Five money-saving tips for family travel

(ARA) – The slow economy hasn’t hindered travel plans for most families. Family travelers take an average of 4.5 trips each year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Savvy families are able to travel and build lasting memories by making trips more affordable with the help of simple money-saving solutions.

Here are five money-saving travel tips to help you plan your next family vacation:

Tip 1: Plan ahead of time
Once you decide where your family will go, it’s time to research what to do. From visiting theme parks and museums to spending relaxing days at the park or beach, it is smart to do your research. Some places will give deals for advanced purchases or allow you to combine several activities into one discounted price. Your research might also help you discover some fun free activities in the area.

Tip 2: Seek out inclusive activities
Food, rides, shows and souvenirs, a day at the theme park – vacation expenses add up pretty quickly. Consider seeking out options where one price includes everything. All-in-one activities are great for families on a budget. Does the water park include free lunch with your ticket? Does your amusement park pass include a ticket to the music show they present? How about free child care for mom and dad while they’re at the restaurant? Activities that include extras can make for a hassle-free day where you never have to take out your wallet.

Tip 3: Book a hotel with all the amenities – and perks
A nice hotel with many amenities can make all the difference after busy days of sightseeing or visiting friends and family. Home2 Suites by Hilton, for example, have comfortable suites for the family to stretch out and sleep soundly each night. Cook a meal in the suite’s kitchen for a relaxing night in and a money-saving alternative to nightly dinner outings. Make a day of hanging out at the outdoor patio where you can grill lunch or simply relax and catch up with the family in the Oasis, the hotel’s common hub for social gathering. The saline-based pool, maintained with natural chemicals, is also a fun spot for the family to enjoy. Bringing the family pet? Enjoy time with your furry family member on the outdoor green area for pets at this pet-friendly hotel.

Tip 4: Cut your food costs
By eliminating eating out for one meal a day during your trip, you can save a lot of money. A family of four can spend $40 a day on breakfast at a restaurant – that’s $280 for a week’s vacation! By choosing a hotel that provides a complimentary breakfast, you can pocket that money for a fun activity, or save it for paying down the credit card bill when you get home. Not all hotel breakfasts are equal – look for options like the ones from Home2 Suites that provide a variety of tasty options to please everyone: hot breakfast sandwiches, cereal, yogurt, oatmeal and a variety of bakery products.

Tip 5: Pack light when flying
With most airline carriers charging for luggage these days, your family can rack up fees quickly if everyone has a full bag to check. For example, at $25 per bag per flight, it costs a family of four $200 extra round trip. If you can cut down on the amount of clothes and supplies you bring, you can save a ton. Check only a couple bags or just use carry-on luggage. Then, look for accommodations that offer on-site guest laundry. If you stay with Home2 Suites, you can easily do laundry on-site and either relax in the outdoor common space, or grab a quick workout in the adjacent gym.

Family travel is quality time you spend together creating memories that will last a lifetime. With these strategies, your next trip will not only be memorable, but it will be affordable too.

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The Right Paperwork for Smooth March Break Travel

(NC)—Passport? Check. Boarding pass? Check. Credit Card? Check.

Generally, these items are top-of-mind for travelers setting out for a journey, but March Break travellers should carry much more to help ensure a stress-free vacation this year.

Should an emergency occur on your vacation, having the right documentation on hand can significantly speed up the time it takes to resolve an issue so you can go back to enjoying your holiday. Photocopying important travel documents like passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, is also a good idea as this will help replace the documents if one becomes lost or stolen abroad. Put one set of copies in the travel bag you are taking on the plane and if your hotel room has a safe, leave a copy in it as well. Finally, leave another set home with someone you trust.

“Travel smart and ensure you have the correct paperwork before you set out on your March Break holiday, recommends Adrian Hall, vice president of travel at RSA. “And always keep your insurance card with your policy information on hand.”

When travelling outside of the country there are papers that Canadian vacationers should not leave home without. Hall makes the following recommendations:

• A valid passport is needed for all travellers, including children and infants, with limited exceptions for children under 16 crossing at land border points.

