Top 10 travel tips for 2007 from RBC Insurance

    1. If you are vacationing outside of Canada, make sure your passport is
    current and you have your tickets, documents and identification with
    you when you arrive at the airport. Many countries will not permit
    entry if your passport will expire several months beyond your date of
    arrival, so make sure you obtain a new passport before leaving home
    if there is any possibility that your passport will expire while you
    travel. Also, don’t forget that, as of January 23, 2007, Canadians
    need a passport when flying to the United States. For crossing the
    Canada-U.S. border by land and sea, Canadians can continue to use
    their birth certificates and driver’s licence

    2. Don’t leave your province or territory of residence without medical
    insurance, as you may not have as much coverage as you think. Medical
    treatment can be very expensive – even if you are travelling within
    Canada – and your government health insurance plan usually covers
    only a limited part of these costs. Make sure to carry proof of
    travel insurance with you, along with the travel insurance company’s
    name and phone number. Leave a copy of this information at home with
    family or friends, as well.

    3. Travel arrangements are often non-refundable so don’t risk losing
    your entire travel investment should something unexpected happen.
    Purchasing cancellation and interruption insurance can help protect
    your investment in case you have to cancel your trip, come home
    early, or stay longer at your destination.

    4. Increased security at airports has led to longer waiting times for
    travellers. Go early to give yourself plenty of time to make your
    flight. Don’t leave your luggage unattended in public areas and don’t
    accept packages from strangers.

    5. Keep credit cards, travellers’ cheques, passports and other
    identification in different places. Make two copies of the
    identification page of your passport. Carry one copy with you,
    separate from your passport, and leave one with family or friends at
    home. You can also e-mail yourself this information so that if you do
    lose your documents you can log into your e-mail and get the relevant
    information.

    6. Use pockets or purses only for items you will need frequently.
    Otherwise, use a money belt or take advantage of hotel safety deposit
    boxes to store important documents and additional cash, so if your
    wallet or purse is lost or stolen, you won’t be left without
    identification or money. If you lose your passport, immediately call
    the nearest embassy or consulate and contact the local authorities.

    7. Make sure you’re up to date on all your immunizations. Contact your
    doctor or a travel medicine clinic well in advance of your trip to
    see if you need any specific medication or immunizations. Health
    Canada provides a list of travel clinics across Canada at
    http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/travel/clinic_e.html.

    8. Check to see if any travel advisories or warnings have been issued
    for your destination. This information can be obtained from the
    Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at
    1-800-267-8376 or www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

    9. Eat fruits and vegetables that have been freshly peeled or cooked and
    other foods that have been well cooked. Drink bottled beverages, or
    hot beverages such as coffee or tea, and avoid ice that isn’t made
    with purified water. Don’t underestimate the importance of good
    personal hygiene – wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

    10. Tell your neighbours you’re going on vacation. It helps if they can
    pick up your mail, park a car in your driveway and even shovel snow.
    Just don’t forget to return the favour when it’s time for their
    vacation!

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