Tips to plan your next getaway
With the pandemic and border restrictions finally beginning to loosen, more and more people have vacation on the brain.
Soon our American neighbours will be able to come to Canada, but it will still be a month before Canadians can drive across the border to the U.S.
"With mass vaccination programs rolling out across Canada and the globe, Canadians will soon be able to travel internationally. We have seen an influx in travel requests coming through as well, primarily for 2022, but our members are starting to plan for a brighter future," Caitlin Charter, of CAA North and East Ontario, said.
What trends are travel agents seeing right now?
"Right now, we are seeing an influx in cruise vacations, primarily for the year 2022 -- and that is for both ocean and river cruises. However, this year, we are seeing more travel in Canada," Charter said. "Of course the top thing in most people's minds is travelling internationally, and although the Government of Canada still advises to avoid non-essential travel, eventually, we are moving closer with the vaccination rollout."
She said a lot of people are now considering purchasing travel insurance to protect themselves and their investment.
"With our new policy coverages, CAA travel insurance now covers COVID-19-related illnesses in Level 3 travel advisories as long as they meet the vaccination requirements," Charter said.
What should you know when you are planning a trip abroad?
She said you do need to be up to date with most vaccinations, it is important to check the requirements of the country you are visiting. Recently, some countries have had differing policies when it comes to mixing different COVID-19 vaccines. It is a good idea to confirm the vaccine you have received is approved in the country you are travelling to.
"Of course your passport still needs to be valid, and depending on the country that you're going to, it sometimes needs to be valid from up to six months from your return date," Charter said.
She said it is a good idea to start planning.
Customers do not need to be a member of CAA to book travel, but members can get a discount on itineraries in 2021 and 2022 when they book a vacation by Sept. 17.
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