Why travellers prefer Blue Cross
Reliable sources for useful travel information include your travel agent or a foreign destination travel guide. You can also contact us for information on your destination before your departure. If pre-departure time is short, your best bet is to contact the consulate or embassy of the country of your destination for travel information.
After you decide on a travel destination, visit a travel clinic to find out which vaccines are mandatory or recommended for your destination. Ensure that you and your children are vaccinated against potentially dangerous illnesses and that your vaccines are up to date. Several common vaccines can now be administered in a single injection.
Be aware: Being vaccinated should not preclude being careful. Take measures to avoid insect bites, bacteria and contact with indigenous animals. Ensure you are well equipped with an insect repellent, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, closed-toe shoes, a mosquito net, etc.
If you’re pregnant, you should always consult your doctor before you travel. Your doctor will verify your state of health and advise you of activities or foods to avoid if you are travelling outside Canada.
Although most major airlines allow pregnant women as passengers until the 36th week of a normal pregnancy, most travel insurance contracts will only cover pregnancy up to the 31st week (inclusive).
Always carry a first aid kit to treat minor injuries when you travel. Your kit should include items such as bandages, compresses, adhesive tape, scissors, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment and a sling. Remember that if you have a pair of scissors or even a metal nail file in your carry-on luggage, it can be confiscated at the customs gate. Place your first aid kit in your checked baggage, which will be stored in the airplane baggage compartment.
Commonly experienced when any kind of vehicle is in motion, motion sickness is rare while flying. Symptoms include feelings of discomfort, with sweating, paleness, excessive salivation, headache, and sudden nausea, vomiting, dizziness or weakness. It is not dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable. To prevent motion sickness:
Many over-the-counter products are available to help manage the symptoms of motion sickness. Consult your pharmacist to ensure that this type of product will not interact with any prescription medication you may be taking. If you decide to relieve your aches and pains with over-the-counter drugs, contact the appropriate consulate or embassy to make sure the drugs are permitted at your final destination.
To minimize this particular discomfort while you’re travelling, consider the following tips:
If you are going on an excursion into the desert, regardless of the duration or time of year, you should always take the following:
This is an allergic reaction to the sun; a rash appears on exposed skin, resulting in an itching sensation. If you suffer from this problem or if you are very sensitive to the sun:
Some drugs and products can also provoke skin reactions when the skin is exposed to the sun. They are said to cause photosensitivity, which means they can make the skin react with sunlight. Avoid perfumes and perfumed creams, and be aware that many drugs can induce photosensitivity, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, contraceptive pills, heart medications, anxiety medications and some cosmetic skin products.