Have foresight
Insurance must be taken seriously, says Véronique Capra, vice-president of Voyages Bergeron and Passion Monde. “Medical, cancellation and interruption insurance can be purchased as packages or individually,” she explains. Travelers often mix medical insurance, if you need emergency medical care, and interruption insurance, if you have to cut short your trip. You have to take the time to go around the question and consider what the wholesalers offer, as well as your credit card and group insurance plan, if this is the case. »
Ask about
“We must not forget that we are going to a foreign country,” recalls Chantal Lapointe, director, growth strategy and travel partner relations, at CAA-Quebec. She recommends consulting the Government of Canada site to find out the degree of risk associated with your destination and the various recommendations. “Travellers can register to indicate that they are going abroad,” she points out. It’s important, and I do it all the time. The government can thus reach Canadian citizens in the event of force majeure, such as an earthquake. At the start of the pandemic, the Canadian government was able to more easily charter planes to repatriate Canadian citizens when it knew where they were. »
Prepare for health problems
Anic Bouchard, travel consultant at Voyages Constellation, never leaves without her first aid kit. “It contains basic stuff like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Imodium for diarrhea, Gastrolyte in small sachets if you get dehydrated, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, small creams for sensitive after-sun skin and a spray to relieve itching from insect bites, she lists. I put half of it in my suitcase and I drag a few things in my carry-on. But always, medications taken on a regular basis should be with us, in our hand luggage. » Depending on the destination, it may also be advantageous to make an appointment at a specialized clinic or at a pharmacy to obtain a vaccine and certain prescriptions.
Bring tips and gifts
When she goes to all-inclusives, Véronique Capra, from Voyages Bergeron, always leaves with around US$200 for tips. “It will be distributed to the chambermaids, to the staff in the restaurants and the buffets, to the people who make our coffee in the morning, she explains. It is not an obligation, but you have to be grateful for the service that is offered. In some countries, it is not the same laws that govern labor laws. At some destinations, such as Cuba, it is recommended to bring physical things, such as soaps, boxes of tampons. Clients often going to the same hotels in Cuba frequently check in a second suitcase, which will be filled with gifts for friends and will not be brought back to Quebec, notes Anic Bouchard of Voyages Constellation. “They bring a bit of everything, even bicycles,” she says. But you have to make sure with the carrier that there is room for oversized objects. »
Take certain precautions on site
In some destinations, you really have to be careful with the water, says Véronique Capra, of Voyages Bergeron. “The ice cubes in the cocktails are made with filtered water. There is no problem with that. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, can be washed with local water. It is often preferable to eat fruit that can be peeled, that has a peel. You have to be careful with tap water, also points out Anic Bouchard, from Voyages Constellation. “The water bottles are there to rinse our toothbrush,” she says. You should also know that coconut milk is a natural laxative. Those who go hard on the pina colada will realize it on the second day…” Chantal Lapointe, of CAA-Quebec, reminds us of certain basic tips such as putting on sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and not consuming more of alcohol than at home. “We can party, but we also have to act cautiously. »
Act with respect
It is important to respect the population and the workers, says Chantal Lapointe. From the perspective of eco-responsible tourism, it is also important not to leave a trace, she continues. The laws are different, points out Véronique Capra, of Voyages Bergeron. “Using marijuana is not a criminal act here, but it may be in another country. You should know that the Government of Canada has no jurisdiction to help and bring back a traveler who has committed a criminal act in another country. »