Winter travel tips for 'snowbirds'

As the summer nears its end and autumn settles in, it won't be long before it's winter, a time of the year that sends many people to warmer climes.

To help these "snowbirds" have the best vacation possible, they may want to follow a few travel tips.

For instance, because they will be travelling out of the country, snowbirds should be sure to have their passport and visa on them at all times, as depending on the country, customs officials may want to see both.

Medical considerations should also be taken care of before departure, specifically getting immunized for the flu, including H1N1, and hepatitis A.

Canadian credit cards and debit cards may not be as widely accepted in certain parts of the world, which makes having multiple forms of payment - such as cash and travellers' cheques - another top travel tip.

Reviewing one's travel insurance policy may also be in order so individuals can be aware of what risks are covered, such as hospital care for medical emergencies.

Depending on the length of a vacation, travellers may want to cancel or freeze subscription services. They should also have a friend or family member pick up their mail on a daily basis so potential thieves will not suspect the home is unoccupied. Parking a car in the driveway and having a friend check the house on occasion can also prevent thefts from occurring.