The hurricane season runs from June to November with a number of very popular tourist locations affected, including islands in the Caribbean, the southern United States and much of central America. Whether you plan to travel to any of these places as a tourist, for business or because you live there you need to be aware of the complications arising during the hurricane season.
Travel Insurance
There is a small possibility that you might lose out through flights being cancelled, being unable to get to your hotel, or even because of being unable to collect your belongings during an evacuation.
Comprehensive travel insurance will ensure that you don’t lose money if the unexpected happens. Compare schemes carefully and don’t buy insurance you don’t need but also make sure what you want covered is.
Check the small print
With or without travel insurance it might be worth checking that flights can be changed and hotel rooms cancelled without losing the entire cost. Your insurance might cover this or the hotels and airlines might be flexible but then again they might not be. Make sure you know what you are getting.
Check weather reports
Before and during your trip you should keep an eye on weather reports and predictions for the region you plan to visit. It is highly unlikely that you will encounter a hurricane but having an idea of what the weather is doing will make you feel more secure and in control. You can also reconsider side trips when the weather is expected to be particularly bad.
Have contingency plans
Have a plan of what you will do if the weather makes your planned holiday impractical or impossible. For example you might be able to keep your flight to Mexico or the States and simply go to another area than you planned.
Have an emergency kit
This does not need to be particular large. It is however a good idea to keep a spongebag sized kit in case you get stranded somewhere. This should include essential medications, toiletries, cash in the local currency, a small radio and ideally a book. The main purpose of this kit is to make you comfortable if you get stuck somewhere for a day or two without your luggage.
Don’t panic
The chances are that your trip will go without a hitch. Certainly take a few precautions in the hurricane season but don’t let worry ruin your entire time.
It finally goes without saying you should not travel through a hurricane unless it is absolutely essential, for example in the case of having to evacuate your home. An important business conference does not fall into the category of ‘essential’ and neither does that luxury holiday you spent years saving for.
