The three most important things to know about booking a holiday for Christmas 2021 are that people are excited to go anywhere, accommodations are filling up fast, and that things can change very quickly, both in Canada and at your destination. Here is a handy holiday checklist that includes a lot of checking! Let’s get started.
Here Are the Top 15 Things to Add to Your Christmas Holiday Checklist
1. Get triple vaccinated! We know you have heard this a lot over the past months but if you want to get on a plane or a train or a bus, everyone in your family over the age of 12 (and possibly age 5 by the time you’re reading this), has to not only fully protected but be protected by a vaccine that is recognized where you are heading.
2. Print out multiple copies of your proof of vaccination before you go. And keep it on your phone, of course. You don’t know when or if it will be needed.
3. Download the ArriveCAN application and sign in. This is mandatory. The app is free and works on both Apple and Android systems.
4. Of course, choose a destination where it is possible to visit as a tourist. And know in advance if something must be done before you are allowed to enter, like provide proof of a specific negative Covid test.
5. Choose a destination that is deemed safe – or at least safer than others. You can use the CDC website to assess the risk.
6. Keep in mind that within “safe” destinations, there may still be less safe cities or areas. Do as much research as possible before booking.
7. Purchase travel insurance that includes a wide range of problems that may occur before or during your trip. Buy more than one policy, if needed.
8. Purchase health insurance for you and your family and make sure to read the small print so there is less of a chance of surprise while abroad.
9. Register your travel plans with the Canadian government. It’s free.
10. Be flexible. Always have a Plan B—and a Plan C—if something unexpected happens. If your confirmed accommodation is suddenly cancelled, for example. Or the train into town isn’t running. Choose companies that offer flexibility with little to no penalties for changing plans. These are still uncertain times and you have to be prepared.
11. Know the phone number, email and website address of the most reliable government source for up-to-date information where you’re heading. Keep the information handy so you can refer to it when away.
12. Know the rules and regulations regarding health and safety where you are visiting. Are restaurants open for in-dining? Are shops open regular hours? Do you need proof of vaccination to get into places? Do you need a mask? Keep in mind, what is perfectly OK here, may not be OK there. And use your own common sense when it comes to the safety of you and your family.
13. Know what to do if you feel unwell while away. Have emergency numbers on hand—and numbers for non-emergency questions and concerns you may have, if available. Know how to make a local call.
14. If there are language barriers to you obtaining health and safety information, especially in an emergency, make sure you have a plan for that. Perhaps someone at your hotel can help you. Or another contact.
15. Depending on how long you are away, make sure to check Canada’s rules and regulations before you return. You may need proof of a negative Covid test before you board at your destination and you have to know how and where to get that test, that it is a test where the results will be accepted by Canada, and how much it costs. Plan in advance.
The Take-Away
Research, choosing wisely and flexibility are all important when travelling this holiday season. And don’t forget, that the regular rules of travel are still in force, so know what you can and can’t bring on your flight, how much you can bring back duty-free, and so on.
LegalShield Canada can help you read and interpret the small print of all your policies, especially your travel and health insurance. And if you do encounter the unexpected, like flight or hotel cancellations or other hurdles, count on us to assess your case and explain your recourses to you. Join the more than 4,400,000 people already protected by LegalShield and sign up today!
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