TRAVEL TIPS

See the world

"Last call for passengers to…"

This announcement may signal the start of your trip, but you've got a ways to go before you hear it.

Where, when and how?

Where do you want to go? You probably already have an idea, but if you still have doubts about the country you want to visit, there's nothing like using your favourite search engine to find out everything you need to make a final decision.

For those who want to cover the spectrum of possible destinations, travel agency websites can provide a good starting point. A good one to get you started: www.routard.com or www.travelocity.ca.

As for when to go and for how long, you're the captain! Everything will depend on your schedule and finances. Another decision that you will have to make is whether to backpack it or go on an organized tour.

Where does money come in?

Finances are important to consider at every stage of planning. When planning your stay, the first thing you need to determine is whether you have the funds to go. If not, you may probably count on us.

Next, you need to prepare a realistic budget to determine how much you can afford to spend in order to meet your day-to-day needs.

Finally, you have to decide whether you want to travel with cash or travellers cheques. Whatever you decide, make sure you can easily access additional funds by bringing your Client Card or Regular MasterCard.

Ideally, all of these important documents should be kept in a pocket that's within easy reach…but only by you!

Passports, visas and other minor details Travelling abroad means travelling with a passport and, in the case of some countries, a visa. To learn more about this and other travel matters, visit www.passages.gc.ca. The “Traveller's Checklist” is especially helpful. Alternatively, you can take a direct flight to the Passport Office at www.ppt.gc.ca.

Travel healthy

You don't need a special vaccine to go to Paris! But for more exotic destinations such as Africa or Asia, you may need to take precautions so that you stay healthy, both during your trip and when you return home.

Learn more about vaccinations and preventive measures by heading to Clinique santé-voyage.

Travel safe

To make your travel experience a positive one, here are a few basic safety precautions you should take:

• Keep a list of important telephone numbers on you at all times in case of emergency. Your list should also include your credit card, passport and travellers cheque numbers. You should leave a copy of the list with a family member or friend. At the same time, let him or her know your itinerary and, while your away, send updates if you change your plans.
• As soon as you arrive at your destination, contact the local Canadian embassy or consulate to let them know that you are in the region. To find the address of Canada's foreign missions, visit www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
• Choose extended medical coverage.

Learn even more tried-and-true travel tricks on the CAA-Quebec website at www.caaquebec.com.

Other places to visit

To learn how much the Canadian dollar is worth in local currency, go to our Exchange rates page. To translate words and expressions between several languages, many online references are available. Also, take a look at the maps on www.lonelyplanet.com.au. For your last stop, go to www.tourismej.qc.ca (in french only).