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Top Tips: Holidaying in Hurricane Season

Hurricane season occurs every year when the weather and the ocean are at their warmest, usually between June and November. Hurricanes and their slightly less severe cousin, the tropical storm, generally affect the Caribbean, the north coast of South America, Mexico, Central America and many parts of the USA.

So, if you are planning to relax on a beach in the Caribbean or enjoy the theme parks of Florida you should be aware of when hurricane season is and how it could affect your holiday.

Before you book your holiday

It is a good idea to do your research before you book your holiday. If your destination is likely to be affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, you could consider travelling at a different time of year.

If you do decide to go ahead and take your holiday during hurricane season you may want to extend your travel insurance to include Natural Catastrophe Cover.

Natural Catastrophe Cover provides extra insurance cover for cancellation, delay and additional expenses incurred due to unexpected natural events, including hurricanes and tropical storms.

If a hurricane hits whilst you're away

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recently published advice for British Nationals visiting the US in Hurricane season, including:

Prepare:

• If you know a hurricane is forecast: Know and understand your surroundings, especially if you are in a hurricane evacuation zone. Ensure you have access to supplies of food, water, radio, torches and a first aid kit.
• The US Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA website gives information on preparing for extreme weather conditions and what to do if you are told to evacuate.

Stay alert:

• Pay close attention to weather reports.
• Monitor local and international weather updates on television and radio and on-line from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Center.
• Follow @FCOTravel and or visit the FCO website for Foreign Office Travel Advice for the USA or the country you are visiting.

Communicate:

• Give family and friends the address and telephone number of where you are staying, and call, text, or email them to let them know your plans if a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast to affect the area you are in.
• Don’t forget to let family and friends know you are OK once the storm is over.

Keep important numbers handy such as family and friends, airlines, tour operators, travel insurance providers and that of the British embassy and consulates general in the US in case you need further assistance.

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