LG Planning Packing Tips

T
here’s a few
great reasons
why We Know
Travel Best. Whether
an intrepid traveller
or taking your first
trip, travel benefits
best when using tips
Packing Tips
from others, such as
taking this addition
ith increased baggage restrictions and
to our Inside Scoop
as you’re usually responsible for your
series, packed with luggage, remember the main packing rule: “When
essential and helpful in doubt, leave it out.” Whether toiletries (most
hotels supply shampoo, conditioner and body
information.
LeGrow’s Travel Inside Scoop
Packing Checklist
Also see the document checklist on
the overleaf/pg2 and refer to:
www.legrowstravel.ca/uploads/MTLG_PackingChecklist.pdf
W
travel: delighting in
the spirit of adventure ●
a vacation from home to
explore places that are
not your home ● knowing
life is different there and
knowing this is a point of
travel ● enjoying the
journey, not just the
destination ● a privilege
best used with patience,
humour and curiosity
● fun ● coming home
with great tales to tell ●
Your Counsellor
Our knowledge and experience
helps turn dreams into first-rate
vacations. Ask your counsellor
about any details, including:
• booking destination events
& activities in advance,
• the best insurance for your
travelling needs,
• security, health & weather
alerts (don’t panic!).
LG GP 2012
See over/pg2...
lotion), hair dryers or towels (hotels supply these),
remember the rule. In preparing for your trip,
follow these tips:
• Beforehand, check your itineraries for your
seat assignments and make any changes you
need. If you did not add your frequent flyer
number to your reservation, add it now.
• Check if the flight offers meal service (some
charters, international): if you require a special
meal such as vegan or Kosher, book it at
least 48 hours in advance. Also request any
essential special needs in advance such as
wheelchair service or gate assistance for
passengers with disabilities.
• It’s wise to book hotel/car rentals in advance—
you don’t want to arrive somewhere and start
searching for lodging or transportation
• Prior to your trip, read through the general
information sections for passports, visas,
insurance and travel documents.
• Give your itinerary and contact information
to family/friends at home.
• When going to a sunny locale (everywhere at
some point, even winter glare) take a doubleduty high SPF and moisturizer.
Unless your family can share a large
tube of toothpaste (pack in checked
luggage) take small travel sizes.
• For minimal packing (and carrying or
dragging), plan to mix and match
your clothes. Most airlines charge
for a second checked bag.
• The day before you leave, check
official tourism websites of the areas
you’ll visit for the weather forecast.
credit cards/cash in fanny pack
prescriptions (medication & glasses)
extra glasses, contact lens/solutions
deodorant, cosmetics, hair brush/comb
allergy eye drops/pills, lip balm
razor, shaving soap
facial tissues, personal hygiene items
toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
small first aid kit/bandages, anti-itch
cream, anti-nausea pills, antiseptic cream,
(do you need malaria pills?)
vitamins, pain relief medication
swimsuit, pareo wrap, sweater, hat
phone/SIM card, camera/memory cards,
charger, adapter, calling card
sandals/flip flops, running shoes
weather/waterproof jacket
pen/notebook, maps, guidebook
contracts for vacation home rentals
gifts left unwrapped for security review
(take wrapping paper separately)
Your sense of adventure & humour!
• Do not pack valuables such as money, car keys, documents and medications in your checked bags.
Always put important items in your carry-on bag. And lose the jewels before you leave—leave
any good stuff like your Grandmother’s ring and your gold watch at home.
• We strongly suggest you invest in LeGrow’s Travel medical and cancellation/interruption insurance
to help cover any unanticipated glitches.
And remember, it’s your trip and your vacation and there’s not really a “wrong” way to take it—
go at the pace that feels comfortable. If you want to sip coffee at a café for hours, go for it.
Document
Checklist
Check with your airline
Planning Tips
ith new tracking systems, very
1) Always keep your passport current.
very few checked bags are
It’s not just a lovely fantasy that a trip
could drop a trip in your lap—we’ve
valid passport for each person, visas delayed or lost but put your airline’s
baggage
tag
on
the
outside
with
your
had clients win trips and have to rush
copies: passport ID, travellers
phone
numbers,
destination
and
contact
to another country because of family
cheques, credit card info, ABM card
information inside each bag. With increased
illness. If you always renew your
extra baggage tags for inside and
security, you might have to open luggage so passport six months prior to its expiry
outside luggage with contact info
have your key ready or use a TSA-approved date, you won’t have extra hassles.
