fees, including those from overseas.
Credit cards will often add on a high foreign transaction fee. Find out which don’t levy this fee and make sure you use their cards on your trip.
Pack medicine, general pain medication, something to help you sleep, Imodium A-D, antacids, etc. If you’re traveling to third-world countries, taking the right drugs is essential. Get a prescription filled in advance for a broad-spectrum antibiotic to take with you.
Set up your cell phone to avoid international data roaming. The biggest costs can come from transmitting data overseas.
At checkout ask the hotel to apply your leftover cash to your bill and then pay the remaining balance with your no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card.
Finally, don’t forget to have fun. Traveling can be stressful but if you’ve planned well, you’ll have a great time. Contact us if you have any questions, we’ll be happy to help.