• Additionally, Canadian children need appropriate documentation to travel abroad when taking a trip alone or with only one parent, such as a consent letter, birth certificate or citizenship card. Check destination requirements before departing.

• If travelling outside your home province, carry provincial health cards and drivers licenses.

• Travellers should also carry their insurance wallet card to call for assistance at any time.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: March Break tips, Spring travel, Spring travel ideas, The Right Paperwork for Smooth March Break Travel, travel tips

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Are you covered for March Break travel?

(NC)—March Break is one of the year’s busiest travel periods and happens to coincide with the busiest season for colds and flus. Vacation is also a time where we may engage in activities most of us don’t do every day such as skiing, diving or hiking – activities that may sometimes lead to injuries.

When travelling within Canada, not everything is covered under provincial health plans. Insurance coverage for trips outside a home province can provide important benefits. For example, if you live in Saskatchewan but sustain injury on a ski holiday in Quebec, travel insurance can help cover incidental costs that may not be covered under your provincial health care plan, including extra costs that may be required to get you home. When travelling outside Canada, medical attention could cost tens of thousands of dollars more than your provincial health plan will cover.

Travellers need to check if they have sufficient coverage through their group or individual insurance plan for themselves, their spouses and their children. Students vacationing during “Reading Week” should also confirm what coverage they may have under their parents’ plans.

“With the right travel insurance, you can enjoy your vacation knowing that should any unfortunate incident occur – from stolen travel documents to an accident – your insurer can provide emergency assistance. They can also help coordinate all aspects of care with medical service providers and act as a liaison with important family, medical and business contacts at home,” explains Adrian Hall, vice president of travel at RSA.

Hall also offers the following tips for Canadian families before departing on their March Break travels:

• Confirm well in advance if any inoculations or medications are needed before visiting the destination;

• Carry sufficient prescription medication and allergy treatments in your carry-on luggage;

• If travelling outside your home province, carry provincial health cards and drivers licenses.

• Travellers should also carry their insurance wallet card to call for assistance at any time.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: Are you covered for March Break travel?, March break ideas, March Break tips, Spring travel, Spring travel tips

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Travel Tips for a Smooth March Break

(NC)—An old adage is that wherever you are going on vacation, take twice the money and half the luggage. While it may not be a bad starting point, there’s a whole lot more to good vacation planning.

Preparation is the key to a having an enjoyable spring vacation. Whether novice or seasoned, most travellers know to pack the right attire, cancel the newspaper and set the house alarm before they leave. However, in the busy planning process, the same travellers will often overlook some important elements to help ensure a stress free vacation.

RSA, a leading travel insurer, encourages Canadians to keep the following tips in mind when they travel for March Break:

Put your health and safety first

Travellers should always put their health and well-being first. Vacations are a break from routine but not from sensible practices. Whether travelling by air or car, you should:

• Confirm well in advance if any inoculations or medications are needed before visiting the destination;

• Check for government issued travel advisories for the country or region you are planning to visit;

• Carry sufficient prescription medication and allergy treatments in your carry-on luggage;

• If driving, check weather and road conditions and listen to local advisories; and

• Share travel and destination information with loved ones in the event an emergency arises.

Have key documents with you at all times

• When travelling outside of the country there are papers that Canadian vacationers should not leave home without.

• A valid passport is needed for all travellers, including children and infants, with limited exceptions for children under 16 crossing at land border points;

• Additionally, Canadian children need appropriate documentation to travel abroad when taking a trip alone or with only one parent, such as a consent letter, birth certificate or citizenship card. Check destination requirements before departing.

• If travelling outside your home province, carry provincial health cards and drivers licenses.

• Travellers should also carry their insurance wallet card to call for assistance at any time.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: Spring break, Spring break tips, Spring break travel, Travel Tips for a Smooth March Break, traveling for Spring break

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Remember to pack your bags to security guidelines

(NC)—If you have ever flown during the busy winter months, you know that airport security can be busy. Preparing for the screening process and becoming familiar with the rules contributes to a smoother and quicker procedure for everyone. It also reduces delays.

