Top 5 things to know when you travel outside Canada

(NC) The fall is a great time for an international trip. It’s the off-season for many hotspots, so you’re likely to see good deals and fewer tourists compared to peak travel periods. If you’re planning a holiday soon, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Research your destination. Take time to learn more about where you’re headed. You can use blogs, Reddit, official tourism websites, books and library visits to make sure you have all the key details, like the best times to visit the most popular attractions or hidden local gems. It’s also a good idea to research your destination’s tipping practices and public transit options.

2. Check entry requirements. Countries can have unique restrictions that you may not have considered. For example, you will want to check each country’s requirements carefully before you travel with a pet. If you’re heading to Japan, you may need a doctor’s note to enter the country with your prescription medication. And, of course, don’t forget to verify visa and passport requirements.

3. Book everything early. You’d be surprised how quickly tourist attractions can book up, especially bucket-list places like the Louvre in Paris, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Machu Picchu in Peru. The last thing you want to do is travel all the way to Amsterdam to see the Anne Frank House, only to find all tickets are sold out; go online or talk to your travel agent to pre-book – you may even qualify for some early-bird pricing.

4. Be smart about what you bring. A helpful guide is to pack half as much stuff as you think you’ll need and focus on smart packing. Things like a portable charger for your cellphone and mini first-aid kit can come in handy in an emergency. Consider bringing an e-reader instead of a bunch of books and magazines. When it comes to cash, you’ll get a better exchange rate at home – just call your local bank before going in to make sure they have the currency you need.

5. Review your cell coverage. Did you know that service providers need to notify you when you’re roaming internationally, and cannot charge more than $100 in roaming charges per billing cycle unless you agree? Many also offer out-of-country talk, text and data plans for a daily flat rate, so call ahead to find out your options.

You should carefully review your bill when you return. What can you do if you find any unexpected charges on your bill after returning from your trip? If you feel you’ve been overcharged, speak to your provider. If they don’t resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services, or CCTS. This independent Canadian organization offers free complaint-resolution services for issues like roaming, contract issues or incorrect charges on your phone, internet or TV accounts, and has the authority to make providers to fix the problem. Learn more at letstalksolutions.ca.