The weather is quickly heating up, the sun is shining for longer and all the kids are getting out of school… this can only mean one thing; Summer is here!
Canadians have been told that summer plans and traveling can now resume; however, with all of the safety restrictions that have been put into place over the past few years, traveling can still feel like a forgein concept. It’s time to get out and start enjoying the beautiful world we live on again, so now is a perfect time to brush up on all those safety travelling tips. Whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, remember that there is always steps you can take to make sure you have the best, and safest time possible.
Research Your Destination
Before leaving on your trip, it is a good idea to do research about the area you are staying in, and any areas you plan to visit. You’ll want to find out things like transportation and accommodation options, what the typical tourist season looks like there, and things to do in the area. If you are traveling somewhere you are not familiar with, it is recommended to research how safe the area you are going to is and if there is any pre-cautions you may want to take. If you are travelling internationally, you will want to find out what currency is used and if you need to exchange any money to the local currency.
Tell A Trusted Person Your Travel Plans
This person could be a friend, family member or coworker. This is extremely important to do, no matter where you are travelling to. You will want to have a rough contact plan put into place, so if they do not hear from you when it is expected, that person can take any necessary steps should anything go wrong. You should let this person know your expected route, places you will be staying and any contact information to reach you at. If you are not planning to have any way to contact back home, let the person know where you are staying and what numbers they can call to reach the accommodation or local authorities.
Check For Restrictions at Your Destination
With the global pandemic slowing down, more and more countries are opening their borders and welcoming tourists back. Some countries are still restriciting their borders to visitors, so it is always a good idea to find out what restrictions are still in place. Some countries may require you to be vaccinated, have a negative test, or may require something else to show that you are eligable to travel.
Make Copies of Your Important Documents
It is always a good idea to have a hard copy of your iteneraries, boarding tickets, and any other travel documents you may need. Most people keep these on their smart phones, however it is always smart to have paper copies, just in case your phone were to ever loose power! Make a photocopy of your passport before leaving and keep it somewhere safe and accessible. If you were ever in a situation without your passport, having a photo copy is better than nothing.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
You always need to be aware of your surrondings when travelling. Don’t set your stuff down in busy, public settings.. even if it is “just for a minute” to snap that perfect vacation picture. If you look or act like a tourist, you are more likely to be a target for pick pocketing. There is special clothing and bags you can get to reduce the risk of sticky fingers getting at your stuff. It is also a good idea to make it look like there is someone in your hotel room 24/7. You can do this by leaving the lights or TV on, or by placing the Do Not Distrub sign on your door.
Invest in Travel Insurance
A good way to protect yourself and your personal belongings while travelling is to invest in Travel Insurance. Travel insurance is a type of policy that provides protection to the traveller while abroad if an unexpected situations were to arise. Different policies provide different coverage, depending on the need of the traveller. Some of the most common benefits cover trip cancellations, lost baggage, medical emergencies and travel delays. It is always a good idea to protect your vacation with some travel insurance, especially if you are travelling internationally.
Contact Harbord!
If you are interested in obtaining travel insurance, but don’t know where to start – look no further! Harbord Insurance Services has knowledgeable brokers who understand the need for travel insurance that doesn’t break the bank. Our brokers will ask you a few questions and then provide you with quotes from some of Canada’s leading insurance companies. If you would rather find pricing from the comfort of your home, you can check out our online price tool and get matched to a range of quotes within minutes.
