Preparing for your trip
| Update your passport. For information on where and how, visit Passport Canada. | |
| Check for any applicable visa requirements or departure taxes. | |
| Ensure you have all travel documents needed on your trip (e.g. proof of citizenship, tickets, verification numbers, documentation for children etc.). |
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| Obtain a recent travel report of your destination – visit Foreign Affairs Canada. | |
| Check well in advance of recommended vaccinations – visit the Public Health Agency of Canada and it's Travel Health Program. | |
| Check into the available transportation at your destination, and determine if you will require an International Driver’s Licence to rent or drive a vehicle. | |
| Review any travel insurance coverages you may already have. Don’t have any or need to increase your coverage? Click Here to learn more about ATB Travel Protection. | |
| Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information and passport with someone you trust. Arrange to check in with this person at periodic times during the trip. | |
| Make an updated list of important telephone numbers you might need out of country (e.g. numbers for cancelling lost or stolen travellers cheques, debit cards, or credit cards). | |
| Check airline regulations for luggage. | |
| Talk to an ATB Financial representative for your financial needs prior to travelling. |
Safeguard your home
| Put your lights on a timer. | |
| Cancel all regular deliveries such as newspapers while away. | |
| Notify Canada Post or arrange for someone to pick up your mail. | |
| Arrange for someone you trust to check on your home. | |
| Review your home insurance policy and confirm how many times someone must check on your home while you are away to maintain coverage. | |
| Preferably, write your work address on luggage tags as some would-be thieves look for break-in opportunities at the airport by scanning luggage. |
Safeguard yourself while travelling
| Pack your travel insurance policy in your luggage and carry your wallet card at all times during your trip. | |
| Carry only the cards that are absolutely necessary for your trip. Limit the amount of cash or valuables you carry and try to use traveller’s cheques. Make use of the hotel security safes | |
| Try to save the receipts for all your purchases. | |
| Bring prescription medications in their original dispensed bottles to satisfy Customs. You may carry prescriptions as a backup in case you are questioned about your medications. | |
| If you arrive at your destination before check-in time, drop luggage off at the hotel storage area rather than keeping it in your vehicle. | |
| Feel free to ask for a new room if the front desk announces your room number while others are in earshot or if you are given a room at ground level. | |
| If you are renting a car, ask for directions to your destination along well-lit, well-travelled areas. Ask whether there are areas of town to avoid. | |
Whenever possible, try not to look like a typical tourist. Keep your maps discreet by checking routes to your destination in advance. |
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| As you would at home, use caution to protect your passcodes and yourself from potential harm when you withdraw cash from a public ABM. | |
| When travelling with children, never leave them alone and teach them what to do if you become separated. Pick a spot where you will all meet up in such a case. |
