It’s that time of year! That time of year when we all head south for some much-needed winter sun and warmth. Personally, I begin to go pale mid-December and by March, my skin is almost grey. I look forward to at least a week closer to the equator with sun, sand and surf….and a cocktail…obviously.
This year, according to the Canadian Winter Vacation Confidence Index released by Allianz Global Assistance , 51% of Canadians won’t be going on a winter vacation this year and of that 51%, 66% blame budget for their winter at home. It’s true – travel is more expensive than it used to be and a general economic downturn is causing all of us to take a harder look at our wallets. I can’t even find mine!
But it isn’t all bad news: Canadians are predicted to spend 13.5 billion dollars on travel this winter. It seems that enough of us are willing to shell out some cash for beach time. So, for those who are making the journey south in the next few months, here are my do’s and don’ts of winter travel.
DO
Check your flight status
With unpredictable weather, traffic or unexpected delays, it is always best to keep an eye on the status of your flight. You can save yourself time, energy and stress by knowing what is going on.
Pre-book parking
Showing up to the airport without knowing how and where you will park is annoying. Avoid the costly expense of parking in the terminal by knowing your parking options and booking them ahead of time. You can also find coupons online for parking discounts which is always a bonus. Who doesn’t like saving money?
Travel with a carry-on
Additional expenses on a trip can be a real bummer – especially paying to check your luggage. You will avoid overpacking, lost luggage disasters and the pain of waiting around the carousel at the other end.
Mind your health
Have you ever gotten sick just as you’re about to go on vacation? Then, you spend your week away popping cold meds and sniffling? Be mindful of your health pre-holiday. Take your vitamins, wash your hands, get enough sleep and stay active. You will be happy you did when you are sunbathing pool side.
DON’T
Wait to book
Many people think that it is cheaper to buy your airfare closer to your departure date. Not true. Stats have shown that prices rise the closer you get to departure date – especially if you are looking to travel over national holidays and breaks (March Break, Easter, etc.). According to travel booking sites, the best time to book your winter getaway is late October – early November.
Overpack
Filling your suitcase with EVERYTHING you could possible need is unnecessary. Not only will you pay extra in baggage fees, you have to drag it through the airport and at your destination. Avoid overpacking by calling ahead to see what you can get at your destination and doing laundry when you get there.
Forget travel insurance
Just in case of unpredictable weather, lost baggage, missed connections or illness (I told you to take your vitamins!), I always buy travel insurance. Should any of these travel disasters plague me and my travel companions, a quick call to my insurance provider can help to get us back on track and may compensate us for anything unfixable. This is, of course, all dependant on the type of policy one purchases, so make sure you read through the fine print and talk to a travel insurance representative before you sign on the dotted line.
Travel on peak days
Many people do Saturday to Saturday vacations but what about traveling Tuesday to Tuesday? Additionally, sometimes, adding a few extra days on your trip can offset the cost of your flight so it may be worth the extra money on accommodations. Not only that, the airport is likely to be more relaxed, and traffic should be a lot lighter. If your schedule is flexible, this is definitely something to consider.
With a presence in 44 countries, Allianz Global Assistance has been helping Canadians safely explore the world for over 30 years. Their goal is to make your travel insurance experience simple from end to end, so you can focus on enjoying your next adventure.
Check out their featured travel insurance plans designed for Canadian residents and visitors to Canada, or browse their site to learn more about travel insurance and other available plan options provided by Allianz Global Assistance.
Disclaimer: I am a brand ambassador for Allianz Global Assistance (Canada) and receive financial compensation. Every situation is different, as are travel insurance plans and premiums. Travel insurance does not cover everything and is subject to eligibility, limitations and exclusions. Check your coverage before you travel.