Wise Travel

Recommendations for a worry-free vacation 

             Summer vacation time is here again and whether your passport is getting another stamp or you are going to visit family or friends just a few hours away, these travel tips will help you enjoy a safe time away from home.

            Long before you pack a suitcase, when your vacation is in the planning stages, there are things you can to do to avoid complications while away from home.

            If you are leaving your home province or state, travel medical insurance is a must. First, check your group policy to see if travel insurance is included. Even if the insurance is part of your package, you should consult the maximum amounts for various services to see it they are adequate.  If not, you can compare prices and coverages online. It is important to remember when traveling outside Canada that you could be denied service, even in an emergency, if you cannot provide a guarantee of payment.

            When Norma Hicks of Saint John, New Brunswick was involved in an out-of-country traffic accident, an ambulance attendant called to confirm her son was covered by medical insurance while he was being transported to hospital. Thankfully, he had insurance but not having coverage could have affected what hospital he was taken to and even what procedures would be authorized.

            Get all of the recommended vaccinations for the area you are traveling to and note that some inoculations take time to become effective.

            Check for travel advisories before you leave home at a federal website. While researching a new destination, be sure to make yourself aware of local customs. For example, depending on what country you are traveling to, you may find there are dress codes which are strictly enforced. Remember, your passport cannot keep you from being arrested and will not get you out of jail. Also, if traveling abroad, you should register with your country’s embassy.

            In the days before you leave, you should also look on local news sites covering the specific area you will be visiting in order to find out what is happening such as a labor strike or protests. Knowing before you go will ensure you are aware of which places to avoid.

            For any destination, look up and keep with the phone number for emergencies and local police with you at all times. When traveling to another country, have the contact information for the Embassy.

            Constable John MacLeod, Public Information Officer for HRP (Halifax Regional Police) advises you, “to ensure your motor vehicle inspection and registration are completed on your vehicle and travel trailers prior to hitching up and driving .Use this opportunity to do an exterior check of your vehicle to rule out any issues.”

            Carry hard copies of important documents such as your insurance policy numbers and passport. Store duplicate information in your phone, on a laminated card (to protect it from moisture), in your wallet and, even on a thumb drive which you can leave in your hotel room or wherever you are staying. In addition, be sure to leave copies at home with someone you trust and include your travel itinerary.

            No matter where you go in the world, you can get scammed. There is never a shortage of people trying to separate you from your cash, credit cards and/or identification. Sites such as Expert Vagabond will tell you about the latest schemes and how to avoid them.

            For example, never give your wallet or passport to someone who shows you a badge and demands you hand them over. Tell them you will call the local police to confirm their identity and chances are they will walk away.

            Another common occurrence is when a ‘friendly local’ offers to take a photo of your travel group while at a busy attraction. While you are getting situated, they may disappear with your expensive camera.

            As your travel date arrives, following this advice can lead to a hassle-free vacation.

·         Carry your prescription medication in their original bottles and know their generic names in case you need to have them replaced. If you are bringing a drug that is restricted, have a letter from your doctor stating you are prescribed that medication and never bring more than the quantity you need for the duration of your trip.

·         Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses in case yours get lost or broken.

·         In case your luggage is delayed or lost, put required medication, a toothbrush and toothpaste in addition to some extra clothing in your carry-on.

·         Do not make yourself a target for thieves. This is a great time to wear costume jewelry while your valuable pieces stay safely at home.

·         Avoid posting travel updates on social media sites. Doing so is akin to advertising to potential burglars and/or vandals that you are not home.

·         Be sure you have roadside assistance if you are renting a vehicle, either on your own policy or one purchased from the car rental agency.

·         Don’t take risks when it comes to getting a photograph. While relaxing, we can tend to let our guard down. Always pay attention to posted warning signs and never trust animals, even if they appear friendly.

·         Keep your wallet in your front pocket and always stay tethered to any bags you are carrying. For example, while seated at an eating establishment, put the handle of your bag(s) around the chair leg and they will appear less attractive to thieves. At the very least, it will alert you to a possible theft giving you time to stop it.

·         Do not over-indulge at the bar. Staying alert at all times when on vacation is vital for your safety.

  Finally, it is great to be a tourist but not to act like one.  While enjoying the sights and sounds of your vacation destination, still make it look like you belong. Staring up at a skyscraper, being enthralled by a mountainous view or, lost in the sounds of an outdoor concert are parts of what a vacation is all about. However, never forget that you are a visitor and a natural target for thieves and scammers. In other words, always pay attention to your surroundings!