Destinations such as the southern U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean can be popular year-round, but every year as summer progresses into the peak hurricane season of August and September, those with trips planned during this time often wonder if their vacation could be affected by tropical weather. While many guests travel during hurricane season with no issues, there is the possibility that severe weather can occur and affect airports, resorts, theme park operations, cruise ports of call, and more.
With this in mind, it’s best to be prepared if you’ll be traveling during this time of year. Let’s take a look at how hurricanes can affect 3 common travel scenarios.
- I’m Going to a Tropical Resort – A few Caribbean resorts have weather policies that guarantee you a refund or a future trip if hurricane weather affects your trip, but many don’t. Be sure to ask your travel agent about your resort’s policies beforehand to see what they provide. Keep in mind that even for resorts that do have a weather policy, they often don’t go into effect unless the hurricane had a significant effect on the resort, such as closing all activities for more than 24 hours or experiencing hurricane-force winds. If your resort just gets more rain than usual, the weather policy likely won’t apply.
- I’m Going on a Cruise – Cruises are unique in that, if a hurricane is coming, the ship can alter its course to avoid it in order to keep everyone safe. The downside to this is that you may end up missing planned ports of call, which can happen during a hurricane – or even well after a hurricane due to damage to a port. Many cruise lines as well as independent excursion providers (but not all) will not charge you for shore excursions if you weren’t able to dock at the port. While a cruise that has to divert from a planned itinerary due to tropical weather will typically try to visit another port – if you have your heart set on a particular port, hurricane season may not be the best choice for you.
- I’m Visiting Theme Parks – So, what happens if you have an Orlando theme park vacation booked and a hurricane may be on its way? If you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, these theme parks both have an official policy regarding named hurricanes. It’s important to note that in both cases, they only apply to a hurricane warning, not a hurricane watch. While the theme parks take guest safety very seriously, in cases where it is a hurricane watch, or in Walt Disney World’s case a tropical storm, the theme parks will likely be operating as normal, and the policy will not apply.
Now that you know the possibilities for travel during this time of year, what should you do?
Get Travel Insurance.
Travel insurance is the single best way to protect your vacation investment from unexpected circumstances – like a hurricane. Travel insurance can help cover expenses that may not be covered by hotel hurricane policies or by your cruise line, and policies also typically offer emergency medical coverage. Travel insurance can also be a help if you end up with unplanned additional expenses due to a delayed or cancelled flight – regardless of where you are traveling. I’ve traveled the Caribbean during hurricane season (and will be doing so again this year), thankfully with no issues, but I wouldn’t leave home without travel insurance – just in case
Bonus Tip – Work with a Travel Agent!
Travel agents (like me!) are familiar with destination hurricane policies and can assist with modifying or rescheduling travel plans if your trip is affected. Make sure to have an expert on your side who can assist you if your plans need to change!
Learn how the FREE services of a travel agent can make planning your vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
