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Tips For Travelling Smart And Safe During Hurricane Season

It shouldn’t need to be said, but I’ll say it, hurricanes are unpredictable. There is no way of knowing the damage they will cause and the effect they will have on your holiday. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to be as prepared as possible for them when travelling in hurricane season.

Lightning flashing across a dark sky behind tropical trees in hurricane season

Hurricane season usually runs from June to November affecting countries in and around the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. For many of the nations, especially in the Caribbean, hurricane season coincides with low season – for obvious reasons. You may be tempted to book your great Caribbean escape during this time for the cheap flights and discount hotel rates, if so then you should be prepared.

Travel Insurance

A twister over a field in a large storm

You should always be fully covered when travelling, but this rings even truer when travelling during hurricane season. Ensure that you are insured for flight delays, loss of property and (touch wood) the big things like injury or loss of life. It’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance well in advance, as once a storm is predicted the cost can be exuberant or may not cover everything you need.

Make sure you have your insurance confirmation number and details on your throughout the trip. If a hurricane turns up, you’ll be asked for them when calling your insurance company.

Keep In Contact

A woman dialling on a smart phone

Register your travel plans and contact details with your government or smart traveller agencies online. Have the contact details of your countries embassy on hand as well. They should be able to instruct you on where to go for shelter should a hurricane strike.

Give your travel plans to a family member or friend back home and keep in touch where possible. It’s important that you keep your phone charged. Power may go down during a storm so make sure you have a fully charged portable USB charger. 

Pack The Essentials

Passport and money

The previously mentioned portable USB charger is a must, even better if it’s solar powered. Make sure you have cash, in the local currency, on you at all times. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to use ATMs and credit cards once the storm strikes. A flashlight/torch and other battery-powered technology, like radios, are also a good idea. 

If possible, when you arrive at your destination, stock up on bottled water and non-perishable foods. Getting them early will save you waiting in line for them once the hurricane warnings start. 
A first aid kit is a good idea and it’s imperative that you have any prescription medications on you and that you have enough for the whole trip.

Keep your passport and other important documents on you at all times, ideally in a ziplock bag to keep them dry.

Say Informed 

View of a storm from space captured by NASA

Keeping up to date on information once a hurricane has struck can be difficult, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Be sure to do as much research on the evacuation protocol for wherever you are prior to arrival.
Call your closest embassy for more information and to keep them up to date on your location. Regularly check local weather sites, TV and radio stations for updates.

Get out early, don’t wait until the last minute to make your way to safety. By leaving early you will beat the rush of people fleeing. If you do decide to stay throughout the hurricane make sure you are in an interior room with doors closed. Do not go outside during a storm to “check the weather” as you risk being hit by flying debris.  


If you’ve ever travelled in hurricane season share your experience with us in the comment section below. Or if you wanting to book your next adventure, perhaps to somewhere drier click here.