Tips for Travel Page
U.S
Safety TipsThe USA is not a dangerous place Forget what you saw in the movies. You are safe in the USA. Learning a little about our cultural differences is the only "weapon" you'll need for trouble-free travel. Despite the news reports about tourist troubles on Florida highways and the availability of handguns, the United States is a relatively safe place. Remember: the "horror stories" make interesting news because they are unusual events.
The typical crime victim in the USA is not a sweet little grandmother or a European tourist. Most crime victims are single, unemployed, young men. Members of their own families usually kill murder victims. Our gun crimes scare people. Some people even avoid a trip to the USA for fear of a bullet. Don't worry, you will find little danger. All cities have "good" and "bad" areas. Talk to locals to get an idea of where the "bad" areas are located and avoid them especially at night. "Drive-by" shootings only occur in the neighborhoods full of gang conflicts. Most Americans have never seen a shooting except in the movies.© Art Today
Police officers who stop drivers for traffic violations will always be in a marked police car and will be in uniform.Some precautions when driving in the USYou can take a few precautions. Remember that the USA is a car-dependent country. Public transportation outside of large cities is non-existent or unreliable. You should rent a cell telephone for your travels. Call 911 for the police and emergencies services anywhere in the USA. If you have no cell phone, carry a large sign that says, "Call Police-Send help" in case of a breakdown. Remember to lock your car doors, store valuables in the trunk, and do not stop for strangers. Police officers who stop drivers for traffic violations will always be in a marked police car and will be in uniform.Carjacking and Bump and Rob attacks are rareYou should be careful about a "bump and rob" attack. Although it is rare, some criminals steal cars and valuables by bumping a target car. When the driver gets out to assess the damage and exchange information, the thief and his companions rob the victim. If you are bumped by another car, pull into a well-lit area with other people around before getting out. If you are uncomfortable with the situation, call 911 on your mobile phone.
You won't find many tourist offices in the USAYou will not find many Tourist Information Offices to assist you. If you are a member of your own national Automobile Association, obtain information on the American Automobile Association before you leave home. Many foreign automobile clubs have reciprocal courtesy arrangement with the AAA. The "Triple A" can help you find lodging and car repair services.
The International Youth Hostel Association also has a few facilities across the United States. If you are an IYA member, get a guide to services in the USA before leaving home. Finding the right place to stay is the most important step that you can take to have a safe happy trip.
Try to plan your accommodations in advance!Sleeping in train stations or bus stations is generally not accepted in the USA. In some train stations, the police will wake you. Safe travel through the United States requires planning --- getting off a bus or a train at night and seeking lodging may not be a good idea. Try to plan your accommodations in advance. You can usually find motel rooms along major interstate highways without a reservation. Do not sleep in your car at highway "rest areas."
Bed and Breakfasts in the European tradition do not exist in the United States. In the USA, Bed and Breakfast establishments are often expensive, exclusive places that can break your budget. However, you will find an array of hotels to suit every budget. Many chains run specials with double rooms costing as little as $29.95. Check with your travel agent, airline, or car rental company for more information.
Stay off private property!Do not camp on private land and do not camp beside the highway. You can be arrested for camping on private property, even worse --- the property owner could shoot at you. Private property in the United States of America is very private indeed, public footpaths do not cross fields, and there isn't always a right of access available to reach lakeshores or other desirable places. Use only public beaches, marked trails and State or National Parks. Consult a guidebook for designated wilderness areas where free camping is permitted. In most areas, you will also find commercial camp grounds.
Some caution for single women travelersAttitudes toward women in the USA are different from customs in some other countries. Women entering a bar or even a restaurant or café alone can be perceived as "looking for company." Women alone, or even in pairs, may wish to avoid places that have a mostly male crowd. If a place makes you uncomfortable - leave!
The typical crime victim in the USA is not a sweet little grandmother or a European tourist. Most crime victims are single, unemployed, young men. Members of their own families usually kill murder victims. Our gun crimes scare people. Some people even avoid a trip to the USA for fear of a bullet. Don't worry, you will find little danger. All cities have "good" and "bad" areas. Talk to locals to get an idea of where the "bad" areas are located and avoid them especially at night. "Drive-by" shootings only occur in the neighborhoods full of gang conflicts. Most Americans have never seen a shooting except in the movies.© Art Today
Police officers who stop drivers for traffic violations will always be in a marked police car and will be in uniform.Some precautions when driving in the USYou can take a few precautions. Remember that the USA is a car-dependent country. Public transportation outside of large cities is non-existent or unreliable. You should rent a cell telephone for your travels. Call 911 for the police and emergencies services anywhere in the USA. If you have no cell phone, carry a large sign that says, "Call Police-Send help" in case of a breakdown. Remember to lock your car doors, store valuables in the trunk, and do not stop for strangers. Police officers who stop drivers for traffic violations will always be in a marked police car and will be in uniform.Carjacking and Bump and Rob attacks are rareYou should be careful about a "bump and rob" attack. Although it is rare, some criminals steal cars and valuables by bumping a target car. When the driver gets out to assess the damage and exchange information, the thief and his companions rob the victim. If you are bumped by another car, pull into a well-lit area with other people around before getting out. If you are uncomfortable with the situation, call 911 on your mobile phone.
