Tips for Caribbean Travel During Hurricane Season
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Get Travel Insurance
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Pack for Emergencies
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Read the Fine Print
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Listen to the Weatherman
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Choose the Lowest-Risk Destinations
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Stay Flexible
With its vast expanses of snow-white sand lined with palm trees and pina coladas topped with colorful umbrellas, the Caribbean is every tropical-island cliche brought to life. Unfortunately, paradise comes with some pitfalls, including a location spread across one of the world’s most active hurricane belts. But for all the storm warnings sprawled across the headlines, traveling to the Caribbean in hurricane season is not as dangerous as you might expect—in fact, it’s a great time for budget-savvy travelers to grab some of the best bargains. There are other benefits that come with hurricane season too, like low crowds at some of the most popular resorts, low humidity, and some very favorable weather (when it’s good, of course).
Hurricane season officially runs from June through the end of November, although August through October is the peak and the likelihood of getting caught in a storm in June or November is minimal. Statistically, the odds of a hazard-free holiday are in your favor, but there are risks—more often of hassle than disaster—that need to be considered. It's best to be prepared, so here are some tips for traveling during the hurricane season.
—Zoe Smith
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Hurricane-season travel comes with a risk, so no matter how thoroughly you plan your trip, you need to be prepared in case everything goes haywire. A good insurance plan with a reputable company is a must. Make sure you're covered for trip cancellation or amendments (should your flights or boats be interrupted by the weather changes) and check the fine print (if a storm was already reported at the time of booking, it may not be covered). Make sure you know what youâll need in order to make a claim; many companies will need a written statement of cancellation or amendment to validate your claim. Read about the dos and donâts of travel insurance here.
You might not want to consider the worst, but thinking ahead will ensure that you can handle whatever situation comes your way. Keep important phone numbers close at hand and take an extra cell-phone charger for emergencies. Keeping an extra supply of cash on hand is also a worthwhile precaution—if a power outage strikes and ATMs are down, a supply of cash to last a few days or pay for return transportation might be a lifesaver. While youâre packing your swimwear and sunblock, make sure you slip in something warm and a sturdy raincoat too, just in case.
Traveling at a time of year when there are lots of variables to consider can be difficult. So it might be a good time to book an organized tour or hire a travel agent to help plan your trip, rather than trying to organize everything independently. A good tour company will be well-versed in hurricane-season policies and on call to help you reorganize in the event of on-location changes. Make sure you understand the policies for changes or cancellation before you book anything—hotels, ferries, day trips, and activities may all have their own hurricane guarantees. Do you get a full refund, a partial refund, or vouchers for a future stay?
Keep one step ahead of the weather both before and during your trip by taking heed of any hint of developing storms and the paths they might hit. The National Hurricane Center is the best place to go for up-to-date, area-specific information, but The Weather Channelâs Hurricane Central and Hurricane Tracker are also useful. Carrying a portable weather radio is another good idea.
Even if your destination isnât directly in the hurricaneâs path, be aware that weather patterns can change—high winds, heavy rains, and even flooding can spread hundreds of miles around the stormâs path. If hurricane warnings hit, make sure you have enough information to make an educated decision about whether you want to avoid the risk. Even if youâre confident that you will avoid the storm, prepare yourself for delays and changes to your travel plans and allow extra time for ferries, flights, and buses.
No Caribbean island can claim to be 100 percent safe from hurricanes, but choosing your destination with a mind to the risks can drastically lower your chances of being caught in a downpour. The region around the Bahamas often gets the worst of hurricane season, so head south instead. The aptly named ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—off the coast of Venezuela are popular low-risk destinations. Nearby Trinidad, well-suited for adventure activities with its mountainous terrain, and Tobago, with its relaxed and underpopulated beaches, both fall outside of the hurricane belt, but a visit is best planned from mid-September to mid-October, when the daily rains ease up. Hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Panama are also rare.
A smart option for exploring higher-risk islands during the season is to book an island cruise. Cruise liners source real-time weather information and reroute to avoid danger zones, so as long as youâre happy to go with the flow, it can be a safe and hassle-free way to explore the Caribbeanâs many islands.
Wherever you decide to go, keep your plans flexible and always allow for extra time. Make sure flights and ferry tickets are changeable and keep contact details on hand in case you need to alter your schedule. Keep an eye on the weather patterns, and if itâs not looking good, make sure you call to confirm your travel plans in advance. Ultimately though, keep the risks in perspective and remember that scores of happy travelers make it through the hurricane season without a hitch. Being prepared is a wise precaution, but donât let the worry of a hurricane stop you from enjoying your vacation.
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