(NC) — As the cool weather sets in and the busy holiday season approaches, Canadians have travel on their minds. Before booking, a leading travel and service expert advises would-be adventurers to plan ahead in order to stay safe and stress free while vacationing at any time.

Gerald Parent, the Director of Membership Travel at American Express Canada has seen first-hand the pain points that can quickly turn a travel dream into an unforgettable nightmare. In fact, last year alone, Amex helped solve 12,732 medical cases overseas. Some emergencies are unpredictable, but the most common causes of travel dilemmas come from those who are less prepared.

“A vacation away is the highlight of the year for many people, but so often we are blinded by our own excitement, leaving us open to certain dangers and risks,” says Parent. “For a truly stress-free summer vacation, travelers need to do their research ahead of time.”

Here are three tips for staying safe and stress free while away:

• Be prepared: Be it a weekend away or a month long sabbatical, proper preparation before you leave ensures that you get full enjoyment from your trip while away. Be sure to keep copies of your travel documents, hotel bookings and itinerary so details are always at hand.

• Get insurance: Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Travel insurance is available to cover a variety of risk factors such as health and medical, cancellations, delays and accidents. The good news is that some credit card providers, like American Express Canada, offer free travel insurance if you book travel on your card.

• Treat yourself: Upgrading to a better hotel or paying a little extra for a business class flight can make your time away feel all the more special. You don't have to break the bank to experience increased luxury; check out some of the perks offered by your credit card company or frequent flyer program and you might get the V.I.P treatment for free.