Things to Know Before You Go…
- Make sure you have the proper identification required, also make sure it’s valid and up-to-date. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
- Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
- Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends and relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
- To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewellery and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
- In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
- If you get into trouble, contact the nearest Canadian embassy.
- Try to look as if you know where you are going. This may not be so easy if it’s your first time in that country, but look confident as IF you know. Carrying maps around looking perplexed, and stopping to look at monuments or buildings, obviously shows that you are from out of town, and may attract the wrong type of attention.
- Using your bank card will be the safest form of payment. Be aware, however, that a service fee will apply to each transaction.
- Do NOT pull large amounts of cash out of your pocket. This will draw attention, no matter what country you’re in.
- Be Careful about sharing your travel plans with strangers.
- Stick to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts down narrow alleys and poorly lit streets.
- Approach any “special deals” with caution, especially if you have to go off the beaten path to get them.
- Take these precautions to avoid being the victim of a pickpocket: When possible, avoid having crowds of people surrounding you; Carry a dummy wallet and put your money in your front pocket; Place a rubber band around your wallet, it will make it much more difficult to remove from your pocket without your knowledge; Carry your purse under your arm; Carry your money under your clothes.
- When traveling with a tour company, note the name and phone number of your representative, and what time of the day they will normally be at your hotel in case you need to speak to them.
- At your destination, be cautious when purchasing tours with individuals or companies that are not affiliated with your hotel or tour company.