There are some advantages to travel during hurricane season: there are fewer crowds, and hotel rates and airfares may be lower - you can find some great travel deals. This season also coincides with summer holidays and it may be tempting for families to take advantage of lower prices to enjoy a family get-away.
There are risks involved in travel during hurricane season, however. The likelihood that a hurricane will hit while you are on vacation may be low, but if one does strike, it can completely ruin your vacation.
If you do decide to travel to a beach destination during hurricane season, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risks involved.
Before you go:
- Purchase travel insurance and make sure you're covered in the case that you must cancel or cut short your trip due to a hurricane. Shop around for a policy that meets your needs.
- Find out if the hotel or resort where you will be staying has a hurricane policy or hurricane guarantee, and what the terms are.
- Register your trip with your country's embassy.
- Monitor the weather. You can check the National Hurricane Center Web Site for current tropical storm and hurricane conditions.
- Leave a detailed itinerary of your trip with a friend or family member at home.
Some Ways to Avoid Hurricanes:
Take a cruise. A cruise ship can change its course and itinerary to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms. You may end up skipping a destination you had hoped to visit, but at least you will give a pass on bad weather.
Choose an inland destination. Mexico has more to offer besides beaches. Consider one of its beautiful colonial cities as an alternative.
Travel at a different time of year. Go in the winter or early spring to avoid hurricane season (though rarely a hurricane can strike out of season).
Read more about the weather in Mexico.
