First Trip Down South

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Two things -

There's been a ton of media reports in Ottawa about passengers coming back from somewhere hot (I can't remember if it was Mexico or Cuba) and they ended up being delayed 21 hours - many of those actually stuck on the airplane with little food and drink. That is why I always bring snacks and a bottle of water with me (I buy it after security and chalk up the cost of the water to flying).

A friend's daughter just flew South (Mexico) and her plane was cancelled and so she was rescheduled to the next day and her luggage was lost (so she lost a full day of vacation and then once she got there she had no clothes except her swimsuit) - the airline offered little in compensation (and when my husband's suitcase was lost, we were offered an apology and nothing more - maybe we're just not good complainers to get a voucher and there may not be a good place to buy clothes. All that to say - pack a change in your carry-on, imo.
 
Lastpointe said:
But fill your water bottle once you pass security. They still dont let you carry water through security
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Yup - That is why I always bring snacks and a bottle of water with me (I buy it after security and chalk up the cost of the water to flying) (I noted that). I don't usually buy bottled water but I won't fill my water bottle at a fountain - too many germs and I don't want to get sick before my vacation!
 
Thank you all again for your tips and advice. I've enjoyed reading them over and over. I've starting making a packing list of things to take that aren't already in my cosmetic bag. So far I'm up to 37 items: ha ha. (y)
 
oh yeah, and remember:

that lovely white sand in the sun, so sparkly and beautiful

could be HOTTER THAN THE SURFACE OF THE SUN :eek: TO YOUR POOR FOOTSIES. i've learned that the hard way as a kid
 
My husband's advice the first time we vacationed outside Canada (we went to Florida): "Keep your mouth shut." By this he meant not expressing left-wing opinions and getting into discussions that could be construed as critical of the host country's politics, customs, society, medical care, race relations, economics, involvement in international affairs. He didn't want me to be seen reading "Nickel and Dimed in America" on the common patio at the motel. If someone asked about Medicare I could tell them my experiences in Canada but not comment on the American system. Etc.

So, I was careful what I said. Even among Canadians I was careful not to be overheard. Among Americans who were critical of their country, I remained neutral. When I overheard negative remarks against Canada (we didn't join in the Iraq war), I bit my tongue and walked away. We went three times, for approx two months each time, and I managed not to get us into trouble.

I kept reminding myself that I was a guest in their country.
 
Seeler said:
My husband's advice the first time we vacationed outside Canada (we went to Florida): "Keep your mouth shut." By this he meant not expressing left-wing opinions and getting into discussions that could be construed as critical of the host country's politics, customs, society, medical care, race relations, economics, involvement in international affairs. He didn't want me to be seen reading "Nickel and Dimed in America" on the common patio at the motel. If someone asked about Medicare I could tell them my experiences in Canada but not comment on the American system. Etc.

So, I was careful what I said. Even among Canadians I was careful not to be overheard. Among Americans who were critical of their country, I remained neutral. When I overheard negative remarks against Canada (we didn't join in the Iraq war), I bit my tongue and walked away. We went three times, for approx two months each time, and I managed not to get us into trouble.

I kept reminding myself that I was a guest in their country.
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*giggle*

*has an image of the Seeler clan as hobbits going into mordor*

so your first trip down to the USA was in the past 10 years??? wow
 
I have a very high view of Canadians but then again I'm liberal and know that the Iraq war was a mistake, we should have followed your example. For that matter we would be better off emulating your health care system too. At least we're making some improvements. I have also heard wonder stories of graciously and sympathetically Americas were treated on 9-11. When all flights were shut down after the attack a lot of people were stuck wherever they happened to be and I've always heard that those in Canada received nothing but kindness and sympathy.
 
Just a note here....There are RFID containers at Wal-Mart in the luggage department. They hold 7 or 8 cards and just a little thicker than a business card holder. Mine is red. Mind you it has "Air Canada" stamped on it, but its in my purse anyway. I believe I spend under $9. for it...maybe even under $8. It was a while ago, sorry.
 
Inannawhimsey said:
*giggle*

*has an image of the Seeler clan as hobbits going into mordor*

so your first trip down to the USA was in the past 10 years??? wow
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My first trip to Florida; and my first trip for more than a few days. I visited New York city on a bus trip while at university as my 21st birthday present to myself. When I lived in Hamilton area in Ontario I was across to Buffalo a few times for a couple of hours at a time. Likewise from NB I've gone 'across the lines' for an afternoon drive (before they got so fussy about passports), or made a quick shopping trip.
But no, I haven't spent much time in the States - especially not more than a few klms from the border.
We have a saying around here "If one of us gets sick in the States, don't go to the hospital but head for the border."
 
Jon71 said:
I have a very high view of Canadians but then again I'm liberal and know that the Iraq war was a mistake, we should have followed your example. For that matter we would be better off emulating your health care system too. At least we're making some improvements. I have also heard wonder stories of graciously and sympathetically Americas were treated on 9-11. When all flights were shut down after the attack a lot of people were stuck wherever they happened to be and I've always heard that those in Canada received nothing but kindness and sympathy.
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Jon, I met some delightful people in Florida. Many of the people wintering at the same motel were from Michigan area, one couple was from NY state - friendly, out-going, kind, helpful, and good at playing cards and shuffleboard, or sharing a pot-luck lunch on the deck around the pool.
 
In regards to the credit card issue, don't bring what you don't need. I always go through my wallet and take out pretty much everything. I dont need to bring my shoppers optimum card etc. I also only take one of my two credit cards and don't even bother with my debit.

On anther note, there is website run through the governmnet of Canada on which you can register that you are out of the country. It will ask you to set up a profile and asks some personal questions etc but you can then let the government know where you will be, when and who with. This way, in case of any natural disaster or anything like that they are aware that you are there and need to be looked for. The website is travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/roca-faq
 
That's interesting about the travel assistance website - I didn't know about that & it certainly sounds useful. I noticed when I got my new passport that there was nowhere in it to indicate an emergency contact - that was part of the older ones. So this connection sounds like it may replace that.
 
That does sound interesting, I to didn't know about it.

My work travels are done through a corporate service which part of its deliverables is a record of who is where.
 
Carolla said:
That's interesting about the travel assistance website - I didn't know about that & it certainly sounds useful. I noticed when I got my new passport that there was nowhere in it to indicate an emergency contact - that was part of the older ones. So this connection sounds like it may replace that.
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You'd think that if that was the intent that they'd specifically point people to it when they got rid of the emergency contact page. Not that old. I got a new passport maybe two years ago, and it's got the emergency contact space in it.
 
Seeler said:
We have a saying around here "If one of us gets sick in the States, don't go to the hospital but head for the border."
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My hubby and I have been talking about trips . . . specifically the states. He wants to go to a curling event in Las Vegas in 2016. But after we talked about it I got to thinking about my health issues . . . and wondering with my and my digestive tract issues if I would be able to get insurance (or get at what cost???) and what would happen if I got sick or had an issue when I was there . . . would I be able to get "home to treatment"?
 
@Beloved - you might be able to get long-term health insurance through your house or car insurance (I got mine a few years ago - ok, like 15 - from Meloche Monnex and my pre-existing conditions didn't matter as long as they had been stable). You may want to get a note before you leave from your doctor saying that you have been stable for X number of months (the number specified in your insurance policy). That said, Vegas is very friendly to people with health problems (there are many people with disabilities who vacation there).
 
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