While travelling, stay in contact

A sudden death in the family or a serious accident can happen when you’re far from home. That’s why it’s important that your loved ones can always find you wherever you are, and vice versa.

Before leaving, give a detailed copy of your itinerary to someone close to you, as well as the address and numbers of your travel organizer and the hotels where you’ll be staying, so that they will be able contact you quickly in case of emergency. Don’t forget to pack a copy of the identification page of your passport and to leave another with someone at home. This will make things easier if you ever happen to lose your passport in a foreign land.

The Internet is an inexpensive way to stay in contact. You can find Internet cafés in most cities, and major hotels usually provide Internet service. If you travel with your laptop, you can communicate with your friends and family in your hotel room. Cell phones and Blackberries are also ways of staying connected: find out about the various kinds of packages that you can buy before leaving.

Do you take medication? If so, make sure you bring along enough to last awhile, just in case your trip ends later than expected. It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of the prescription bearing the trade names of your medication; this will be very helpful in case of loss or theft. If you take medication that is sold over the counter in Canada, find out before you leave if it is sold legally in the country you’re going to. Also, take along the name and address of your doctor as well as that of your pharmacist.

Above all, do not leave without some good supplementary health insurance, since anything can happen, such as a sudden illness, a heart attack or an accident. In such cases, your Quebec health care will not be enough. You would be reimbursed only a little – scarcely enough to pay for a doctor’s visit.

Most insurers advise taking out an insurance package that covers health care, baggage protection (loss, theft or lateness) and trip cancellation or interruption. Before leaving, take the time to read all about your coverage on your policy.

Do not hesitate to ask your insurer questions. Include a copy of the policy with your luggage as well as the emergency and assistance phone numbers, and leave this phone number with your family, too.

Canada provides consular services to Canadians abroad through its 270 offices located in over 180 countries. These services are available any time of day and night. You will find a list of these offices at www.travel.gc.ca. Before leaving, take down the address and phone number of the office nearest the place where you’ll be staying, and keep them at hand throughout the entire length of your trip. If you find you cannot get in touch with one of these offices, call the Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613 996-8885 (collect calls are accepted). And don’t forget to leave this number with your family, too.

Last, if you plan on staying in a country for more than three months, or in areas at risk, it is recommended that before leaving you register with the Canadian Government that is nearest the place you’ll be staying.

Original article by Sylvie Ruel
Translated by John Woolfrey

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