7 pro travel tips average travellers may not know

Retired or not, travel is a popular activity. Whether travelling in Canada or overseas, getting help from a travel expert can make the experience more enjoyable. We asked our travel partner, Merit Travel, to share some top tips for planning an unforgettable trip free of unwanted surprises.

Expert tips for travel planning

Low-cost airline flights may cost more in the long run

It’s often a lot less expensive to pay more for your airline tickets when you first purchase them than to pay for seat selection and checked bags as add-ons afterward. Make sure you know what you’re buying because it might not be the final bill!

Even if your passport hasn’t expired, it may not be valid everywhere

It’s a good idea to ensure your passport’s expiry date is at least six months beyond your return travel date. Most countries require your passport to be anywhere from three to six months from its expiry date.

Your name on the ticket must match your passport exactly

You can be refused boarding with any airline to any destination if your name is not printed on your airline ticket exactly as it is shown on your passport. Triple-check this detail!

Add a buffer day when cruising

If your flight is delayed and you don’t arrive at your cruise port in time, you may need to catch up at your own expense. Plan to arrive at least one day before your ship is due to sail.

Make sure you’re covered for cancellations, interruptions and out-of-province/country medical

Trip cancellation & interruption insurance and out-of-country medical coverage could save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. Learn about common mistakes people make when choosing travel insurance coverage.

You can prepay expenses in Canadian dollars before travelling

When you work with a travel advisor, you can prepay transfers, excursions, local trips and even special dinners out before you travel, all in Canadian dollars. Having this all taken care of ahead of time means you can carry less money and don’t need to worry about these details while enjoying your trip.

Merit Travel has been a preferred travel partner since 2006. Their knowledgeable travel experts regularly provide our members with the best vacation planning tools for the most unique travel experiences. They offer member-only discounts on everything from car rentals and hotels to vacation packages and cruises. Learn about benefits for members.