We'd like to take our dog, Max, on a road trip. Any tips on travelling with pets?

It's easier than ever to travel with four-legged friends like Max. Like any member of the family, you want to make sure your pet is safe and happy. It's a good idea to pack vaccination records and make sure animals are properly harnessed or crated while you're driving. And just like home, never leave unattended pets in your car. But remember: anything can happen.

Whenever you leave Manitoba, don't forget to purchase a travel medical insurance plan to cover your family—including canine companions. If you're travelling with a domestic dog/cat or service animal and you are hospitalized during a covered medical emergency, you can receive a reimbursement up to a maximum of $500 for the return of your pet when approved in advance by CAA Assistance.

It's also possible to purchase a package plan that includes a reimbursement of up to $250 for emergency veterinary services due to an unexpected injury of your accompanying pet. For added comfort, CAA Members also get 7% off additional coverage through Pets Plus Us, which can further protect your pet while you're on vacation. The right coverage protects all of those holiday memories.

- Annamaria MacTavish Member services coordinator, Empress store

I'm thinking about taking my kids to Europe to trace our family roots, but I have no idea where to begin. Help!

What a great idea! Europe is filled with history, and experiencing the continent through your own family lens brings a wealth of knowledge you couldn't find in any book. Exploring your roots and heritage will make your vacation so personal—and even more memorable.

Start by doing as much research as you can. Ask immediate and extended family members: You might have a cousin somewhere who's already done the legwork. Then consult other sources of information to gather more clues about your ancestry. You'll be surprised how much you can learn from old newspaper clippings, obituaries, school records, military and wedding records. It'll take a bit of sleuthing to discover the path of your ancestors, but it'll be worth it.

Once you've found where your people come from, talk to a CAA Travel consultant. Your unique history will require an equally unique travel itinerary. Flights, ground transportation and lodging can be a tricky matter if you trace your roots to a small European village. A dedicated consultant can help plan it all for you.

- Alice Martins Travel consultant, Empress store