Simple guidelines from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) include leaving liquids, aerosols and gels such as suntan lotion and other personal products such as creams or perfume in your checked baggage. Laptop computers must be placed in trays at security checkpoints, while cell phones, MP3 devices, E-readers and portable DVD players may remain in your carry-on baggage. Sports equipment is not permitted to be in carry-on baggage and should be checked in with the airline.

Are you traveling with the family? Baby formula, food, juice and other baby items are exempt from the carry-on rule for infants aged 0-24 months. Families and travellers with special needs can enjoy a dedicated security line.

More tips and tools can be found at catsa.gc.ca, or on the mobile site at m.catsa.gc.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: air travel, air travel tips, Remember to pack your bags to security guidelines, travel safety, travel tips, vacation tips

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Speed up your time in the airport security line

(NC)— If you would rather wait to board of your flight in an airport coffee shop, or lounge – rather than in a long line at the security checkpoints – you are not alone. With this in mind, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is giving travellers some valuable suggestions to increase the speed of screening:

• Liquids, aerosols, creams, gels or other personal toiletries that are packed in carry-on baggage must be in containers of 100-mL (3.4 oz) or less and placed in a clear, resealable, 1L plastic bag. This includes any water, suntan lotion, creams or perfume. Baby formula, food, juice and other baby items are exempt from the carry-on rule for infants aged 0-24 months.

• Laptops must be placed in the tray at security checkpoints while electronic items such as cell phones, MP3 devices and portable DVD players can remain in your carry-on baggage.

• Prescription medication in liquid form is exempt from 100 ml carry-on restrictions, provided the container is clearly labeled and displays the name matching the passenger’s boarding pass.

• Skis, golf clubs and other sport equipment must be checked in with the airline.

• Passengers with Nexus card, families and travellers with special needs can use dedicated security lines.

Additional information rules and restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage can be found online at www.catsa.gc.ca, or on the mobile site at m.catsa.gc.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: air port security, air travel, air travel tips, Speed up your time in the airport security line, www.catsa.gc

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Help to reduce delays at airport security

(NC)—While weather delays at airports may be unavoidable, this is not the case for passengers. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) encourages air passengers to be prepared and pack properly. This will help to reduce the number of avoidable delays at the security checkpoint significantly. The little details at airport security can make a big difference, they say.

If possible leave liquids, aerosols, creams and gels in your checked baggage. Restrictions apply if these items are packed in carry-on baggage, as they must be kept in containers of 100-mL (3.4 oz) or less and stored inside a clear resealable 1L plastic bag. Remove laptops and gaming consoles from carrying cases and place in trays for efficient security screening. Sports equipment needs to be put in checked baggage, while sharp items should be left at home.

If you are travelling with the family, baby formula, food, juice and other items for infants aged 0-24 months are exempt from the carry-on rule on liquids. Families, passengers with special needs and Nexus cardholders can also benefit from dedicated security lines.

More tips and tools regarding Canada’s air travel security regulations can be found at www.catsa.gc.ca, or on the mobile site at m.catsa.gc.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: air travel, air travel tips, airport security, airport tips, Help to reduce delays at airport security

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Breeze through airport security hassle free

(NC)—With the excitement of Spring Break also comes the necessary work of planning your getaway.

As travellers prepare to reach their destination, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) recommends taking a few moments to review some simple rules so that your travel experiences are hassle free. Relaxation should begin once you leave the office or classroom, so follow these quick tips to breeze through the airport security screening and on to the beaches and slopes:

• Liquids, aerosols, and gels – particularly suntan lotion and personal products like creams or perfume – in your carry-on bags must be in containers of 100-mL (3.4 oz) or less and placed in a clear, resealable 1L plastic bag.

• Baby formula, food, juice and other baby items are exempt from the carry-on rule for infants aged 0-24 months. All items must be presented for inspection at screening.

