Travel tips

Make sure your credit cards and passport are valid at least until you get back. Some countries require a passport that's valid for 6 months after your return date. Check voyage.gc.ca (opens in a new window) for the specific requirements.

If you're driving in a country where French isn't spoken, you'll need this permit. It's an official translation of your licence. Available from CAA Québec for about $40, issued the same day.

Write down the phone number and address of the Canadian embassy in the country you're visiting. The information is on voyage.gc.ca (opens in a new window).

Be clear and specific in your lists to make your prep easier. Making lists improves your chances of forgetting nothing and cuts the stress before you leave.

Check your flight status to confirm there's no delay or schedule change. Use admtl.com (opens in a new window) or the airline's website. While you're at it, check in online.

Pick your seat as early as you can. Look up the layout on seatmaps.com (opens in a new window). Most airlines now charge for choosing in advance; it's free at check-in, 24 hours before the flight.

Aeroplan, Flying Blue, SkyMiles: if you often fly the same airline, sign up for its loyalty program (usually free). Give your number to your agent when you book.

The school calendar sets the high seasons. Christmas, spring break, the American March Break, Easter, the construction holiday: prices can climb 30 to 75% above the usual fare.

Airlines and wholesalers know most people shop on weekends. Prices typically go up Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.

Book 6 months ahead if you're paying with points (Aeroplan, etc.). Low-points seats are limited. Once they're gone, seats cost double the miles.

Staying over a Saturday night at your destination can knock a serious chunk off the price of a ticket to Europe.

If you can, plan to land in the morning or during the day: it's easier to get your bearings, safer, and you get to enjoy the scenery between the airport and the hotel.

Beyond travel insurance, some cards give you miles or status when you sign up. If you often fly with one airline, consider the card that gets you the most out of it.

If you're stopping for 24 to 48 hours to discover a connecting city, do it on the way out rather than on the way back: you'll be more motivated and less tired. For short layovers, pick a connection time that suits your tolerance for stress.

It's sometimes more convenient to fly home from a different city than the one you landed in, so you don't have to retrace your steps. A travel agent can often find these flights at a good price through their systems.

Leaving from Berri-UQAM or Lionel-Groulx, it takes you straight to YUL airport. Allow for rush hour. Check the fare on stm.info (opens in a new window) before you go.

Give them every detail of your trip: flight numbers, where you're staying, your route. Leaving a copy of your itinerary with someone close is essential.

Turn on your out-of-office message before you leave, and don't forget to turn it off when you get back.

Make sure you have the right kind of insurance and the emergency phone numbers. Before you buy, check what's included and excluded, especially for cancellation and interruption.

Find out about festivals and holidays during your stay. They can make your trip richer, but they can also affect hotel availability, transportation and access to some attractions.

Some countries sell museum passes that save you time and money. If culture is the point of the trip, it often pays off.

Have a rough idea of the schedule for the highlights. The Taj Mahal, for example, is closed on Mondays. That kind of detail can change an itinerary.

Check with the airline. Fees run between $50 and $200, space is limited, and some small planes have no pressurized cargo hold. Plan for the vaccination record, a vet visit, and a microchip if needed.

Check the electrical outlets in the country you're visiting (voyage.gc.ca (opens in a new window)). If you plan to use your cell data, ask your provider about the best plan, or buy an eSIM (see the Technology section).

Keeping a positive outlook when the unexpected happens makes your trip richer. Surprises are often the moments that stay with you.

Knowing what the weather will be like makes packing easier. Watch the gap between highs and lows: altitude, wind, shade versus sun all change how it feels.

Bright colours or a coloured ribbon help you spot your bag quickly on the carousel. It also puts off thieves: it's hard to slip away unnoticed with a candy-pink suitcase.

Without a tag, a lost suitcase has little chance of being found. Go for a plastic tag with your name and phone number. Cardboard tears and gets wet.

