b'industry adviceParadis notes. Check often, and definitely 24 and 48What happens when indirect travellers dont do their hours before your departure.research? We find that travellers who are showing up in But what are the best ways to keep up with rapidlythe U.S. (or a connecting country) get that far, but they changing information? The value of working with adont have the right documentation to enter the third professional travel agent has always been important,country, where their event is taking place, explains Paradis. says Paradis. But when traveling during the time of COVID and its ever-evolving rules and conditions, they2 GET THE RIGHT TRAVEL INSURANCEare truly your best resource. With so much to consider before your trip, dont forget A travel agent can also help you make sense of theabout travel insurance. You may already have it through Government of Canadas website. Some travellers haveyour workplace or credit card, or you may choose to difficulty understanding the government websites, sopurchase it separately. Either way, not all travel insurance they often need some help, explains Paradis. is created equal. Travellers need to know that not all Event websites can be another good resource forinsurance policies cover COVID or COVID-related health staying up-to-date. When it comes to meetings andcare, says Paradis. Its vital that travellers read and fully events, we find that event planners are doing a reallyunderstand their travel insurance policy.good job of putting current travel conditions on their website and updating it very quickly if it changes, notes3 UNDERSTAND EVENT CANCELLATIONParadis. AND REFUND POLICIESMany organizations are gearing up for their first in-person SAFETY FIRSTevent in over two years. Just as you need to keep an eye on During the pandemic, we have grown accustomed totravel regulation changes, you should also monitortaking safety measures such as masking, frequent handevent changes.washing and social distancing. But as things open upIts really important to check the event website and again, some or all of these measures may no longer beclearly understand the cancellation rules and penalties, Photo by Alexander Bagno on Unsplash.legally required. How should travellers decide whichadvises Paradis. Find out if refunds will be offered, under what measures to take to ensure the safety of themselves andcircumstances and whether there are deadlines attached.those around them?Travel is more complex than it used to be, but planning We say quite often to travellers that its notahead could just make the difference between a painless, necessarily where someone is, its how they arestress-free trip and one fraught with delays and frustration.behaving, notes Paradis. I would ask travellers to step back and think about what they are comfortable with. What health and safety protocols are important to them?Keep in mind that not everyone may be comfortable dropping safety measures entirely. Some may still feel more comfortable masking and maintaining social distancing at events. We should really get up every day and think about the fact that were still in a pandemic, and evaluate and take the safety precautions that have been drilled into us, says Paradis. Its just about being smart and thinking through the safety precautions.3 TIPS TO NAVIGATE TRAVELIN A POST-COVID LANDSCAPE Paradis points to three additional steps you can take to ensure smooth event travel:1 TRAVEL DIRECTParadis advises Canadians to fly from Canada direct, whenever possible. She also notes the increasing complexity of indirect air travel. If youre travelling from Toronto to Los Angeles to Costa Rica, you have three countries involved, Paradis notes. In addition to following the rules for flying out of Canada, you also need to understand the entry, testing and documentation rules for both the U.S. and Costa Rica.Spring/Summer 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 13'