Spring break is just around the corner and many Canadians are looking to travel to destinations with warmer climates, where they can soak up some sun on a beach somewhere and get away from the cold winter weather. Before you start planning your spring break winter escape, it’s important to consider some key health, wellness, and safety issues so that you can best prepare for your trip. Read on for our guide to spring break travel during COVID-19: 8 Things to know before you go

1. COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travelling within Canada 

As of November 30, 2021, Canadian travellers are required by the government to be vaccinated for COVID-19 when travelling within Canada. The Government of Canada’s website states, “your province or territory issues official proof of vaccination documents” and you’ll “need proof of vaccination to travel within and outside of Canada”, as well as to “access services in some provinces and territories”.  

Note that for boarding a plane or train within Canada, all travellers ages 12 years (plus four months) and up must be fully vaccinated. Be sure to contact your railway or airline company to ensure you have everything you need to board the flight or train, and that you understand their refund/cancellation policies. And speaking of cancellation policies, TuGo provides Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance as well as Cancel for Any Reason Insurance as a convenient add-on. 

Types of COVID-19 proof of vaccination for Canadians 

There are two types of vaccination proof you may need — one of them is the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination and the other is the provincial or territorial proof of vaccination. Be sure to check with your province or territory to find out which type of proof your trip requires.  

2. COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travelling outside of Canada 

If you are vaccinated for COVID-19, your proof of vaccination will show your history of vaccination when you travel abroad, as well as when you return home to Canada. As explained on the Government of Canada website, proof of vaccination is meant to help “simplify and facilitate border processing” both in Canada as well as internationally. The government notes that even though you may have proof of your COVID-19 vaccination, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to enter other countries. This is why it’s paramount that you ensure that the country you’re traveling – and even transiting through — will accept your proof of vaccination and allow you entry into the country. 

For more information on how to use your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination when you travel abroad, visit the Government of Canada website. 

3. Government travel advisories  

At the time of publishing this article, the Government of Canada has an “avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada advisory, due to the risk of Omicron variant that causes COVID-19″. However, if you are planning a trip, make sure you review the government’s Travel Advice and Advisories page so that you’re aware of any destinations you should avoid, due to COVID or any other health or safety issue. 

In addition to the above, make sure you stay on top of provincial and federal COVID-related travel news while you’re away to ensure you don’t miss any important information regarding your arrival back into Canada. While everything may be in order when you leave for your trip, things like government-required testing and quarantine requirements, along with travel advisories can change quickly.  

4. Get travel insurance 

If you’re setting off on a (hopefully sunny!) spring-break vacation, ensure you have the right travel insurance. As you may already know, your full provincial healthcare plan won’t cover you for things like COVID-19, emergency dental work, medications, emergency evacuations, and more, which is why travel insurance is a must whenever you leave your home province.  

TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance covers vaccinated Canadian travellers for COVID-19, regardless of Canada’s travel advisory level.  

For more information on how TuGo covers you for COVID-19, check out this helpful, easy-to-read infographic. 

To get travel insurance now, click here

5. Register with Canadians abroad  

If you’re planning a trip to another country, be sure to register as a Canadian Abroad with the Government of Canada’s free service, which, as noted on the government’s travel website, “allows the Government to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.” You can register here. 

6. Expect potential sightseeing challenges 

While you might be dreaming of visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Acropolis in Athens, or some other tourist attraction, you should expect that many of these places may be operating at a reduced capacity, with specific mask or vaccination policies in place, limited opening hours, and more. So, if you’re planning a trip, be sure to check directly with the sites you want to visit when you arrive, so that you’re aware of any rules or limitations they have in place. 

Tip: Be sure to book reservations for restaurants and attractions as early as possible — with shorter opening hours and reduced capacities, booking activities and dining experiences in advance will help to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. 

7. Stay safe and always be aware of your surroundings 

Travelling in another country or even in another province that you’re unfamiliar with can be a fun adventure, but you should always put your own safety first and be sure to stay alert of your surroundings. For example, if you’re taking lots of photos and looking at a map or searching around with a confused look on your face (we all do this as tourists from time to time!), you may be unwittingly letting an unsavoury character know that you aren’t from the neighbourhood, making you an easy target for theft or worse… With that said, here are some more helpful tips to keep you safe while you travel. 

8. Practice COVID-19 prevention recommendations 

The Government of Canada has a list of excellent recommendations on its website for staying safe and helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on its website. Included are: 

• Getting vaccinated 
• Wearing a mask (that covers your mouth, nose, and chin) 
• Social distancing (staying 6+ feet away from others) 
• Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated areas 
• Washing hands often 
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow if you aren’t wearing a mask 
• Cleaning and disinfecting regularly (think hotel room light switches, phones, door handles, remotes, and more) 
• Monitoring your health daily  

Now that you’re armed with our top 8 things Canadians need to know before travelling over spring break, you should be well equipped to prepare for your spring break vacation, including staying safe, and healthy while you travel.

Content provided by TuGo, A Canadian Travel insurance provider and insurance partner of Allwest Insurance Services Ltd.

#Springbreak #Covid19 #Travel #Travelsafe #Stayinformed