| When one dreams of a Caribbean vacation, | | | | advisories, |
| sunbathing, water sports, and spending lazy | | | | • Book a stay in resorts that offer a hurricane |
| afternoons on a hammock under the trees is | | | | guarantee i.e. allow rescheduling with no additional |
| what springs to mind. But a hurricane can down | | | | charge in case the local weather bureau predicts a |
| the shutters even on those simple pleasures, let | | | | hurricane during the days booked. It goes without |
| alone popular activities like snorkeling and SCUBA | | | | saying that travelers should take the effort to |
| diving. | | | | read the fine print to see what the guarantee |
| So what is the strategy to plan a vacation in the | | | | offers and what is not covered. |
| Caribbean during hurricane season? | | | | • Taking travel insurance at the time of travel |
| • Hurricanes in the Caribbean are more | | | | reservations is a good idea. Rescheduling or |
| common in the months of August, September | | | | claiming refunds would be hassle-free, especially |
| and October, though the official season is from | | | | when airports are closed down and flights get |
| June to November. Scheduling a holiday early in | | | | cancelled because of a hurricane. |
| the season (June or July) or at the end of the | | | | Remember, Mother Nature is unpredictable and a |
| season in November considerably reduces the risk | | | | hurricane can change course and hit a vacation |
| of running into a hurricane while you are there. | | | | destination. To be prepared for such an |
| • Choosing a Caribbean destination like Aruba, | | | | eventuality, |
| Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad, Tobago or Barbados is | | | | • Check if your vaccinations are up-to-date |
| wiser, since these islands are rarely hit by | | | | and carry a first aid kit and a few days reserve |
| hurricanes. | | | | of essential medication |
| • Check for information on the start of the | | | | • When a hurricane alert is given, contact the |
| rainy season in your destination choice – | | | | local embassy on the island and alert them to |
| Curacao’s rainy season starts in October, | | | | your presence. |
| whereas Aruba and Turks and Caicos islands get | | | | • Check with the hotel reception for hurricane |
| very little rainfall while in St. Lucia, the rainy | | | | safety procedures and follow their advice – |
| season coincides with the hurricane season. | | | | understand that the locals have the experience to |
| • National Weather Service website’s | | | | deal with the situation. |
| hurricane awareness link gives extended | | | | • Keep a copy of your travel documents |
| weather forecasts, hurricane warnings or travel | | | | handy for urgent evacuation. |