Going on a trip is a special opportunity to create lasting memories, and great trips start before you leave home. Follow these 10 simple steps to help you plan your vacation.
Planning Your Trip
- Before booking a destination, check the Government of Canada website (gc.ca) for travel advice and advisories, as well as information about visa and entry requirements.
- Check that your passport is valid and won’t expire within six months of your planned return.
- Ask your doctor about travel vaccine requirements well before your departure. In some cases, vaccinations should be spaced several weeks apart.
- Determine what kind of travel insurance you’re going to need depending on your destination and activities. Emergency medical plans provide protection against the cost of medical emergencies, and trip cancellation or interruption coverage helps protect your trip investment if plans change unexpectedly.
Before You Leave
- Photograph or print copies of all bookings and boarding passes, along with insurance details, your passport and any visas or required entry documents. Upload those photos to a secure cloud server, so you still have access to key documents in case your bags go missing.
- Keep prescriptions in your carry-on bag, as well as first-aid essentials such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and travel-sized packets of anti-nausea, antidiarrheal and over-the counter pain medication.
- Download a health app on your phone to store personal medical details in case of emergency. Include existing medical conditions, prescriptions, your doctor’s name and an emergency contact.
- Learn the local emergency number before you travel—it varies by country. While 911 may redirect to local authorities in some places, it’s best to confirm the correct number in advance.
- Plan your itinerary and share it with a friend at home, especially if you’re travelling alone.
Once You Arrive
- Lock a second credit card, bank card or a little extra cash in the hotel safe, so you’re not without funds if you lose your wallet.
Ready to start planning?
Here are some of the many ways CAA Travel Consultants can help you:
- Tailor a trip to your preferences, budget and needs.
- Offer expert guidance on destinations, airlines and trip types.
- Help ensure key details aren’t overlooked, including travel insurance, entry requirements and advisories to help you make informed decisions.
Visit carp.ca/caa-travel-planning to learn more.

CAA Insurance1 is CARP’s Recommend provider for auto, home, travel, life and pet insurance, as well as roadside assistance.

CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance (except in British Columbia). BCAA Travel Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agent and is underwritten by BCAA Insurance Corporation. Insurance claims are administered by Echelon Insurance and its subcontractors, Xodus Travel Services Inc except in BC where insurance claims are administered by Global Excel Management Inc. and all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations can be found in the policy wording at bcaa.com/wordings. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Not all products are available in all provinces. Discounts may vary by province. Coverage description in this email are intended for general information only. In the event of a discrepancy between this email and your policy, the terms of your policy will prevail.
TICO Ont. Reg. #50014517. CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc., 60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON L3T 7P9. TICO Ont. Reg. #4561957 CAA North & East Ontario, TICO Ont. Reg #1381980 CAA Niagara.
1 Click here to see a list of underwriters covering various CAA Insurance products. In Alberta, insurance is sold by AMA Insurance. Auto and property insurance sold by AMA Insurance are largely underwritten by Alberta Motor Association Insurance Company (some exceptions apply). AMA Insurance sells life and health policies underwritten by 9 different insurers. BCAA Home Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agency, and underwritten by BCAA Insurance Corporation.
®/™CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.
The ®AMA and the AMA logo are trademarks owned by the Alberta Motor Association. The BCAA name and logo and all related product and service names, design marks and slogans are the trade-marks, service marks or registered trade-marks of CAA. BCAA is a licensed user of these marks.


