Planning a trip, Victoria? The idea of travelling abroad is always exciting, especially when you’re prepared and can enjoy a stress-free trip!
Before you pack your bags, Global Affairs has issued a media release highlighting three main areas Canadians should focus on: travel insurance, travel documents, and final preparations.
Here’s their handy guide to help you get ready for your next international journey:
Travel insurance: Do you need it?
The short answer is, yes. Always get travel insurance.
It doesn’t matter how careful you are about navigating new experiences and environments, trip interruptions, injuries or illnesses can always happen.
When you travel without insurance, you risk having to cover expensive medical bills, struggling to return home or dealing with the grief of lost luggage.
Some hospitals may not even treat you without adequate insurance.
As long as your travel insurance plan covers medical evacuations, pre-existing conditions (if it applies to you), repatriation in case of death (which means they can return your body to Canada), trip cancellations and lost or stolen luggage, then you’re good to go!
Still not sure about travel insurance? Visit VisaGuide.World for more info.
It is also worth noting that checking the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories will ensure you’re up-to-date on other destination considerations.
For example, if the government has issued any ‘avoid non-essential travel’ or ‘avoid all travel’ advisories, then your travel insurance policy won’t apply.
Global Affairs also mentioned the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, which will give you live updates while you’re away, keeping you informed about any changes to the safety of your destination.
Do you have all your travel documents?
One of the most important aspects of preparing for international travel is making sure you have the proper documents!
This covers the basics like passport, visas (if applicable), emergency contact information for embassies or loved ones and copies of your passport, visa and other documents for you to store in a separate location from the originals, and possibly leave with someone you trust at home.
The list also includes proof of vaccinations, because depending on where you’re headed, you might need to provide proof of vaccinations for things such as yellow fever before you enter certain countries.
Always check your destination entry and exit requirements on the Travel Advice and Advisories page.
For even more tips, visit the Government of Canada’s travel website.
Safe travels, and enjoy the journey, Victoria!
