Trip Tips

  1. Request your vacation spot as early as possible to ensure availability. If you are not going to vacation at a TaraNova location, deposit your week into the RCI Bank as early as possible to ensure greater trading power. Remember that Christmas, New Year’s, March Break and summer are extremely popular times to travel. Book these weeks as early as possible to ensure your space. (Hint: These are also the most requested weeks for transportation and are usually the most expensive.) You may prepay your dues and request to bank your week into RCI up to 2 years in advance to the exact date of the week you are depositing. Weeks that are later in the year, may have a higher trade value than those in the beginning of the year. 
  2. Always check with your travel agent for information on the type of documentation you will require and any immunizations or special items that are needed. Be sure to inquire about the various types of travel and health insurance to determine which would be most beneficial to you.
  3. Check with your cell phone provider – It is always a good idea to call your cell phone provider and check on a “plan” if you are travelling out of your phone’s area.  You do not want to be charged additional fees that can be avoided by preplanning.
  4. When requesting accommodations, specify if something is a necessity.  For example, must have elevator or need ground floor unit, must have air conditioning, etc. Sorry – no pets allowed at any TaraNova resort. There will be a US$300.00 cleaning fee assessed if you take a pet into a TaraNova resort and you will have to immediately move the pet out of the building. Always verify exactly what you need before confirming with RCI.
  5. Protect yourself from insects. Insects, particularly mosquitos, are carriers of disease in many overseas countries. A good insect repellant, long pants and sleeves, particularly in the evening, and mosquito netting for sleeping accommodations provide important protection.
  6. Acclimatize. Be prepared. If you’re beaching it or skiing, take along adequate sun protection and good sunglasses. If you’re headed to the mountains, be prepared for colder temperatures higher up, and altitude sickness if you’re taking on the big climbs. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack the medication that works for you.
  7. Medical: Check with your doctors with respect to health issues which could be related to changes in altitude, temperature and medicines/vaccines that you may require.

QUICK TIPS

Quick Tip – Insurance #1

We never want to get sick on vacation, but sometimes it happens, or emergencies on vacation or at home may occur. Make sure you have taken out adequate insurance to cover any mishaps that might occur and remember to take enough of your medications with you as you may not be able to get them refilled where you are going. Check to make sure that your insurance will cover you if you must be transported home, or require extended lodging, car rental, alternative travel and other necessary expenses that may occur if your vacation is interrupted for any reason.

Quick Tip – Insurance #2

When purchasing your travel arrangements, examine exactly what your insurance covers.

Quick Tip – Insurance #3

Check your home-owners insurance policy to see what it covers while you are away on holiday. If you are taking expensive equipment, you may want to have it itemized in order to receive a quicker settlement from your insurance company due to loss, breakage or theft.

Quick Tip – Insurance #4

If you are renting a car, find out what your personal insurance covers. Many Car Rental Companies charge for insurance that you may already be covered for under your own policy. Sometimes your credit card provider may offer Insurance (medical and car), therefore we recommend checking with them.

Many of our members are travelling to resorts by car or renting cars at their vacation destinations.

Tips for Drive-to locations

  • CAA is always a good membership to have when taking road trips.
  • Get a tune-up on your car prior to your departure. Check your filter and make sure to top up the water, windshield washer fluid and oil in your car. Check the tire pressure and make sure you have a dependable spare and a jack in the car. 
  • It is always helpful to have a tool kit, flashlight and first aid kit in the car with you, along with bottled water and non-perishable food.