After the last week of bitter cold temperatures our family needed a little break and a bit of a warm up so we headed south of the border to a favorite water-park we have visited many times before. The draw of this water park is in the constant ambient temperature of 80 degrees farenheit and the ability to run around in flip flops for a day or two.
It’s always a fun little trip and a great way to shake of the winter blues and also allows us grab a few items that are unavailable here in Winnipeg. There are a lot of things we do that makes the experience simple and also allows us to make our weekend trips as enjoyable as possible.
While many people consider crossing the Canadian/US border as insignificant it is important to remember that you are leaving your home country and to be respectful of that.
So in light of the idea that it isn’t all fun and games, here are a few of my tips for a weekend south of the border both when it’s to visit a destination or to shop.
1) Be prepared. Have all of your identification ready, know the answer to the questions you will likely be asked and coming home keep any information that may be needed handy. It keeps everyone happy and the lines moving freely.
2) Be polite. You should be polite all of the time but when you are a guest in another country it is doubly important. Two reasons; the first US citizen you meet will be someone with the legal authority to tell you to turn around and go back home, and two you are representing your home and all of the people who live there.
3) Know the rules. Know what you are and are not allowed to bring in and out of the US as well as what monetary amounts are legally allowed and respect those laws.
4) Be honest. I have no sympathy for people who were “surprised” to have to pay duty or been forced to throw out goods. It is your responsibility to know what is and is not allowed but remember that the penalty for those goods would be much higher if you are in any way dishonest.
It’s really quite simple, as with everything a plan, and a few manners can keep everything on track and ensure that everyone has the best experience possible.
