Travel Tools

Online Resource Centre

Visas and Passports
Canadian Passport Application
Airport and Airline Sites
Destination Information
Travel Maps
Miscellaneous Tools
International Driving Permits
Security Tips
Baggage Tips
Damaged Luggage
Embassies
Travel Scams

For additional assistance the following resources have been compiled. Advantage InTravel is not an agent for nor favour any of the sites provided.

Chances are, you will need a passport for your holiday. If you don't have one, leave plenty of time to get one because you don't want this type of last minute hassle. In Canada, you can access the Canadian Passport Office web site at www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport/menu.asp.

In the US, you can access the American Passport Service web site at http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. To locate embassies worldwide, click our list below. For Visa information, it is recommended that you contact the official government site of your destination country, or talk to your local travel agent.

Canadian Passport Application

Download an application form for a Canadian Passport

Airport and Airline Sites:

Airline and airport web sites Searchable links to airline and airport web sites. Airport and city codes This is a big help if you're booking on-line. You can enter the city and it will return the 3 letter airport code.

Destination Information:

Destination Guide Get information about the city you plan to visit Lonely Planet Excellent source for information Online Travel Magazines List of online travel magazines World Time Server Times and time zones from World Time Server.

Travel Maps:

Maps are a great way to get acquainted with a country and its cities. Refer to an atlas or check on-line for maps and quick facts about your destination.

Mapquest: Mapquest for maps and driving directions worldwide
Metro Planet: Subway and Metro maps around the world.
Yahoo! Maps: Maps and driving directions for Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and United States
Google Maps: Google Maps for driving directions worldwide, including satellite imagery

International Driving Permits:

In order to drive in other countries, it may be necessary to obtain an International Driver's Permit. In some countries, your foreign driver's license is valid for a certain number of days, and then becomes invalid. For information about International licenses, contact your national Automobile Association. In Canada, contact CAA (the Canadian Automobile Association), and in the US, contact AAA (the American Automobile Association). Otherwise, talk to your local travel agent to find out if you will require an International Driving Permit.

CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) Canadian Automobile Association is authorized to issue the International Driving Permit (IDP) relating to this convention by the Canadian Federal and Provincial Governments.

AAA (American Automobile Association)

Canada Customs Duty Free Allowances

You will be allowed to bring items, including clothing (of course), camping equipment, sports equipment, cameras, laptop computers, etc., for your own use.

You can also bring up to 1.5 litres of wine, 1.14 litres of liquor or 24 cans or bottles of beer, and 200 cigarettes, as long at you’re old enough. That’s 18 or 19 depending on the province you’re crossing into.

LOOK OUT...TRAVEL SCAMS!

These Travel Scams are brought to you by the CITC:

Each Scam Watch feature is taken from Scam Watch Volumes One and Two. Scam Watch Volumes One and Two are written and copyrighted by the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors of Ontario, a non-profit membership organization for travel professionals throughout the province.

Travel Scam # 1 - Do you mind if I photocopy your credit card?

You enter a bank to cash a travelers cheque. You show your passport as identification. The teller explains that in his/her mind, the signature on the travelers cheques doesn't match the passport. They ask if you have a credit card – which you show them. The teller explains that they must make a photocopy of your card and attach it to the travelers cheque or else the bank won't accept the signature on the cheque. You agree. You get your money. A few weeks later you see a number of charges on your card that you are certain you did not make. How did they get there?

Comments: There could indeed be a visual discrepancy between your travelers cheque signature and your passport, depending on when you signed your passport (i.e. how many years before) or if you happened to be excited or nervous on the day you wrote your signature. However there are other kinds of identification with a signature that you could easily show the bank; everything to a driver's license to a library card to a membership card. If the teller insists on seeing a major credit card, do not allow the teller to take the card out of your sight. If they insist on taking a photocopy, ask to see the manager. If they still insist, and you definitely want to cash you money at this bank, then get the manager's business card or have him write down his name and a note that he has taken a photocopy of your credit card. This may at least discourage any thought of illegal activities by the bank.

Steve Gillick

The booklets may be purchased directly from the Institute as a package for $6.00, which includes Volumes One & Two, as well as GST and Mailing charges. Please forward a cheque, payable to CITC-ONTARIO, to 55 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 209, Toronto, ON, M4P 1G8, Canada. For more information, click HERE to get to their website.

Security Tips

Always use common sense when traveling. Listen to your instincts.
Have a relative or friend pick up your mail/newspapers for you.
Dress conservatively. Don't wear flashy jewelry or clothing. Try not to advertise the fact that you are a tourist.
Do not put your home address on your luggage tags on the outside of your case, rather use a business address or use luggage tags that conceal your personal information.
Never leave your bags or belongings unattended. A few seconds is all a thief needs.
Keep your suitcases locked except when checking your baggage on the airlines. You can use plastic ties or inexpensive disposable plastic locks (New regulations recommend you do not lock your bags as they may be screened by security).
Always keep all valuables with you at all times (Cash, passport, travelers checks etc.)
Use a money belt/pouch hidden under your clothing to deter pick pockets.
When making large purchases use a credit card. The credit card company can work on your behalf should a problem arise later.
Use traveler's checks and credit cards as much as possible. Avoid carrying large sums of money
Don't put anything in checked baggage that you would truly hate to lose. (Valuables, film, photos etc.)
Be careful if you travel with a laptop computer. Keep an especially close eye upon it.
When going through security checkpoints at airports be sure to keep one eye upon your bags. It's easy to get distracted at this time
Carry a copy of your itinerary in your luggage as well as identification. This increases the likelihood that your bag will get back to you if it is lost.
Always carry a photocopy of your passport including any visa pages. This makes the re-issue process much easier.
Be an informed traveler by keeping up on current events in the part of the world you are traveling to. A great source of information is our list of TRAVEL ADVISORY web site.
Check to see if you require immunizations for the country you are visiting
Food and Water. Use your discretion in high risk areas. Bottled water or bottled drinks without ice may be advisable. Use your judgment when eating. Cooked foods are generally safer than raw or uncooked selections.
Know the value of your money in foreign currencies. Double check when paying for an item and receiving change.

