Travel Smart – Travel with Peace of Mind
By Bonnie Hinschberger | December 10, 2025
Travel Smart, Travel Happy
With the busy winter travel season approaching, here are a few simple tips to help make your well-deserved vacation smooth and stress-free. Planning is part of the fun—and being prepared means you can relax and truly enjoy the journey.
Start with someone who knows travel best
One of the smartest decisions you can make is to book through an experienced local travel agency. Not only do they offer expert advice and one-stop convenience, but they’re also there to support you from early planning through your return home. If something unexpected arises (and it sometimes does!), having a trusted professional in your corner makes all the difference.
Stay organized from the start
Your phone can be your best travel companion. Create a folder in your Notes or Files app for flight details, itineraries, confirmations, and insurance—peace of mind right at your fingertips.
Before you go, check a few essentials:
· Travel Insurance: Confirm coverage for cancellation, medical emergencies, and luggage. Save a copy on your phone and leave one with an emergency contact.
· Passport: Ensure it’s valid for the required time and matches your booking details. Take a photo for backup.
· Visas/eTAs: Check early if your destination requires one.
· Health: Some countries require vaccinations or precautions. Book a Travel Clinic visit if needed.
· Medical details: Carry a small card or note with your emergency contact, doctor, medications, allergies, and insurance number—plus a photo saved to your phone.
Think ahead about logistics
Plan how you’ll get to the airport—whether arranging transportation, parking, or a nearby hotel. A small but smart tip: remove your garage door opener from your car before leaving it parked for an extended period.
Stay healthy and comfortable
Give yourself the best start by slowing your social calendar before travel and focusing on rest, good nutrition, and exercise. On the road, keep healthy habits: wash hands often, use
sanitizer when needed, and carry a mask if it helps you feel more comfortable in crowds. Bring a refillable water bottle and consider electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated. If tap water isn’t safe to drink, tie a colourful elastic around the faucet as a reminder not to use it for brushing your teeth.
Pack with purpose
Keep valuables close in a cross-body bag or money belt and pack a small waterproof daypack for excursions. A reusable shopping bag is handy for markets or groceries. Prepare an in-flight pouch with essentials—neck pillow, earbuds, wipes, toothbrush, gum, and reading glasses—so everything’s within reach once seated. Before checking your luggage, snap a quick photo of your bag and tag, just in case.
Make tech work for you
Use your phone to store hotel details, capture street signs, bookmark restaurants, and take photos of your journey. A wrist or lanyard-style strap helps keep it secure.
A few helpful travel apps to consider:
· eSIM: Stay connected without roaming fees.
· WhatsApp: Free calls and messages over Wi-Fi.
· XE Currency: Quick currency conversions.
· ArriveCAN (optional): Speeds up customs for returning Canadians.
And finally—enjoy the journey!
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing on travel day (belts and heavy layers can slow you down at security). Sit back, relax, and look forward to your adventure—knowing you’ve prepared well and can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Bonnie Hinschberger is Co-Founder and Tour Host of Broad Escapes – Tours for Women, a division of Ellison Travel & Tours. Proudly Canadian and family-owned, Ellison is a full-service travel agency and tour operator with offices here in London and Exeter, Ontario, and Vancouver, BC.
