Travel: Essential tips to get ready for your next trip

Are you ready to get back out there and see the world again? Or are questions and concerns about the logistics travelling during a pandemic holding you back?

The Government of Canada requires all travellers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated to board a flight in Canada. Travel expert and founder of Latitude Concierge Travel, Shalene Dudley offered Skedline some tips on how to prepare for that long-awaited trip and get your paperwork in order.

Dudley said travellers should keep printed copies of all of our documentation.

“Always make a copy of your passport and leave it with a loved one in case you lose your passport in destination,” said Dudley. “It will make it easier for you to get a new or emergency one at the embassy.”

Passports are valuable documents, and according to the Government of Canada website, once a passport is reported lost or stolen, you can no longer use it.

These strict measures are taken to protect Canadians and prevent fraud.

“You should also have printed copies of your vaccinations as well as electronic versions on your phone,” said Dudley.

She also suggests keeping the electronic and paper copy of your PCR or antigen COVID-19 test results.

Many destinations have masking mandates requiring tourists to wear a mask. Dudley recommends bringing extra disposable masks when travelling abroad.

“Expect to wear your mask to and from any destination or activity,” said Dudley.

She also says that there was a time when she would recommend pre-planning excursions, but that is not the case now.

“Policies and procedures constantly change,” said Dudley.” I’ve been telling a lot of my guests to plan their activities in destination at the resort or with their tour operators.”

Booking on site will help to avoid cancellations due to illness and ensure availability.

Now more than ever, Dudley believes that getting assistance from a professional when booking travel arrangements is essential.

“Some destinations are requiring testing. Some are requiring full vaccinations, and some are only taking certain vaccines while others are looking for tests with wider windows options to prove that you are negative,” said Dudley.

Travel professionals can help you navigate the range of country requirements.

“Some countries are offering a discounted rate for tests to return to Canada,” said Dudley. “You should budget anywhere from $50 to $250 U.S. dollars for the PCR test to return home.”

Dudley advises that all travellers invest in cancellation insurance to ensure that they are protected from unexpected changes.

“There are so many parameters that can make or break a trip,” said Dudley. “Make sure you download the ArriveCAN app before departure and have it completed 24 hours before you return.”