You won't find many tourist offices in the USAYou will not find many Tourist Information Offices to assist you. If you are a member of your own national Automobile Association, obtain information on the American Automobile Association before you leave home. Many foreign automobile clubs have reciprocal courtesy arrangement with the AAA. The "Triple A" can help you find lodging and car repair services.
The International Youth Hostel Association also has a few facilities across the United States. If you are an IYA member, get a guide to services in the USA before leaving home. Finding the right place to stay is the most important step that you can take to have a safe happy trip.
Try to plan your accommodations in advance!Sleeping in train stations or bus stations is generally not accepted in the USA. In some train stations, the police will wake you. Safe travel through the United States requires planning --- getting off a bus or a train at night and seeking lodging may not be a good idea. Try to plan your accommodations in advance. You can usually find motel rooms along major interstate highways without a reservation. Do not sleep in your car at highway "rest areas."
Bed and Breakfasts in the European tradition do not exist in the United States. In the USA, Bed and Breakfast establishments are often expensive, exclusive places that can break your budget. However, you will find an array of hotels to suit every budget. Many chains run specials with double rooms costing as little as $29.95. Check with your travel agent, airline, or car rental company for more information.
Stay off private property!Do not camp on private land and do not camp beside the highway. You can be arrested for camping on private property, even worse --- the property owner could shoot at you. Private property in the United States of America is very private indeed, public footpaths do not cross fields, and there isn't always a right of access available to reach lakeshores or other desirable places. Use only public beaches, marked trails and State or National Parks. Consult a guidebook for designated wilderness areas where free camping is permitted. In most areas, you will also find commercial camp grounds.
Some caution for single women travelersAttitudes toward women in the USA are different from customs in some other countries. Women entering a bar or even a restaurant or café alone can be perceived as "looking for company." Women alone, or even in pairs, may wish to avoid places that have a mostly male crowd. If a place makes you uncomfortable - leave!
Canada
Canada Travel TipsBrewster Vacations Canada would like to ensure you have the best possible experience while in Canada. In this section we’ve provided helpful information that our visitors have appreciated. If you know of a tip we should add here, please let us know using the feedback form on our Contact Page
Climate and ClothingThe climate in Canada varies across the country, and according to the season. There are four distinct seasons in all regions, but actual temperatures and humidity vary.
Maritimes
The Maritime provinces, Ontario and Québec are more humid than the western provinces. Temperatures in Halifax, Nova Scotia range from 0 °C in January to a very temperate 24 °C in July. Plan on wearing a sweater and light raincoat in the summer. Québec and Ontario are usually a little colder in the winter and slightly warmer in the summer.
Rockies and other Mountain Areas
The greatest variation of temperatures is to be found in the mountains. Mountain temperatures average from -16°C in the winter to 24°C during the summer. However, when visiting the Rockies, be sure to have layers of comfortable clothing available in case of a sudden change in weather conditions (in the mountains, even summer evenings tend to be cool).
If you are planning on walks or hikes, bring sturdy shoes and a warm jacket. If you plan to visit the Rockies in the winter, come dressed for snow – make sure your outer clothing is warm and wind/water repellent.
Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island
Vancouver and Victoria rarely experience temperatures below freezing. These cities enjoy the mildest weather in Canada, averaging 5°C in the winter and 23°C during the summer. However, an umbrella and raincoat are recommended for Vancouver year-round – just in case it rains.
Currency and Credit CardsThe currency used in Canada is the Canadian dollar. Canadian bills are accepted in denominations of $100.00, $50.00, $20.00, $10.00 and $5.00. Coins are in denominations of $2.00 (called a “toonie”), $1.00 (called a “loonie”), $0.25 (called a “quarter”), $0.10 (called a “dime”), $0.05 (called a “nickel”), and $0.01 (called a “penny”).
