Do you know the laws when travelling abroad? : PF Weekly Grab a brew #58

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

 

Do you really read about the laws of the country you are about to visit when travelling abroad?

Shaking your head no, don’t worry me neither.

I’ve been to many countries around the world in the 30 odd years I’ve been around and Canada was the only place that I did.

To be honest the laws of each destination that I visited weren’t something that crossed my mind although it really should have been.

Before I became a permanent resident in Canada I did look into the laws of the road and driving and how I would be insured since I was visiting from abroad only because my wife had brought it to my attention.

It’s important to know what your rights are and whether your insurance will cover you in the event of an accident but also what the laws of the country are involving certain situations such as the horror described below.

I was disturbed to read an article earlier this week about Canadian Justine Davis from Toronto who was travelling through Cuba with her three-year old son.

While on a rented scooter just before this past Christmas they were involved in an accident with a truck on a partially paved road in Cuba.

Her son passed away from injuries sustained in the accident and she suffered injuries which involved surgery. Her son was flown back to Canada to be buried however Cuban officials would not let Justine out of the country to attend his funeral.

The laws according to the Canadian Travel Advisory for Cuba state that being involved in a vehicle accident which involves death is considered a crime.

She must stay until they complete the investigation. She may face a long wait in Cuba until this case goes to trial and potentially that wait may be in a jail.

I can’t even imagine what this young lady is going through firs the loss of her father before this Christmas trip and now this has happened.

She’s been trying desperately to get home so she doesn’t miss her sons funeral on Feb 8, 2014 which has been put off as long as they could but it’s to the point where they must move forward and lay the child to rest.

The Canadian government says their hands and unable to get in the middle of this case to help her but many Canadians are rallying behind Justine and fighting to bring her home.

The good news is this morning I read the officials must have had a change of heart, (thank goodness) and are allowing Justine to come home to Toronto to attend Cameron’s funeral.

I pray this young lady makes it home on time to be present as his funeral and I know that many people who are following this case may be thinking more about the laws of  the country they may visit abroad for a yearly getaway with the family, friends or a loved one.

How many people jet off to get married and have a huge entourage of family and friends come along? It happens all the time. Or you might just want to get away and tour around a country to see what historic values it has to offer.

 

Know the laws

 

The problem is that laws are different from country to country although some may similar it is important to know those laws before you embark on your fantastic journey abroad. Take nothing for granted when you are venturing away from your home turf.

After reading what has happened to Justine you can bet I’ll be doing a bit more research. I’m not one of those guys who likes to visit a resort and sit on the beach all day. I’d rather visit a country and rent a vehicle and/or any mode of transportation to see all I can see.

If I was on a resort you can also bet I’d venture outside of the resort if they let me and renting a vehicle might cross my mind as it’s not unusual for me.

I’ve travelled by foot many times but I’ve also rented a vehicle to drive around in. I never gave much thought to the laws and what would happen should I be involved in a crash involving injury or even death.

It scares me now looking back how naive I may have been to this. Should we be warned before taking a rental of the laws involving the roads in a certain country?

I don’t know but I certainly know that if I get back on a plane to travel somewhere that I will be doing a bit more homework about the country I’m visiting.

I want to know the potential dangers that lurk around me when I want to venture out on my own with my camera to sight see and enjoy the scenery.

How many of you travel to the USA with your vehicle to go shopping? Does your car insurance cover you when travelling to the States? Do you know the laws when driving in the USA?

If you don’t you should especially if you make frequent trips over to buy groceries, fill up on gasoline or even go out for a night on the town or a romantic dinner with your loved one.

• Have you ever had any complications outside of your country with laws you were unaware of?
• How do you feel about this scooter accident and how far the Cubans take these types of accidents compared to what may happen in Canada?
• Will you do more research when you travel abroad now?

 

 Top recipe

 

If you don’t already know I have a second Facebook page called The Free Recipe Depot where I share recipes from other Foodie Bloggers from around the world. Once a week I pick one recipe that has been submitted as my Top Recipe of the week.

 

This week that recipe goes to a blog called All She Cooks. They provided me with a recipe for Gluten Free Valentines Cookies. A timely recipe with Valentines Day just around the corner. I hope you enjoy this recipe and please do check out my friends at All She Cooks.

 

Weekly CBB posts

 

If you missed any CBB posts from the week here is the list of posts you can catch up on reading!

• Should your career choice be up to your parents?
• What is a high net worth?- Our January 2014 Net Worth Update
• Ultimate Grocery Shopping Guide
• Do you stockpile food before a snow storm? The Grocery Game Challenge Feb 3-9 2014
• Spending cuts and increases: Budget Update January 2014
• Glazed Finger Buns

 

Weekly reads

 

Every week I share a few of the best personal finance blog posts that I read over the past week with all of you so please enjoy my top picks.

It’s that time of year again where Jeremy over at Modest Money is holding his Top Canadian Finance Blogger 2014 Poll again. Please if you are a fan head over and VOTE Canadian Budget Binder~

All the rules are in his post. It’s a simple vote though. Thank-you in advance to all of you that do vote for this small personal finance blog that brings Canadians together like family to talk about issues that are near and dear.

• Embarrassing ways to save money–Club Thrifty
• Costs of moving abroad 10 things to remember –The Savvy Scot
• When should your children begin to save? – Money Bulldog
• Book Review: The Millionaire Next Door- Money Saving Dude
• Pop Balance Sheet January 2014- Planting Our Pennies
• Crash course to improve your money psychology– Stumble Forward

Well, that’s a wrap for this Friday’s grab a brew #58 so happy budgeting and I’ll see you here again next week when I do it all over again.

-Mr.CBB

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