Vacation Planning

Before hitting the highway, take your vehicle into an Approved Auto Repair Services facility for an inspection to confirm it is roadworthy. Make sure you check and read your owner’s manual for the proper maintenance of your vehicle.

Here is a basic checklist:

• Engine oil – level and condition.
• Transmission oil – level and condition.
• Power steering fluid – level and condition.
• Brake fluid – wear gloves and always wipe up any spills, as brake fluid is corrosive.
• Anti-freeze – proper mixture for all-seasons is 60/40 antifreeze /water.
• Windshield washer fluid level.
• Confirm all lights are working.
• Check tire condition and pressure including spare tire. Confirm that the jack and lug nut wrench are in vehicle.
• Check brakes are in good working order.
• Check all belts and hoses for wear/cracks.
• Check wiper blade operation and condition.
• First aid kit.
• Maps and CAA Triptiks.
• CAA membership card with the appropriate level of coverage. CAA Plus or CAA Plus RV is recommended.

Loading your car safely doesn’t mean stuffing everything into the trunk and hoping for the best. Proper loading requires careful planning and a lot of common sense.

Consider the following

• Can your vehicle handle the load?
• This is very important to consider, especially when pulling a trailer.
• If you’re not sure how much your vehicle can handle, ask your automotive technician for advice or consult the weight plate on your vehicle. It’s very important you refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations.
• Overloading can affect your car’s handling and stability and could damage your suspension.

Plan your packing

• You don’t want the kid’s toys and travel games underneath the luggage. Make the items you’ll need along the way easily accessible.
• If you own a vehicle like a station wagon or mini-van, make sure none of the items packed could become dangerous projectiles in the event of an abrupt stop or collision.
• Use tie-downs to secure heavy objects and a cargo net to prevent objects from becoming airborne. Visibility is essential – don’t overfill and limit the driver’s ability to see out of the windows.

Alternatives:

• If you have more luggage and passengers than can properly fit in your vehicle, consider towing a small travel trailer. Consider using a car-top carrier. It will alter your vehicle’s handling and fuel economy. Be careful around bends in the road and when taking sharper turns or driving in strong winds.
• If the two-door hatchback you own just isn’t going to handle everything, consider renting a larger vehicle for your trip. Contact AMA Travel Services for great car rental rates.

Passports

The Government of Canada recommends that Canadians travelling to any destination outside Canada carry a valid passport. Canadians must have a passport to enter the United States by June 1, 2009. Find out more information about border crossing requirements on the government’s website.

Even though a passport is not presently required for entry to the U.S. by land, it is mandatory if you travel on a cruise or continue your travel on to another country. Be sure to allow sufficient time to obtain a passport; due to high demands, it could take upwards of 10 weeks to process your application. Visit the government’s website for application information.

Once you have received your new passport, make two photocopies – leave one with a friend or relative and bring the second copy with you and carry it separately from your passport. It is also wise to leave a copy of your airline ticket, traveller’s cheque numbers, and trip itinerary with someone who would be accessible in case of an emergency.

Travelling outside of Canada

You are also required to bring proper documents to take a child into another country. Those documents include birth certificates showing the names of both parents and any legal documents pertaining to custody. If the child is travelling with one parent, a consent letter authorizing travel must be signed and dated by the other parent. If a child is travelling alone or without either parent, a consent letter authorizing travel must be signed and dated by both parents. Learn more about travelling with kids from the government’s website.

A permanent resident card (document that replaced the Record of Landing) is now required when returning to Canada via commercial carrier. Existing permanent residents must be in Canada to apply for this new document. Visit the government’s website for more information about obtaining a permanent resident card.

Travelling into the United States

Ask your travel agent or check with U.S. Customs for regulations about items that will not be allowed entry into the U.S. Know how to declare items, and what exemptions might be available to you as a traveller. Visit the government’s website for more information about travelling into the United States in a vehicle. Find out what restrictions there are for travelling into the United States on a plane.

Travel smart

Pack your baggage in a way that will make inspection easy.

Buy traveller’s cheques rather than carrying large amounts of cash.

Do not assume medications that are legal in Canada are also approved for use in the U.S. Prior to leaving verify that your medication will not violate U.S. drug laws.Travel with all your medications (only take the amount you require for your trip) in their original containers and pack them in your carry-on luggage. You may wish to have your doctor write you a back-up prescription and carry it with your documents.

If you are bringing gifts, travel with them unwrapped and ready for inspection.

Be alert at all times, keep your distance from luggage or packages left unattended and do not carry items for others. Never leave your own luggage unattended or in a stranger’s care. You are responsible for everything in your possession when you clear customs.

After consulting with your doctor, prepare a travel medical kit. What you put in the kit will depend on where you are going, how long you will be away and your personal medical needs.

Stress, excitement, or a change in diet can affect your health. Here are a few tips health experts recommend for travelling:

• Prevent dehydration and replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of bottled water.
• Be conservative when choosing what to eat and drink; eat fruits you have peeled yourself and foods that are well cooked and arrive hot.
• Don’t drink tap water or use ice cubes.
• Don’t eat undercooked vegetables, including salads.
• Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or other dairy products.
• Take along an over-the counter antidiarrheal medication.
• If you are not feeling well, decrease activity, get rest, and drink plenty of fluids.
• Consider using multi-symptom flu medication if needed.
• If you suffer from motion sickness, speak to your doctor about anti-motion sickness medications.
• Use inspect repellent – apply to your clothes and exposed skin.
• Always use a sunscreen with the correct sun protection factor for your colouring.
• Moderate your exposure to the sun, wear a hat and don’t overexert yourself.
• Carry your personal medical information card with you including:
• Your name and address.
• Emergency contact name and phone number.
• Blood type and drug allergies.
• List of current medications.
• Doctor’s name, address and phone number.

Severe weather conditions can occur suddenly in Canada. Environment Canada issues watches or warnings if conditions warrant. If you notice weather conditions deteriorating, stay tuned to the local radio or TV stations for updated storm information.

Watch: is an advisory only. Nothing may happen but a watch could develop into a warning.

Warning: means that severe weather is imminent. Take precautions and listen to your radio.

Tornadoes

• If there is a severe thunderstorm warning, it may include the phrase “Remember some severe thunderstorms can produce a tornado.” This is really the same as a tornado watch. It does not mean that there will be a tornado; it means that a tornado could develop.
• Tornado watch means that all the conditions that may produce a tornado are present. It does not mean that a tornado will occur.
• Tornado warning means that a tornado has touched down. If the warning is for the area where you live, take precautions immediately and listen to your radio for constant updates. A tornado warning is issued for a specific area through the media or through Alberta’s Emergency Public Warning System.
• If you are driving when you spot a funnel – drive away at a right angle from its direction of travel if possible. If you cannot escape the path of the funnel, get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a ditch or ravine. If you are caught away from your home in an urban area, seek shelter inside a sturdy building.
• Special caution should be taken when towing a trailer or driving a motorhome in strong winds (especially side winds) as driving and handling could be adversely affected. Take extra caution when the highway becomes wet or slippery.

Learn how to prepare an emergency kit for the home and vehicle.