According to the 2018 StatsCan National Travel Survey, Canadians went on 112 million trips during the third quarter of 2018, spending $29.1 billion on travel within our own borders and around the world.
If you’re one of these Canadians, you know that jetting away on vacation often means your exercise and diet routine is out the window and that stress can be high.
But there are a number of things you can do to ensure you stay on top of your health goals and maintain a worry-free trip. Here are a few suggestions, presented in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross Travel Insurance.
- Get fully prepared. You’ll save yourself time and stress by mapping out the locations of hospitals, pharmacies and consulates ahead of time. Apps like Guides by Lonely Planet or the T+L Travel Guide app can give you an insider’s view of a city along with maps and safety tips.The Government of Canada’s travel advisory website is a good resource too. It will inform you about local safety and security conditions, areas to avoid and up-to-date information about weather and natural disasters.Travel insurance companies like Pacific Blue Cross provide trip cancellation coverage which allows you to recover pre-paid non-refundable expenses in case an emergency happens before you depart. It’s an important step in being fully prepared for your next adventure.
- Make copies of all travel documents and names and numbers of all hotels or rental homes you’ll be staying at. Provide electronic copies to your friends and family in an easy-access place such as Google Docs or Dropbox .
“It’s best to have an outline of what you are doing, and share it with someone,” says Cathy Nurmi, senior manager of individual plans for Pacific Blue Cross.
Many apps will allow you to easily share your itinerary with others. It’s also important to give copies of passports, drivers’ licenses and banking information to loved ones in case of loss or emergency.
- Purchase travel insurance. Nurmi says your primary concern should be emergency medical coverage—specifically good hospital and paramedic services.
“In the U.S. and Mexico, hospitalizations are becoming extremely onerous. It’s not unusual to pay a million dollars if you go to the States and have a heart attack.”
Pacific Blue Cross offers travel insurance packages for people with existing health problems. These insurance plans ensure any emergency treatment you require for these conditions is also covered while you travel.There’s also a growing group of people over the age of 55 who are going on more active trips, Pacific Blue Cross research shows.
“People are becoming more adventurous, we find, in that particular age group,” Nurmi says while noting an increase in older travellers taking hiking, scootering and cycling excursions. Make sure your coverage is adequate if you’re going off the beaten path, she advises and read your policy before you leave to make sure you have the coverage you need.
- Pack intelligently. Whether travelling within or outside Canada, why weigh yourself down with heavy suitcases and unnecessary items? You’ll also want to leave room for souvenirs!If packing isn’t your forte, try watching videos from expert packers. Many of them recommend rolling clothing and arranging it around your suitcase to save on space and to prevent wrinkling.Some travellers swear by packing cubes, which allow you to compartmentalize and keep similar items together.
- Make it easy to stay healthy. While you are packing, slip in an inexpensive workout –exercise bands. They’re extremely light and can be used to work all the muscles in your body, in the comfort of your hotel room. You can also use full water bottles as weights.
For more tips, see the infographic below.
- Force yourself to unplug. Research shows that vacations improve health and well-being by reducing stress and increasing creativity, among other things.However, a 2017 survey by staffing firm Accountemps found that 33 per cent of Canadians don’t unplug from work during their vacations, making it hard for someone to truly relax and recharge.Turn off your phone and hand over tasks that need to be taken care of during your absence. Before your trip, put in some extra work so you don’t return to an unmanageable to-do list.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. No vacation goes perfectly, so be ready to adapt to any situation.Baggage gets lost? Trip protection coverage means you can purchase essentials to get you through until your baggage arrives.Got lost on your journey to the museum? That’s fine – take time to tour side streets and visit small cafes.If you give yourself permission to go off the beaten path, you open yourself up to the possibility of new discoveries and unforgettable moments.
After all the planning, you’re set to go. Remember that a great vacation starts with great preparation, and with a travel insurance plan from a provider like Pacific Blue Cross, the only thing you’ll be worried about is where you’re going next.