Important Things to Know Before you Travel
At Style 4U Travel we go above and beyond in order to keep our travellers’ travel needs in check.
No matter how confident they feel, travellers should always read through my free collection of resources before going on any trips.
Review links and information on airports, packing, weather, destination news, and more!
Resources to help you navigate when travelling in Canada and Internationally
Emergency Assistance Abroad
Information & resources to assist you to manage emergency or crisis that may arise while you are abroad
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
We encourage you to register whether you are planning a vacation or living abroad.
Travel Advice and Advisories by Destination
Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada.
Airport Information
Airport information on hundreds of airports, including flight status & tracking, airport amenities, terminal maps, parking, layover ideas,
security information, and a wealth of information aimed at easing the burden of air travel.
COVID-19 and International Travel- updated Apr 2023
The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travellers to practise enhanced health precautions when travelling internationally.
COVID-19 continues to circulate in Canada and internationally. The COVID-19 situation at your destination can change rapidly and can vary considerably from one destination to another, and even between regions within a country.
Tips for Staying Safe While on Vacation
TRAVEL SAFETY APPS
Your cell phone may be the best safety tool you have when traveling if it is loaded with the right apps.
Here are 5 of the best travel safety apps available at the moment,
and the reasons you should load them onto your phone and get to know how they work before your next vacation.
SITATA which is focused on health and safety, the company behind this app monitors media sites worldwide for news on real-time events happening around the globe that can disrupt travel.
Their alerts are displayed on a map alongside additional information and “what to do” advice currently in over 200 countries. Neat feature - Sitata has a community board where travelers are permitted to write — and read — posts about their experiences on anything from a transportation tip to warnings about pickpockets.
In Case of Emergency or “ICE” is an app that stores important information for first responders and hospital staff to use in case of emergency. It stores a list of people to call – right from the app –
like Insurance information, doctor information, allergies, medical conditions, medications and any special instructions or other information you wish to provide. The app even works when the phone is locked, translating the information into 10 different languages.
TripWhistle Global SOS - Available in 196 countries, this free safety app has more than 70 emergency numbers. This is your international SOS assistance. No matter where you are, you can call the local emergency number just in case you need police, fire, or medical aid.
GeoSure Whether you’re planning your itinerary weeks or exploring a new city on a whim, be sure to check in with GeoSure before you go. This app rates 30,000 cities and neighbourhoods based on safety conditions, including violence, theft, human rights issues, etc. GeoSure even factors in the safety of those in marginalized communities and scores areas based on LGBTQ+ and women’s safety.
This one is worth downloading when researching new travel destinations.
bSafe shares your movements with loved ones and sends an alarm if you need help.
The alarm can be activated by voice, and once activated, it automatically records audio and video and sends them to your cell phones and your emergency contacts. bSafe also has a “Fake Call” feature and can send a friend an exact pickup location. bSafe is a great app, especially for solo travellers.
Having a Safe Vacation Begins at Home
Before leaving for your trip, inform your neighbour about your travel plans and request their assistance in watching over your property for any suspicious activity.
Secure your home by locking all windows and doors, including those leading to the garage or second-story windows.
To avoid indicating that nobody is at home, contact your carrier and the Post Office to suspend mail and newspaper delivery.
You can also ask a neighbour to take in the garbage bins.
Hire someone to tend to your yard work to keep up the appearance of your home. An unkempt lawn or unshoveled walkway can indicate that nobody is home.
Store all yard tools away, including ladders, rakes, and furniture, to prevent them from being used as tools for break-ins.
Avoid posting your travel plans on social media, as it can make your home more vulnerable to burglaries.
Drink Alcohol Responsibly
Alcohol is a major contributing factor of personal safety incidents on both Cruises & Resorts,
Be aware of your limits. There's alcohol aplenty and it's easy to get carried away,
be mindful of how much you're consuming.
Be aware of who buys you booze, and don't accept drinks from strangers.
However inebriated you are, don't accept a walk back to your room from a stranger.
Buddy Up
If you're a solo traveller, find a friend early on so you can watch out for each other.
You're also far less of a target when travelling in a pair than you are solo.
Don't advertise that you are travelling alone, and don't walk around solitary areas late at night.
If you are travelling with a friend, make sure you have a buddy system in place and plan to meet up at certain times.
Make copies of important documents.
You never know when you might need a copy of your passport, driver’s license or another form of identification.
Scan these documents to save online and print out several hard copies. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find proper documentation if you need to get home.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi
Don’t let the convenience of Internet access cloud your judgment.
When you use public Wi-Fi, hackers looking to steal valuable information, such as credit cards or Social Security numbers, can access your data.
If you do need wireless Internet service, set up a virtual private network (VPN) that will allow you to access the Internet securely while travelling.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
Don’t let your guard down to snap the perfect picture for your social media platforms.
Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, and use good judgment when talking to strangers.
A big part of the joy of travelling is the opportunities it affords to meet new people and learn about their cultures.
But if someone near you is acting suspiciously, or if you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.
Following these tips can help you travel safely, but the unexpected can always happen no matter how many precautions you take. Stay protected with Travel Insurance from Style 4U Travel, and get peace of mind wherever you go.