paperwork precautions

• do not begin your travel with a passport that will expire during your trip or shortly after your planned return. Many countries will not permit entry if your passport is not valid for several months beyond your date of arrival.
• make a photocopy of your passport information page - it could help to speed up the process if your actual passport is lost
• leave your itinerary and flight information with someone at home
• leave a copy of the serial numbers for your travellers cheques with a friend or relative at home and be sure to carry your copy separately from the cheques
• put your name, home address and home phone number inside each piece of luggage
• always use covered luggage tags on the outside of your luggage
• have your travel companion carry a copy of your travel insurance information

things to bring for a healthy holiday

• if you take prescription medication, remember to bring a bit more than you think you'll need - and always keep it in your carry-on luggage in the original, labeled bottles
• put together a mini first-aid kit with adhesive bandages, antibacterial cream, headache tablets, antacid, medication for diarrhea
• if you're going to a sun destination, bring sunscreen with a minimum 15 SPF - 30 SPF is even better!
• bring non-aerosol insect repellent recommended by Health Canada
• carry antibacterial hand sanitizer with you

what to drink while on holiday

• if in doubt, don't drink the water
• avoid ice cubes
• think twice about fruit juices if you think water has been added
• choose canned drinks or bottled water with a tamper-proof seal
• coffee and tea are usually fine since the water has been boiled
• remember to brush your teeth with bottled or boiled water

what to eat while on holiday

• if you're in doubt about the water, avoid eating salads unless you wash them yourself in purified water
• avoid food from street vendors
• use common sense - choose reputable restaurants that look clean, well run and busy
• packaged snacks are probably fine

how to stay safe on holiday

• try to stay in hotel and motel rooms with deadbolt locks as well as a chain or latch on the door - and always use them
• don't disclose your room number indiscriminately
• keep your valuables, including passport and airline tickets, locked in the room safe - or in the hotel safe
• always keep an eye on your room key - by the pool, on the beach, in a spa, in restaurants and anywhere else you go
• avoid carrying large amounts of cash - use your President's Choice Financial^® MasterCard^®, credit card or travellers cheques
• use common sense when you're out at night - avoid poorly lit or isolated areas