FAQ’s

Sun, escape, voyage ...

Do I need insurance when travelling outside of Canada?

 

Ø Yes, it is strongly suggested that everyone be insured when travelling outside of Canada for many reasons, such as, an accident and/or an illness and death. Speak with your representative about the insurance that is right for you.

 

Do I need cancellation insurance?

 

Ø The reason why we offer cancellation insurance is because we never know what life is going throw our way. Here is an examples: You book your family vacation 4-months in advance to be sure that you get exactly what you want. You’ve invested a good amount of money for a vacation that is well needed, however two weeks prior to departure you or another member of your family becomes ill and therefore you are no longer able to travel and so you must cancel. Unfortunately your vacation is non-refundable and so you loose your money unless you are insured.

 

Do I need to be vaccinated when travelling outside of Canada?

 

Ø Not necessarily, however when travelling to tropical countries, such as, the Caribbean, Mexico, South America or countries such as Africa, India, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, etc… it is important to visit your doctor and get the appropriate vaccinations. Your doctor will advise you as to what you will need in conjunction with your destination or go to: http://www.santevoyage.gc.ca/index-eng.php

 

Do I need a passport to travel outside of Canada or any other form of identity?

 

Ø Yes, it is now mandatory to have your passport with you when travelling outside of Canada. Also, keep one photocopy of your passport at home, on you and in your luggage. If you do not have a passport or need to renew one go to:  http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng

Ø     Birth certificate

  Ø     Medicare card (assurance maladie)

  Ø     Travel documents (airplane tickets, all the information pertaining to your destinations and

                 hotel vouchers etc...)

 

When travelling outside of Canada it is the responsibility of each passenger to have the proper documents (proof of citizenship) on hand. The passport is the most secure form of identification when travelling, without it, Vacance SEV International cannot be held responsible if a passenger is not allowed entry into another country. Furthermore, there are no refunds should such a thing happen.

 

How much time do I need to be at the airport prior to my flight?

 

Ø For National flights, airlines suggest that you be at the airport 1-hour prior to flight to register. 

Ø For International flights, airlines suggest that you be at the airport 3-hours prior to flight to register.

 

With the new airport security rules, what am I permitted to bring in my carry on bag in the aircraft?

 

Ø It is best to check the web site of each individual airline, for the rules vary from one airline to another. However here are a few helpful ideas:

 

1) Do not pack any sharp objects in your hand bag or carry on bag, such as; tweezers, trimming scissors, pocket knifes, sharp objects that may be on your key chain.

2) Do not pack containers with more than 4 oz of liquid in your carry on.

3) Do not pack aerosol sprays in your hand bag or carry on bag.

4) The airline will likely ask you to place all your liquid items and some cosmetics, such a

     mascara, foundation etc.. into a small plastic bag when going through security.

 

How should I dress when travelling in the winter to a warmer climate?

 

Ø We suggest leaving your winters coats and boots in your vehicle or in a locker at the airport.

Ø Dress in casual, comfortable clothes, such as; jeans and a shirt or blouse and do the same upon your return home. Avoid wearing nylon or synthetic clothing.

 

What should I pack when travelling to a warmer climate?

 

Ø Definitely pack your bathing suit, sunglasses and sun hat!! Bring enough clothes for the number of days you will be there because having your laundry done in most tropical/European countries is very expensive. Although you will likely spend most of your time in your bathing suit and wrap, it’s better to have what you need, than go without. So if you are leaving for 8 days/7 nights, pack the following:

 

· Sweater

· Bathing suit & wrap

· Under garments

· Pyjama’s

· Shorts

· Light pants

· Skirts

· T-shirts

· Shirts

· Dress or light suit for that special evening out!

· Walking shoes for visits

· Sandals for the beach

· One pair of dress shoes

 

Ø Pack your toiletries in your suit case and bring what you will need because odds are you may not find the product you use at home in the country your visiting.

 

· Sunscreen with a minimum 45 spf (where at all times, even when cloudy!)

· Brush or comb

· Shampoo & Soap

· Shaving cream & Rasor

· Tooth brush & toothpaste

· Toe nail clipper

· Kleenex

· Medication that you may require

· Medication for anti-malaria (for certain destinations) 

· Gravol or similar

· Tylenol or aspirin

· Bug repellent

 

Ø Most hotels provide towels, so it’s usually not necessary to bring your own. However be sure, ask your travel agent to verify for you.

 

What should I bring with me for the duration of the flight?

 

  Ø A small carry on bag is ideal to place of your things in and keep important items such as

               your  travel documents and medications (in case your luggage is lost).   

Ø It’s always a good idea to have a motion sickness product, such as Gravol on hand, for the flight as well as for any visits you may do that involved boating and long distance driving. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications, including Gravol.

Ø A few magazines and/or a good book is an excellent way to pass a few hours and if you are travelling with children bring along a few books they will enjoy, along with a colouring book with crayons and their favourite stuffed animal.

Ø Generally the aircraft is kept cool, so it’s an idea to have a sweater on hand.

 

How much money should I have on hand?

 

Ø It’s a good idea to have some local currency of the country where you will be travelling to on hand. You can change your money at any bank here or change some money at the airport prior to your departure. We suggest you keep a limited amount of cash on you for safety reasons, for example no more than 100$ at a time. Traveller’s cheques are also another good option. In most places throughout the world, unless you are travelling in extremely remote areas, there are banks and bank machines where you can get money with your debit card and/or credit card. Keep in mind that the amount on your debit or credit card receipt will be indicated in the local currency, so don’t think you have stuck it rich when there is a balance of a few hundred thousand in your account!

 

How much am I suppose to tip?

 

Ø In hotels and restaurants the tips are generally the same as here, which is 15%.

Ø 2$ a day is usually the norm for your maid (housekeeping).

Ø 1$ or 2$, per person is the usual tip for bus driver’s, tour guides and luggage handlers.

 

Do not become overwhelmed with the tipping process, give what you can afford and feel comfortable with, it will not reflect on the service you receive, it is simply an appreciated gesture on your behalf.

 

Where do I book the visits/attractions that I would like to do?

 

Ø Speak with your representative because some visits and attractions should be booked in advance, while other can be done on site through the hotel and/or wholesaler.

 

All-inclusive packages, how do they work?

 

Ø The all-inclusive packages are usually the most advantageous way to travel, especially for families. These packages include the round trip flight, shuttle to and from airport on location, accommodations, meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages, as well as regular drinks.

Ø There are other packages which only include certain meals and drinks so it is important to understand exactly what you are getting and therefore best to speak with your travel agent.

 

Are last minute deals a good thing?

 

Ø Yes, last minute deals are an excellent way to take advantage of a great vacation for a lot less! The last minute deals are offered to fill up the few spaces that otherwise did not sell at regular prices. If you are flexible in your travel dates, there are some amazing specials where you can sometimes pay less than half the regular price and still get all the advantages of full price.

Ø The only thing you have to be careful of when shopping for last minute deals is that they come and go very quickly, so if you have a deal in hand it is wise to book it quickly before there is no more place.

 

How much are we permitted to bring back, such as gifts, souvenirs and alcohol?

 

Ø It depends on the length of your vacation, normally you are permitted to bring back gifts/souvenirs for a total value of 350$ per person for a 7/8 days excursion, with a limit of two bottles of alcohol per adult.

 

For more information visit: http://www.beaware.gc.ca/english/questione.shtml

Vacance SEV International

(A Voyacar divsion)

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