When one dreams of a Caribbean vacation, sunbathing, water sports, and spending lazy afternoons on a hammock under the trees is what springs to mind. But a hurricane can down the shutters even on those simple pleasures, let alone popular activities like snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
So what is the strategy to plan a vacation in the Caribbean during hurricane season?
• Hurricanes in the Caribbean are more common in the months of August, September and October, though the official season is from June to November. Scheduling a holiday early in the season (June or July) or at the end of the season in November considerably reduces the risk of running into a hurricane while you are there.
• Choosing a Caribbean destination like Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad, Tobago or Barbados is wiser, since these islands are rarely hit by hurricanes.
• Check for information on the start of the rainy season in your destination choice – Curacao’s rainy season starts in October, whereas Aruba and Turks and Caicos islands get very little rainfall while in St. Lucia, the rainy season coincides with the hurricane season.
• National Weather Service website’s hurricane awareness link gives extended weather forecasts, hurricane warnings or travel advisories,
• Book a stay in resorts that offer a hurricane guarantee i.e. allow rescheduling with no additional charge in case the local weather bureau predicts a hurricane during the days booked. It goes without saying that travelers should take the effort to read the fine print to see what the guarantee offers and what is not covered.
• Taking travel insurance at the time of travel reservations is a good idea. Rescheduling or claiming refunds would be hassle-free, especially when airports are closed down and flights get cancelled because of a hurricane.
Remember, Mother Nature is unpredictable and a hurricane can change course and hit a vacation destination. To be prepared for such an eventuality,
• Check if your vaccinations are up-to-date and carry a first aid kit and a few days reserve of essential medication
• When a hurricane alert is given, contact the local embassy on the island and alert them to your presence.
• Check with the hotel reception for hurricane safety procedures and follow their advice – understand that the locals have the experience to deal with the situation.
• Keep a copy of your travel documents handy for urgent evacuation.
So what is the strategy to plan a vacation in the Caribbean during hurricane season?
• Hurricanes in the Caribbean are more common in the months of August, September and October, though the official season is from June to November. Scheduling a holiday early in the season (June or July) or at the end of the season in November considerably reduces the risk of running into a hurricane while you are there.
• Choosing a Caribbean destination like Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad, Tobago or Barbados is wiser, since these islands are rarely hit by hurricanes.
• Check for information on the start of the rainy season in your destination choice – Curacao’s rainy season starts in October, whereas Aruba and Turks and Caicos islands get very little rainfall while in St. Lucia, the rainy season coincides with the hurricane season.
• National Weather Service website’s hurricane awareness link gives extended weather forecasts, hurricane warnings or travel advisories,
• Book a stay in resorts that offer a hurricane guarantee i.e. allow rescheduling with no additional charge in case the local weather bureau predicts a hurricane during the days booked. It goes without saying that travelers should take the effort to read the fine print to see what the guarantee offers and what is not covered.
• Taking travel insurance at the time of travel reservations is a good idea. Rescheduling or claiming refunds would be hassle-free, especially when airports are closed down and flights get cancelled because of a hurricane.
Remember, Mother Nature is unpredictable and a hurricane can change course and hit a vacation destination. To be prepared for such an eventuality,
• Check if your vaccinations are up-to-date and carry a first aid kit and a few days reserve of essential medication
• When a hurricane alert is given, contact the local embassy on the island and alert them to your presence.
• Check with the hotel reception for hurricane safety procedures and follow their advice – understand that the locals have the experience to deal with the situation.
• Keep a copy of your travel documents handy for urgent evacuation.