We recommend carrying Canadian dollar travellers cheques, as they are accepted as currency at most hotels, stores and restaurants. Most major credit cards are widely accepted across the country – principally Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
BankingCurrency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at airports or foreign exchange services, but the best exchange rate is to be found at any of the Canadian chartered banks. The major banks are: Bank of Montréal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank, CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), and Toronto Dominion Bank. Minimum hours of operation will be from 1000 hours to 1500 hours, Monday to Friday. Extended hours can be found in some cities.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are common throughout Canada, and as well as being located at banks, they can be found in some grocery stores, gas stations, variety stores, shopping centres, bus depots, train stations and elsewhere.
ElectricityElectricity is supplied at an alternating current of 110 volts. Plugs in Canada are either two flat, parallel prongs, or one cylindrical and two flat parallel prongs.
MailA regular-sized letter or postcard mailed within Canada costs $0.59, to the United States $1.03, and $1.75 to other international destinations (subject to change). International mail can take up to two weeks for delivery from Canada.
Disabled VisitorsAdvance notice and details of any disability will ensure the best possible assistance from airlines, hotels or transport companies. Many cinemas and restaurants are happy to assist although not all can cater for several disabled people or wheelchairs.
Most new buildings provide wheelchair access. Many of the national and provincial parks have accessible interpretive centres and some of the shorter nature trails and/or boardwalks have been designed with wheelchairs or self-propelled mobility aids in mind.
Guides to facilities for the disabled are available from the Canadian Paraplegic Association. The National Office is located in Ottawa. For further information, please contact directly – phone: (613)723-1033 or 1-800-720-4933, fax: (613)723-1060.
Sales TaxGoods and Services Tax - The Canadian Government applies a Goods & Services Tax (currently 5%) on the sale of all products and services in Canada; this tax is commonly referred to as "GST". There are allowable rebates of the tax on all short-term accommodations provided to non-resident guests. Please inquire with your Travel Agent.
Provincial Sales Tax - In almost every Canadian province an additional Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is applicable. It is added to the advertised price of consumer goods, restaurant meals and drinks in bars. It appears as a separate item and is not a service charge or gratuity.
Harmonized Sales Tax - A single, blended combination of the PST and GST which is used in British Columbia, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. Current applicable taxes as of April 2011 are:
Provincial Sales Taxes
British Columbia 12%
Alberta 5%
Saskatchewan 10%
Manitoba 12%
Ontario 13%
Québec 14%
New Brunswick 13%
Nova Scotia 15%
Newfoundland 13%
Prince Edward Island 15%
Alberta, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories do not currently have taxes of this kind.
GratuitiesService charges usually are not included on bills in restaurants or bars in Canada. It is standard practice to tip service personnel 12% to 15% of the bill. Customary gratuity to tour guides and motorcoach drivers is $1.00 to $2.00 per person per day. This should be handled on a voluntary, individual basis.
TaxisMeter-operated taxicab service is available in all major cities and towns; at transport terminals; major hotels, and can be hailed in the street. Refer to the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. Fees include a minimum charge and then a charge for the distance travelled. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% to 12%. Passengers must wear seatbelts.
Airport Customs and ImmigrationAll international visitors must clear Canadian Customs and Immigration at the arrival airport. Visitors will receive customs documents from in-flight personnel to complete before landing. Once on the ground, retrieve luggage and follow the directions to the Customs Hall. Visitors will be required to state what articles they are bringing into Canada, country of origin, their Canadian destination and their duration of visit in Canada.
When leaving Canada, the regulations of the destination country will apply. Check with the airline customer service desk if uncertain about any of these regulations. Pre-clearance facilities for United States-bound travellers are available at the Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Montréal’s Dorval Airport and Halifax International Airport.
Climate and ClothingThe climate in Canada varies across the country, and according to the season. There are four distinct seasons in all regions, but actual temperatures and humidity vary.
Maritimes
The Maritime provinces, Ontario and Québec are more humid than the western provinces. Temperatures in Halifax, Nova Scotia range from 0 °C in January to a very temperate 24 °C in July. Plan on wearing a sweater and light raincoat in the summer. Québec and Ontario are usually a little colder in the winter and slightly warmer in the summer.
Rockies and other Mountain Areas
The greatest variation of temperatures is to be found in the mountains. Mountain temperatures average from -16°C in the winter to 24°C during the summer. However, when visiting the Rockies, be sure to have layers of comfortable clothing available in case of a sudden change in weather conditions (in the mountains, even summer evenings tend to be cool).