Photograph the outside and inside of your suitcase before you leave. Insurance companies often ask for a photo when you claim for a lost bag.

Nothing valuable in your checked bag: keep all your documents on you, and leave sentimental items at home. If the bag goes missing, let the loss be only material.

Keep the bare essentials in your carry-on (a change of clothes, toothbrush, medication) in case your checked bag goes missing.

Swap some clothes between your two suitcases before you leave (half of each person's things in the other bag) to limit the damage if one goes missing.

Always bring extra plastic bags: dirty laundry, a wet swimsuit, a bottle of liquid. Reusable bags too.

They keep your underwear separate, let you squeeze out the air to save space, and protect everything else if a bottle leaks.

Check catsa-acsta.gc.ca (opens in a new window) for the rules. Liquids: 3 oz or 100 ml per container, with a limited number of containers.

If you lock your suitcase, use a TSA-approved lock. US customs officers can open it without breaking it.

A bandana can cover your head, warm your hands, hold ice on an injury, clean a camera lens, mark a suitcase, or filter coffee.

Heavy, and a risk of spills. Most products come in travel sizes or solid form. Otherwise, buy them there.

Damp clothes, souvenirs, new outfits: your suitcase gets heavier. Leave room and weight for what you'll add.

If you often go over the weight limit, a compact luggage scale is handy. Another trick: weigh yourself without the suitcase, then with it, and take the difference.

They can keep your legs warm, work as a bandage or a headband, or stand in for a mosquito net.

Avoid stray pieces that go with nothing. Stick to grey, black and white: they match everything.

A traveller's must-have: bottle opener, screwdriver, toothpick, file, scissors. Put it in your checked bag, never your carry-on: it will be confiscated at security.

If you plan to walk with your suitcase, it shouldn't weigh more than 25% of your body weight, or you'll wear yourself out.

Choose them for the trip you have planned. Go for comfort: you walk a lot more when travelling than at home.

Handy for reading on the plane, or as a flashlight that keeps your hands free.

Bring a lens-cleaning wipe and a small bottle of glass cleaner: no more blurry photos.

Essential for tight cabins (cruises, night trains). They sort things by category, compress, and keep the mess in check. Compression models work even better.

Never fill your suitcase more than two-thirds full: it leaves room for purchases and souvenirs, and makes it easier to organize when you close it.

Always ask for a receipt when you change money so you can check the rate. Confirm it on xe.com (opens in a new window). Memorize a quick formula for converting in your head.

Always keep some small bills in cash. Break your big bills as soon as you can.

Let your bank know you'll be abroad so your card doesn't get blocked. Keep the 1-800 number handy in case of loss or theft.

Start with a little local cash ($100 to $200) to get a feel for the cost of living and avoid overspending. The wonder of the first few days can make you expensively naive.

Divide your total budget by the number of days and adjust as you go. Be realistic: keep 15% aside for the unexpected.

Some cards limit foreign exchange fees or include travel insurance. Shopping around can save you a lot in the long run.

Avoid withdrawing cash on your credit card: interest starts the moment you take it out, not at the end of the month.

Visa plus Mastercard, or credit plus debit. If one card gets blocked, stops working or goes missing, you have a plan B.

If the country charges a departure tax, tuck the amount into your passport as soon as you land. It's often payable in cash only. Saves you hunting for an ATM at the last minute.

Take photos of your receipts: it makes the accounts easy when you get home. The photo dates help you match transactions on your credit card.

Don't wait for the airport: the transaction fees there are higher.

Avoid pulling out large amounts in public. Keep big bills in one place and the day's money in another.

Theft-proof storage for your travel documents.

Obsolete. Slow, a hassle to cash, and they come with fees. Useful before the age of plastic, not anymore.

You'll get a better rate at your destination than in Canada when converting back to your own currency.

Insurance policy, e-ticket, passport, visa: one copy with your loved ones, one copy kept apart from the originals. Also email yourself a PDF or JPG copy along with your list of emergency contacts.

