What Tourists Need To Know About Hurricane Season When Planning A Coastal Vacation

For many, summertime means booking a tropical vacation to a bucket-list destination. A cruise to Cancun, a road trip to Charleston, or a flight to Key West sounds like a great way to spend some time away from work. But heading toward the equator in the summer also means traveling during peak hurricane season. The Atlantic season, lasting from June to November, has the potential for hurricanes to make landfall in locations like the Southern U.S., the Caribbean, and Mexico, covering a lot of ground when it comes to potential beach vacations.

For travelers unfamiliar with hurricane prep, traveling to a storm-prone area can be nerve-racking. Being away from home with the possibility of power outages, supply shortages, and intense flooding is not the ideal way to spend a summer vacation. However, you don't need to cancel your summer plans just yet. There are several ways to prepare for a hurricane while traveling, to make sure you and your family are ready for any possibilities.

While the thought of a hurricane barreling through your vacation may make you want to steer clear of the Atlantic Ocean altogether, realize that according to the National Weather Service, out of the average 14 tropical storms per year, only three tend to make landfall on the U.S. coast, and only one will be classified as a major hurricane every two years. So while the threat of a hurricane landing during your vacation is certainly present, it is not a guarantee by any means.

If you are planning a summer trip to a hurricane-prone destination, it is in your best interest to acquire travel insurance or trip protection, as well as review the cancellation policy for your flights and accommodations. This way, if you do need to cancel your trip due to an incoming storm, you will ideally get some money back for your booking. Make sure the plan you buy covers everything you would need to account for while traveling. Hopefully, you can book a flight with free cancellation, as well as a hotel that has hurricane policies in place. It is also important to research the evacuation procedures for the area you are traveling to, so you can be prepared if an evacuation is ordered in your area when you are on vacation. 

Typically, you will know if a hurricane is projected to make landfall days in advance, so you should have enough notice to cancel your trip beforehand if necessary. However, in the event that you made the trip out to your destination only to realize a hurricane is bound for your vacation spot, don't panic. Sign up for local weather alerts to stay updated on any developments and advisories.

If there is no evacuation mandate in place, and you are advised to wait out the storm in your accommodations, make sure to prepare a hurricane safety kit to stay safe in your hotel room when the hurricane hits. If you don't live in or know anyone in the area you are staying in, your best bet is to go to the closest grocery store as soon as you are aware of an incoming storm to stock up on storm essentials. Your kit should include anything you may need in the event that you lose power or are unable to leave the house for several days. This includes non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries, a week's worth of bottled water, toilet paper, a first aid kit, portable chargers, etc. And if there is an evacuation mandate for your area, leave as soon as possible. Do not wait for the storm to make it to land.