4 ways to prepare for your summer holiday travels

By Allan Britnell, Editor-in-Chief, News Canada

(NC) For many of us, one of the highlights of summer is going on vacation with our family. Whether that means hopping on a plane to visit an exotic new location or a staycation close to your own backyard, here are some tips on planning the perfect holiday.

How to save money for your holiday
The first step in planning a holiday is ensuring you have enough money to go on one. Consider opening a dedicated savings account for your vacation and use a pre-authorized transfer service to automate your savings. For example, if your anticipated trip will cost $4,000 and you have a year to save, you should consider setting aside $330 per month. You can use a money management tool, such as TD’s MySpend, to keep track of your spending.

td.com

How to stay safe on your next road trip
Before you head out, make sure your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date and your car is ready to face any weather conditions that may arise. You should also pack an emergency roadside kit that includes items like jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, matches and candles, bottled water, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit. Some insurance providers, including belairdirect, offer roadside assistance so you can get back on the road in no time if something goes wrong.

belairdirect.com

How to stay connected on the road
While we might dream of leaving the office behind, many of us find that even on holiday, we need to check in on work-related emails and messages periodically. And you’ll probably want to update friends and family with ongoing highlights from your adventure. So, staying connected while away is important. Canada’s telecom companies are investing in strong internet connectivity to check in whether you’re on a rural road or a secluded dock.

telus.com/network

How to seamlessly return from abroad
Returning from an overseas trip can be smooth and hassle-free with a few simple steps. First, complete your customs declaration form up to 72 hours before arriving at select Canadian airports. This can significantly speed up your processing time. It's also important to know what items you can and cannot bring back. Some souvenirs, like those made from endangered species, are prohibited. Food items, like pork products, are also banned to protect Canada’s pigs from African swine fever, a deadly pig virus.

canada.ca/cfia-travel-guide