Trip tips: How to travel with confidence

Travelling doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first big getaway, knowing how to navigate trip-related complications before they happen helps give you the confidence to truly focus on your trip.

Use these valuable travel tips to help plan for a safe and enjoyable vacation.

Packing outfits, shoes and toiletries is a given. Add to that list your passport and travel visa, especially if you’re travelling abroad. Some countries, such as Mexico, may request specific documentation, like a hotel booking or return ticket, before tourists can enter.

Consider bringing a reusable bag or folder to keep your invoices, receipts, and boarding passes organized and accessible. This bag can also be helpful to store your travel insurance documents and your trip itineraries. If you take any medication, pack it in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage gets lost or delayed. 

Before departing, visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date travel advisories for your destination Opens a new window.. Familiarize yourself with how to call Canada from your destination country before you leave.

Also ahead of departure, you should visit the Government of Canada website to register as a Canadian abroad Opens a new window.. When you sign up for the free Registration of Canadians Abroad service, the Government of Canada will notify you if there’s an emergency at your travel destination or personal emergency back home. The service also sends you important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Confirm that the travel dates match on your flights, hotel reservations, planned activities and travel insurance coverage. Save scanned copies in an email for easy access in case the originals are lost. For added security, share copies with a trusted friend or family member.

If you have a travel insurance policy, review it to confirm you have enough coverage for your trip. Details about your coverage and benefit limits are outlined in your policy documents.

Bringing any valuable items on your trip? While exploring your destination, store items such as expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, and additional credit cards in a hotel or bank safe. Only carry the amount of cash, credit cards and other necessary valuables you need for each day, outing or activity. If possible, leave valuables you don’t need at home to minimize risk.

No matter how excited you are to visit a new place, stay mindful and pay attention to everything around you. Avoid any activities that you wouldn’t do at home. If you have a fun outing planned, be sure to eat and drink according to your activity level and environment.

If travelling alone at night, stay in well-lit and populated areas. Additionally, know how to contact emergency services in the country you’re visiting. If you purchased a CIBC Travel Insurance policy, 24/7 emergency assistance is available by phone in the event of a medical emergency.

For added confidence, consider purchasing a CIBC Travel Insurance policy to help protect your trip if things don’t go as planned. CIBC Travel Insurance offers three distinct plan types that include benefits to help with various covered situations.

CIBC Travel Medical Insurance Plan

Covers eligible costs associated with an unexpected or unforeseen medical or dental emergency on your trip, including necessary transportation and hospital expenses, up to $10 million^ⓘ per insured person. For details, visit CIBC Travel Medical Insurance Plan. 

Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Enhanced Plan

Provides coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions due to a covered situation, up to the amount of coverage purchased — up to $50,000 per person. This plan also provides up to $2,000 coverage if you need to replace your bags and personal effects because they’re delayed, damaged or lost while travelling. For details, visit CIBC Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance Enhanced Plan.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plan

Convenient if you want all the available CIBC Travel Insurance benefits under one plan. For details, visit CIBC Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plan.

CIBC Travel Insurance gives you access to 24/7 assistance by phone if you need help with travel-related emergencies. If something happens while you’re travelling, you can also file a claim on the go through the online claims portal Opens a new window.. Unsure of the process? Read our article on How to file a travel insurance claim.

To purchase CIBC Travel Insurance, you must meet all eligibility requirements, including being a CIBC client and being covered by a valid Canadian government health insurance plan. If you have any known medical conditions, including a change in health, you may not be covered in certain situations according to your plan. For full details on eligibility and coverage, refer to the sample Certificate of Insurance (PDF, 570 KB) Opens a new window.. 

As you prepare for your next vacation, don’t forget to pack all the essentials and double-check your destination’s travel advisories and all travel-related document requirements. Once you arrive at your destination, protect your valuables and stay aware of your surroundings.

And for added security, consider purchasing a CIBC Travel Insurance plan before your trip starts.