Ramping up for Canada – a handy guide from us to you!

Alrighty, it’s the weekend again! As we are heading off to Canada on Wednesday morning (yes, the time has finally come!) we have lots to do this weekend. For those of you who don’t skip and hop over the Atlantic Ocean much, here is a quick checklist on what you need to do/pack/think about for a smooth trip:

To do before the trip:

• Laundry. It is boring and tedious, but a necessary evil
• Buy travel insurance – you’ll thank yourself later
• Make sure your credit cards and phone will work abroad
• Print documentation: E-tickets for your flight, hotel confirmation, car rental confirmation, travel insurance policy
• Bring documentation: Passports (obviously), proof of address in your home country (and also useful sometimes is proof of address in Canada – but this is more important for the US)
• Get a haircut! (At least if you name is Peter and you are in the process of growing a healthy mullet)
• Pack your bags wisely – within set weight limits, if you go above, the airline will charge extortion prices for the extra kilos.
• Check in online if you can – it’ll save you time and you get to choose seats before everyone else who check in at the airport

To bring in the carry-on:

• Food for baby – it is allowed as long as you taste at least 50% of the bottles in the security check – Yummy!
• Travel pillow - because the pillow you get on the flight is about as thick and comfy as a cocktail napkin
• Entertainment to keep yourself busy - After all, we are talking about a 7 hour journey in a confined space with limited leisure options.
• Something extra to wear – it is cold up there
• What not to pack in your carry-on: No liquids or sharps, no chapstick or nail clippers, no mace or knives, no guns, car battery or poison. They’ll just make you throw them away. Bummer.

To pack in the suitcase:

• Clothes and shoes - Not too much, you can often do laundry on location (However, if you are travelling with Shaena – bring extra socks. Remember Italy, darling?)
• Toiletries - Canadians like people who smell good more than people who smell like socks and fish soup
• International converter suitable for North America - Their plugs are a bit funny over there
• Pressies - If you have any. We are of the opinion that it is always more fun to receive than to give.
• Remember to leave room in your suitcase for anything you might bring back, like souvenirs, food, gifts etc.
• Everything else that you are not allowed to bring in your carry-on (This is your opportunity to bring your liquids, sharps, chapstick, nail clippers, mace, knives, guns, car battery and poison.)
  

Please print and save for future reference.