Travelling for the holiday? Whether you are travelling by land, air or sea, we want to help make your journey safe, affordable and free from hassles. Here are our top holiday travel tips.

Driving for the holidays

If you’re on the road during holiday season, keep the following tips in mind before you set off:

• Is your vehicle in shape to tackle BC’s winter-blasted highways? Get your ride serviced before you head out on the Sea-to-Sky, Coquihalla, Crowsnest or other BC roads that get slammed by snow, ice, rain and fog. BCAA Auto Service Centres are a great option for a maintenance package, starting at $71, which includes a 42-point inspection.
• Make sure you have the proper tires – most highways require winter tires or chains from October 1 to April 30. Also, check your insurance to make sure you’re covered for everything you need. If you’re not, consider BCAA Optional Car Insurance – BCAA Members can save up to 20%.* 
• Renting a vehicle for the holidays? Rentals are a smart way to get you to festive celebrations on good winter tires and in a nice, new vehicle. Plus, you can save up to 20% on car rentals at Alamo, Enterprise and National with your BCAA Membership.
• Are you driving an electric vehicle? Make sure you know your EV’s range, which can be impacted when the temperature drops. Plan your route so you can keep charged along the way. To relieve any range anxiety, check out our excellent EV road trip planner.

Next, let’s chat about when to hit the road and tips for a smooth journey. Lots of people have the same plan as you during the holidays, so keep the following in mind:

• The worst driving days are the two days before and two days after Christmas Day. If you can stagger your trip, travel earlier, or even travel on December 25, those tend to be quieter days for winter driving.
• Instead of sleeping in on your departure day, pack days in advance and leave early to avoid traffic. Be sure to pack an emergency kit (get 20% off our F.A.S.T. BCAA Grab and Go Emergency Kits) and always bring your BCAA Membership card with you, in case of the unexpected.
• Keep your gas tank topped up, especially before long journeys, and save with your BCAA Membership in the process. Stop by a Shell station, where BCAA Members save 3¢/L on fuel and 10% in-store for those road trip snacks.
• Allow plenty of time for your trip, maintain a steady speed, don’t drive when you’re tired and check road conditions before you leave at DriveBC.ca. Download the BCAA App for the fastest access to Roadside Assistance if you need it, plus access to Member-exclusive savings near you.
• For longer trips, take turns if you’re travelling with another driver. Plan stops along the way to break up the drive, stretch your legs and provide entertainment for the kids by downloading some playlists, shows, audiobooks, podcasts and games.

Oh, and if your drive takes you outside of BC, even for a quick trip, don’t forget to protect yourself from unplanned medical expenses with BCAA Travel Insurance.

Setting sail across the province

Here’s some nice holiday news for people crossing the waves: BC Ferries usually adds around 150 additional sailings for the holiday season. Book in advance whenever possible - because if you show up without a reservation, you’ll often end up waiting for a while, and follow these ferry tips:

• If you booked in advance (and you should try to always book in advance), BC Ferries say to arrive at the ferry terminal 45 to 60 minutes before your sailing. Always check the local road conditions before you leave to avoid missing your sailing.
• Think about your departure time of day, too. Expect longer lines at popular sailing times like morning and evenings, which means you’ll be waiting in your car in a no-idling zone. Dress appropriately for cold weather – you can even bring blankets or sleeping bags to keep warm. Have water and snacks ready and bring books or games to keep you busy.
• Want to know the best and worst sailing days around Christmas? December 23 is historically the busiest sailing day of the season, followed by December 26 and 27 as people pack up and head back home.
• If you’re travelling within BC and you don’t have a car but need one, consider taking an Evo – BCAA Members save 10% on Evo Car Share driving rates. Just keep in mind you need to end your trip on the same side of the water as you started and you cannot take an Evo over the Canada-US border.

Flying away for the festive season

Jetting somewhere for the holidays? Whether it’s for a long-distance reunion or winter sun, there’s a lot to consider for any trip that involves flying. This time of year, it’s even more important to be organized.

• Pick your best day and time to fly. Flights tend to be more expensive on December 22 and December 26, and cheaper on December 19, 24 and 25. Early-morning flights are less likely to get delayed or cancelled and midweek travel avoids weekend crowds. To get the best chance at a cheap fare, Expedia says booking your flight on a Sunday can save up to 13%.
• Travelling internationally? Make sure your passport isn’t expired or close to expiring. Some countries require at least six months validity on your passport before you can enter. Need to update your passport? BCAA Members save up to 50% on paper and digital passport photos at BCAA Service Locations and Premier Members get one free set per year.
• On most airlines, you can check in online starting 24 hours before your departure to save you standing in airport lineups. Here’s a pro tip for maximum relaxation: Check your credit card benefits to see if they get you lounge access, so you can wait for your flight in style and avoid having to find a seat in the crowd. Consider protecting your trip with BCAA’s Trip Protection Coverage, which comes with Travel Delay +AutoPay for instant cash payouts or a lounge pass if your flight is delayed three or more hours.
• Going to the US? Well before you get to the airport, you can minimize your ‘terminal’ stress by registering for TSA PreCheck, Nexus or Global Entry. If you’re travelling without those pre-screening programs, always give yourself plenty of time as check-in and security will be busier than usual during the holidays. It’s usually recommended to arrive three hours in advance for international flights (and two hours for domestic).
• Need to park before you hop on your flight at YVR? BCAA Members save up to 15% at YVR Parking and save 10% on the discounted online rate at Park’N Fly.
• Want to book a hotel for the holidays? BCAA Members save up to 15% at Hilton, Marriott, Fairmont and more!

No matter where you’re flying, get protection from costly medical bills or unexpected travel delays, including instant payouts with Travel Delay +AutoPay, from BCAA Travel Insurance before you fly. BCAA Members save 10%, plus your kids are automatically covered for FREE!**

Enjoy the season by land, sea or air

There you have it. Loads of pre-holiday tips to keep you living in the moment and enjoying every second with your family, friends and loved ones who make life so special here in BC… just like your Membership with BCAA.

Wait, you’re not a Member (yet)? Join today or gift a card that shows you care and get 20% off a BCAA Membership for the loved ones in your life.

Stay up to date on all the great ways to save, new BCAA Member savings partners, benefits and much more by subscribing to the BCAA’s monthly eNewsletter.

^{Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agency, and underwritten by various underwriters. Visit bcaa.com/underwriters for more information.
*BCAA Member savings on insurance products are only available with Basic, Plus, or Premier Membership plans. For full details, please visit bcaa.com/plans.
**Applicable to dependent children are free on family Travel Emergency Medical Insurance policies with two paying adults. Adults must be age 59 or younger. Policy terms and conditions apply.}