For Canadians wanting to travel within their home country, there are many options to choose from. Renting a car or RV is easy and hassle-free, and train and bus routes make mass transit a very cost-effective way to travel. Travelers may also want to enjoy the gorgeous, scenic Trans-Canada highway. Canadians planning o travel inside Canada may also want to consider flight with an airline like Air Canada.
Canadians planning to travel outside of Canada, however, have to follow new rules and regulations that heightened security has created. As of late January, 2007, Canadians wishing to travel to the U.S. must provide a valid passport when traveling by air. This means that Canadians planning to travel to the U.S. must make sure they have up-to-date passports prior to departure. Bring another photo ID as well as your passport when flying.
Passengers traveling to the U.S. are also required to provide their full name, gender, citizenship, date of birth, and passport number – so be ready to provide this information upon request. Travelers must be able to provide this information upon check-in.
Canadians planning to travel to the U.S. must also be aware of the current security regulations in place in that country. For instance, most liquids, gels, and aerosols are now restricted to check-in baggage only. Any of these items that are in carry-on luggage must be in an amount that is less than three ounces, and all these items must be placed in a one-quart, zip-up plastic bag. Even medicinal creams and ointments (including insect repellent) are included in this regulation.
Small devices, such as cigar cutters, corkscrews, cuticle cutters, and eyeglass repair tools are allowed in carry-on luggage. Knitting needles are allowed, and knives are only allowed if they are extremely blunt (with no point) or made of plastic. Lip gloss and chap stick is also allowed.
Make-up items, like liquid foundation, hair spray, and perfume are allowed only if they are in containers that are 3 ounces or smaller. Nail clippers, polish, and files are all allowed. Safety razors are allowed. Toys for the children, even toy guns (that don’t discharge) are perfectly acceptable. Umbrellas and walking canes may also be brought on the plane.
Electronic devices are allowed on the plane at all times. Sporting equipment, self-defense items, and firearms are not allowed under any circumstances. Food and beverage items are not allowed except for beverages in a container that is three ounces or smaller, beverages purchased after security screening, baby formulas and food, and canned goods in a container that is three ounces or smaller.
Gel inserts, which people put in their shoes, are expressly not allowed on planes traveling to the States. Check with the airport before you leave to get the latest information on traveling to the U.S. Security regulations change intermittently.
For Canadians planning to travel to the UK, there are other security regulations to adhere to. In the UK, all liquids brought by plane must be in a plastic, resealable bag no larger than 8” x 8” at maximum. Security is currently heightened in the UK, and all baggage could be subject to inspection.
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Having travelled to over 40 countries around the world, Matt Reider started CanuckAbroad.com as a resource for finding cheap flights, travel advice, and information for expats abroad.