Leave the cards you won't need at home (library, loyalty, etc.). It lightens your wallet and limits the damage if it's stolen.

Protects your chip cards against remote cloning (malicious RFID scanners in crowds). Available in almost every modern wallet.

Take your shoes off once the plane has taken off (respectfully: if your feet have an odour, keep them on).

Flying has been proven to dehydrate you quickly. Drink plenty of water. Alcohol makes the dehydration caused by cabin pressurization worse.

Putting it off only adds discomfort and makes the flight feel longer.

Aisle: to stretch your legs. Window: to lean on and sleep. Near the bulkheads: more babies. Front: quicker exit. Avoid the window over the wings (limited view, noisier at night).

Don't use the seat in front of you to pull yourself up, or jab the touchscreen with your finger. Be patient: not everyone enjoys flying.

Essential for filling out customs and immigration forms or the tourist card. Good to have on you at all times, too.

Travelling as a pair and want to kill time: paper, pencil, two grids numbered 1-12 and A-L. Also: a classic deck of cards and UNO, light, flat, and almost everyone plays.

Be clean, without going overboard. Skip the heavy perfume. Some people are allergic.

If you sense your neighbour isn't in the mood, keep unnecessary conversation to a minimum.

A vicious circle: pressurization adds to dehydration and amplifies the effect of alcohol. Headaches and early fatigue follow.

Turn the volume down. Talk to your neighbour at a normal level. Keep your laughter in check during the comedies.

Sleeping on a noisy plane is hard enough. Stack the odds in your favour.

You'll be served first and skip the greasy, heavy dishes (which helps with jet lag, apparently).

$50 to $75 to drink, eat, read and rest in comfort. Often worth it for a long layover.

For seniors, minors, and people with reduced mobility. Some airports run it in-house, others through an international network. Often free for people with disabilities.

A valuable investment for long-haul flights: they protect your ears, help you sleep, and make movies more immersive. Affordable models run $100 to $200.

A small scented candle takes the damp smell out of a room.

Always take one of your hotel's business cards. If you get lost, whatever the language, a taxi driver will get you back.

Don't hesitate to write to the hotel directly with your requests and special needs. It's not guaranteed, but it puts you ahead of the people who don't ask.

If you expect to arrive early or late, tell the hotel ahead of time. It avoids trouble when you get there.

Keep your suitcases up off the floor and closed to keep out any small visitors (bedbugs) you might bring home.

Check-out is usually at 11 a.m. If your flight is in the evening, ask about a late check-out, normally cheaper than an extra night.

Air conditioning helps beat the humidity in your room.

Plenty of them around the big sights, with their "we speak English" signs. Inflated prices, uneven quality. Take a walk around before you sit down.

Without doing any research, look for long local lineups at peak hours: if the locals are willing to wait, it's worth it.

If you're going to a country where hygiene can be lacking and you'll be eating with your hands, bring chopsticks. Straws come in handy too.

To save money: big lunch, light supper. Supper is almost always more expensive.

Do your research, and note the addresses and phone numbers for reservations. Sources: TripAdvisor, Google Maps, Yelp.

If you have food allergies, carry the exact phrase in the local language, written on a card you can show your server. Have it checked by someone who actually speaks the language. A machine translation can mix up "allergic" and "I don't like", which gets a very different reaction in the kitchen.

For sought-after restaurants, book several days (sometimes several weeks) ahead.

For a long stay or a backpacking trip, the local grocery store saves you a lot compared with constant stops for a bite.

If breakfast isn't included, think twice before having it at the hotel: small local spots are often better. Ask the hotel staff for recommendations.

It saves money and lets you taste more things. It also cuts down on waste.

Some countries offer one-day food tours with different themes that showcase local specialties.

Ask locals where they go out to eat. Doing this at the start of your trip zeroes in on the must-tries.

