Many families will be travelling this holiday season. Some will be jetting off to warmer climates, while others will be visiting family in different provinces. Regardless of where you might be heading, it’s important to be prepared and protected. Here are some simple questions you should ask yourself before you head out the door:
1. Is everyone’s passport up to date? For those travelling internationally, Canadian passports are valid for either five or 10 years. Everyone in your family, including children and newborns need a passport or travel document, so be sure to check everyone’s as soon as possible. Processing times are longer during the holiday season.
2. Do you have the right vaccinations and medical records? Depending on your destination, you may need a vaccination, not just for entry but to ensure that you will be safe and protected when there.
3. Do you have the right insurance protection? Don’t assume that coverage is provided through your employer or credit card. Insurance broker, Western Financial Group recommends that you talk your broker before your trip because he/she can ensure that your policy meets your unique travel plans.
4. Are you protected no matter what you do? Even if you have very comprehensive coverage, it may not protect you for all you plan to do. For example, special coverage is required for extreme activities such as parasailing.
5. How long can you be away? You’re only covered for so long, so if you plan on being away for an extended period, make sure your coverage doesn’t lapse before your planned return.
Are you getting away this holiday season, either to another province or maybe a sunny destination? Or, if you’ve traveled in the past, have you considered these questions before going?
For more information on travel insurance, visit www.westernfinancialgroup.ca
This is such good advice! With the insurance issues that have been in the news recently, I think people are realizing that they need to be very careful to inform themselves to make sure they are covered.
Very true!
Great tips! Wish we had the opportunity to get away, but with work schedules, it won’t be this year.
I love the idea of going away for the holidays but it’s so expensive and the weather is so iffy, we just stay close to home instead.
Sometimes you forget there are so very many things to think about when you go away, didn’t even think of vaccines!
I never thought about my insurance not covering me while I travel- good forethought.
Always make sure you are covered by insurance for every possibility you never know when something could happen and if something does happen if you are out of the country or even province it could end up costing a small fortune.
used all these tips before though we will not be travelling this winter, maybe the summer time
I am super careful about all of these things. I often do activities on vacation that are considered dangerous by insurance companies so I make absolutely sure that I am covered for everything!
Good to know 🙂
I need to consider sooo many of these!
not doing any traveling this year but next year yes 🙂 definitely gotta get our passports renewed
Awesome tips, it’s always good to be prepared
Won’t be traveling this year; but good tips nevertheless!
If i were traveling this holiday, i would keep these tips in mind
extra insurance I feel is a must
it is not often we travel but when I do I am going to keep these tips in mind and bookmark this for the future. now if you ever need someone to go in your place on a trip I am available. No No don’t thank me I am just thinking of you lol
Definitely check the date on your passport! Could you imagine having everything planned only to discover your passport’s invalid!
Great tips to remember
These are great tips, wish we could use them and travel somewhere warm.
Great tips. Thanks for sharing.
Good tips. I am also trying to finish our will for our family for circumstances that I hope won’t ever happen.
Always important to remember isurance when travelling – we’ve used it on our kids more than once!
I will not be able to travel anywhere this holiday season due to cancer treatments starting in January but will be in need of a good road trip once i am better for sure.
So sorry to hear that Lisa – definitely once you’re better!
I just updated my passport – always good to have a current one!
Such an important article for all to read if they are planning on traveling – at any time of year! Thanks for taking the time to remind us all!
Good tips! Especially the insurance!!! Dont want to get stuck somewhere or have an emergency that costs $$$$$$ and find out you are not covered!!! eeeek!
These are all great tips,thanks for sharing
All great tips for those getting away! Unfortunately no travelling plans for us this year 🙁
I always have plans to travel over the holiday, but the cost usually prevents it!
This is a good reminder. I’m going to the US for Christmas and will definitely need medical insurance.
Good reminder, I need to get a passport for my son done
Travelling at Christmas, hoping for good weather . Good tips
I work for Insurance and it surprises me that so many people travel to the USA even for a few days and they dont buy insurance. Medical fees are incredibly expensive
Definitely some important things to consider
Great questions! Most I have never even considered before traveling! Very eye opening!
Great advice! Not planning to go too far this year as baby is due in Feb but great to think of for next year.
These are great tips. Now I only wish we were going somewhere for the winter. Somewhere nice and warm and sunny would be great.
More countries are requiring 6 months available still on your passport. My mom almost got caught on that as her travel agent hadn’t told her, but I had just had the experience a few months prior. She needed to renew quickly.
This are some important tips that I never think about when travelling. Thanks for sharing and reminding!
remember to disclose everything on the medical questionnaire
We are not traveling this holiday season, I like staying home for Christmas
We aren’t going very far for the holidays, but these are some great tips to keep in mind.
Great reminders! I should double check my passport…
I think that my daughter’s passport might need updating…thanks for the great tips!
Great tips! We aren’t going away for the holidays. Staying close to home! Considering Christmas in NYC next year though!
Very Good Info
Insurance protection is always an important consideration.
I always get insurance when travelling outside Canada even for just a few days. My daughter travels a lot(she has the travel bug) and I am always telling her to make sure she gets the right insurance.
All are great tips but making sure you are covered no matter what you do would seem the most important to me.
great tips Tenille i had no idea that you had to have special coverage for different activities!
Great tips! I have known more than one person who has realized their passport is expired days before a trip – perfect way to ruin your holidays!
….I need a vacation lol THanks for the tips.
Excellent Tips! Thank you.
Great tips! Insurance is key!
Excellent advice. Can’t stress on getting insurance….better to be safe than sorry!
Great questions! We always check our passport before we go and insurance is definitely a must!
Thanks for the info, I never even though about 4. Are you protected no matter what you do? Now I will!!!
I always waffle on whether we will get insurance or not — we have never had to access it when we purchased it, but I know it just takes one time!
solid advice for anyone travelling. makes for a happier holiday if things are done right before going.
These are great tips. It’s so important to check insurance and know how much coverage and what kind of coverage you have, and for how long.
I don’t leave the country without insurance. Even a 5 hour shopping trip can end up catastrophic. I have witnessed this many times.
Great tips and reminders!
Kids’ passports are next on my super long holiday to-do list!
Kids’ passports are next on my super long holiday to-do list!
That passport tip is always a good one. It’s amazing how many people forget!
Thanks for all the great reminders
Excellent tips !! Thanks very much!
Yes, have considered all those things and hop to go somewhere warm this wineter
Great tips, thanks!
These are really great tips to keep in mind!
Those are great tips to keep in mind, especially about the insurance.