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I’m going on a trip and I want to make the most of it. Whether I’m travelling for business, study, or pleasure, to Europe, Asia, or the neighbouring province, I want to savour every moment.
For a successful stay, I must plan all the details, so that no matter what happens, I won’t be caught off guard.
I refer to the following checklist as a guide.
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Checklist – My concerns before leaving
Legal matters and security
Personal finances
Protecting and maintaining your standard of living
Travelling with children
Other related sections
Useful links
Legal matters and security
- Before leaving, I make sure that my will, mandate in case of incapacity, and living will are in order. This way, if something tragic happens to me while I’m away, these documents will make it easier for my loved ones to take care of necessary details.
- I check the entry/exit requirements of the countries I’m planning to visit. Do I need a visa? If I have dual citizenship, I make sure that this will not cause any problems.
- I check the expiry date of my passport, as some countries require that it remain valid for at least six months after the end of my trip. It’s also possible to obtain a passport for long trips.
- I familiarize myself with the laws, customs, and geopolitical circumstances of the country I’m visiting. I'll avoid countries in conflict and any situation that could represent a criminal offence.
- For trips of more than three months, I register with the embassy so that, if there is a conflict situation or natural disaster, I can be offered urgent advice on what action to take. I also get a list of Canadian consulates and government offices located in the countries I’m visiting.
- I leave my loved ones an itinerary of my trip, a copy of my passport and travel insurance, and a way to contact me in case of an emergency. I'll also contact them periodically to reassure them I'm safe.
- I make photocopies of important papers to carry with me (visa, passport, plane ticket, traveller’s cheques, etc.).
- I provide my airline with my specific travelling needs (special meal, travelling with a child, etc.) 48 hours prior to departure. I also inquire about any restrictions regarding carry-on luggage.
Personal finances
- I establish my budget so that I have a good understanding of my financial situation. This simulator can help me better plan the financial aspect of my trip.
I take the following items into account to plan my travel budget:
- Fees for requesting various documents
- Transportation
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Activities and souvenirs
- Travel Insurance
- Pocket money
- With the Saving up for something special simulator, I can determine the amount I need to set aside every month for my trip.
- I contact my financial institution to:
- check the availability and list of automatic tellers in the countries I’m visiting;
- get a six-digit personal identification number if needed;
- determine if I should get a second debit card;
- check the limit on my credit card and inform the issuer that my spending patterns may be different during my trip;
- purchase traveller’s cheques and foreign currency so that I’m not caught off guard when I arrive at my destination.
- Before leaving, I pay my bills. I can also pay them during my trip via Accès-D.
- I check with the airline company to find out about any charges for carrying sports equipment (bicycle, diving equipment, etc.). I also check the maximum baggage allowance and weight.
I am a student
Protecting and maintaining your standard of living
- My province’s health insurance plan reimburses only a part of the cost of emergency care received in another Canadian province or in another country, up to the maximum amount, which varies from one province to another. To find out more, I consult the Public Health Care Coverage section.
- As my province of residence limits the amount it reimburses, I may have to pay for major expenses if I have a health problem or must be hospitalized during a stay overseas or in another province. I consult the article Remember to Pack Your Travel Insurance this Summer!
- When I purchase Desjardins Financial Security Travel Insurance, I leave with peace of mind; no matter which province or country I find myself in, a team of professionals will be on hand to answer my emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 7. I also have access to travel insurance for the duration of my trip. I read the article What Does a Travel Assistance Service Do?, and I obtain additional information about the Travel Assistance Service offered by Desjardins Financial Security.
- I check if I already have travel insurance as part of my employer’s group insurance plan, my individual insurance, or coverage with my credit card.
- I also check the provisions of my home insurance with regard to coverage on my baggage.
- I check if my home insurance coverage contains a civil responsibility provision. If so, I check that there are no exclusions for the countries I’m visiting. I also check if this insurance coverage my vacation activities: hang gliding, mountain climbing, underwater diving, etc.
- For a minimal cost, I purchase Accirance, which protects me from the financial impact of an accident, at any time, anywhere in the world.
- To rent a car in a foreign country, I get an international driving permit as well as the necessary insurance, including civil responsibility. I ask my insurance company about it.
- As a precautionary measure, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated before visiting certain countries. I visit a Traveller’s Clinic at least six months before I leave.
- I bring everything for my medical needs: vaccination booklet, medication and prescriptions, medical certificates, medical supplies, information on my allergies, etc.
Travelling with children
- Based on my destination and marital status, I obtain the necessary legal documents or a letter of consent from the absent parent, if applicable. I also check the entry/exit requirements of the country I’m visiting, when travelling with a child.
- I make sure my child has a valid passport.
- I check with the airline to find out the age at which a child must have a plane ticket in his/her own name.
- As a preventive measure, I ask my pediatrician if my child needs any vaccinations.
- I make sure my child has information on him/her so that s/he can be identified if we’re separated.
Other related sections
Useful links
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Call 1-866-838-7553 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday) or e-mail us.
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