copies of insurance card/policies:
See www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx.
lock (logo of a torch that signifies screeners
read fine print in advance
to use TSA-supplied keys). If your lock is
not so approved, the lock may get cut open 2) Different airports in other countries
driver’s license, car rental info,
have different security protocols—it
in a spot check or to remove a restricted
CAA card
might not make sense but accept all
item (such as a lighter). If so, they’ll place a
hotel & transport vouchers, etickets,
security protocols. Some ask you to
card inside your bag to inform you.
reservation numbers, frequent flyer
remove shoes (wear socks) to put in
For carry-on restrictions see the
cards
a
bin that goes through screening and
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's
some
don’t (shoes that don’t have
itinerary and contact information to
website (www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca) and
metal).
Watch those a few ahead of
your home contacts
check the parameters for bringing items
you
for
clues. Before getting in line,
if a solo parent, notarized letter from
back into Canada such as alcohol, tobacco
have
your
boarding pass for security
other parent allowing child to travel
and restricted items.
and metal/coins out of your pockets.
Tip: Check your departing airport’s website for helpful hints and travel alerts. As
3) Get cancellation/interruption and
well as posing of flight status and delays, many airports post weather updates,
medical insurance (Cuba requires
general information for travellers, and tips to help them navigate around that airport.
proof before you enter the country).
In an emergency, the last thing you
want is to lose deposits or be airlifted
home with a $25,000 bill (who knew
insurance can cover being unable to
travel if subpoenaed as a witness or
a job loss?). Don’t buy extra insurance
Getting Connected
at car rental counters; talk with your
counsellor before you go.
f you’re a gadget guru, great… before you go, snap photos of documents, and
load maps and destination info on your phone or device (and remember to pack
4) If you’re travelling with a child(ren),
SIM cards, batteries, chargers and adapters,etc.).
read our SOLO PARENTS Inside
Find an Internet café to email if you want to stay in touch at home, but also
Scoop for handy tips, e.g. taking
surf for updated local offerings and pick up a local newspaper or event guide. Don’t
photos and items with you (and why).
just rely on the device (possible connectivity issues, charges); bring a guidebook and
If you are travelling to a Spanisha great map, perhaps those suggested by your counsellor.
speaking country, take our SPANISH
Inside Scoop with you, packed with
Going on adventures?
terms that will be handy to use.
f you’re planning on going on adventures or excursions at your destination, talk
with your counsellor as the more you book from home, the less cash you’ll need
5) Pack sharp objects such as scissors
on site and you can budget in advance. Also, booking in advance guarantees you
in checked luggage, as well as any
spots with reputable tour companies that we’ve already checked out.
liquids or lotions more than 3.5oz/
If you plan to go on active adventures, more than say a sunset cruise (some call
100ml. For liquid and lotions 100ml or
that extreme or risky) make sure your insurance covers such activities. For example,
less, put in a 1 litre resealable plastic
underwater activities involving self-contained underwater breathing apparatus are not
bag, usually available at security.
covered unless you hold an open water diving certificate. Many people assume that
Prescription medicine and baby forbecause they’re signing up to be “certified” at a destination they’ll be insured, but
mula/pumped breast milk is allowed
that’s not true. Before going on vacation, prepare—take the world’s Professional
for a travelling child under 2yrs. Check
Association of Diving Instructors open water diver course (www.padi.com) available
with your counsellor for any special
at your local diving training centre.
health precautions.
W
I
I
Canadian citizens: Our government has
260 “Canadian Offices Abroad” in 150+
countries. Get contact information for the
countries you’ll visit: www.international.
gc.ca. In an emergency: in North America
call Foreign Affairs at 1-888-949-9993.
Outside, call Foreign Affairs at 613-9968885 (collect if needed), email at
[email protected].
Our 24/7 Emergency Service
We constantly survey airlines, local tour companies and hotels to ensure
they meet our customer service standards, so don’t let a problem ruin your
holiday. Nearly all issues can be handled quickly on site—first seek help
from the venue’s local staff. Otherwise, call our Emergency Travel Service
at 1-888-551-1181.
www.legrowstravel.ca
Deposits are non-refundable & non-transferrable. Schedule changes can
occur and airlines and tour operators have the right to change flight and/or
tour times, alter, combine services or substitute accommodations. Your counsellor will work with you to ensure you receive
information as soon as possible and ensure satisfaction. For details, see your brochure and ticket terms and conditions.