U.S. Travel Checklist: 7 Must-Dos Before Leaving Home

Getting ready to hit the road? Before you head south of the border, there are a number of things to take care of so you can travel with confidence and a clear mind. This travel checklist can help keep your pre-trip to-dos straight.

1. Your home

Whether you’re leaving for a few weeks or a few months, you’ll want your home prepped so you can enjoy your time away without worry.

• Adjust your thermostat between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Any lower than that, you may run the risk of freezing pipes if (or when) it gets cold outside.

• Turn off your water, and be sure to run your taps until they’re dry.

• Unplug small appliances and electrical devices.

• Empty the fridge, take out the garbage and run the dishwasher. You don’t want to come back to smelly foods!

• Arm your security system if you’ll be using it while away.

• Check your home insurance policy to ensure you’re protected while your home is unoccupied. You may need to satisfy certain conditions to ensure your coverage.

• Have a trusted friend, family member, or professional house sitter look in on your home regularly — from picking up packages from your porch to doing a walk around the inside every once in a while. Your insurance provider may dictate how often this needs to happen.

2. Your health

Healthcare is often one of Canadians’ primary concerns when heading to the U.S. for an extended period of time. After all, American healthcare is more complicated and can be extremely expensive if you find yourself sick or injured without sufficient coverage. 

Use this travel checklist to ensure your health is taken care of while in the U.S.:

• Know your provincial healthcare limitations. To retain your Canadian provincial healthcare, you must meet certain residency conditions. In Ontario, for example, you can be outside of Canada for up to 212 days (7 months) within a 12-month period and still retain your OHIP coverage. If you live in Quebec, to remain eligible for health insurance, you must not be absent from the province for 183 days or more per calendar year. Be sure to check your province or territory’s legislation for specific rules related to your health coverage.

• Consider travel health insurance. Your provincial health plan offers limited coverage once you leave the country, so it is highly recommended that you purchase supplementary travel health insurance.

• Organize your medications.Pack all your medications and make a list of your prescriptions should you need anything refilled or need emergency care.

• Know where you can get help. Find the name and number of a local primary care physician, an urgent care/walk-in clinic nearby and the hospital closest to your U.S. destination.

3. Your taxes and immigration situation

There’s no question you’ll want to follow tax and immigration laws while in the U.S.

• Check that the length of your stay conforms to U.S. residency and tax regulations. If you’re not sure what those are, review our article, Seven Things Every Canadian Should Know About U.S. Tax and Immigration Rules.

• Figure out which forms you must complete to prove your Canadian residency and tax situation. Filing Form 8840, for instance, lets the U.S. government know that you have a closer connection to Canada, thereby avoiding U.S. tax obligations. Visit the IRS site for international taxpayers for more details.

• Check that your Power of Attorney and/or Letter of Direction are valid in the states you are visiting. Don’t forget to bring them with you to the U.S.

• Stay up to date on changes in tax laws. Tax laws in both Canada and the U.S. can change, which could affect your tax obligations. Staying informed about any changes can help you remain compliant and potentially take advantage of any new tax savings or credits.

4. Your vehicle

Many Canadians hit the road for their U.S. getaways. Here’s how to protect your car, finances and driving record!

• Have your car tuned up and address any mechanical issues.

• Consider getting U.S. roadside assistance coverage for protection during your travels.

• If you plan on using your car’s GPS or connected services, make sure your coverage includes the U.S.

• Make sure your insurance is up to date and covers you in the U.S., and keep a copy of your policy on hand throughout your stay.

• Check to see if you’ll need a U.S. driver’s license and if you’ll need to register your vehicle in the U.S. Requirements vary by state.

5. Your pets

Travelling with your pets? Just like with other members of your family, you’ll want to ensure their paperwork is in order, too. Here’s what is required.

Dogs:

• You’ll need to complete the CDC Dog Import Form and have a printed or online receipt to show U.S. customs officials. 

• Your dog(s) must appear healthy upon arrival.

• Dogs must be at least six months old at the time of entry to the U.S.

• Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.

Cats and other pets:

• There are no specific animal health requirements for bringing a pet cat into the United States, but the cat must appear healthy upon arrival. (If yours doesn’t, they may be inspected and possibly denied entry.)

• While proof of rabies vaccination isn’t required to enter the United States, some U.S. destinations may require vaccinations, among other requirements.

• For most other pets, some states and some airlines require you to fill out paperwork. Before you travel, be sure to check state regulations.

6. Your mail and cell phone

By planning ahead, you may save money on your cell phone bill and keep mail from collecting at home. 

• Add international roaming to your cell phone or check with your provider for the most cost-effective way to use your phone while away.

• Move to paperless billing so you can stay current on your household expenses and avoid potential delays in making your payments.

• Forward or put a hold on your mail so it doesn’t pile up while you’re gone.

• Cancel or hold subscriptions — you’ll save money and paper!

7. Your banking

Banking in the U.S. can be straightforward, convenient and affordable — with the right partner. Here’s how you can save time and money while banking in the U.S.

• Open a U.S.-based checking account with a U.S. financial institution to easily transfer money between the U.S. and Canada and access cash at U.S. ATMs.  

• Apply for a U.S.-issued credit card to save on currency exchange and foreign transaction fees.

• Enrol in online and mobile banking to keep track of your money from anywhere.

An extended vacation south of the border is even better when you can leave home confidently and worry-free. Use this travel checklist anytime you head south of the border to ensure you’ve covered all the essentials before you go.

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