With the loonie taking flight, Canadians are flocking more to the USA

The Canadian dollar being on par, or better, with the US dollar is great news for shoppers planning to hit up Target or the outlet sales in neighbouring state-side cities. It's also great news for travellers who wish to get away a bit longer, or more frequently, than usual.

If you are planning a trip south of the border, you are not alone. Statistics Canada just released August's travel numbers which showed that overnight travel by Canadian residents to the United States rose 4.2 per cent to almost 1.5 million in August. If you're planning on joining the migration south to take advantage of a strong Canadian dollar, the following are tips that will save you time, money, and hassles.

1. Remember that your personal exemption on what you can spend has not changed. Even so, you'll likely get more bang for your buck now that the Canadian dollar is on par with Mr. Washington. If you're gone for 24 hours or more you can declare up to $50 without paying any duties. For 48 hours or more you can claim up to $400, and for 7 days or more you can claim $750. To learn more, visit the Canadian Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

2. If you're driving to your favourite US shopping mall or outlet, then you'll want to check on the border wait times so you can plan your arrival and departure to make sure you get to where you want to be on time. Again, the Canadian Border Service Agency offers a "Border Wait Times" Resource at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca that is refreshed every 10 minutes so you have up-to-date and relevant times while travelling by car or bus.

3. Just because our Canadian dollar is now worth the same or more as the American greenback, doesn't mean that everything is cheaper on the other side of the border. Take health care for example. Everyone knows that if you need to seek medical aid in the USA it'll cost you - likely in the range of thousands of dollars. And although a thousand dollars is now a thousand dollars no matter if it's in Canadian or American currency, it is still a thousand dollars! That's why you shouldn't take chances when travelling, even if it is only an overnight trip to take advantage of bargains and sales. Travel insurance is affordable, easy to get and will ensure that your shopping weekend away doesn't cost you more than you expect.

4. Even if you're only travelling for a few days, travel insurance is a must because even a small accident can become a big expense. It takes very little time and money (we're talking less than what you'll likely pay for lunch at Ruby Tuesdays) to get travel insurance coverage for you and your travelling companions. Fortunately, kanetix.ca is the right place to go for quick and easy travel insurance information, quotes and to even purchase your policy online.

So what type of travel coverage should you get?

Travel insurance comes in many different packages. On average, most people can get basic emergency medical coverage for about $15 which is probably all you need for those short weekend trips over the border; especially if you're taking a few hours to drive over the border rather than fly. If you're taking multiple short trips, an annual plan will cover you all year for a great price, and you'll only have to shop for insurance once.

If you've decided to book a trip now to take advantage of the strong loonie, but you're not leaving until the winter or next spring, an all inclusive package is probably a better choice for insurance coverage. All inclusive packages are only slightly more expensive than $15; however you get emergency medical coverage along with trip cancellation coverage for the cost of your flight or trip package itself and coverage for all your baggage in case of loss or damage. This type of package comes in handy when you've spent your time and money finding that perfect flight or travel package that just happens to be non-refundable. But don't forget, trip cancellation insurance, whether on its own or in an all inclusive package, must be purchased within 48 hours of paying for your flight or trip package.

Get the best coverage at the lowest price

No matter what length of trip you're taking, get the travel insurance you need. With just one visit to kanetix.ca you can compare quotes from Canada's leading travel insurance providers, all in one place. You can even compare coverage in one easy-to-follow chart. kanetix.ca goes that extra step too by offering you the option to complete your purchase over the phone with a licensed agent or even online - quickly, securely and easily!

Visit kanetix.ca today to go over your options. Make sure you've covered yourself, your family and your travel plans so you can take control of how you spend your money while you're away.