Prepare for your trip

No matter what type of trip you decide to go on, the key to success lies in good planning.

Choose your destination and determine how long your trip will last

• Based on your needs and objectives: travel for work, study, adventure, recreation, sports, learning a new language, discovering a new culture, soaking up the sun, etc.
  
  
• Based on your budget: Take into account both your anticipated expenses (air fare –don't forget the return portion of the ticket!–, lodging, food, local travel costs, recreation, etc. – and your obligations at home (rent, car, debt payments, student loan repayments, etc.).

Find out about your chosen country and about the customs of its inhabitants

Books, atlas, Internet, government organizations -Canadian and of the foreign country-, stories from people who have already travelled to the country, etc.

Find out what documents and formalities are required.

Depending on your destination and the reason for your trip, you will have to take administrative steps to get, in addition to your passport, a travel permit, a visa, specific vaccinations, etc. Allow enough time for administrative delays!

Shop around for your air ticket

Air fares can vary enormously and not just depending on the destination or time of year. In fact, on a given flight, it often happens that some passengers have paid up to twice as much as others who are sitting right next to them!

So:

• Take advantage of student discounts.
• Compare prices between different agencies and different airlines.
• Take advantage of organized tours sponsored by educational institutions, language schools or any other organization that meets your needs and your travel objectives; group rates are often cheaper.
• If possible, book at the last minute! In this case, the air fare is often considerably reduced, as low as half the regular price.

Take out insurance

Travel insurance will cover your expenses in case of mishap abroad (theft, damaged luggage, illness, injury, etc.).

Bear in mind that some situations outside the country are not covered by provincial health insurance, and health care costs can be a lot higher in other countries!

Remember that even if you're travelling in Canada, as soon as you leave your home province, you should take out travel insurance. At around $2 a day, it's definitely worth it. Travel insurance will protect you against the financial consequences of an illness, injury or death while travelling, and also provides telephone travel assistance 24/7, wherever you are in the world.

Before leaving, tell a family member or a travel companion how to reach your insurer if need be. Also, if you intend to try out new activities, such as scuba diving, parachuting, mountaineering, downhill skiing or trekking in the jungle, make sure you first check the provisions of your coverage.

Travel insurance is not car insurance. If you intend to rent a car, don't forget to contact your car insurance provider first.

Precautions to take before leaving

• Photocopy your passport, insurance policy, credit cards, traveller's cheques and any other important document. Leave a copy at home and keep another in your luggage. In case of loss or theft, this will make things easier!
• Plan a way of keeping in touch with your loved ones. Be it by e-mail or by phone, check in regularly. It is safer, and besides, you can share your adventures at the same time!