Countdown to (mis)adventure: 6 travel myths that could spoil a great vacation

To help you prepare, it’s important to check your travel insurance.

Our "staycations" were relaxing, and the mini road trips were fun. But after two years of staying close to home, Canadians are travelling internationally again. In June 2022, Canadians returned from nearly 2.6 million trips abroad. That's seven times the number of trips taken in June 2021.  If you're among those eagerly anticipating your next overseas holiday, or even just a visit below the border, you may wonder how much has changed — or whether we've found our new normal.

A successful trip can be within your reach when you plan accordingly. To help you and your family prepare for your next getaway (and avoid mishaps along the way), we’ve debunked some of this year’s travel myths.

Myth #1: Travel restrictions are a thing of the past

Reality: Check your destination for COVID-19 restrictions

While it may feel like the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic is behind us, rules and restrictions may change. Before booking your trip, review your destination's travel restrictions. The government of Canada keeps an  up-to-date list of international travel advisories. Also remember to review travel restrictions for any country you are traveling to or may be passing through. Even if it's just a quick layover, you could still be affected.

Myth #2: If you have a plan while traveling, nothing can go wrong

Reality: A good plan can account for surprises that may happen

No one wants things to go wrong. It's why we often find ourselves scrambling when bad luck strikes. To help avoid panic (and the mistakes it can cause), take the time to consider where you might run into trouble during your trip and build a few back-up plans. What would you do, for example, if your flight was cancelled or your luggage was lost en route? What if the taxi scheduled to pick you up from the airport fails to show up? These things may not actually happen but having a solid contingency plan ahead of time may mean less hassle if they do.  

Myth #3: All you need is your passport and a phone

Reality: Review and carry important documents with you

Well before you leave for your trip, be sure to gather all the important documents you'll need for your travels. This can include your passport, any applicable travel visas, insurance details, passenger locator forms, negative COVID-19 tests, and proof of vaccination.

Myth #4: You've already got travel insurance and you don’t need to buy additional insurance

Reality: Check to see if you have travel insurance benefits on your credit card, you may not be covered.

Even a well-prepared traveller can encounter unforeseen circumstances. From lost luggage to flight cancellations, or even more serious concerns such as experiencing health issue abroad. If you have a TD Visa Credit Card, you can check which travel insurance benefits are included with your credit card using this tool. A travel insurance plan, like those provided by TD Insurance, can help protect you in a variety of circumstances including an eligible illness, injury, trip interruption, trip and our advisors are ready to provide 24-hour Emergency Assistance to travellers by phone. There are even annual plans available for those who make multiple trips in a calendar year. 

Myth #5: With modern technology, you'll always have easy access to your money

Reality: Paying for things may not be as simple as it is back home

At home, your bank accounts are easily accessible, and money can be withdrawn quickly if you run into trouble. Accessing money can get complicated when travelling. Retailers and restaurants at your destination may not be configured to swipe and tap payments as you do at home. And you'll want to consider any service or exchange fees when using out-of-country ATMs. Even accessing your bank balance on your phone can require some pre-planning if you have two-factor authentication set up on your account. As with anything, it can be wise to have backup options — and a bit of cash on hand.

Myth #6: You don’t really need to get to the airport three hours in advance

Reality: Arriving early can help your trip get off to a good start

To help ensure your trip is off to a good start, check with your airline for instructions on when to arrive for check-in & boarding times.  Think of it this way: If things go wrong (as they do on occasion), planning to arrive just in time leaves you little wiggle room to adjust accordingly. If you plan to arrive early, however, you'll have some flexibility. That means there may be time to retrieve that forgotten passport, get through long security line-ups and actually start enjoying the holiday you've been looking forward to for so long.

With a little preparation and the right travel insurance, your next holiday can be everything you hoped it would be. For more trip tips, or to get in touch with a licensed travel insurance advisor,  visit the TD Travel Insurance website.


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TD Insurance Multi-Trip All-Inclusive Plan is administered by Global Excel Management Inc. and its subsidiary, CanAm Insurance Services (2018) Ltd. TD Insurance Multi-Trip All-Inclusive Plan is an individual plan underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company (medical covered causes) and TD Home and Auto Insurance Company (non-medical covered causes). Medical and claims assistance, claims payment and administrative services are provided by the administrator described in the insurance policies. Coverages and benefits are subject to eligibility conditions, limitations, and exclusions, including pre-existing medical condition exclusions. Please refer to the Sample Policy for full details.

The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or insurance advice. Speak to a licensed professional advisor regarding your specific situation.

The information contained herein, is subject to change without notice.

1 “Travel between Canada and other countries, June 2022,” Statistics Canada, August 23, 2022,

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/220823/dq220823a-eng.pdf?st=sJtUI8Ku