COVID-19 – news and information for consumers who booked travel with an Ontario travel agency, website or tour operator
Government of Canada COVID-19 information – latest border rules, travel restrictions, checklists and more. If you are travelling outside of Canada, click here to access travel advisories for specific destinations. Travel Voucher and Credit Information In Ontario, all travel agencies, websites and tour operators are regulated under the Travel Industry Act, 2002, which is enforced…
Most Common Travel Complaints to TICO’s Consumer Hotline – and how to avoid the same pitfalls!
You’ve been researching vacation destinations, saving up money, and learning about all of the must-see attractions you’d like to visit. But, have you thought about how you’ll protect yourself in case the unexpected happens either before or during your holiday? As the year winds down, we look at some of the common calls received by…
What happens when a travel company goes out of business?
Over the last few years, there have been several iconic travel businesses that closed their doors. This has included both local Ontario-based businesses and iconic names like Thomas Cook, an airline and tour operator in the UK and Crystal Cruises, a luxury US-based cruise line. But what did those closures mean for Ontarians? Did you…
Tips for Travelling During Hurricane Season
Travelling to the Caribbean and U.S. Gulf Coast during the summer and early fall can mean taking advantage of off-peak rates to popular destinations. But, with hurricane season lasting from early June until the end of November, there’s the potential that your holiday could see anything from a little bit of drizzle to a major…
5 Travel Tips to Prepare You for Traveling Abroad
Traveling should always be a pleasurable experience. Unfortunately, unexpected problems may occur, and pitfalls can await the unprepared. Having a happy holiday involves doing your homework and taking some precautions before you embark. Ontario’s travel industry is regulated for consumer protection, which is why it’s important to book with a TICO registered travel agency…
4 Travel Tips for Purchasing Last-Minute Cruise Deals
If you search online for cruise deals, you’ll be sure to see all kinds of ads like this: “Once-in-a-lifetime cruises at low prices.” If you’re a savvy traveler, there are plenty of amazing deals on cruise vacations floating around. You’ll get to enjoy top-notch service, accommodation, dining, onboard activities and entertainment while enjoying each stop…
3 Ways to Tell if a Home-Based Travel Agency is Registered
Travel is a global industry and like many other global industries, the trend of working out of home and being mobile has crossed over in a big way. In Ontario, the travel industry has experienced a dramatic increase in home-based travel agencies and travel counselors working as outside sales representatives on behalf of travel agencies….
7 Tips to Avoid a Travel Scam When Buying Airline Tickets Online
To avoid turning the delight of “what a great price!” into dismay, one of the simplest ways to protect yourself online is by always booking with a TICO registered booking website. All Ontario online travel retailers are required to display their TICO registration number on their websites. It’s the law. Don’t forfeit the consumer…
Travel Tips for Crossing the Canadian/U.S. Land Border
Check out these travel tips, handy apps and websites to ensure you have all the correct documentation and information to reduce your wait times at the border: 1. Know before you go Make sure you have the correct travel documents to enter the U.S. and to re-enter Canada: For…
Traveling Solo? 9 Travel Safety Tips to Stay Safe
There are plenty of perks to traveling alone. You can do what you like, see what you want, and go anywhere that interests you without having to worry about the whims of your travel companion. Traveling is usually safe, but it’s always important to be alert and aware of your surroundings. You want to be…