Heading south this winter? Here are some travel tips for snowbirds
NEW LAWS: By the summer of 2008, all Canadian citizens will be required to present a passport to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land.
The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) is predicting a record snowbird exodus to the U.S. this fall and winter fuelled by the high-flying Canadian dollar. The loonie's ascent has come as timely and welcome news to senior sun-seekers, who spend between one and six months in the sunbelt states.
One indication of greater cross-border travel is the sale of BCAA's travel medical insurance, which jumped by 12 per cent this September compared to the same period last year.
According to the Conference Board of Canada, snowbirds made the highest number of trips to date in 2006—694,000. In fact, the number of snowbird trips has increased by 60 per cent between 2000 and 2006. Now that the "mighty" Canadian dollar has installed greater consumer confidence, BCAA predicts even more snowbirds will ditch the snow shovel in search of sunny skies. Snowbirds are also expected to stay longer and spend more on consumer goods and services than in previous years.
Before setting off, BCAA cautions "dollar-dazed" seniors not to overlook some basic planning to protect themselves, their homes and belongings this fall and winter. BCAA recommends the following:
• Get a passport. Since January 2007, Canadians travelling to, from or via the U.S. by air are required to present a passport at U.S. customs. The U.S. plans to implement similiar requirements at land borders and seaports in the summer of 2008. Canadians can continue to use their birth certificates and driver's licenses to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land and sea until these new requirements come into effect.
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• Purchase travel medical insurance. Provincial health care coverage may not provide full coverage for medical emergencies in other parts of Canada, or in foreign countries, and, in fact, covers less than 10 per cent of hospital expenses in the U.S. Make sure your travel medical insurance provides coverage for hospital expenses, medical bills, prescription drugs, ambulances, air evacuation and emergency dental care.
• Safeguard your home. Ensure all doors and windows are secured. Arrange timers to turn lights—and possibly a TV or radio—on/off during the day and night and ask a neighbour to pick up mail and newspapers, shovel snow and report any signs of trouble. Finally, arrange for someone to check that your heating is maintained; otherwise, your home insurance policy may limit coverage for loss or damage caused by frozen pipes.
• Check your auto coverage. Consult with an insurance advisor to make necessary arrangements if the insurance on the vehicle you're driving expires while you're away. And for any unlicensed vehicles you leave behind, consider purchasing a storage policy to cover fire, theft and vandalism.
If you're driving to your destination, make sure you have adequate limits of third-party liability coverage on your automobile or RV should you be found responsible for someone else's injury or damage to their property. Liability settlements can be huge, particularly in the U.S. It's also a good idea to insure your vehicle for collision, damage or theft while you're travelling.
• Chart your path. Popular driving routes to Southern California and Arizona include the I-5 (which boasts multiple lanes and is well-maintained), and eastbound I-10 or I-8 to Phoenix or Tucson. The quickest route to Arizona and Mexico is the I-84 through Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. For something different, try driving through the Grand Canyon and continue south through to Sedona. If driving an RV, avoid the US 395; although very scenic, this route travels through some of the highest mountain passes in the area.
• Remember to bring a camera.RVwest would love to hear about your snowbird adventure. Send vacation photos and details to info@kpimedia.com.
