Not everyone who travels to a third world country is going there on a missions trip, but safety is nonetheless a concern for anyone leaving Canada. One way to know you'll be safe traveling to a sunny destination this winter is by checking the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories web page

The page is Canada’s official source of destination-specific travel information, offering important advice to help make informed decisions and to travel safely while abroad.

“Do some homework, talk with your consultant if you can, or go online and research,” said Christine Niemczyk with CAA Saskatchewan. “This Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisory has a lot of good information, but just know, not only for your personal safety, where am I travelling to? Do I have access to a Canadian Embassy? Do I need a Canadian Embassy? Maybe I should register with them and let them know I'm a Canadian travelling in this country?”

She noted the site currently advises avoiding travel to Haiti, Venezuela and North Korea.

“It also identified France as high-risk of security,” she added.

“Another step on there that one of my colleagues uses is she takes the next step off this web site where you can register with the Government of Canada, you can let them know where you're travelling to and they will alert you if there are any safety concerns in that destination or in that country that you're visiting,” she said.

She added common safety practices should always be implemented, no matter how safe you may feel.

“Everybody does want sun destinations they want to go to Cuba, Mexico, Caribbean cruises, etc.,” she said. “All-inclusives are very popular. And it's just a polite reminder that if you're going for an all-inclusive, just be alert of your surroundings, don't take expensive jewellery and wallets and passports with you, lock them up, but know your limits.”

The site advises that no matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date.

Choose your destination below to see regularly updated information on local safety and security conditions and areas to avoid, entry and exit requirements, local laws and culture, possible health hazards and health restrictions, natural hazards and climate, as well as where to find help while you are travelling abroad.