Tips for sun-seeking snowbirds

THORNHILL, ON, Sept. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The official start to snowbird season is just around the corner. Many snowbirds are already dreaming about palm trees, sandy beaches and sunshine. But before heading south for an extended period, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is recommending the following tips for sun-seeking snowbirds.

Before you leave:

• Ensure your driver's license, health card and passport are up to date and do not expire while you are away.
• Make sure your vehicle is road worthy. Top up your fluids, test your battery and check your hoses and belts.
• Plan out your route ahead of time. Bring a map as a back-up to your GPS. CAA offers maps and customized TripTik route planners to help get you where you are going safely.
• Buy travel insurance because an unforeseen medical emergency can happen when you least expect it.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts handy.
• Check the weather forecast.

On the road:

• Leave a detailed travel itinerary at home.
• Check in regularly with family and friends to let them know where you are and when you will arrive at your destination.
• Plan regular stops at service stations and stretch your legs. Take turns driving if possible.
• Carry enough cash with you incase debit and credit cards are not accepted.
• Don't forget your CAA membership card.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering roadside services, automotive care, travel and insurance. There are more than 1.9 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and over 5.9 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].