• Laptops and gaming consoles being transported in carry-on baggage must be removed from carrying cases and placed in security trays for easy inspection. Most other electronic devices including cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and portable DVD players can remain in the carry-on bag.

• Sports equipment, such as golf clubs and skis, is not allowed in carry-on baggage and should be checked with your airline.

• Passengers with a Nexus card, families and travellers with special needs can use dedicated security lines.

More tips and tools about permitted items in carry-on and checked baggage can be found at www.catsa.gc.ca, or on the mobile site at m.catsa.gc.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: air travel, air travel tips, airport security, airport tips, Breeze through airport security hassle free

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Ask the expert: Stop malaria from causing mayhem on your next vacation

Dr. Jay Keystone, tropical disease specialist and Director of Medysis Travel Health Clinic in Toronto, answers common questions vacationers may have about the travel illness, malaria.

Q: I’m planning a trip to a resort down south and my friend told me I should think about malaria risks. Isn’t that just something you have to worry about if you’re going to Africa or Asia?

While malaria is common in large areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Haiti, and the South Pacific, what many people don’t realize is that it’s also present in some popular vacation spots such as Mexico and the Caribbean (Dominican Republic and Haiti).

Malaria is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes and symptoms include fever, headache, chills, tiredness, muscle aches, and vomiting. In general, it is a curable disease, but without treatment it can lead to more serious problems and can sometimes be fatal. For most people, symptoms begin 10 days to four weeks after infection, although a person may feel ill as early as seven days or as late as one year after. It is important for anyone who has a fever during their trip or within three months of returning from a malaria-endemic area to seek immediate medical attention.

Q: I’m booking a last-minute vacation, is there time for me to do anything to prevent against malaria?

To help prevent malaria, we recommend avoiding mosquitoes from dusk to dawn as that’s when they’re most actively feeding. Use insect repellent with DEET and wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing in the evening. Also, there are anti-malarial medications available, some of which can be started just days prior to departure, so no matter how soon you’re leaving, protection is an option.

It is important to always make time to visit a family physician or travel medicine specialist before going on a trip—even if you’re travelling last-minute to a sun spot down south. They can explain whether malaria is a risk at the intended destination and if so, go over the options for prevention. While The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends Canadians consult a travel medicine specialist at least 6 weeks prior to visiting a malaria endemic region, some medications can even be taken a couple of days before departure.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: Ask the expert: Stop malaria from causing mayhem on your next vacation, Malaria, malaria and traveling, travel safety, travel tips

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Say “I don't” to travel diseases at destination weddings

(NC)—Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular among Canadians. However, what brides, grooms, and their guests need to remember is destination weddings come with health risks not prevalent in Canada. The good news is many travel diseases can be prevented with a little preparation.

For the bride and groom, there are so many fun things to plan—beach ceremony, music selection, colour themes, etc.—that they may put their health by the wayside. For their guests, they may feel most of the trip-planning is done for them so they can just hop on the plane when the time comes. There is, however, one planning step that should be a priority for the whole group to avoid potentially getting sick. Canadians should always make time to visit their family doctor or a travel health expert prior to departure.

“A physician will clearly explain what health risks are prevalent at their intended destination and how to help protect against them,” says Dr. Jay Keystone, travel medicine specialist and Director of Medysis Travel Health Clinic in Toronto. “Since there are so many misconceptions out there, this advice can be invaluable—for example, malaria is one disease many Canadians don’t realize they can contract down south.”

Malaria is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes and symptoms include fever, headache, chills, tiredness, muscle aches, and vomiting. In general, it is a curable disease, but without treatment it can lead to more serious problems and can sometimes be fatal.

There are medications available that can help protect against malaria and some can even be started just days prior to departure. Also, avoid mosquitoes from dusk to dawn as that’s when they’re most actively feeding. Use insect repellent with DEET and wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing in the evening.

www.newscanada.com

Tags: Malaria, Say “I don't” to travel diseases at destination weddings, travel health, travel safety, travel tips

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