Travel experts say snowbirds should be cautious with U.S. land border reopening
Word of the land borders reopening spread fast among those hoping to travel this winter.
It's news Larry Palmer has been waiting to hear.
"I had a loose plan to try and get to Chicago, to drive down this fall," the Barrie resident said.
While the announcement by the United States to open land borders is welcome news for most, travel expert Elliott Silverstein cautions that there are still many unanswered questions.
"Even though they have moved to relax some of these rules, it doesn't change the fact you still need to be on top of things, and you need to be careful because the travel advisories have not been removed," CAA's Silverstein said.
He added that all travellers should exercise due diligence before taking off across the border. "It really is understanding what the requirements are for testing in terms of both exiting Canada and re-entering Canada because a lot of these rules are changing, and a lot of these rules vary from place to place."
The exact date when the land borders will reopen has yet to be announced, and whether the United States will accept travellers who got the AstraZeneca vaccine.
"Just look at just the Caribbean. Every single island has different regulations," noted Chris Ashton.
The Barrie travel agent said he anticipates several calls from people hoping to change their travel plans.
"Many people planned on flying down for the winter season now they have the option of driving, which you know a lot of people like to do, especially the snowbirds."
Silverstein recommends travel insurance for anyone looking to drive over the border.
"Insurance providers are offering COVID-related coverage, and it is important to talk to your provider and understand what levels of coverage you have."
Meanwhile, Rod Rosewell is just happy he will be able to enjoy the warmer weather this winter. "Being able to sit on the beach in the sand certainly beats sitting in the snow here."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.