Going Places - Planning ahead vital to vacationing

Keep safe. Stay healthy. These form the foundation of a great trip.

Protecting your family when you travel is a priority, especially during a year with the threat of H1N1 (Swine Flu).

These simple tips from the travel resource website, Savvy Traveller, can help you prepare for the unexpected.

n Ask your doctor about vaccinations you may need before you go and remember to refill any prescriptions you need to take with you.

n Look out for travel advisories: look up your destination’s government website to see if there are any health (or other) advisories for the area you’re travelling to. www.savvytraveller.ca offers many helpful links, including one to the Foreign and International Trade Canada website for travellers.

n Get protection: travel insurance can not only take care of expensive medical treatment costs, it can provide you with resources, such as the location of a good doctor, and assistance with lost bags and cancelled flights. Look for travel insurance plans, such as Travel Guard’s, that offer a toll-free number to reach live help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

n Plan ahead: put essential phone numbers and contacts in one place, then give a copy to a family member or good friend at home. You can download an important information and phone numbers form at www.savvytraveller.ca.

n Know where to go: make note of the phone number and address of the Canadian embassy or consulate at your destination in case you lose your passport.

- News Canada