If you live in Canada or the USA, you’ve probably visited the neighboring country at least once in your lifetime. And if you still haven’t, it’s highly likely that this trip has been on your list for some time now. And this is only natural. Canada and the USA are just a border away and millions of people travel between the countries on a yearly basis. They both have so much to offer in terms of nature, astonishing sights, cultural riches, and fun activities. So if you’re planning a family trip between Canada and the U.S., we highly support you.
In fact, to help you travel smarter and avoid making any mistakes along the way, we’ve prepared an article with some useful information you could use. After all, traveling with the family is often demanding when it comes to preparation and organization. To avoid any conflicts, delays, or wasted time and money, you’ll want to make sure you’ve taken measures to turn this journey into a fun adventure for all participants.
So let’s see what you can do to achieve this. We’ll show you some of the basics that you must be aware of in order to travel safely, conveniently, and without any unexpected situations.
Plan ahead
For starters, we highly recommend planning ahead of your journey, allowing yourself enough time to research and organize everything that you need. And what will you need? Well, you’ll definitely have to consider documentation that will be required when passing the border, what route you want to take, where you want to go, and so much more. Let’s segment these down into separate points.
Passing the border
First, you’ll need to pass the border in order to enter your destination country. Canada and the USA have different requirements when it comes to allowing non-citizens into their territory. Make sure you’ve done your research and you know exactly what type of documentation you need to present. You can also take advantage of certain trusted travel programs, like the NEXUS family card program.
By possessing a NEXUS card, you can make your travels between Canada and the USA a lot less stressful and time-consuming. The program is designed to allow pre-screened travelers to pass customs faster and to use specialized NEXUS lanes when crossing the border as opposed to spending hours waiting in lines. If you’re a frequent traveler between the USA and Canada, having a NEXUS card is strongly recommended. You can use this card as a substitute for your passport. Talk about making things so much easier!
Selecting your route
You can choose from a wide array of entry points when it comes to traveling between the USA and Canada. The appropriate choice will depend on your location in Canada or the USA and your means of travel. Consider the nearby airports, any land borders that you can access easily if you’re traveling by car, or perhaps taking a boat (which is not very popular).
Choosing your destinations
When speaking of planning ahead, we can’t overlook the importance of choosing your destinations. The locations that you want to visit will also play an important role in determining which routes are more convenient for you. Make a list of the places you want to visit and do some brainstorming on how you can combine and prioritize them to make the most sense for your trip.
Book your accommodation
Finding accommodation for your trip is another vital part of planning ahead. Making your bookings is even more demanding and time-consuming if you’re visiting several different locations during your travels. Create a plan and write down the order in which you would like to move. Book your accommodation at least a few weeks in advance to make sure you’re getting the best deals and you can enjoy the convenience of close proximity to central spots and attractions.
Use travel insurance
Most people are hesitant to use travel insurance as it’s usually another expense. The common mentality is that it’s not worth spending any money on something that you’re not even sure will happen. However, this is often the wrong approach. Travel insurance can make a dramatic influence on your trip. Imagine that you experience a medical emergency, that your flight is delayed, or that your travel bags are lost at the airport. You’ll want to receive as much help and support as you could possibly get in these situations. Let alone, having travel insurance means that you can be compensated for your losses during your travels.
Choose a reliable company that offers the best deals on travel insurance and rest assured that you are safe and secure no matter the obstacles that may lie ahead of you.
Be familiar with the customs
Traveling to a new country is also exciting. However, it’s important to note that you may bump into significantly different ways of behavior, mentality, or culture. The differences are not that extreme when it comes to the USA and Canada, but it’s still recommended to do some exploration around the way the locals act, what their customs are, and how you can fit in.
It’s also important to consider the customs when passing the border. Be prepared to wait in lines, to present valid documentation, and more.
Pack cleverly
Last but not least, don’t forget about packing. Check the weather forecasts and see what type of meteorological conditions you can expect. Use this information to pack intelligently and avoid overpacking or taking only a few items that won’t be enough. It’s vital to consider any baggage restrictions during your travels. These will be extremely important if you’re traveling by plane. Make sure that you’re not packing any prohibited items and that your baggage is in accordance with weight restrictions.
If you’re traveling by car, it may be a good idea to pack some snacks and beverages to keep you hydrated and happy during the ride.
You’re now ready for your next trip between Canada and the USA. Enjoy an unforgettable experience and travel smoothly and stress-free!
