Hurricane season is here, and like every year, many vacationers are left wondering if severe weather will affect their travel plans. Unfortunately, unless you have a crystal ball, there’s no way to know in advance—but, you can be prepared in case severe weather does occur.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and runs through October. The peak of activity is typically in August and September, but hurricanes can occur at any time during this season. If you’re traveling to the Atlantic coast, Mexico, or the Caribbean during the summer or fall, it’s important to consider what you’ll do in case a hurricane interrupts your plans.
First of all, we always, always recommend purchasing travel insurance. It can help cover costs incurred by delayed or canceled flights, or having to end your vacation early due to a storm. Having travel insurance purchased before a potential storm approaches can help protect you from additional out-of-pocket expenses if your travel plans do get disrupted.
Next, make sure that you keep an eye on the weather for your destination, as well as the weather for any locations along the way, such as airports for connecting flights. Be sure to stick to reliable, established sources—one of our favorites is the National Hurricane Center https://www.facebook.com/NWSNHC—and heed any severe weather warnings. Staying informed will help to make decisions quickly, if needed.
It’s also best to have a back up plan in case your vacation is affected. Research your options and know the policies of your airline and resort or hotel regarding severe weather—reach out to your travel agent for additional details and answers to any questions. If possible, it’s ideal to have alternative travel dates or an alternative destination in mind that you could move to in case your original dates or destination are affected by severe weather.
Lastly, include some key items on your packing list so that you’re prepared in case you need them. This includes extra medication, copies of important travel documents, and insurance information. You’ll also want to have bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a small flashlight, and portable battery chargers for your phone.
The weather during hurricane season can make travel unpredictable, but with proper preparation, you can still enjoy your vacation safely.
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