Politely let the right person know when something's wrong. A dish that's too salty or burnt can be fixed by the server and the cook.

In some countries, don't eat with your left hand. In others, make noise to show you're enjoying the meal. Read up on local customs.

Some countries keep different hours. In Barcelona, finding a good restaurant open for supper at 6 p.m. will be tough.

Quebec about 15%, New York about 20%, China about 3%, Costa Rica service included. Look it up before you go.

"If this were my last meal, what should I order?" It leads you to something you'd never have picked otherwise.

A room with a kitchenette: pricier, but often worth it for a family or a long stay compared with eating every meal out.

Don't assume the restaurant takes credit cards. Keep small bills on you. Avoid carrying several $100 bills, which attract thieves.

Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp: a good sense of the variety and quality in the area you're visiting.

3 stars or 5, the buffet can get tiresome. Be methodical: a different plate every day.

For a 3-hour flight, plan about ten activities for young children. Ideas: magazines, storybooks, drawing, cards, snacks. Better too many than too few.

A trick to use sparingly: telling young children that the airplane police are looking for badly behaved kids can head off some behaviour. Adjust to your parenting style.

Some airports offer this service in-house or through an international network. It includes an escort, security and meals. Often free.

Take advantage of the priority boarding for families that most airlines offer. You'll skip the crowd and get to the overhead bins before they fill up.

Sweatpants and a T-shirt, nothing tight. It makes trips to the washroom easier, and changes if there's an accident.

Ear pressure hurts children. Breastfeeding, a bottle or a soother for babies; jujubes, a lollipop or gum for older kids. Sucking or chewing opens the Eustachian tubes.

A backpack of their own for each child, with their own toys and treasures (ideally new or barely used, for the surprise). It gives them a sense of control and keeps them busy during the flight.

If you can, travel with a friendly family whose children are about the same age. The kids keep each other busy and behave better at meals. The adults get better company too.

Travelling with young children is more of a relocation than a real vacation. Naps will be skipped, meltdowns will happen, potty training may slide backwards. Accept it ahead of time: it cuts down on frustration.

If the baby still naps or goes down early, you want a separate space so you're not stuck in the dark at 7 p.m. A suite or two connecting rooms: an investment that pays off. Another trick: turn a closet or the bathroom into a sleeping spot for the baby.

Away from the main pool, the bar and the show stage. It makes a huge difference to how well the whole family sleeps.

Every family hotel has a kids' club, but read the fine print. Many clubs only take children who are toilet-trained, or ages 4 and up. Check before you book.

With toddlers, piling on excursions adds a lot of stress and logistics. It's often wiser to enjoy the resort and save the outings for when the kids are older.

Modern apps: Google Translate (camera and conversation modes), Duolingo, DeepL. A notebook with pictograms helps when you don't speak the language.

Read up on dress codes and expected behaviour. For example, in Egypt, shorts and tank tops aren't allowed in some places. Sources such as routard.com (opens in a new window).

Visit the popular sights as early as possible, before the tour buses arrive. It's also the best time for photos (sunrise light).

Don't overload your vacation. Travelling is also about taking your time to soak up a place. Over-planning can disappoint.

In countries where you feel the need, or late at night, a licensed taxi is worth the extra cost for your safety.

We sometimes hesitate to ask for directions, but it saves time and avoids trouble. Set pride and awkwardness aside.

Lovely memories to reread years later. A great exercise for children. Sum up the day in detail. Same time every day to keep the habit going.

In some poor countries, children who beg sometimes work in gangs run by an adult you don't see. If you want to help, give food rather than money.

Plan some indoor activities in case of bad weather or extreme heat. Pack for the climate too: Alaska versus Thailand.

Many hotels and cruise lines now provide filtered water. Savings, plus the environmental impact.

WhatsApp, Signal, FaceTime or Zoom: set up your accounts before you leave to save on calls. Wait for Wi-Fi to connect.

