What Does a Safe Travel Planner Do?
A Safe Travel Planner is a travel professional who has completed specialized training through Global Affairs Canada. This program equips advisors with the knowledge and tools needed to help Canadian travellers prepare smarter, stay safe abroad, and handle emergencies effectively.
Unlike a standard travel agent, a Safe Travel Planner integrates official government travel resources, health protocols, and security awareness into your trip planning — ensuring you’re fully informed at every stage of your journey.
Global Affairs Canada Certification
The Safe Travel Planner program, offered to help travellers navigate today’s complex global environment.
Certification covers key areas such as:
Understanding Travel Advice and Advisories for over 200 destinations
Using government tools to provide timely travel safety information
Preparing travellers for emergencies abroad
Ensuring travellers understand documentation, health, and security requirements
Sharing official consular services and resources
Earning this certification demonstrates a commitment to responsible, informed travel planning — something increasingly valuable in today’s unpredictable travel landscape.
1. Smart Preparation for a Safe Journey
Good planning is the foundation of any safe and enjoyable trip. Here’s how working with a Certified Safe Travel Planner ensures nothing is overlooked:
a) Travel Advice & Advisories – Risk Levels
Before booking, I check the official Travel Advice and Advisories on Travel.gc.ca, or your destination. Each country is assigned a risk level, ranging from “Exercise normal security precautions” to “Avoid all travel.”
This ensures you’re aware of local safety concerns, entry and exit requirements, and any evolving situations that may impact your plans.
b) Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a must. I help you select coverage that fits your trip, including emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and other essentials. I also highlight the importance of understanding policy exclusions, like pandemics or pre-existing conditions, so you know exactly what’s covered.
c) Travel Documents
From valid passports and visas to vaccination certificates and required entry permits, I help ensure you have the right documents well in advance. I’ll also advise on photocopies and digital backups to prevent problems in case of loss or theft.
d) Travelling With Children
Traveling with children comes with extra requirements—especially if you’re a single parent, guardian, or traveling without both parents. I’ll guide you through the consent letter process, documentation for custody, and tips to make security checks and border crossings smooth and stress-free.
e) Travel Health & Vaccination
I provide resources on destination-specific health advisories, required vaccinations, and recommendations for preventive measures (e.g., malaria prophylaxis, routine immunizations). I also refer travellers to Canada’s Travel Health Clinics for personalized health advice before departure.
2. Travel Health and Safety Essentials
A well-planned trip prioritizes well-being. As a Certified Safe Travel Planner, I integrate practical safety strategies for a wide range of situations:
a) Tips for Healthy Travel
Simple steps—like carrying hand sanitizer, staying hydrated, and eating at reputable establishments—can prevent illness abroad. I share tips tailored to your destination’s climate, food standards, and local conditions.
b) Medication, Drugs & Alcohol
Different countries have strict rules regarding medications and controlled substances. I guide you on carrying prescriptions properly labeled, traveling with a doctor’s note if required, and understanding local regulations around alcohol and drugs to avoid serious legal issues.
c) Overseas Fraud
Unfortunately, tourists can be targets for scams and credit card fraud. I offer practical advice on protecting your personal information, using ATMs safely, and recognizing common travel scams in your destination.
d) Travelling With Disabilities
Accessibility varies widely around the world. I can provide information on transportation options, accommodation standards, and mobility resources to ensure smooth travel for travellers with disabilities, including links to specialized service providers.
e) 2SLGBTQI+ Travellers
Laws, cultural attitudes, and safety considerations for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers can differ significantly by country. I rely on up-to-date government information to brief travellers on what to expect, including legal restrictions, safe spaces, and local support networks.
f) Women Travellers
In some destinations, women may face unique cultural expectations or safety challenges. I provide advice on dress codes, transportation safety, accommodation recommendations, and local laws to help women travel with confidence.
3. Support for Canadians Abroad
Even with the best planning, unexpected situations can happen. Global Affairs Canada provides 24/7 support to Canadians abroad through:
Consular services at embassies and consulates (e.g., help with lost passports, medical emergencies, legal issues).
The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, reachable any time by phone or email.
Support during natural disasters, civil unrest, or major emergencies abroad.
As a Safe Travel Planner, I make sure clients know where to find this help, keep emergency contacts on hand, and register their trip with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive alerts and assistance when needed.
4. Stay Connected Wherever You Go
Staying connected is key. Global Affairs Canada provides multiple ways for travellers to access real-time information:
Travel.gc.ca for updated advisories and entry/exit requirements.
@TravelGoC on Twitter/X and Facebook or quick alerts.
Email subscription to Travel Updates, delivering daily advisory changes for destinations you care about.
I help travellers subscribe and follow these channels before they leave so they can stay informed while abroad.
5. Coming Home Prepared
Returning home is often the last thing people plan for—but it matters just as much.
Fees and Customs
As part of trip planning, I explain how to declare purchases, understand personal exemptions, and prepare for duty and tax fees. This avoids surprises at the airport and keeps you compliant with Canadian border regulations.
What Travellers Can Bring Back
I guide travellers on what items are restricted or prohibited, including plants, food, animal products, cultural artifacts, and large sums of currency. Understanding these rules ensures a smooth re-entry to Canada without fines or confiscations.
6. Essential Travel Resources
A Certified Safe Travel Planner uses official, reliable sources to keep your trip safe and informed. Key resources include:
Travel.gc.ca – Government of Canada travel portal
Registration of Canadians Abroad - for emergency notifications
Travel Advice and Advisories – risk levels and entry requirements
Public Health Agency of Canada– health alerts and vaccination info
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)– customs, duties, and returning to Canada rules
Why This Certification Matters Today
Today’s travel landscape is constantly evolving—with changing entry requirements, health regulations, and security concerns. Having a Certified Safe Travel Planner by your side means:
You’re not navigating these complexities alone.
You receive timely, trusted, government-sourced information.
Your travel plans are backed by both industry knowledge and official Canadian resources.
This certification gives you confidence that your trip is planned not just for comfort—but for safety and preparedness, no matter where in the world you go.
Ready to Plan Smarter?
Travel should be exciting — not overwhelming. By working with a Certified Safe Travel Planner, you get:
Up-to-date, reliable travel safety information
Personalized preparation checklists
Health and legal guidance specific to your destination
Peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re supported every step of the way.
Ready to plan your next trip with a certified professional? Let’s get started today.