Remember, don't let fear spoil your trip. The majority of travelers will never experience a problem.

Baggage Tips:

Prepare before you go! Handy Packing Tips

Pack in advance. Waiting until the last minute increases the chance that you will forget something
Don't over-pack. Many people tend to take far more items than are necessary.
Pack with confidence
With each item, ask yourself "do I really need this?"
Pack complimentary clothes that can be used in combination to make different outfits
If possible, pack a change of clothing in your carry-on bag should your checked baggage be delayed or lost
If traveling with a companion pack an outfit in each other's suitcase. If both bags are delayed at least you can say you tried your best.
Bring a raincoat. A travel raincoat takes up very little space and can be a lifesaver....should it rain of course
Pack clothing that requires little care (Wrinkle free, cotton-knit etc.)
Try to visualize the type of clothing your will require based upon your destination. (Warm or cold climate? Events you will attend. etc.)
Bring mini-bottles or sample sizes of toiletries to conserve weight and space
Small packets of laundry detergent can allow you to do your own laundry while traveling
Wrap toiletries and breakable items in Ziplok type bags or use leak-proof plastic containers
Pack heavy items such as shoes at the bottom of your case. Try to limit yourself to no more than two pair of shoes. Put your shoes in bags to prevent soiling to other items. Pack small items such as socks inside the shoes. Wear your largest or heaviest pair on your journey.
You can roll items that do not wrinkle
New plastic packing bags can help conserve space. Bulky items are compressed within these bags
Pack a collapsible bag in your case to carry purchased items or souvenirs
Bring a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription in the event you need to obtain a replacement
Film: Kodak® has advised that passengers should not put film in checked baggage as the high-intensity screening machines could damage film. Most carry-on screeners pose no threat to consumer film.
Put dresses, shirts, suits in plastic bags to cut down on wrinkling.
Pack small breakable items between your soft clothing and away from the outside of the case
If you are traveling between multiple points pack your next change of clothing on the top of your suitcase so you don't have to dig through the entire case

Damaged Luggage

When traveling via an Airline it is possible your luggage may be damaged in some way. In the past, generally speaking, airlines have paid for repairs to most types of damage to luggage. Today things are changing and airlines are becoming stricter in enforcing the policies regarding the types of damage they are responsible for.

Things airlines will not cover include: normal wear and tear/minor cuts, scratches, dents, or soiling/loss or damage to parts protruding from the case (e.g. wheels, feet, pull-handles, flaps, pull-straps)/damage resulting from oversized or over-packed bags/manufacturer defects
Many airlines will not cover damage to wheels and outside handles (including the pull out handle systems found on most new suitcases today)
Airline personnel are not always uniform in enforcing their baggage damage policies. It is best to check over your baggage upon pickup and make a claim with the airline immediately with regard to any damage you may notice.
Most airlines will not accept damage claims unless they are made within a reasonable time frame (usually within 48hrs)
Airlines have greatly improved upon the ways in which they handle passenger luggage in recent years. The majority of damage occurs with poorly constructed bags which literally break, tear, and fall apart through normal usage and handling.
It is more important than ever to select quality luggage.

EMBASSIES AND VISAS:

Australian Embassies
A comprehensive list of Australian embassies sorted by country, economy and organization.
Australian High Commission in Canada
Visa Information for Canadian citizens looking to go to Australia.
Canadian Consular Affairs A to Z
Travel reports, warnings, and requirements designed for Canadian travelers.
DIMA Visa Information
Information about a multitude of visas from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs within the Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C.
Diplomatic Representation within Australia The guide to foreign diplomatic representation within Australia.
Embassy World
Searchable database of worldwide embassies.
Extended Stay In the USA
Explains the difference between a visa and extension of stay in the USA.
Foreign Entry Requirements for US Citizens
From the US Department of State, a comprehensive list for US citizens traveling abroad.
Foreign Office London Diplomatic List
You'll need to navigate to this list of of all the representatives of foreign states and Commonwealth countries in London. To do so, use the drop down menu and select "Foreign Missions In London."
French Embassies and Representation
French embassies and consulates around the world.
Myanmar Visa Online
Online visa application for Burma.
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory
Searchable database of official government tourism offices, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce and similar agencies.
The Electronic Embassy:Online Listings of embassies with a presence mainly in the USA.
The Embassy Page: The Embassy Page has a fairly good hotlink listing of embassies and consulates around the world.
UK Overseas Missions
You'll need to navigate to this list of of all the representatives of foreign states and Commonwealth countries in London. To do so, use the drop down menu and select "UK Overseas Missions."
UK Visas Find out here if you need a visa to visit the UK and how to apply for one if you do.
US Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
Comprehensive List of, well, US Embassies and Consulates Worldwide.
Visa Requirement Information for Australians
If you're an Australian citizen concerned about visas, check this site for information.
Working Holiday Visas-Australia
Information about the WHM Visa Subclass 417, which allows certain young people to work & holiday in Australia.

Advantage InTravel is not an agent for or favour any of the sites provided.

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