A waterproof bag for your camera and phone: protection against water and, above all, sand (the worst enemy of moving parts).

Camera, cellphone, smartwatch. Check that you have all your cables, connectors and chargers. A plug adapter if your destination uses a different standard.

Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud: accessible anywhere, ideal for photos and videos. Storage for vouchers, tickets, a copy of your passport.

Internet cafés aren't safe for banking. Stick to sites with encryption (https), and log out when you're done.

2026 essentials: Google Maps (offline mode), XE Currency, Google Translate, your airline's app, an eSIM app (Airalo, Nomad), TripAdvisor, Maps.me, Citymapper.

Mandatory in flight. If you don't have an out-of-country plan, keep it on at your destination to avoid surprises on your bill.

Models of 20,000 mAh or more give you several full charges. Essential for days out on excursions.

Plug 2 pairs of headphones into the same jack. Handy for watching the same movie together on the plane.

Instead of bringing several paper books (heavy, bulky), a tablet or e-reader lets you carry a hundred books in travel size.

It replaces the physical SIM card. Download a data plan for your destination straight to your phone. No roaming fees, no hunting for local SIM cards. Popular providers: Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, Ubigi. Plans for 200+ countries, from $1-15 depending on length. Check first that your phone supports eSIM.

An AirTag (Apple) or SmartTag (Samsung) in your suitcase. Follow its location in real time through Find My. Plenty of travellers have used one to find a suitcase the airline left behind in another city.

New-generation adapters (gallium nitride technology) are compact, charge several devices at once, and work in almost every country. A lasting $40-60 investment.

Before you leave: photograph your passport, tickets and travel insurance, and sync them to the cloud. You can reach them from any device, even if the originals are lost.

Avoid sensitive transactions (banking, shopping) on unprotected public Wi-Fi. An affordable VPN service (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN) encrypts your connection. Especially useful in airports, cafés and hotels.

Read up on the local laws. In Costa Rica, for example, a passport and an international permit are required at all times, or you'll be fined.

Bring a good supply of water for the road.

Saves time and money. Watch out for fresh products some countries won't let in (cheese, fruit, vegetables).

Don't wait for the reserve light. Some countries have few gas stations: keep at least a quarter tank at all times.

Volleyball, football, soccer ball, frisbee: good for stretching your legs at the stops.

Essential for minor injuries. Outside Canada, check which products are legal: some require a prescription elsewhere.

To lean on when you're not driving, or for anyone who gets cold. Bring a pillow too if there's room.

A deck of cards, Boggle, Scrabble: entertainment for the many stops on a road trip.

Handy even with your phone's light. A headlamp works even better in a power outage: both hands free.

If you use a GPS, have the right maps and update it before you leave. A paper map as plan B in case it fails.

Rope or duct tape: a lifesaver in all kinds of situations.

Every expert agrees: never plan to arrive on the morning the ship leaves. A flight delay, traffic, a storm, and you miss the boat, which won't wait for you. Arriving the day before gives you a buffer.

Two sweet spots: 6 to 12 months ahead for the best choice of cabins, or 60 to 90 days ahead for the best prices (limited options). Avoid the in-between.

The period when cruise lines offer their best perks: onboard credit, free upgrades, premium dining included. Especially worth it for booking summer and fall cruises.

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Disney: they all have one. Download it before you board. It has the activity schedule, the ship's deck plan, and lets you book shows and restaurants.

The classic first-timer's trap: trying to make the most of every minute. Accept that you'll miss some things. The point is to relax, not to burn out. Aim for two activities a day, and go with the flow for the rest.

Popular excursions sell out fast, sometimes weeks before departure. Book online as soon as you can.

The big advantage of excursions booked through the cruise line: if they run late, the ship will wait for you. Independent ones are cheaper, but if you're late for the ship, getting to the next port is up to you.

