Traveling is often about relaxing, exploring, and creating memories—but what happens when you’re in a the middle of your vacation and a hurricane is headed your way?
Experiencing a hurricane while traveling can be stressful and confusing, especially if you’re unsure of what steps to take. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can minimize the chaos and ensure your safety. With the recent events of Hurricane Helene and Milton, we want to take this opportunity to discuss this topic to help you navigate it if you ever find yourself in this situation.
What to Do When a Hurricane is Headed to Your Destination
If you’re traveling and a hurricane is forecast to hit your destination, and you didn’t book with a travel agent, it’s important to act quickly but carefully. Here are some steps to follow:
- Stay Informed: Monitoring reliable sources for weather updates is your first line of defense. Pay attention to local news, the National Hurricane Center, or mobile weather apps for real-time alerts about the storm’s progress and recommended actions. We prefer watching Denis Phillips because he keeps it real and he has a lot of great tips to help you.
- Communicate with Your Airline and Hotel Staff: Airlines and hotels typically have special policies in place for these types of severe weather conditions. Contact them directly to discuss your options for rescheduling flights, receiving refunds, or finding alternate accommodations if they do not allow you to shelter in place where you are at. Many airlines will also waive change fees or allow cancellations when severe weather strikes, so be sure to check for that. When possible, it’s best to cut your trip short and get yourself on a flight out of the area. Acting quickly on this is also key. Flights out ahead of the storm, and hotels in safer areas away from the storm tend to book up super fast, so don’t wait.
- Follow Local Authority Guidelines: Always heed evacuation orders or safety instructions from local authorities. If an evacuation is advised, don’t wait—move to a safer location immediately. If you’re unsure where to go or how to adjust your plans, talk to your hotel staff or listen to the news as they will instruct you on how to do that.
Why Having a Travel Agent is Crucial During This Type of Situation
Having a travel agent can significantly ease the burden, the stress and the chaos, when dealing with a hurricane while traveling. Here’s why:
- Real-Time Support and Guidance: Travel agents are seasoned professionals who are trained to manage emergency situations like hurricanes. They can provide vital information, help you adjust your travel arrangements, and handle cancellations or re-bookings with efficiency. When you’re overwhelmed by the unpredictability of a storm, having someone to manage these logistics can bring much-needed relief and take the pressure off of you.
- Backup Network: Even if your travel agent is personally affected by the storm, (which was the case for me with Hurricane Milton recently) they have a trusted network of backup travel agents that can ensure you’re still well taken care of. This network allows for seamless communication and support even in chaotic circumstances, giving you peace of mind that help is always available.
- Preparation for the Unexpected: A travel agent can alert you to potential hurricane risks at your destination before you even book, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. They can also ensure you’re prepared for such events by recommending comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected disruptions. This proactive approach can make all the difference when dealing with a hurricane while traveling.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an absolute must when booking any trip, but it’s particularly vital if you’re heading to destinations prone to hurricanes, such as the islands in the Caribbean, Eastern Mexico, Florida, and other Gulf Coast states. This coverage is especially important to have during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Here’s why:
- Trip Cancellations and Interruptions: Hurricanes can lead to canceled flights, closed resorts, and disrupted itineraries. Travel insurance provides coverage for these situations, ensuring you’re reimbursed for non-refundable expenses. Whether it’s your hotel stay or pre-paid excursions, insurance can save you from financial loss.
- Emergency Medical Coverage: Should you need medical care during a hurricane (or even just during a normal trip), travel insurance can help cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuations. Having this coverage can be crucial, especially if medical services are limited or overwhelmed during the storm.
- Financial Protection: By purchasing travel insurance with hurricane-related coverage, you are safeguarding yourself against the financial risks of unexpected cancellations, delays, or health emergencies. Your travel agent can help you find the best policies that offer comprehensive protection against the effects of a hurricane while traveling. Your vacation is an investment and many trips cost a lot of money. Don’t take the risk of losing your hard earned money you spent by not being covered. You never know what could happen.
Additional Tips for Travelers Facing a Hurricane While Traveling
If a hurricane is likely to impact your trip, following these additional tips can help you stay prepared and safe:
- Get the Essentials. If you are unable to get a flight out and you have to shelter in place until it’s over, talk to your hotel to see if they will provide any food or water during the storm. If not, get yourself to the nearest grocery store to get yourself some supplies. A few things to grab would be a flashlight, extra batteries, plenty of drinking water, and non-perishable snacks.
- Pack Your Patience: Power outages and flooding are common during hurricanes, meaning you may experience disruptions to electricity, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, or even running water. Be prepared to handle delays and service interruptions, and most importantly, stay calm while waiting for services to be restored.
- Stay Flexible: Your itinerary may change unexpectedly, and flexibility is key to reducing stress. Be open to adjusting your plans and accommodations based on the hurricane’s path and impact. Now isn’t the time to be picky about flights home. If you are offered one out ahead of the storm, take it.
- Stay Connected: Keep your phone fully charged, and make sure to stay in touch with your travel agent, family, and emergency contacts. Your travel agent will be able to provide updates and guide you through alternative arrangements if necessary.
- Know Your Exit Strategy: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, shelters, and emergency procedures at your destination. If you’re staying at a resort or hotel, make sure to ask about their emergency plans for guests in case of a hurricane.
Final Thoughts: Dealing with a Hurricane While Traveling
Experiencing a hurricane while traveling is not something anyone expects to deal with, and it’s undoubtedly stressful, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right preparation, support from your travel agent, and the safety net of travel insurance, you can navigate the risks associated with hurricanes. A travel agent can offer unparalleled expertise and a personalized approach to solving problems when things go wrong. And, with their network of backup agents, they can ensure that you’re never left alone, even if they’re personally affected by the storm.
Ultimately, a hurricane while traveling doesn’t have to ruin your vacation entirely as long as you’re prepared and have travel insurance. That is why booking with us, we make sure you are fully informed about everything during the booking process, so you can make informed decisions and you don’t have to worry.
