Save where you can
This is probably the most expensive part of your training, (aside from tuition and accommodation.)
Some students have spent upwards of 10-15k on interviewing.
1. Set Up Separate Alerts Email
Avoid clutter in your professional or everyday email and set up a “Junk” email account for travel alerts.
By strictly using a separate email for travel alerts, informational emails and promotions, you’ll prevent getting important emails lost in the mix.
Example: “JaneCaRMS2018@Gmail.com
2. Know your MD/student discount rights:
Sign up for your Medical professional and student association’s discount cards. From clothing to travel and maybe a good meal, there are so many student privileges out there – take advantage of them!
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Sign up for your ISIC student discount card (International Student Identity Card) for travel discounts etc and Retail stores.
Canadian Deals Sign up (10$ a year) and get great discounts on clothing, food, services (15% HBC Top Shop, Banana Republic, Aldo etc ) Get your interview outfits at a discount.
Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS)
CFMS has negotiated discounts for various hotels etc.
Canadian Medical Association (CMA)
As a member you have discounts for car rentals, hotels, travel. (Call or email for discount code)
3. Get Air Travel Discount Alerts
For potential or confirmed destinations, setting up air travel alerts for Flash Sales/unadvertised deals can save you more than you think.
Here are some of our favourites:
This site has been around for a long time. You can search current deals, cheapest months to travel, specific destinations. Canadian Airlines included.
Canadian Airfare deals only
This website allows you to pick departure city, Montréal, Quebec, Toronto,
Vancouver, NYC. sign up for alerts, and view by map, month of travel for current airfare deals. Bargain Charts and Calendars make your current search easier.
Canadian founder
Set your city alert and find deals for destinations and departure point.
4. Set Up Flight Status Alerts
Download your airlines app and get your travel alerts set!!!!
In January our climate lends itself to delays, cancellations, so it’s important to have a plan B. Signing up for alerts will give you news of a cancelled or delayed flights right away. Often before the gate staff, so you can be the first to the customer care centre to seek alternative travel.
Regional flight pass Deals
Sometimes it is worth looking at flight passes if your interviews are within a particular region.
Some good examples are:
International flight tracker
Keep track of your flights and average delays for each route
Know Your Air Travel Rights
KNOW THEM!! Know your rights regarding delayed flights, late luggage arrival.
Some Visa cards (if you purchase your ticket with it) give you great compensation for these delays, either with accommodation, food, and/or stipend for clothing, depending on the challenge.
Tip:
Your trusty MDMGMT backpack is a known signal throughout Canada as a “traveling medical student”. Use it to carry on your most important assets (Clothes, Notes, Medication).
5. Call your cell phone provider
You use data while on the fly so don’t go broke over data roaming or texting. Call your provider and get an upgrade on your plan for the few weeks of traveling.
6. Catch the train or bus
Train – Via Rail
Bus- Greyhound
7. Rent a Car
8. Accomodations
We have a slot to list your own place for CaRMS Interviewees coming to town.
Some other opportunities to start your search:
Short term rentals
Bed and Breakfasts
Discounts:
Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
Offers discounts at many well-known hotels/motels.
Best resource – other students:
Seek out your home med school grads now @ PGY1 (R1), and see if they are willing to host/welcome CaRMS tour interviewees in their new placement town.
Check out their grad class Facebook page and maybe post an “accommodation wanted” note.
Miscellaneous
Frequent flyer plans: some family and friends may have accumulated thousands of points and may be all to happy to help you out. Offer to pay them per point used.
Look after yourself
Hair
Appointments on arrival to town. Book these in advance by calling hotel for names of local hair salons or barbers. Nothing more relaxing than a head massage after travel, before the social or interview.
Has locations in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.
Sign up for discounts and vouchers
Nails
DO NOT GO WITH CHIPPED NAIL POLISH.
Make sure you have a good manicure before you start the beat. No need for polish Ladies, or if you must, just a simple French Manicure.
If you are a nail biter, get French shellac nail manicures starting now. By Mid Jan they should look great.