If you are planning on walks or hikes, bring sturdy shoes and a warm jacket. If you plan to visit the Rockies in the winter, come dressed for snow – make sure your outer clothing is warm and wind/water repellent.
Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island
Vancouver and Victoria rarely experience temperatures below freezing. These cities enjoy the mildest weather in Canada, averaging 5°C in the winter and 23°C during the summer. However, an umbrella and raincoat are recommended for Vancouver year-round – just in case it rains.
Currency and Credit CardsThe currency used in Canada is the Canadian dollar. Canadian bills are accepted in denominations of $100.00, $50.00, $20.00, $10.00 and $5.00. Coins are in denominations of $2.00 (called a “toonie”), $1.00 (called a “loonie”), $0.25 (called a “quarter”), $0.10 (called a “dime”), $0.05 (called a “nickel”), and $0.01 (called a “penny”).
We recommend carrying Canadian dollar travellers cheques, as they are accepted as currency at most hotels, stores and restaurants. Most major credit cards are widely accepted across the country – principally Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
BankingCurrency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at airports or foreign exchange services, but the best exchange rate is to be found at any of the Canadian chartered banks. The major banks are: Bank of Montréal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank, CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), and Toronto Dominion Bank. Minimum hours of operation will be from 1000 hours to 1500 hours, Monday to Friday. Extended hours can be found in some cities.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are common throughout Canada, and as well as being located at banks, they can be found in some grocery stores, gas stations, variety stores, shopping centres, bus depots, train stations and elsewhere.
ElectricityElectricity is supplied at an alternating current of 110 volts. Plugs in Canada are either two flat, parallel prongs, or one cylindrical and two flat parallel prongs.
MailA regular-sized letter or postcard mailed within Canada costs $0.59, to the United States $1.03, and $1.75 to other international destinations (subject to change). International mail can take up to two weeks for delivery from Canada.
Disabled VisitorsAdvance notice and details of any disability will ensure the best possible assistance from airlines, hotels or transport companies. Many cinemas and restaurants are happy to assist although not all can cater for several disabled people or wheelchairs.
Most new buildings provide wheelchair access. Many of the national and provincial parks have accessible interpretive centres and some of the shorter nature trails and/or boardwalks have been designed with wheelchairs or self-propelled mobility aids in mind.
Guides to facilities for the disabled are available from the Canadian Paraplegic Association. The National Office is located in Ottawa. For further information, please contact directly – phone: (613)723-1033 or 1-800-720-4933, fax: (613)723-1060.
Sales TaxGoods and Services Tax - The Canadian Government applies a Goods & Services Tax (currently 5%) on the sale of all products and services in Canada; this tax is commonly referred to as "GST". There are allowable rebates of the tax on all short-term accommodations provided to non-resident guests. Please inquire with your Travel Agent.
Provincial Sales Tax - In almost every Canadian province an additional Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is applicable. It is added to the advertised price of consumer goods, restaurant meals and drinks in bars. It appears as a separate item and is not a service charge or gratuity.
Harmonized Sales Tax - A single, blended combination of the PST and GST which is used in British Columbia, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. Current applicable taxes as of April 2011 are:
Provincial Sales Taxes
British Columbia 12%
Alberta 5%
Saskatchewan 10%
Manitoba 12%
Ontario 13%
Québec 14%
New Brunswick 13%
Nova Scotia 15%
Newfoundland 13%
Prince Edward Island 15%
Alberta, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories do not currently have taxes of this kind.
GratuitiesService charges usually are not included on bills in restaurants or bars in Canada. It is standard practice to tip service personnel 12% to 15% of the bill. Customary gratuity to tour guides and motorcoach drivers is $1.00 to $2.00 per person per day. This should be handled on a voluntary, individual basis.
TaxisMeter-operated taxicab service is available in all major cities and towns; at transport terminals; major hotels, and can be hailed in the street. Refer to the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. Fees include a minimum charge and then a charge for the distance travelled. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% to 12%. Passengers must wear seatbelts.
Airport Customs and ImmigrationAll international visitors must clear Canadian Customs and Immigration at the arrival airport. Visitors will receive customs documents from in-flight personnel to complete before landing. Once on the ground, retrieve luggage and follow the directions to the Customs Hall. Visitors will be required to state what articles they are bringing into Canada, country of origin, their Canadian destination and their duration of visit in Canada.
When leaving Canada, the regulations of the destination country will apply. Check with the airline customer service desk if uncertain about any of these regulations. Pre-clearance facilities for United States-bound travellers are available at the Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Montréal’s Dorval Airport and Halifax International Airport.