Tips for Travelling in the Caribbean During Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs from June to November each year in the Caribbean. Typically, with weather in September and October being less predictable. These two months provide some of the best travel deals in that region for all-inclusive and cruise travel.
Seven tips to consider ensuring your travel experience is more enjoyable
Don’t let it stop you
Hurricane season runs from June through November.Weather forecasters are becoming more accurate in their forecasts and predications which provide more lead time to react to any hurricane or storm. The chances of a storm hitting where you are on the exact date you are travelling are very low. The weather in September and October tend to be less predicable but provides some of the best travel deals for the Caribbean.
Consider a cruise
There are some great deals on cruises in the Caribbean in September and October. If you are cruising, and a hurricane is looming, the cruise lines have fair warning, with the modern weather technology available. They easily adjust their route or itinerary around the storm.
Get the right travel insurance
There are many types of policies, and each involves different amounts of risk. Some pay travellers in cash and some in future travel credits; some pay only if the trip is cancelled by the supplier or if a storm is named, not if the traveller is just afraid to go because a storm is headed their way. There are good ‘Cancel for any Reason’ policies available if you want that sense of security.
Your travel agent can provide highlights on the different policies available or suggestions for your consideration. However, the traveller is the one purchasing the insurance, so they should follow up by reading the fine print and making sure they understand what is covered and what is not.
Go with the flow
Be flexible and prepared for change and do not let it ruin your trip. In some cases, suppliers may offer alternative destinations if a hurricane or bad weather is forecast for the region you are travelling too. For cruises, the cruise lines may change ports within the itinerary to move away from the storm.
Factor in buffer travel time
For cruises you may want to consider travelling in a day or two before your actual embarkation and stay a day or two longer than your scheduled disembarkation to ensure your ship returns to port to catch your scheduled flight to return home.
Take some extra items
Be prepared for an additional travel day or two by bringing extra clothes and medication in case you get delayed.
Keep your electronic devices, chargers, medication, a change of clothes and other essentials in your carry-on with you. If your checked bag becomes separated from you then you still have your essentials until the checked bag catches up to you.
Use a trusted travel agent to assist you with your booking and arrangements.
A well-connected travel agent and reputable suppliers can make a big difference in how a traveller is treated and how issues dealt with should things not go as planned. Always take the contact information for your travel agent with you so that you connect with them should you need their help or assistance.
Prepared by:
Gordon Mackey
TRENT TRAVEL, CEO