Security is on everyone’s minds these days. One of the easiest and most effective security measures Canadians can take while traveling in Europe, is to learn about the country or countries they’ll be visiting.

The Country Travel Reports issued regularly by the Canadian federal government, contain the latest security and safety issues and are continually updated. (These reports are a good first step in planning your vacation.)

After you’ve read the Country Travel Reports buy a guidebook and phrase book for the country or countries you’ll be visiting. Learn a few words of the native language, especially please and thank-you. Don’t be self-conscious; breaking down the language barrier is a great way to have a safe and enjoyable trip. Quick Foreign Language Courses might be helpful, before you leave.

A little less exciting but also an effective security measure is a money belt or neck wallet to store your passport, visa, credit cards and backup photocopies of your travel documents.

One last security tip: some countries require that your passport be valid for six months beyond your date of entry. If your passport is going to expire while your traveling, check the Country Travel Reports to find out which countries the six-month rule applies.