Helpful tips for international travelers

When you’re prepping for an international trip, we understand that insurance might not always be top of mind. It can be an overlooked part of your travel plans but having the right coverage could be as essential as a passport or your high SPF sunscreen. Having travel insurance can help you avoid expensive bills if you wind up needing medical attention. With TD Travel Insurance plans, you can see the world with the confidence of knowing you have coverage.

•   Learn about the area you’re visiting in advance. This will help you know if there are areas to avoid or risks that can impact your safety.
•   Pack appropriately. Have the documents you need ready, your prescriptions handy and insurance details available.
•   Have backup copies of important documents stored in a safe place in case they’re stolen, and you need to refer to them later.
•   Do you have the appropriate passport and visa documentation to be allowed in the country? Check that you have everything in order in advance.
•   Some countries will charge a fee for entry. Research if this applies to you.
•   Investigate if your credit card will work in the country you’re going to. Some cards have restrictions that limit where they can be used.
•   Speaking of WiFi, have hard copies of your travel route, lodging confirmation, insurance and other important docs ready in case you find yourself without Internet access.
•   Arrange to stop deliveries to your home that could arrive or arrange for a neighbour you trust or family members to keep an eye out while you're away.
•   Need a place for your pet to stay? Kennels and other pet hotels can fill up fast, so arranging a reservation in advance is always a smart call.
•   Ensure your bills have been paid or will be paid while away from home.
•   Toss out food that will spoil while you’re away. No need to feed unwanted house guests.

•   Get a check-up at the doctors before you go.
•   Creating a budget can help you keep spending in check.
•   Naturally, your friends and family will want to make sure you’re okay while away from home. Have a designated friend or family member that you can give updates to, so the people in your life know you’re alright. If you’re not alright, this person will recognize that you haven’t been in contact and take further action.
•   Decide what you want to do with your home while you’re away for an extended time. Will you need to put your possessions in storage? Will you need someone to monitor your home and perform chores like mowing the lawn or shoveling the snow while you’re away? Whatever you choose, you’ll want to give yourself ample time to have your plan in place before you leave.

•   Check to see if the Government of Canada has issued any travel advisories or recommendations for your destination.
•   Take advantage of the Government of Canada’s free service that allows you to register yourself when you go abroad so people know where you are. Once you register, keep note of the contact number of the nearest Canadian Embassy in the country you are visiting.
•   Have your vaccinations up-to-date and look at additional vaccines if you’re in a region where there’s a health risk.
•   Be a courteous traveller. Respect the culture and consider learning some phrases in the local language so you can communicate more effectively.
•   Get your foreign currency ahead of your trip.
•   Protect your sensitive information. Avoid using public WiFi when checking important personal information.
•   Shut off international data or buy a dedicated plan so you can avoid a hefty cell phone bill when you arrive home.
•   Do not travel in unlicensed or unmarked vehicles. If you’re using a rideshare app, make sure the details on the app match the vehicle you see.
•   Learn about the area you’re visiting in advance. This will help you know if there are areas to avoid or risks that can impact your safety.
•   Consider carrying a whistle or other noisemakers to alert others if you’re in a dangerous situation.

•   Travelling with children? Make sure they have contact information for you if you happen to get separated.
•   If you’re a single parent, you must get a letter of consent to be able to travel with your child/children. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more details.
•   Keep a record of emergency numbers for the area so you can reach out for help if it’s needed.
•   Make sure to have all important documents (like passports and visas) up-to-date and accurate ahead of your trip.
•   Ensure your children are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
•   Talk to your children about what to do if they’re approached by a stranger.
•   Practice sensible accommodation safety. If you have children, teach them not to open the room door.
•   If you have special requests for your children while at your hotel, contact the hotel in advance to see if they can accommodate those needs.
•   If there are allergy concerns in your family, do some research ahead of time to make sure where you go (from accommodations to restaurants) won’t be a health risk.
•   If you’re travelling with little ones, have some entertainment ready in case you’re stuck without WiFi.

•   Make sure you call your travel insurance provider to understand your coverage and if there are any exclusions that may apply to you as an expectant mother.
•   Consult with your medical provider before you travel so you can know of any potential health risks attached to the activities planned for your trip.
•   Pack a pregnancy-minded travel kit so you have what you need on-hand at a moment’s notice.