Tips for Canadian Snowbirds

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when you’re leaving the country for an extended period of time. These tips will help make you with preparation, travel, and driving basics.Once everything taken care of, all that’s left is getting to your destination safely. From there you can enjoy the sun and warm weather stress and worry-free.

Leaving your house vacant for more than 30 days

Each homeowner insurance provider is different but all of them have rules in place regarding steps that you must take if your house, condo or apartment is going to be vacant for a specified length of time – usually 30 days. A trusted neighbor, friend or family member who routinely checks in on your house could help mitigate any potential problems—such as water damage resulting from a burst pipe. It is wise to call your insurance provide to review your policy so you can leave with peace of mind.

Tips before you leave 

1. Pack your passport, but first renew it if it’s due to expire during your time away.
2. Make 2 photocopies of all your cards and documents. Pack one set and leave a copy with a trusted neighbour, friend or family member.
3. Let your bank and credit card companies know that you’ll be leaving the country.
4. Consider purchasing an international phone plan to save on costly roaming fees.
5. Cancel any regular deliveries and forward your mail.
6. Unplug all unnecessary electronics and appliances in your home. Shut off the water.
7. Make it seems as if someone is home. Arrange someone you trust to collect mail or flyers that land at your front door. Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights and hire someone to clear snow from your driveway, sidewalk and path after each snowfall.
8. Call your telephone, cable, Internet and/or satellite provider to temporarily suspend your service. However, make sure this doesn’t interfere with your home monitoring system, if you have one.
9. Store valuables that you’re not taking with you in a safety deposit box.
10. Do not post your travel plans on social media sites. You don’t want to publicize that you’re away from the house.
11. File all your prescriptions ahead of time: Be sure you have all of your medications with you and carry them in their original, labeled, drug store containers. It is also recommended:
    • To have a document with your medical history handy
    • To carry your updated immunization pass
    • To have a health care power of attorney specifying who can make decisions on your care in case you are unable to articulate your wishes.
    • If you have pre-existing medical conditions it is important to wear an alert device that would connect to a virtual database with pertaining medical information
12. Get travel health insurance: Getting sick abroad can be very costly or unsafe. Some credit card issuers offer health and travel insurance. You should check which coverage they provide (e.g. hospital stay? Doctor visits? Emergency medical evacuation to Canada if needed – possibly escorted by nurse/doctor?). In any case make sure you have a health insurance while travelling to avoid high bills upon return.
13. Keep track of how many days you stay in the US – verify the latest regulations and limit of days/year allowed (different rules for immigrations and for tax purposes).

Before hitting the road, reach out to your auto insurance provider. It’s important you notify them of your plans and review your coverage options to ensure you’re properly protected.

1. Take your car to a mechanic for a tune-up. It’s important your vehicle is prepared for the lengthy drive.
2. Renew your auto insurance, or driver’s licence before leaving if they’re going to expire while you’re away.
3. Consider joining a roadside assistance program such as CAA that can help you both in Canada and outside of the country.
4. Equip your car with a winter driving survival kit which will come handy in case of an emergency.
5. Make sure you know where you’re going! Even if you have a GPS to help you with directions, having maps as a backup couldn’t hurt either. If you belong to a roadside assistance program they can provide you with maps and other details of your route.
6. Don’t overdo it. Take frequent breaks from driving and take your time. A well-rested and alert driver is a safe driver.