It takes more than making reservations at the top hotels and preparing a list of your places of interest when you travel. The work is considerably more complicated if you want to enjoy yourself and avoid difficulties. Travelling to another country which is very different in terms of culture, climate, and topography can be challenging. Therefore, make the best of your trip abroad by covering it with robust international travel insurance.
Similar to other countries with extreme climatic conditions, Canada poses certain problems for travellers from warmer parts of the world. In addition, the culture and lifestyle can be a bit of a surprise for first-time visitors. If you are planning to visit Canada soon, then these 10 tips will come in handy to make your trip a memorable one:
Table of Contents
1. Prioritize Safety with International Travel Insurance
How many of us remember to click the small travel insurance checkbox at the end of the checkout page while purchasing flight tickets? Many of us would not have even noticed it. Not ticking that box can get you into big trouble in the face of a mishap during the trip. Remember to buy international travel insurance along with or soon after booking your tickets to Canada.
In a world of several uncertainties, being prepared at all times is all you can do. International travel insurance covers emergency transportation, health insurance, unintentional injuries, unforeseen cancellations, and loss or theft of personal property. Read the policy document carefully to understand all inclusions and exclusions. Choose a policy that offers:
- Clear reimbursement terms: A sensible plan always presents the client with language that is easy to understand. You must fully understand all the policy terms. Additionally, it contains data on the claim settlement rate, which gives you a competitive advantage when choosing a plan.
- Medical costs: Should an unexpected medical emergency necessitates hospitalisation, the insurance provided is obligated to cover all expenses for which you would otherwise be responsible. Just be sure you save all paperwork and receipts securely.
- Lost baggage or passport: Quick assistance might come in handy if you are trapped in a strange country without your luggage or passport.
- Additional emergency scenarios: If your flight is cancelled or hijacked, or if there is a natural tragedy, or some other emergency, having comprehensive travel insurance will save you from major losses.
- Policy premium: The wider the policy coverage, the higher will be the premium amount. Compare the premium amounts offered by different international travel insurance companies before choosing the one that meets your needs and is not too expensive.
- Country coverage: You do not want to be left without foreign travel insurance because your insurance covers only a specific country. You must have Canada travel insurance to cover your trip. Some other country-specific travel insurance plans will not help. Therefore, check the list of countries covered by your existing international travel insurance before assuming it will suffice for your Canada trip as well.
2. Know about Canada
You can benefit from prior knowledge of your destination country while travelling abroad. First-time visitors must familiarise themselves with the destination for a thorough experience. It helps you keep track of the locations you want to see and offers you a broad idea of the nation. For example, without proper research, you may not know what to pack for the trip. Canada is a cold country and even in summers, you may witness thunderstorms and temperature dipping suddenly. Also, studying the country’s cultural preferences prepares you for any situation.
3. Visa Requirements
The visa procedure for Canada is very rigorous. To complete the visa application procedure, you must adhere to all the instructions and documentation criteria listed on Canada’s official visa website. In addition, buy Canada travel insurance to cover your trip. Remember to adhere to all the requirements to avoid the rejection of visa application.
4. Emergency Communication
An emergency can occur at any time. Accessing immediate assistance can prove challenging in Canada owing to its low density of population and limited resources in sparsely populated areas. Travellers must know who and where to call in an emergency. In Canada, calling 911 may prompt immediate assistance for emergencies, while calling 311 can handle less urgent situations.
5. Banking Details
Giving the banks advance notice of your trip plans can help to reduce the likelihood that your cards will be blocked just when you need them the most. When you travel away from home, your debit card is your primary payment method, making it necessary to be active at all times. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to determine if there are any additional fees for transactions such as cash withdrawals or swiping cards at merchant portals performed overseas.
6. Travel Documents
When travelling abroad, your passport is your primary identification document. Take pictures of your passport, visa, international travel insurance papers, and other essential documents, and keep them handy. It serves as backup proof in case you ever misplace your passport. Additionally, it is advised that you have printed copies of your contact information, papers, tickets, and other necessary items for emergencies.
7. Be Aware of Your Embassy Contact Details
Your country’s embassy will help you in the face of any mishap that goes out of your hands. Keep the embassy’s address, phone number, and email addresses handy to contact the officials during an emergency. You may depend on the embassy to get you out of tricky circumstances such as being detained or losing your passport since the embassy has ambassadors and experts from your nation who can help you.
8. Be Vaccinated and Stay Safe
The laws governing vaccinations vary across nations. Never disregard minor cuts or bug bites since you never know what germs they could contain. In an emergency, having comprehensive international travel insurance coverage may assist pay the bills. The country’s tourist agency advises getting the appropriate vaccinations. Prescription drugs, including antibiotics, should be kept handy for unforeseen circumstances.
9. Languages
It is easy to assume that Canada follows English all across the country. However, it is not true. Canada has two official languages—English and French. While you may not find many French speakers in Toronto, you may have a hard time finding an English speaker in rural Quebec. Montreal is a bilingual metropolis. So, be prepared for communication gaps when visiting areas following languages unfamiliar to you.
10. Book Your Accommodation in Advance
Plan your stay in advance as it is ideal to have accommodation ready as soon as you reach your destination. Visit accommodation websites to look for discounts and bargains. You may locate homestays via portals that connect you with the locals. By staying with locals, you can experience the local culture and food better. Check before selecting a hostel, private residence, or house exchange.
Conclusion
While embarking on a trip abroad impromptu may look adventurous, it may not be a smooth sail. All is good as long as you do not land in trouble. Follow the above-mentioned tips when planning your trip to Canada to ensure a happy and safe trip.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
