Canadians anxious to travel south this winter face more complex travel restrictions
Now that the federal government is no longer advising against non-essential travel, more Canadians are thinking of taking a winter getaway down south.
Millions of Canadians put off their annual vacations to Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic last winter.
“I think people have been waiting a long time for travel to open up and people are excited to start dreaming about booking trips,” said Kaitlynn Furse, Director of Corporate Communications with CAA.
If you do decide to book a winter getaway, you'll want to do your research to have the proper documents, COVID-19 tests and travel and medical insurance so you don't get turned back at the airport.
“We just want to reinforce to travellers that you still need to be mindful of the risks of travelling internationally at this time," said Furse.
CAA said it's important to research the destination’s COVID-19 situation before booking to understand the type, timing and cost of COVID-19 tests thatmay be required, which can cost between $40 to $200 each.
Confirm your ticket's change, cancellation or refund policies in case of a disruption on your trip and buy travel insurance and understand what is covered.
Due to the pandemic, it's also recommended to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
"It's never been more important because things are so complex and ever changing, having a little more protection in case you do run into a problem can offer you more protection," said Furse.
Popular destinations for Canadians include Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) said many resorts are expecting Canadians tourists this winter.
"I know in speaking with tourist boards in the Caribbean, they are all preparing themselves for the influx of Canadians this winter," said Richard Smart, CEO of TICO.
TICO said that because of the added documentation, research and COVID-19 protocols to deal with, it advises that to avoid disappointment on a trip you should only deal with a registered TICO travel agent.
"It's now more important than ever for consumers to use a registered travel agency and travel advisor" said Smart.
You can find travel advice through TICO’s website.
Travellers are also advised to check between their booking and departure dates to make sure the pandemic has not changed or disrupted their travel plans.
You'll want to allow for extra time throughout the travel process and while some people like to "completely unplug" while on vacation, that's not recommended now as it’s best to monitor travel advisories in case something changes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.
DEVELOPING Israel says Hamas deal is 'far' from meeting its demands as Rafah offensive looms
Israel said the terms of a ceasefire deal Hamas accepted on Monday remained 'far from' meeting its demands and warned its military operations in Rafah would continue, even as it sent negotiators to talk to mediators.