According to the World Tourism Organization, between January and August 2017, destinations worldwide welcomed 901 million international tourist arrivals, 56 million more than in the same period of 2016. The number of international tourist arrivals worldwide is expected to reach more than 1.8 billion by 2030. Staying safe abroad is a growing concern for travelers. Nowadays, safety precautions are in order. Is it safe to travel abroad? Certainly, but be prepared, proactive, careful and aware. There are some tips how to stay safe on your travel.
1. Check the government website for travel advice
Earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, strikes, terrorist attacks, political unrest, volcano eruptions, protests, and demonstrations can affect your vacation. However, you can reduce a risk. Make sure you do your homework. Check www.travel.gc.ca website before booking your vacation and prior to departure. The site provides information on local travel health notices, safety and security conditions. The situation can change at your travel destination. Be sure you are informed.
2. Keep someone posted with your travel itinerary
Before leaving a country, make a photocopy of your passport, travel itinerary, hotel contact information and give it to someone you trust (friends, relatives, etc.). With this essential information, it is possible to start a search in case something unexpected happens to you on your trip, help you with booking a new air ticket and hotel if you have limited or no access to the Internet and need immediate assistance. In case of any changes to your travel plan, keep your family and friends updating.
3. Register on a government website
Registration of Canadians Abroad is a free service, provided by Global Affairs Canada, allows to protect, assist, and notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.
Dual citizenship is legal in Canada. However, some countries do not legally recognize dual citizenship. When you travel to a country you hold citizenship, you are subject to laws and requirements of this country. It may limit or prevent Canadian officials to assist you abroad.
4. Crucial information
Make sure you have contact information of:
5. Travel documents
Keep your passport in a safe place. All the time carry a passport photocopy, insurance wallet card, government health care card, Embassy of Canada and hotel contact information with you.
6. Purchase a travel insurance
Some countries will not let you in without medical insurance to cover costs for hospitalization and medical treatment. Check individual country entry requirements on the government website or contact the embassy of the countries you will be visiting for more information.
Travel insurance is highly recommended and will protect you against the unexpected. Be sure you have the best and proper insurance that matches your travel style such as adventure travel, high-risk locations, group travel, long-stay vacations, etc. Travel insurance will cover your investments and emergency medical treatment. Don’t let unexpected expenses hit your bank account. You can end up with astronomical emergency medical bills. An unpredicted expense can be very stressful. Here are some examples how much emergency medical treatment in the US can cost Canadians and how Las Angeles shooting victims facing unexpected expenses.
It is very important to read and understand a travel insurance policy, to know coverage, exclusions, and limitations.
7. Vaccination
You may be at risk for some illnesses. Talk to your family doctor or visit a travel health clinic in order to get information on vaccination two months before your trip. Please note that some countries require proof of vaccination from travelers.
8. Keep your phone battery fully charged
Charge your phone regularly. You should be able to connect local police, ambulance, relatives, or friends in case of emergency. It can save your or somebody life and keep your relatives and friends informed about your situation. Act quickly to get out of dangerous place by calling for a cap or air ticket.
9. Familiarize yourself with a travel destination
Get a map for orientation. Every local tourist office or hotel can provide you with a map. Find out where the nearest emergency exit is located and safe places to escape at hotels, restaurants, transportation stations, etc. Pay attention to your surroundings for signs of suspicious people behavior, activities, or packages. In case of emergency, act quickly.
10. Dress as a local
Never wear expensive jewelry while traveling. Respect local tradition. Wear the correct style of clothing. Your appearance influences other people. Blend into the crowd. It can protect you from being a target for pickpockets and thieves.
Keep calm and have a safe wonderful trip!
Earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, strikes, terrorist attacks, political unrest, volcano eruptions, protests, and demonstrations can affect your vacation. However, you can reduce a risk. Make sure you do your homework. Check www.travel.gc.ca website before booking your vacation and prior to departure. The site provides information on local travel health notices, safety and security conditions. The situation can change at your travel destination. Be sure you are informed.
2. Keep someone posted with your travel itinerary
Before leaving a country, make a photocopy of your passport, travel itinerary, hotel contact information and give it to someone you trust (friends, relatives, etc.). With this essential information, it is possible to start a search in case something unexpected happens to you on your trip, help you with booking a new air ticket and hotel if you have limited or no access to the Internet and need immediate assistance. In case of any changes to your travel plan, keep your family and friends updating.
3. Register on a government website
Registration of Canadians Abroad is a free service, provided by Global Affairs Canada, allows to protect, assist, and notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.
Dual citizenship is legal in Canada. However, some countries do not legally recognize dual citizenship. When you travel to a country you hold citizenship, you are subject to laws and requirements of this country. It may limit or prevent Canadian officials to assist you abroad.
4. Crucial information
Make sure you have contact information of:
- Embassy of Canada phone and address at your travel destination
- Local emergency phone number
- Insurance company phone number
- Travel providers contact information you book your getaway with (airline, hotels, tour operator, cruise line, car rental company, etc.)
5. Travel documents
Keep your passport in a safe place. All the time carry a passport photocopy, insurance wallet card, government health care card, Embassy of Canada and hotel contact information with you.
6. Purchase a travel insurance
Some countries will not let you in without medical insurance to cover costs for hospitalization and medical treatment. Check individual country entry requirements on the government website or contact the embassy of the countries you will be visiting for more information.
Travel insurance is highly recommended and will protect you against the unexpected. Be sure you have the best and proper insurance that matches your travel style such as adventure travel, high-risk locations, group travel, long-stay vacations, etc. Travel insurance will cover your investments and emergency medical treatment. Don’t let unexpected expenses hit your bank account. You can end up with astronomical emergency medical bills. An unpredicted expense can be very stressful. Here are some examples how much emergency medical treatment in the US can cost Canadians and how Las Angeles shooting victims facing unexpected expenses.
It is very important to read and understand a travel insurance policy, to know coverage, exclusions, and limitations.
7. Vaccination
You may be at risk for some illnesses. Talk to your family doctor or visit a travel health clinic in order to get information on vaccination two months before your trip. Please note that some countries require proof of vaccination from travelers.
8. Keep your phone battery fully charged
Charge your phone regularly. You should be able to connect local police, ambulance, relatives, or friends in case of emergency. It can save your or somebody life and keep your relatives and friends informed about your situation. Act quickly to get out of dangerous place by calling for a cap or air ticket.
9. Familiarize yourself with a travel destination
Get a map for orientation. Every local tourist office or hotel can provide you with a map. Find out where the nearest emergency exit is located and safe places to escape at hotels, restaurants, transportation stations, etc. Pay attention to your surroundings for signs of suspicious people behavior, activities, or packages. In case of emergency, act quickly.
10. Dress as a local
Never wear expensive jewelry while traveling. Respect local tradition. Wear the correct style of clothing. Your appearance influences other people. Blend into the crowd. It can protect you from being a target for pickpockets and thieves.
Keep calm and have a safe wonderful trip!
