Here at Target Tours we pride ourselves in our details.  We love to ensure our clients are prepared for their next vacation.  What follows are a few helpful tips to help take the hassle out of your upcoming trip.

When you book…

When you call to book your next trip with us take note at a few questions we ask.  For example, depending on where you are travelling next we will ask you for your full name as seen on your passport, date of birth, passport number and expiration date. To avoid having to call back it’s nice to have them on hand upon booking.

Here are a few additional questions you should ask yourself before you book:

  • How long is your passport valid for or does it need to be renewed? Depending on the destination, your passport must be valid for 3-6 months after you return to your home province.
    • For more information about how long your passport should be valid visit: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations or review the “Tips & Tricks” section of individual tour pages on our website.
  • Have you purchased travel insurance? This is mandatory for some trips so whether you buy it from us, already have it, or find it elsewhere you will require it to travel.
  • Have you checked with your doctor about vaccines or medications required? Target Tours cannot advise on medical matters so we always suggest you check with your doctor for your personal needs.
  • Advise us of any dietary or mobility issues at time of booking.
  • Research the destination – local banks, currency, language, important customs, weather conditions, etc. You don’t need to be an expert on the location but some of the basics help! Don’t worry though if you miss something. We will send you a document before you go that provides a lot of these essentials.

**Travel Hack**

When we travel, we always use Google Maps to look up the destination and then I use the street view tool.  This way you get to explore Times Square or Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda before you visit.

www.google.ca/maps


Two weeks before…

Approximately two weeks before your next trip with Target Tours you will receive your travel documents via email and/or mail.  This is when you will really start getting excited!  Here are a few tips to help you prepare for departure day.

  • Review your travel documents from Target Tours.
  • Ensure that your name on the itinerary matches your passport.
  • Arrange for someone to house and/or pet sit while you are away.
  • Check with your cell phone provider for travel plans.
  • Fill prescriptions.
  • Make two copies of your important papers (passports, insurance certificates, medical information, important phone numbers, addresses etc.) and leave one copy at home with your emergency contact. Pro-tip: make sure you carry these in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss.
  • Contact credit card companies to alert them of your plans so they don’t lock your account.
  • Pay or schedule all bills that might be due while you are away.

**Travel Hack**

Whenever you make a packing list for your trip, make TWO copies and use the second one to make sure you bring everything back. Don’t have a packing list? Sign up for our Newsletter (click HERE) and we’ll send you our Ultimate Packing List for FREE!

A few days before…

There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get a few days before your trip.  It’s that feeling of excitement and those adventure butterflies.  This is when you usually start to notice the days start to go by a bit slower in anticipation of your trip.  So, what should you do a few days before your trip?  Read below to find out.

  • Clean out the refrigerator. There’s nothing worse than coming home to a smelly house.
  • Clean the house and do laundry so you’re not overwhelmed by it when you return.
  • Transfer money into your checking account. Sometimes money in a savings account can’t easily be accessed through an ATM.
  • Get some sleep!
  • Label luggage internally and externally.
  • Tie a bright ribbon to your suitcase, or if you’re like me, have an easy to identify suitcase (mine is zebra print).
  • Give family or a friend a copy of your itinerary.
  • Learn a few phrases in the local language.
  • Review your Target Tours itinerary.
  • RELAX!

**Travel Hack**

Use a pencil case or sunglasses case to store your charger cables in your backpack or suitcase. This makes them easier to find and untangled.

The day of…

The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here!  It’s vacation day.  Here are a few tips to ensure your travel day runs smoothly.

  • Allow plenty of time to arrive at your pickup location.
  • Ensure your devices are fully charged.
  • Remember to pack chargers.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Pack some snacks for the ride or flight. (If they are in their original package an unopened they should be good to travel.)
  • Drink lots of water before, during and after your ride/flight.

**Travel Hack**

Always bring a lightweight scarf or sweater.  Even if it is warm outside… planes and airports get chilly. It can be a blanket, a pillow, or even something to drape over your eyes to reduce light if you want a nap. 

One more for good measure, wear slip on shoes to the airport… less hassle making it through security and makes for a more comfortable flight or bus ride.

During the journey home…

While traveling home may be the saddest part of your most recent adventure it is also a great time to reflect on the memories made during the trip.  Here are a few tips to help the memories live on.

  • Reflect on what you saw, did and learned from the trip. I always try to write a few memories down along the way, keep ticket stubs, or other small pieces of memorabilia from the trip so the trip lives on.
  • Be sure to get the contact information from new friends that you made during the tour.
  • Start saving and planning for the next one!

**Travel Hack**

You will need a pen anywhere you go.  To sign for receipts, to put your name on travel info, and to fill out border forms. While your Tour Director always has extras it’s good to pop one in your carry on. 

Keep in mind these details could change depending on if you’re on a group tour, a self planned trip, or if it includes a cruise or resort stay. When it comes to planning and preparing for your next trip everyone is a little bit different.  I hope you found these tips helpful!  We look forward to seeing you on your next Target Tours adventure.

P.S Remember to relax!  This is your vacation.