What to know before you take a vacation during hurricane season
While hurricanes are common in many parts of the world, major storm events such as Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Katrina remind us just how devastating Mother Nature can be. Many travellers can recall the massive damage caused to parts of the USA, Puerto Rico and Caribbean islands – even if you only saw the havoc on the news.
Travelling during hurricane season can cause business travellers and holidaymakers more stress, however it can also make visiting a destination much more affordable – and travellers may be attracted to the Caribbean, South Pacific and other tropical destinations by low-season prices.
Planning to vacation during hurricane season to a destination that may be impacted? Follow these four tips to prepare and stay safe.
#1. Do your research before travelling during hurricane season
Before you book your trip, research if you’ll be taking vacation during hurricane season. Seasons for stormy weather vary around the world. For example, hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, whereas areas such as Australia’s tropical north and the South Pacific Islands may experience hurricanes (known locally as tropical cyclones) from November – April.
Knowing all the potential risks is a major step in being prepared in a hurricane prone area. This can include:
- The weather conditions expected during your trip
- What areas can be impacted by flooding
- Dangerous hot spots to avoid
Do your own research online and monitor the weather through different weather apps to stay updated. Make sure to also book accommodation in more populated areas rather than opting for a remote experience so that you have better access to help if it is needed.
#2. Be flexible with your plans
Flexibility and adaptability is key to preparing yourself for travelling during hurricane season. The fact is, if a hurricane hits, travel becomes near impossible – and your safety should be your number one priority.
Booking flexible flights, and accommodation with courteous refund policies can help protect your money and mean you can rebook another time if necessary.
#3. Follow instructions
The destination you visit will have emergency procedures and plans in place, in case of a crisis. If you believe a hurricane is on its way, ask your hotel staff what you should do and make sure to listen. They have likely faced situations like this before and will be able to advise you on their safety precautions.
It also helps to have the assistance of a travel insurance and travel assistance expert – like World Travel Protection – who are available 24/7 to provide you with updates as well as help source and book travel options where possible to get you out of a dangerous environment.
#4. Be aware of the aftermath
The greatest threat to your personal safety is usually during a storm and in the immediate aftermath when high winds can topple trees and produce deadly flying debris. Heavy rain can produce flash floods and storm surges can present another deadly threat. To stay safe, be smart.
If the worst of the storm is over but winds are still high, don’t go out to inspect the damage. Wait a sufficient amount of time for the full impact to settle and leave it to the emergency services to do their job.
Where are the best places to travel during hurricane season?
Put simply, the best places to travel during hurricane season are destinations that don’t lie within these weather zones. If you want a near-guaranteed sunny, blue-sky tropical getaway it’s best to travel during peak tourist season instead. That said, those frequently travelling during hurricane season look to destinations that report a lower risk of hurricane activity, such as Aruba, Barbados and Grenada.
While you may think the event of a hurricane is unlikely even when travelling during hurricane season, understand they can still happen. Being prepared, doing your research and staying updated are the most important ways to stay safe.
Looking for more travel health and wellbeing advice? Find it here.
Find out how we can help you travel safely
Safe travel is more than planning ahead for the weather. World Travel Protection is a 24/7 travel and medical assistance provider that helps support its customers when medical, travel and security emergencies arise. Our Travel Risk Management Solutions help provide travellers with all the support they need pre- and during travel via our portal, app, and in-house experts. Fill out the form below to find out more.
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