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Getting to Florida or other southern states is an adventure that just needs a little extra prep! We’ve compiled some helpful tips for a relaxing journey — whether you’re driving or flying to the Sunshine State.
Crossing the U.S. Border by Land
- Have Documents Ready: Keep your valid Canadian passport (or NEXUS card) and vehicle insurance/registration accessible, not in the trunk.
- Destination Address: Have the full address and zip code of your first stay ready for the border officer.
- Get Consent: If traveling with a child who is not yours or without the other parent, carry a signed Letter of Consent to avoid border or customs delays.
- Check Wait Times: Use the official CBSA/CBP websites to choose the least-congested crossing and time.
- Avoid Peak Times: Cross early on a weekday (before 7 AM) or late evening. Skip weekends and rush hours.
- I Do Declare: Be honest about all goods you are bringing in – it’s not worth the hassle, and remember: No fresh citrus, plants or raw poultry or meat.
- NEXUS Program: If you travel often or are a ‘Snowbird’ a NEXUS card is highly recommended for fast border crossing in dedicated lanes.
Smart Tips for Air Travel to the USA
- Arrive Early: Plan to be at the airport three hours before departure to go through security screening and clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance at select Canadian airports (e.g. Toronto’s Pearson and Billy Bishop, Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier, and Montréal’s Trudeau, to name a few)
- Get in the fast lane! Download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app (U.S. CBP) to submit your info digitally and you get to use the fast lane!
- Baggage Security: Follow the 100 mL rule for liquids in carry-ons (CATSA/TSA). Check with your airline for specific checked baggage rules.
- Passport & Destination: Have your valid Canadian passport (and NEXUS card) and the U.S. address of your stay ready.
Vehicle Prep & U.S. Road Tolls
- Get Toll Transponders: Get a transponder like SunPass Pro for Florida or E-ZPass coverage to avoid expensive “toll-by-plate” bills.
- Car Maintenance: Check your oil, tires, brakes, and fluids before the long drive.
- Roadside Protection: Confirm U.S. coverage on your Canadian plan or purchase temporary assistance.
- Proof of Insurance: Ensure your auto insurance meets U.S. state minimums and keep your pink card accessible.
- Carry U.S. Cash: Keep small U.S. bills and coins for older toll booths or rural gas stations.
Additional Reading: Have a place in Florida? Read the Staebler Blog about Insuring Your Florida Property: Canadian Snowbirds and Property Owners – Staebler Insurance
Driving & Routing (By Car)
- Plan your Route: The I-95 (East Route) is shorter but heavily congested. Tip: Plan to drive through D.C. and Baltimore very early or very late. Alternately, the I-75 (Midwest) is straighter but be sure to avoid the heavy Atlanta rush hour!
- Pre-Book Hotels: Book your overnight stays in advance, usually in Virginia or North Carolina/Georgia, especially during high season.
- Be a Traffic Ninja: Use a live-traffic app like Waze or Google Maps. They are your best friends for spotting accidents and finding faster alternate routes in a pinch.
- The 8-10 Rule: Plan for only 8-10 hours of travel per day and take breaks including a short nap if you feel tired. You’ll want to be well rested for the long drive through Georgia for example – then, you’re almost in Florida!
Personal Safety and Travel Comfort Tips
- Medical Insurance: THIS IS CRUCIAL: Purchase adequate emergency medical travel insurance for your entire stay – U.S. medical costs are extremely high and can blow your budget AND ruin your holiday!
- Stay Connected: Arrange a U.S. roaming/data plan for reliable GPS and communication, to be safe and connected.
- “The Overnight Bag”: Pack a small bag of essentials for each hotel stop to avoid unpacking all your luggage – it saves time and the hassle of unpacking and repacking for one-night stays!
- Snack Smart: Stock a cooler with drinks and non-messy snacks to minimize stops AND save money for when you get there!
- Download Before You Go! Download movies, music, and podcasts before you leave to keep everyone entertained without having to rely on roaming data.
Lastly, as always when travelling, be aware of your surroundings and practice safe travel, keeping your travel documents, ID, money, and credit cards safe (consider an RFID wallet for extra security) and keeping together if travelling as a family or group.
These tips will hopefully help you to arrive safe and have a great holiday in the Sunshine State or wherever you choose to travel this winter!
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