The best way to prepare for your next trip to the sunny south

Check that all the travellers’ passports are still valid

Everyone travelling with you, including infants, usually needs a valid passport. Some countries may require a visa or even deny entry if a traveller’s passport expires shortly after their planned return date. Check with your travel agent or the embassy of the country you intend to visit for information about travel authorization requirements applicable to your circumstances.

To protect against passport loss or theft, Éducaloi* recommends keeping photocopies of everyone’s passport in your luggage separate from the originals, and leaving additional copies with relatives back in Canada.

Put your travel and other documents together

Keep two copies of each of your essential travel documents, such as electronic airline tickets, hotel and vehicle reservations, and vaccination records (if required by your destination), both in hard copy and on your phone. Make sure you also have ready access to emergency telephone numbers for your airline, travel insurance company and Canadian consular services.

Prepare a budget, even for an all-inclusive travel package

There are so many tempting things to buy on vacation. That’s why you need to budget for anything not included in your package such as excursions, gifts, souvenirs, sports and meals at local restaurants. 

Order local currency

Since you may not be able to use your credit card at some local shops abroad, contact your financial institution to order foreign currency a few weeks before you travel. You might be able to get the foreign currency you need at the local branch of your financial institution or even have it delivered to your home. You should also notify your financial institution that you are travelling so that it does not block your debit or credit card because of suspected fraud.

Pack your bags several days in advance

Waiting until the last minute can lead to unfortunate oversights, like leaving for a week-long all-inclusive holiday in Cuba without your sandals! (Well, it could be worse!).

Draw up a checklist consisting of clothes (including a warm sweater), hats, sunglasses, outdoor shoes, sports equipment, books, toiletries, over-the-counter medications, a few games to keep the kids entertained on rainy days, etc.

We recommend keeping your prescription drugs, swimsuit, phone charger, adapter (if necessary) and a change of clothes in your hand luggage in case your bags arrive at your destination well after you do!   
 

Prepare the house for your absence

• Store all outdoor accessories that could attract the attention of thieves or cause damage in the event of a storm.
• Set the thermostat to 15° to prevent your pipes from freezing.
• Carefully lock all windows and doors (including in the garage). 
• Deposit your valuables in a safety deposit box, ideally at your financial institution.
• Unplug electronic devices to protect them from power surges.
• Cancel all deliveries.
• Leave some curtains and blinds open to give the impression that you are still at home, and program the timers on your lights, or use smart lights.

Ask someone you trust to pick up your mail (Canada Post also offers a Hold Mail service), remove snow from your stairs and driveway (if required) and do other small maintenance jobs to avoid drawing attention to your absence.

Check your home insurance

For added peace of mind, contact your insurance broker to confirm that your policy is still in force and that it includes the risks you want covered.

It is particularly important to notify your insurance representative if you'll be away for more than 30 days.