Tips on Traveling During Hurricane Season

This year's hurricane season, which ends Dec. 1, is expected to be “active to extremely active” according to NOAA. Travelers heading to affected areas should heed the following tips:

• If you’re flying, check your airline’s Contract of Carriage to determine what the carrier will do for you in the case of “force majeure” events such as extreme weather; this document can be found on the airline’s website.
  


• If you’re booking through a travel agent or tour operator, ask in advance about contingency plans for hurricanes and severe weather. Travel insurance is very affordable and can protect you.



• If you’re going to be cruising in potentially threatening waters, speak to your travel agent or cruise line about the potential for delayed, diverted, or cancelled itineraries.



• Before booking a hotel or resort, inquire about cancellation penalties due to hurricanes.
  


• If you’re driving, learn the safest routes to avoid catastrophe, since even natives can be caught off-guard by a hurricane. Earlier this month, AAA reported an online survey revealed 33 percent of Florida residents are unsure of their emergency evacuation routes.
  


• If you’re overseas, check the US State Department’s Travel Page for updates on severe weather. The site offers traveler tips as well.

Traveling During Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season is among us! During this time of year, it seems as though there is a new hurricane or tropical storm forming just about every week. However, this is still a very popular season to travel. Some of the best deals on airfares can be found in late summer and fall. Many resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America offer promotional rates, and most cruise lines offer some of their lowest prices during these months.

I personally have taken a few Caribbean cruises in September, and have had no issues at all. I got great rates on the cruises and airfare, even had a cabin upgrade once, and had nothing but excellent vacations. However, it doesn’t always turn out like that.

When planning a vacation to the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America during the late summer and fall, it is important to keep in mind that there is a chance your plans will be changed or cancelled. Already this year, many cruises in that area have had to alter at least one of their routes to avoid a hurricane, flights have been cancelled and some hotels have had to close briefly.

If you are going to be travelling during hurricane season, remember these tips for a safer trip:

1. Get Travel Insurance, and make sure that your policy covers hurricanes. Also, make sure that you purchase the insurance before the hurricane forms, otherwise it most likely won’t be covered.



2. Use a Travel Agent. This is a perfect example of why to use a Travel Agent instead of booking online. In case of an emergency or cancelled trip, the Travel Agent is there to help you.



3. Check with the airline, cruise line, or tour operator about their travel services back to the U.S. in the event of a hurricane.



4. Minimize your risk of encountering a hurricane by traveling to the lowest hurricane risk islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, or Trinidad and Tobago. Or take a cruise, since cruise ships are mobile, they are able to avoid hurricanes all together.



5. Leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member at home.



6. Make sure you have the phone number of the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate with you at all times.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today for assistance with planning your next vacation!