Research Your Destination Thoroughly
Start by researching your destination. Look into the local culture, customs, and language. Understand the weather patterns for the time of year you plan to visit and read up on local attractions and experiences. Visiting Halifax and Nova Scotia? You’ll most definitely want to plan to use these informative sites:
Check Travel Advisories and Requirements
Always check the latest travel advisories for your destination. This includes visa requirements, vaccination needs, and any travel warnings related to health, safety, or political climate. Here are a few resourceful sites to help your planning:
Weather: weather.gc.ca
Emergency alerts: novascotia.ca/alerts
Advisories: 511.novascotia.ca
Plan Your Budget Wisely
Budgeting is crucial for a stress-free trip. Factor in all costs, including flights, accommodation, food, activities, and emergency funds. Look for deals and discounts where available. When in Halifax, there’s so much to see and do – and little or no cost.
Book Flights and Accommodations Early
Book your flights and accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates and availability, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons. Search for flights well ahead of your scheduled departure and book early - we hear Google Flights and Skyscanner are good flight search options. Also, there are several “budget” airlines should you decide to go that route.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must. It covers unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Prepare Your Documents
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Keep digital copies of important documents like your passport, insurance, and itineraries.
Plan Your Itinerary
While it’s great to have some flexibility, having a planned itinerary helps in managing time and ensures you don’t miss out on must-see attractions. Here are some great sources when planning your itinerary in Halifax and Nova Scotia:
novascotia.com/trip-ideas/itineraries
Pack Smart
Pack according to the weather and cultural norms of your destination. Remember to pack essential items like chargers, adapters, and any specific medications. If you’re considering weather, here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Halifax: Mid June to mid September, daytime temperatures are typically 20 to 25 °C (70 to 80 °F) - though temperatures can reach 30 to 32 °C (86 to 90F) with humidity.
Stay Informed About Health Precautions
Stay updated on health precautions, including any vaccinations or health checks required for your destination. As it pertains to COVID-19: The Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective October 1, 2022. Travellers are no longer required to enter their public health information via ArriveCan.
Embrace Local Experiences
Finally, be open to local experiences. Try local food, participate in cultural activities, and interact with locals for an authentic experience. Some local Halifax and Nova Scotia experiences not to be missed are:
Eating a Lobster Roll
Enjoying a sailing cruise
Visiting an art gallery or museum
Strolling the Halifax Public Gardens
Visiting the Halifax Central Library
Enjoying local, live music
Taking the Harbour Hopper Tour
Walking the Halifax Waterfront (all 4 kms or 2.5 miles)
Visiting Georges Island National Historic Site
Traveling in 2024 can be an exciting and enriching experience with the right planning. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore your destination safely and enjoyably. Happy travels!