Avoid the top deck (under the pool, constant noise), the lowest deck (under the restaurants), and the front of the ship (more motion). The middle of the ship, halfway up, gives you the best stability.

On embarkation day, your suitcases can take several hours to reach your cabin. Pack a carry-on bag with a swimsuit, sunscreen, charger and essential medication.

The rules vary by cruise line. Royal Caribbean: 1 bottle of wine per person at embarkation. Disney: up to 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers per adult. Everything in your carry-on. Check the exact rules before you leave.

Cabin walls are metal (even when they look like wood). A few magnets to put up the daily schedule, dinner invitations and excursion tickets.

Many cruise lines now offer refill stations. It saves you buying bottled water at $4 each, and makes it easier to stay hydrated on excursions.

Your card is your cabin key, your onboard credit card, and your ID when boarding and going ashore. A lanyard with a waterproof holder keeps you from losing it.

Mandatory gratuities run between $15 and $18 per person per day. A family of 4 over 7 nights: $420 to $504. Some cruise lines include them in the package. Check ahead to avoid a surprise.

Search Facebook for the ship's name, the date and "roll call". You'll find the group of travellers on your sailing. Ideal for organizing group excursions and asking the regulars questions.

Some cruise lines offer a ship-within-a-ship concept: MSC Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven, Royal Caribbean Suite Class. Private spaces, dedicated restaurants, a concierge: ideal for multigenerational families.

A group trip without a leader is guaranteed chaos. Everyone can pitch in and have a role, but one person needs to be the point of contact, keep the shared document up to date, and make the calls.

Before booking anything, get the group aligned on four things: the budget per person, the kind of trip (5 stars vs hostel, active vs relaxing), the length, and the dates. Surprise equals resentment.

The most manageable group size. Any fewer and it's just an outing. Any more and it gets logistically complicated, and sub-groups inevitably form.

One person for lodging, another for transportation, another for restaurants and excursions. Assign roles by strengths and interests. Someone who hates shopping around isn't the right person for the flights.

One place for everything: Google Doc, Notion, Trello. Itinerary, bookings, emergency contacts, cost sharing. Open to everyone, kept up to date by the leader.

The most widely used expense-sharing app. Everyone enters their expenses as they go, and the app works out who owes how much to whom. Settle up at the end of the trip. No late-night math, and no tension over money.

Don't plan every minute. Pick 1 or 2 anchor activities a day (a dinner, an excursion) where everyone gets together. The rest of the time, everyone does what they like.

If someone wants to skip an excursion to stay at the spa, or skip a dinner to sleep, encourage it. Guilt or social pressure kills group trips.

Lodging big enough for groups (villas, suites, blocks of adjoining rooms) goes fast. Book 7 to 11 months ahead for popular destinations.

Many hotels, cruise lines and tour operators offer special rates from 10 rooms (sometimes 8). Possible perks: a free room for the organizer, upgrades, a private evening. A travel agent can negotiate these terms.

Say so when you book, when you check in at the hotel, and at the restaurant on the first night. Many hotels offer small gifts: champagne in the room, romantic decorations, an upgrade if possible, a table with a view. It costs nothing to ask.

If you can, leave a week of buffer between the wedding and your departure. The weeks before a wedding are exhausting. An idea: a short getaway nearby after the wedding, then the big trip 2-3 months later.

Have an honest conversation before you book. One of you wants an all-inclusive so you don't have to decide anything, the other wants to explore three countries? You'll need a compromise, or a hybrid (a week of relaxing plus a week of exploring).

Even on a honeymoon, two people together 24 hours a day for 14 days is intense. An hour at the spa for one, an hour on the beach with a book for the other. It recharges the batteries and makes your time together better.

Many destinations offer 1-2 hour photo sessions with a local photographer for $150-300. Professional memories of your trip, and couple photos without the arm's-length selfie syndrome. Popular in Santorini, Bali, Paris and Tulum.