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Man alive, I hate paperwork.  I do.  I know it is usually necessary, but still, I hate it.  So, you can imagine my, ahem, delight, when I realized just how much paperwork was required for our trip.  I will describe here what I needed, so hopefully you can learn from what I did, and sometimes, what I didn’t do.

First, the all important passport.  Mind you, we didn’t need passports for our trip, although we did have them.  Passports became required for Canadian and Mexican travel on January 1, 2008.  However, this deadline has since been delayed to June 2009, so until then you are free to enter Canada and re-enter the U.S. without a passport, but you will require a state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, plus a birth certificate.  Please note that a driver’s license alone is not sufficient.  This is important as if you have lost your birth certificate, it can take 6-8 weeks to get a new certified copy.  However, I really do suggest getting a passport, if you don’t already have one.  Here is additional information about passports, and how to apply for one.  http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html .  Passports are the ultimate in identification, and it would be nice to have one in the event you ever travel outside of the country again.  

For people who balk at getting a passport, the U.S. Government is now offering the “Passport Card”.  This card is not valid for travel by air, and is valid between travel from the U.S., to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.  Here is more information about the Passport Card.  http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html .  I happen to live an hour from the border with Mexico, and do occasionally take trips to Tijuana to get cheaper medications for my grandparents, so having a passport is really a necessity for me.  However, the Passport Card would also satisfy my needs, and is much cheaper than the Passport Book.  Each has it’s own pros and cons, so be sure to weigh them heavily when making your own choice.

So, passports in hand, what else do I need to enter Canada, and then be able to re-enter the U.S. when I get to Alaska?  Well, surprisingly, I needed a notarized letter from my children’s father that stated he authorized the trip, and that there were no custody issues.  Now, this made me a bit angry.  I totally understand the Canadian government not wanting to get involved in the middle of a international custody dispute.  But still, it was a hassle to get the letter, and being the custodial parent who makes all the decisions, I was put off by the need for this letter.  Although, I am lucky, as I do have a good relationship with my ex-husband, so getting the letter was not very difficult, and the only expense was $25 for a notary.  However, single parents who have a difficult relationship with their ex spouses may not be as lucky, especially in cases where there might have been violence or addiction issues.  At that point, I suggest discussing the issue with an attorney, as I do not feel comfortable giving that kind of advice.  If you have sole physical and legal custody, a letter is not needed, but you will need to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree, detailing this fact.  Now, the Canadian border agents may not even ask for any paperwork, but why risk it?  Considering the planning that went into this vacation, I wasn’t about the risk entry into Canada over one piece of paper.

Okay, with passports and custody documents in hand, we are all prepared to enter Canada, right?  Well, wrong.  Remember, we brought our beloved Chihuahua, “Giselle”, along for the journey, and she needed documentation as well, all 9 pounds of her.  For entry into Canada, Canadian customs requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate, including the date of expiration.  Every time you get your pets vaccinated, you are given a serial number for the rabies vaccine, and often you are given a tag.  Also, your pet must show no visible signs of any diseases.  For me, I obtained an “International Health Certificate” from my veterinarian.  This document states that your pet has received the rabies vaccination, and is in good enough health to travel.  The certificate must list the detailed rabies vaccine information, which not only includes the date the vaccine was given, but the expiration date of the vaccine, along with the manufacturer of the vaccine, and the serial number.  The certificate will also list the pet’s physical attributes, breed, age, color, weight, etc.  Generally, these certificates are valid for one year, as mine was.  Just be sure that the certificate is valid for the entire length of your trip.  Also, a vet visit is good for a host of other reasons, the most important being a thorough examination to make certain your pet is fit enough for the trip.  Your vet will also be able to answer any questions you may have about traveling with your pet, and will have many resources available to you.

Now, I am about to step up on my soap box here.  As an animal lover, I too often see the mistreatment of animals, and it breaks my heart.  A pet is a full-time responsibility for as long as that pet is alive.  Bringing your pet along on your RV vacation is wonderful, if your pet is able to withstand the journey.  I will write a post about traveling with pets later in the series, but I want to quickly say that not every pet is capable of traveling by RV.  An animals size, age, and temperament can really affect how the pet will handle the trip, especially one of such long length.  Be certain you are making the right choice, and ask yourself all the necessary questions.  I know we love our pets, but traveling by RV means lots of time on the road, in a relatively small space, and constantly visiting new places and seeing new people (as well as other animals).  Some pets do not respond well to change, and therefore, despite how much you love your pet, they will not enjoy the trip.  Furthermore, the anxiety could harm them, and cause behavioral issues, and even more serious issues.  So, even though we love our pets, and want them with us, be sure you think of your pet’s needs first, before your own.  A miserable animal is not a good way to enjoy a trip, so be sure to make the right decision when deciding whether to bring your furry children!  Off soapbox now.

Here is a list of the paperwork I needed to bring.  As I detailed in a prior post, I used the Rubbermaid Roughneck Portable File Box, and it was a fantastic way to keep all my important documents available to me, and organized so I could locate them quickly.  

Paperwork to Bring:

Passports or Passport Card
Certified Birth Certificate
Drivers License
Letter Authorizing Trip & Custody Issues (single parents, traveling with children)
Pet Health Certificate
Insurance & Prescription Cards, Information Regarding Out of State & International Services
RV Owners Manual
RV Insurance Policy & All Contact Info
AAA Card/Info
RV Roadside Policy/Information
Itinerary
Maps, Guide Books, Discount & Coupon Books
List of Campgrounds
List of Dump Stations
Checklist for RV Preparation
Initial Inventory Checklist
Checklist for RV Vacation Departure
Checklist for RV Arrival & Setting Up
Checklist for RV Maintenance (Holding Tanks, Generators, Propane)
List of bills that must be paid while on the road
List of important phone numbers and addresses

Now that I look at the above list, it does look rather daunting.  Actually, it was quite daunting!  But honestly, being prepared made for such a relaxing trip.  I can honestly say I was fully prepared, and that made a world of difference.  Considering the lack of just one piece of paper can prevent you from entering Canada, it is incredibly important to make sure you have everything.  After all, as Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure“.  And boy, was he ever right, especially in the world of the RV’er!

Please come back on Wednesday, September 17th for our seventh installment, “Kids are People Too! - Special Concerns for Children” .  See you there!