As part of the 2010 Throne Speech, the Conservative Government has promised to continue with plans to develop and implement biomentric passports by 2011.  Read more in this Toronto Star Article.  Passports may also be valid for 10 years instead of 5.  It sounds like they still have a lot to figure out, so don’t hold your breath, and continue to renew your passport as needed!

Here 8 tips to help you prepare for the unexpected while travelling:

1. At the very least, read all about the country you will be visiting on Canada’s Foreign Affairs site.
2. Make sure your passport is up to date.  There are some countries that require that it is valid for three or six months beyond the travel dates, so don’t wait until the last minute.
3. (more…)

A reminder from Mexico for all Canadians planning to travel to Mexico - March 1, brings new entry requirements into Mexico.  Most notably:  CANADIAN CITIZENS will be required to present a valid passport.

This change will align Mexico to all the security measures established by the ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization.  There is a good chance that this won’t even affect you - of the 1.2 million Canadian tourists that visited Mexico in 2009 only 10,000 did not have a passport as form of ID.  Many didn’t even know it wasn’t required!

Your Canadian passport is the best document for proving your Canadian citizenship and your right to return to Canada. If you don’t have a passport or yours expires in the next 6 months, then it’s time to apply.  All the info you need to get a passport is provided by Passport Canada.

It wasn’t long ago that Canadians could travel to the United States freely without a passport.  Those with modest travel plans who never expected to venture beyond North Amerca had no real need for one.   Well, those times are over.

A couple of years ago, the U.S. started to require passports for Canadians arriving by air, and as of June 1 2009 they will be required for all methods of entry, including by car.   More info HERE.

The fact is that your Canadian passport is the best document to prove your Canadian citizenship and your right to return to Canada. If you don’t have a passport or yours expires in the next 6 months, then it’s time to apply.  All the info you need to get a passport is provided by Passport Canada.

In honor of Family Day, I thought that I would put together a list of things to bring when travelling with kids.  When planning your trip, starting a detailed list well in advance is a great idea… this is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start! 

Things to bring when travelling with kids:

• Food for the plane to save money and ensure that you have it when needed; stick with healthy snacks that are low on sugar
• Passports: kids need them too
• A change of clothes and bathing suits in the carry on - in case of the inevitable spills,  and so that you can hit the pool even if your room is not ready yet when you arrive (more…)

By road or by air, getting yourself across borders has become more complicated in recent years - and if you are crossing with little ones, things get even more interesting.

Here are a few tips:

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