TRAVEL IS BACK! MAKE YOUR NEXT GETAWAY A BREEZE

by Jennifer Gaskell Pink Palm Travel

Want to extend that carefree summer feeling but worried about the current travel landscape?

It’s no secret that these days even a quick getaway requires a fair bit of planning and a lot of patience. The good news? Here are some tips to make your next getaway a breeze.

Check your passport before you book There are significant delays with passport processing. Even I’ve been affected by this, so I know how stressful it can be!

Before you start looking at destinations, check your passport’s expiry date. This will relieve anxiety leading up to your getaway and you can relax. You’re not searching for it the night before you depart for paradise. Travel tip: Always ensure that your passport expires long after your planned return date— ideally, no shorter than six months before travel.

Consider packing only carry-on Save on checked baggage fees, skip the baggage carousel line and no stress about lost luggage!

Packing light will save time in the airport (just think—no baggage drop-off or pick-up!) and gives peace of mind knowing you have everything physically with you. Travel tip: Wear your bulkiest clothing on the flight and pack solid-coloured clothing to make the most of your wardrobe in destination.

Use airport fast-track service Save time and feel like a VIP! If you’re heading to Jamaica, consider using Club Mobay. Their arrival/ departure service have a price point of about $100 per person. You are escorted through private lines at security and customs and can end up in an exclusive lounge sipping a rum punch!

Make the most of every moment before returning to Canada in their all-inclusive departure lounge, complete with Red Stripe and beef patties.

Travel tip: Book this service early—it often sells out months in advance.

Pre-arrange private transportation from the airport Save time and get to your destination faster by booking private transportation to and from your accommodations. You can say buh-bye! to waiting, get to your resort faster. Travel tip: Find reputable transportation through referrals—ask family, friends or a travel advisor.

Use tech to your advantage Smartphones provide valuable tools. Store boarding passes or check-in online via the resort app. Travel tip: Before you leave home, download your airline and resort app and the ArriveCAN app.

Give yourself extra time—and patience Planning and building buffer time into your schedule is essential. Travel tip: Book the first flight in the morning.

Protect your trip Purchase trip insurance if you have a lot of money invested in your getaway.

Most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and more. Not only that, but 24-hour assistance services can be included to help the traveller with emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, and assistance with replacing lost travel documents. Travel tip: If you’re a frequent traveller, consider multi-trip insurance plans for the best value.

Now…go plan that getaway With the proper planning, you can enjoy your getaway. Most importantly, have fun and be safe.

Bon Voyage!

Jennifer Gaskell is a Peterborough resident and a home-based travel advisor. Her agency, Pink Palm Travel, specializes in Caribbean travel for solo travellers, couples and families.