Countdown to (mis)adventure: 6 travel myths that could spoil a great vacation

To help you prepare, it’s important to check your travel insurance.

Our "staycations" were relaxing, and the mini road trips were fun. But after two years of staying close to home, Canadians are travelling internationally again. In June 2022, Canadians returned from nearly 2.6 million trips abroad. That's seven times the number of trips taken in June 2021.  If you're among those eagerly anticipating your next overseas holiday, or even just a visit below the border, you may wonder how much has changed — or whether we've found our new normal.

A successful trip can be within your reach when you plan accordingly. To help you and your family prepare for your next getaway (and avoid mishaps along the way), we’ve debunked some of this year’s travel myths.

While it may feel like the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic is behind us, rules and restrictions may change. Before booking your trip, review your destination's travel restrictions. The government of Canada keeps an  up-to-date list of international travel advisories. Also remember to review travel restrictions for any country you are traveling to or may be passing through. Even if it's just a quick layover, you could still be affected.

No one wants things to go wrong. It's why we often find ourselves scrambling when bad luck strikes. To help avoid panic (and the mistakes it can cause), take the time to consider where you might run into trouble during your trip and build a few back-up plans. What would you do, for example, if your flight was cancelled or your luggage was lost en route? What if the taxi scheduled to pick you up from the airport fails to show up? These things may not actually happen but having a solid contingency plan ahead of time may mean less hassle if they do.  

Well before you leave for your trip, be sure to gather all the important documents you'll need for your travels. This can include your passport, any applicable travel visas, insurance details, passenger locator forms, negative COVID-19 tests, and proof of vaccination.

Even a well-prepared traveller can encounter unforeseen circumstances. From lost luggage to flight cancellations, or even more serious concerns such as experiencing health issue abroad. If you have a TD Visa Credit Card, you can check which travel insurance benefits are included with your credit card using this tool. A travel insurance plan, like those provided by TD Insurance, can help protect you in a variety of circumstances including an eligible illness, injury, trip interruption, trip and our advisors are ready to provide 24-hour Emergency Assistance to travellers by phone. There are even annual plans available for those who make multiple trips in a calendar year. 

At home, your bank accounts are easily accessible, and money can be withdrawn quickly if you run into trouble. Accessing money can get complicated when travelling. Retailers and restaurants at your destination may not be configured to swipe and tap payments as you do at home. And you'll want to consider any service or exchange fees when using out-of-country ATMs. Even accessing your bank balance on your phone can require some pre-planning if you have two-factor authentication set up on your account. As with anything, it can be wise to have backup options — and a bit of cash on hand.

With a little preparation and the right travel insurance, your next holiday can be everything you hoped it would be. For more trip tips, or to get in touch with a licensed travel insurance advisor,  visit the TD Travel Insurance website.