It’s spring break, and with that flocks of Canadians will inevitably be heading off to escape the last bits of winter.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends and whether you’re flying to an island getaway or taking a drive to Florida, there are a number of ways to help ensure a pleasant trip and avoid travel delays during the busy season, when border traffic volume is increased and airports get jammed.

The government of Canada provides the following tips to help make your trip more enjoyable.

— Preparation is key — while this might seem like common sense, make sure to check travel advice and advisories for your destination country. A list of up-to-date travel advisories by destination can be found at, https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

— Visit a health care provider or travel health clinic before you leave to make sure your vaccinations are up-to–date, preferably six weeks before you travel. These clinics can provide other advice on how to protect yourself from illness and injury.

— Buy the best travel insurance you can afford. Your Canadian health insurance will not protect you when you are outside the country.

— Register with Canadians Abroad to stay connected to Canada and sign up for Travel.gc.ca’s Travel Smart app, Twitter and Facebook accounts to receive travel-related information and updates.

— Make sure your passport is in good condition and is not expired and consider whether you need a visa to enter your destination country. To enter the United States you must have a passport, a US passport card, enhanced driver's licence or a trusted traveler program card such as a Nexus, Sentry or Fast.

— Pack a first-aid kit and read other health tips such as safe eating and drinking practices and insect bite prevention before you leave home.

— If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, pack an extra supply in case you are away for longer than expected. More information on travelling with medication and travelling with a medical device can be found at, 

— Educate yourself on the risks of using alcohol or drugs while traveling and be responsible.

— Make a travel checklist.

— If you are flying, know what you are allowed to bring on a plane and make sure to have necessary identification. Packing baggage properly and having all of the necessary identification with you will help ensure minimal delays at airport security. 

— Before you leave home, check the airport security screening wait time at your international airport to save time before you leave.

— Drivers should be mindful that border traffic volume will be high. To avoid delays, check wait times and avoid peak travel hours. Check wait times when returning as well.

— If you are travelling with children, make sure you read tips for healthy travel and carry a consent letter if necessary. Tips for traveling with children can be found at, travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/children.

Many travel publications with more tips are offered at travel.gc.ca, such as Her Own Way, a woman's safe-travel guide, and Well on Your Way, a Canadian’s guide to healthy travel abroad.