Making Your Vacation Hurricane Proof

(THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) Even though forecasters are predicting a busy hurricane season, many people still want to take a tropical vacation. The one advantage is the fact that a tropical vacation usually costs less this time of year.

Tropical destinations such as Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico are considered to be warm weather destinations and this time of the year is their off-season. Because of this there are many vacation deals to be found.

Here are some things to keep in mind to make your vacation hurricane-proof.

The forecast: The predictions are there will be 13 to17 named storms in the Atlantic and 10 of those are predicted to become hurricanes. Of those 10, five are predicted to be a major threat. Last year there were also predictions of a busy season but with El Nino kicking in the predictions proved to be wrong.

Air travel: If you have not yet arrived at your destination and a hurricane is headed there, most air carriers will allow you to use your ticket for another destination, but there is usually a short time frame involved. If you are at your destination and a hurricane is reported to be in route, the airlines will rebook you early in order to get you out of harm’s way. It gets a little more complicated if the forecast if vague. Airlines are reluctant to allow you to change reservations just because the possibility of a hurricane exists. There were some passengers who tried to leave Cancun in order to stay ahead of Hurricane Wilma but the airlines were not willing to rebook them without charging them more fees.

Insurance and other guarantees: You might want to look into trip cancellation insurance which will refund your tickets and reservations if your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted because of severe weather. The cost is usually about 5 to 7 percent of your travel costs. Your coverage will include rebooking flights, unexpected hotel bills, car rental damage, and lost belongings. You can find this insurance online or through your travel agent. There are a number of hotels and resorts who offer hurricane guarantees but their policies will vary. Some of them will refund any unused days while others will give you credit which can be applied to a future trip.

Cruises: Cruise lines have the option of changing itineraries in order to avoid bad weather. Their passengers are not usually offered any type of refund or compensation. There is a possibility of getting some credit, especially if you are required to remain aboard ship on a day you were scheduled to spend sightseeing. Cruise line policies will vary, depending on the cruise line you are on. Carnival will give a $20 credit to each person for each missed port. If they have knowledge before the cruise begins that they will not be able to offer the scheduled itinerary, they will allow the guests to cancel their reservation without a penalty.

Here are some tips regarding vacationing in a region which is prone to hurricanes:

1. Purchase travel insurance to cover any emergency expenses.
2. Get paper tickets instead of E-tickets. You are not allowed into the Cancun airport without paper.
3. Remember that when you book your own vacation you are usually on your own if there is an emergency.
4.  If a hurricane is headed your way, get to the airport and refuse to leave until you are on a flight out.
5. Before you leave home have a designated person to be the contact person for news. This person can update the others.
6. Most locals will be willing to help you get through a disaster. Always remember to thank them for their help.

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