Royal Bank

Top Travel Tips from RBC Insurance

Whether your next vacation is to visit
relatives across the country, a weekend trip to the U.S., a cruise in the
Mediterranean or anything in between, here are a few suggestions to help make
sure you stay happy and healthy on your next trip.

1. Don't leave your province or territory of residence without medical
insurance, as you may not have as much coverage as you think.
Medical treatment can be very expensive - even if you are travelling
within Canada - and your government health insurance plan usually
only covers a limited part of these costs.

2. Make sure to carry proof of travel insurance with you, along with
the company's name and phone number. Leave a copy of this
information at home with family or friends, as well.

3. Travel arrangements are often non-refundable so don't risk losing
your entire travel investment should something unexpected happen.
Purchasing cancellation and interruption insurance can help protect
your investment in case you have to cancel your trip, come home
early, or stay later at your destination.

4. Make sure your passport is current. Some countries require that
passports be valid six months beyond expected departure dates. Make
sure you're aware of these requirements, as well as any visa
requirements.

5. If you're a non-Canadian citizen with permanent resident of Canada
status, don't forget that as of December 2003, you require a
Permanent Resident Card to return to Canada. This can be obtained
from Citizenship and Immigration Canada by visiting their web site at
www.cic.gc.ca. Permanent residents must also obtain a non-immigrant
visa to enter the U.S., in addition to having a valid passport from
their country of citizenship. For more information on the U.S.
non-immigrant visa, visit
http://www.usembassycanada.gov/content/content.asp?section(equal
sign)travel&document=landed_newrequirements_021803.

6. Make sure you're up to date on all your immunizations. Contact your
doctor or a travel medicine clinic well in advance of your trip to
see if you need any specific medication or immunizations. Health
Canada provides a list of travel clinics across Canada at
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/tmp-pmv/travel/clinic_e.html.

7. Check to see if any travel advisories or warnings have been issued
for your destination. This information can be obtained from the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at
1-800-267-6788 or www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

8. Gastrointestinal illness is one of the most common illnesses
affecting tourists. When it comes to food, eat fruits and vegetables
that have been freshly peeled or cooked and other foods that have
been well cooked. Drink bottled beverages, or hot beverages such as
coffee or tea, and avoid ice that isn't made with purified water.
Don't underestimate the importance of good personal hygiene - wash
your hands frequently and thoroughly.

9. Keep credit cards, travellers' cheques, passports and other
identification in different places and make two photocopies of the
main information page of your passport - one for someone staying at
home and the other for you to keep separately from your passport.
Use pockets or purses only for items you will need frequently.
Otherwise, use a money belt or take advantage of hotel safety
deposit boxes, so if your wallet is lost or stolen, you won't be
left without identification or money. If you lose your passport,
immediately call the nearest embassy or consulate and call the local
authorities.

10. Increased security at airports has led to longer waiting times for
travellers. Go early to give yourself plenty of time to make your
flight.

11. Provide your family and friends with a copy of your itinerary and
keep them informed of any changes. Supply them with your contact
information, copies of the identification page of your passport and
travel insurance information.

12. Tell your neighbours you're going on vacation. It helps if they can
pick up your mail, park a car in your driveway and even shovel snow.
Just don't forget to return the favour when it's time for their
vacation!

13. If you're travelling in warmer or tropical climates, don't forget to
wear sunscreen that blocks out both UVA and UVB rays - SPF 15 or
higher is recommended.

14. Most importantly - relax, recharge and have a great time!

These tips are presented courtesy of RBC Insurance.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 3 /CNW/