What You Need to Know: Traveling During Hurricane Season

 

Hurricane season runs June 1st to November 30th. This season impacts Hawaii, Mexico, most of the Caribbean, the gulf coast of the US, and Florida and the Carolinas. Many people want to vacation in the summer or fall in so I caution them about what the weather impact of hurricane season could be on their vacations.

So let's break it down:

Cruises

Cruises are a good bet during Hurricane Season as long as you don't get seasick. The reason why is cruises can adjust their itineraries to avoid the path of the storm as long as the storm isn't hitting their embarkation port. For instance, if a hurricane or tropical storm is headed towards the Eastern Caribbean, the ship can switch to a Western Caribbean itinerary to avoid the storm. Now this could be very disappointing to you if you would had your heart set on going to a particular island on that itinerary.

All inclusive resorts

For travelers heading to an all-inclusive resort,  I strongly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason insurance. This insurance gives you a full refund as long as you cancel before your flight takes off. I've been able to use this insurance to move people from Mexico to Jamaica depending on the path of the storm.

Flights

If flying to/from areas in the hurricane zone, try to get the first flight of the day. The plane usually will have landed the night before so you have less chance of delay. Avoid the last flight of the day. This flight has an increased chance of delays or cancellations.  Pay close attention to your connection cities. Try to connect to city outside the hurricane zone.

Home Rentals

Home rental services have gotten very popular. If you are going to take the risk of renting a home in a hurricane area during hurricane season, be sure to do your homework. What the terms and conditions for cancellation if the home sustains damage before your arrival? Is the home in an evacuation area? What would you need do to shelter in place?

Vacationing during hurricane season can still be fantastic. Vacationing during hurricane season can still be fantastic. My job as a travel agent is to make sure you have the information you need to make a great vacation decision.

This season impacts Hawaii, Mexico, most of the Caribbean, the gulf coast of the US, and Florida and the Carolinas. Many people want to vacation in the summer or fall in so I caution them about what the weather impact of hurricane season could be on their vacations.

So let's break it down:

Cruises

Cruises are a good bet during Hurricane Season as long as you don't get seasick. The reason why is cruises can adjust their itineraries to avoid the path of the storm as long as the storm isn't hitting their embarkation port. For instance, if a hurricane or tropical storm is headed towards the Eastern Caribbean, the ship can switch to a Western Caribbean itinerary to avoid the storm. Now this could be very disappointing to you if you would had your heart set on going to a particular island on that itinerary.

All inclusive resorts

For travelers heading to an all-inclusive resort,  I strongly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason insurance. This insurance gives you a full refund as long as you cancel before your flight takes off. I've been able to use this insurance to move people from Mexico to Jamaica depending on the path of the storm.

Flights

If flying to/from areas in the hurricane zone, try to get the first flight of the day. The plane usually will have landed the night before so you have less chance of delay. Avoid the last flight of the day. This flight has an increased chance of delays or cancellations.  Pay close attention to your connection cities. Try to connect to city outside the hurricane zone.

Home Rentals

Home rental services have gotten very popular. If you are going to take the risk of renting a home in a hurricane area during hurricane season, be sure to do your homework. What the terms and conditions for cancellation if the home sustains damage before your arrival? Is the home in an evacuation area? What would you need do to shelter in place?

Vacationing during hurricane season can still be fantastic. Vacationing during hurricane season can still be fantastic. My job as a travel agent is to make sure you have the information you need to make a great vacation decision.