LIVING WELL | Travel safely with these four tips

Plan ahead

Planning your next vacation can be very exciting, but make sure to research your destination before booking your trip. Take note of contact information for emergency services in the area you will be visiting, and unsafe neighborhoods or activities that should be avoided. If you are traveling internationally, review the Government of Canada’s travel advisories. Remember your travel insurance could be voided if you travel somewhere with a government-issued travel advisory.

Staying connected while traveling can be very helpful for getting around but accessing public Wi-Fi can put you at risk. A good rule of thumb is to keep your Wi-Fi turned off, so your phone does not automatically connect to unsecure public Wi-F networks, and to use your mobile data whenever possible. If you need to access personal information, such as banking or insurance, set up your device with a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which will allow you to use the internet securely.

Staying safe, while having a good time, is important. Before you go on your trip, share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Check in with them frequently and let them know if you make any changes to your plan. Make this a habit for any type of trip, whether you are going on a road trip for the weekend or flying overseas for a month. Better to be safe than sorry!

As the days get colder and winter approaches, a trip to somewhere hot and sunny is welcome. Be sun smart on your trip by wearing light, breathable fabric, and a hat and sunglasses. Decrease your risk of dehydration by drinking lots of water, and make sure to reapply sunscreen often – remember even if it is cloudy, you can burn!