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
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
Israel says Hamas attacks a crossing point into Gaza, wounding 10 Israelis and forcing its closure
Hamas militants on Sunday attacked Israel's main crossing point for delivering humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, reportedly wounding several Israelis and prompting Israel to close the terminal.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Netanyahu's Cabinet votes to close Al Jazeera offices in Israel after rising tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his government has voted unanimously to shut down the local offices of Qatar-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera, escalating Israel's long-running feud with the channel at a time when cease-fire negotiations with Hamas — mediated by Qatar — are gaining steam.
King Charles III’s openness about cancer has helped him connect with people in year after coronation
King Charles III's decision to be open about his cancer diagnosis has helped the new monarch connect with the people of Britain and strengthened the monarchy in the year since his dazzling coronation at Westminster Abbey.